Scratching posts are such a common tool in cat ownership, it's easy for owners to undervalue their importance to their cat’s wellbeing.   The cat’s wild ancestors spent much of their lives in the treetops. Constant wear and tear led to the evolution of fast growing claws that constantly renewed to ensure their continued sharpness and effectiveness. The opportunity to scratch and climb is therefore vital to a cat’s physical wellbeing, with scratching posts helping to maintain appropriate claw length. This is especially the case for the large numbers of solely indoor cats who have no access to natural surfaces to wear them down.   A scratching outlet also assists with maintaining feline psychological health. Cats are driven to claw and scratch instinctively. If suppressed, like all natural drives, the inability to scratch can cause frustration and behavioural issues to manifest.  Cats also use scratching posts to stretch and strengthen their muscles in the case of posts with platforms that allow jumping and perching – all important and necessary activities towards keeping your cat happy and healthy.   The good news is, scratching posts don't have to be boring! Contemporary posts like the Catitude Salvador Play House come in modern prints and styles that help make your kitty’s post a feature rather than an eyesore. Modern scratcher designs are also available which seamlessly blend into any carefully styled home. So much so, guests may not even realize what its real purpose is! Easily replaced and economical, cardboard scratchers are a great idea for enthusiastic scratchers who have a habit of reducing carpeted or rope scratchers to shreds in record time.  Feature Image Credit

A dog bed is an important purchase that every owner must make. Ultimately, beds bring warmth and protection to dogs, allowing them to relax and sleep comfortably, off cold, hard floors. Not only this, a dog bed keeps your pooch off your furniture and is a good way to condense the spead of dirt, hair and dander throughout your home. Plus a bed can be a much needed retreat for our four legged friends, much in the same way we can grow very attached to our own beds! Before making any purchase, you should always consider your dog's size, age and how they like to sleep. In this article, we're exploring the bolster bed and what sort of dogs they are suitable for. Essentially, bolster beds are dog beds with raised edges around some or all sides of the main mattress. They come in various styles including half-bolster beds or ones that give 360-degrees of support.   Image credit Dogs that would benefit from a bolster bed include: Anxious dogs, as bolster beds can provide a great sense of security. By enclosing the dog in a smaller space, they may feel less exposed than they would sleeping in a standard, flat dog bed. Large breeds are ideal candidates for a bolster bed, but most dogs can benefit from the comfort a bolster bed can provide. Dogs that like to sleep with their head on an armrest or pillow. Just as some people prefer to lie on their stomach when sleeping versus on their back, some dogs love to sleep with their head raised on a ‘pillow’ rather than flat. Dogs that like to cuddle when sleeping. Bolster beds are also the favourite choice of dogs who like to ‘nest’ - snuggling into bedding (or their owners!) when taking a snooze. Older dogs like bolster beds because they provide extra security and all-round comfort.  Dogs that suffer with sore joints and muscles also benefit from bolster beds because the raised back and sides gives them extra support.   Remember, it is particularly important to choose the appropriate size when purchasing a bolster. Due to the edges, a dog too large for your choice will be uncomfortably limited rather than cosily cradled.  Feature Image Credit  

Harnesses can be a far better option for dogs than the traditional collar and leash. Dogs that pull risk trachea, neck and spinal injury if led by their collars, especially if their behaviour continues over many years. Puppies are also particularly at risk as they are still developing when they are first introduced to walking on the leash. They can easily surge forwards and choke themselves, doing lasting damage to soft tissues, cartilage and vertebrae. By distributing pressure evenly over the body, harnesses prevent such injuries from occurring.   Harnesses are also considered an excellent option for ‘Houdini’ pets who are prone to slipping out of their collars when out and about. A properly fitted harness is difficult to escape, meaning such dogs are far more likely to be kept under control and out of danger.   Some owners with larger dogs avoid harnesses because they're concerned it will give their dog a greater capacity to drag them around the neighbourhood. This can be the case with more simplistic designs, however innovative no-pull harnesses such as the Easy Walk Harness, are available which discourage pulling whilst keeping dogs’ necks safe.   Note that it is recommended that dogs wear a collar as well as a harness purely for identification purposes. A dog that is accidentally let out of its yard or otherwise lost can usually be more quickly returned to its owners when wearing a collar and tag bearing their address and phone number.  Feature Image Credit  

Cold weather can make ensuring your cat has the appropriate amount of water difficult. Even if you have diligently kept their bowls filled to the brim, frosty temperatures can cause the water to freeze over meaning your cat is unable to drink. As water underpins all of the body’s processes, from digestion to waste removal, this can have serious consequences for your cat’s health.   It can be difficult to tell how much or how little water your cat has consumed. Signs of dehydration include: Sunken eyes Lethargy An elevated heart rate. Decreased skin elasticity. Panting  Image credit   The best way to prevent issues from developing is to keep water accessible at all times. If possible, keep your cat’s water dish in warmed family areas to prevent ice from forming. Alternatively, if your cat lives some, or all of the time, outdoors, warming devices such as the Thermo-Kitty Bowls are an efficient means of keeping water from freezing and drinkable even in the frostiest of cold snaps.   Don’t forget, wet food can also turn rock solid in the wintertime, causing cats being unable to eat. This can lead to the development of serious conditions such as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) if not remedied quickly. In these instances, a warming bowl is a great way of making sure your cat has access to adequate nutrition year round.    Feature Image Credit

The unpleasant chore of cleaning the kitty litter tray is generally one of the unfortunate necessities of modern cat ownership. But with some training, it is a task owners can avoid, switching the scoop for a simple push of the flush button.   It seems like a fantasy out of a comedy show, a cat jumping up and using the human toilet – but normal feline house pets can just as easily learn to use human facilities like their Hollywood counterparts with some targeted ‘potty training’ from their owners.   The Litter Kwitter has been enormously popular worldwide as a toilet-training aid. It comes with three colour coded plastic dishes which attach neatly to the seat of all toilets. The first step involves filling the dish with litter and placing it on the ground next to the toilet. Your cat will use it for a number of weeks like a conventional litter tray, learning in the meantime to associate the tray with going to the bathroom.   Step two is to fit the red tray into the toilet seat, teaching your cat to jump up when nature calls. Once your cat has mastered this vital stage, it is time to switch to the amber tray. It has a rim to hold a small amount of litter, as well as a small hole in the centre, allowing your cat to experience for the first time going over water. The green tray weans your cat off litter, including only a small rim which helps cats learn to balance.   Image credit     When you feel they are ready, it is time for the finale – no ‘training wheels’ at all. Your cat should be able to jump onto the toilet seat and do their business without assistance. No more litter tray cleaning to worry about ever again!    The amount of time it takes to train each stage varies on the age and disposition of the cat, though generally eight weeks is thought to be sufficient. Keep in mind kittens, whilst easy to train, may struggle with jumping up on the seat and so you should probably stay on the red stage for three months until they have grown larger.   Advantages of toilet training your cat: Saves you money because you'll no longer have to buy kitty litter. No more cleaning out litter trays (hurrah!) Less odor to contend with as conventional toilets mask odors much better.

I always laughed at the idea of a pet stroller, thinking it was an item only a very pampered pooch would use. That was until my furbaby Blossom turned 13, and I found myself buying her one. Here's the rest of Blossom's story, and other reasons why pet strollers aren't as silly of a purchase as you think: 1. Like most dogs, Blossom would go crazy at the sound of a jingling collar or the “w” word. As she got older though, she became more tired and her arthritis worsened. She doesn’t care for walks anymore, though her younger brother Finn is always up for a stroll around the block. It made me sad that I could no longer walk both my pups together, and that Blossom is only getting fresh air when she goes outside to eliminate. I imagine Blossom wants to go for walks, she just doesn’t feel well enough to. So that’s when I decided to buy a pet stroller. The stroller is basically a crate on wheels, so Blossom can be comfy while taking in all the scents of the great outdoors.   This leads me to the first way pet strollers can be beneficial, and that’s for a senior pet. Just because they are old or tired, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t like some fresh air! You do all the walking while your pet can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 2. Pet strollers are great for people that like to exercise with their pets. You can go as far and fast as you like, and when your dog gets tired just put them in the stroller so you can continue going! 3. Like senior pets, disabled pets or those recovering from surgery or injuries, are perfect candidates for strollers. They get to enjoy the outdoors all while remaining safe and secure in the stroller. 4. If you have multiple dogs, a stroller could come in handy if one of your pets isn’t as athletic as the others. The stroller will allow you to go long distances with your power pooch, and place the other one in the stroller when they’re too tired. Walks no longer have to end abrubtly! 5. Strollers are a great idea for indoor cats in particular. Though being an indoor cat is much safer than the alternative, domestic cats are missing out on the exciting things happening outside. But with a pet stroller, you can keep kitty safe while broadening their horizons. 6. If you like to bring your pet everywhere with you, a stroller will definitely make the process easier and safer. Picnics, festivals, your kids’ sporting events, are all places people like to bring their pets. A stroller makes it easy to contain them, and protect them from crowds, things on the ground they shouldn’t be eating, and potentially aggressive dogs. 7. Not only is it a great excuse for you to get out and exercise, but it's also a great opportunity to bond with your furbabies!   feature image credit

Does your cat spend its days indoors? Indoor cats tend to have a relaxing lifestyle- they have nice long naps in cozy beds, access to food and of course plenty of cuddles. And because they are indoors, they live longer because they are less exposed to dangers like cars, predators and diseases. In fact, indoor cats can live between 12-18 years! However, just because they live long lives, it doesn't mean it's a happy or particularly fulfilling one - that's why it's up to owners to make sure their much loved indoor kitty receives plenty of activity and stimulation. A cat that doesn't get to express their natural instincts to stalk, scratch, hunt or mark their territory can become bored, irritated, depressed and potentially unwell. The following are signs that could indicate something is wrong with your cat: Sleeping more than usual Weight loss Coughing Sneezing Refusing water or food Panting Vomiting If you notice any of these symptoms or if anything else is not quite right with your cat - take them to the vet to have them checked out. Along with becoming potentially unwell, boredom is another major issue for under-stimulated cats. If your cat is bored you may notice the following signs: Lack of activity   gif credit Anxiety   gif credit Overeating     gif credit   Agression   gif credit Obesity     gif credit Scratching   gif credit Depression   gif credit Lethargy   gif credit   If you believe your cat is bored it's important you rectify this issue as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Essentially, you need to provide your cat with plenty of stimulus and entertainment. Meaning, provide them with plenty of things to do to keep them occupied during the day - especially for periods when you're not around. Activities that tap into their hunting instincts are perfect. They not only work them physically, but get them to use brain power which is key to allievating boredom. One game, the 'Mouse in the House' is perfect for keeping your cat entertained for hours. A timer, which is activated by yourself or even your cat (if they learn how to), instigates a mouse to come out from their hiding place. You're able to set it to go off at various times, so when you're out at work, you'll know your cat will be having a whale of a time, trying to hunt and stalk the mouse! So if this is your cat,     gif credit   then this could be one great way to prevent your cat from getting bored. Why not learn more about the Mouse in the House here. Alternatively, check out our range of interactive toys, designed to keep cats stimulated here.  

Surely more than a few pet owners are curious as to what their pet gets up to while they're not at home. Admittedly, a majority of pets probably just do a few laps of the house and yard, munch on some food, have a grooming session or scratch and take a good few hard earned naps. But maybe you have some burning questions you'd love answers for, such as... Where does my cat wander off to? Is my dog stressed out when I'm not there? Is my cat getting into fights? Is my cat being fed extra meals at the neighbors house? Does my dog bark a lot during the day? If so, have you ever considered installing a pet video camera on your animal to record footage of their most secret movements? It can be addictive viewing for pet owners to discover, just EXACTLY what their pet does when they're not around. However, not only is it fascinating to watch the world from your pet's perspective, it can be a key tool in providing your pet the best care and attention that they require -which can sometimes only be revealed when you're not there. Like, you may discover your cat is very unhappy with your current choice of kitty litter, or that your dog is urinating far too frequently and may be suffering with a health condition. A pet video camera is also useful for younger pets, because you can monitor how well they are learning, developing and how obedient they are being. Likewise, a pet video camera can reveal how safe and secure your pet is when left home alone and prompt you to make some adjustments to your home and yard. Besides, you may capture some hilarious footage, which can be uploaded to YouTube and make you and your pet internet famous! We all love our pets and a video camera is a fantastic tool to make sure that they are truly happy and safe when we're not around. Still not convinced? That's OK, because here are 10 more reasons why you should install a pet video camera! 1. You might discover your pet's narcissistic tendencies.       gif credit   2. They might be secretly taking your car out for a ride.   gif credit   3. One of your pets might turn out to be a bully.   gif credit   4. Instead of doing chores, they might be taking a bath.   gif credit   5. They might be really afraid of something.   gif credit   6. You'll know the real truth about that broken window...   gif credit   7. They might get stuck in something.   gif credit 8. You might find out that they were only pretending to hate each other.   gif credit   9. You'll know when they've had a bad day.   gif credit   10. You may even discover how bored they are when you're not around...   gif credit   You can check out our recommended pet video camera here. Feature image credit

With dogs living longer than ever before, arthritis is becoming a bigger problem in the dog world. Arthritis affects the joints and may cause lameness, stiffness and joint pain. Large dogs are especially affected, due to the added strain of their body weight on their frame. If you are unsure whether your dog has arthritis or not, these are some of the most tell-tale signs: Difficulty moving Irritability Licking, chewing or biting. Limping Muscle Atrophy - decreased muscle mass. Spinal issues - hunch or lameness in one or both legs. Tiredness Whilst arthritis is not curable, an appropriate bedding choice can help to relieve symptoms and make a senior dog more comfortable. Of course before making any assumptions, make sure you get a formal diagnosis from your vet. That being said, orthopedic bedding can be beneficial for many dogs! Dogs that benefit most from orthopedic beds: Arthritic dogs Older dogs Working dogs Dogs who suffer with hip dysplasia. Dogs who are recuperating from surgery. In case you are unsure, these are some reasons why orthopedic beds are so beneficial: They support the spine, muscles and joints. Distribute a dog's weight. Relieves pressure on the joints. Reduces tossing and turning. Retains heats which aids sore joints and muscles. Close to ground to eliminate further straining. If you think it may be time to get your much loved pooch an orthopedic bed, why not check out our range here. Feature image credit

Though cats are carnivores they are adapted to consume small amounts of grass as part of their regular diet.   Grass is a source of fibre that assists with digestive tract health by helping to prevent constipation and assisting cats to cough up hairballs. Grass is also an excellent source of niacin, folic acid and vitamin B.   In addition to these nutritional benefits, when grass is given to cats to chew on they tend to display less problem behavior that's usually linked to boredom. The more ways a cat is able to express natural behaviour the better for their state of mind – and yours.   Some owners become concerned after seeing their cat throw up after eating grass. However you may be surprised to know that this is one of the reasons cats eat grass in the first place. Cats lack the digestive enzymes to eats lots of grass, so after they have a serious munching session they tend to become a bit sick. But along with the grass comes up irritants like feathers, fur, parasites and bones, meaning your cat gets a clean up on the inside that results in long-term health benefits.  So why hydroponic grass? Hydroponic grass has a number of benefits - let's take a look at them now:   If your outside area doesn't have grass or you have an indoor cat, then hydroponic grass is a great way to provide your cat access to fresh greenery. No dirt is required - so there's no risk of spillages or dirt being spread all over your home. There are no additives, meaning it's completely organic. It grows within a couple of days, ready for munching. It saves your other houseplants from being completely ruined. Cats love it!     Feature image credit