ForestWind Siberian Cats
Adding a little love to your life!
Climbers
We currently use Kitty Condo brand climbers. We buy the largest climbers
this company makes, # 4, shown in the photo below. The climber legs are made
of cedar logs, and one is wrapped in sisal. We get them at Pet SuppliesPlus, which often has them on sale for 155 to 160 USD.
Recommended for Healthy Kittens
The
Ultimate Scratching Post®
Sisal naturally inspires
scratching; superior to carpeting which snags nails and encourages scratching
on other carpeted surfaces. The 32" post height allows the cat to stretch
vertically while using the post; important for territorial marking purposes and
for toning muscles. The sturdy base eliminates wobbling and tipping.
Available from YUGI SOFT: http://yugisoft.com/sc3832.asp
Cardboard scratching blocks. Inexpensive and highly enjoyed by cats of all ages.
Scratching toys like these cardboard blocks are excellent for cats and kittens. We have several in each of the kitten rooms, as well as scattered about the house in places like the kitchen, mud room, and front hall. If a kitten is found to be scratching a forbidden surface, they are gently brought to the scratcher. We then take a paw and use it to softly scratch against the corregated cardboard surface. The kitten (or cat) generally resists this, and we do not force it. however, they have been redirected. Almost always the combination of showing the kitten the correct surface, along with positive attention when they use the scratchers eliminatesny problem.
These cardboard scratchers are affordable, widely available, and two sided. They are simple to replace, and generally come with a bonus of dried catnip. Once a week or so, we season the blocks with the catnip. A fun time ensues for all! By not overusing the catnip, it is a real treat when they find their scratchers scented with it.
You can find these scratchers sold in combination with various forms to hold them at an angle. We've found that most of the forms are either too narrow, or are short lived (made out of cardboard themselves). Cats and kittens love these scratchers simply laid on the floor. We do use a variety of scratchers (hung from door knobs, the standing tower, etc), to keep the kittie sengaged and focused correctly.
Since instituting the use of multiple scratching surfaces, we have not had a problem with furniture, rush seated chairs or rugs. We have a house that is all hardwood floor and tile, so we do not have many throw nrugs. It you have a soft surfaced floor, you will want to be assiduous in ensuring that the cat scratching posts are in place before your sweet kitten is :)
Hide - n - Go Seek Toys
Expandable play tunnel - great for kitten and cat play.
This toy and free toys like it, such as very sturdy cardboard boxes, keep your kitten busy and happy. Cats love to explore, and giving them safe ways to do this inside is wonderful. Try hiding a favorite toys, such as a crinkly ball inside the tunnel for even more excitment, or dangle a cat wand at one end when kitten is inside.
Be sure to check regulalry for damaged ends or protruding wires or edges in order to keep your special kitten safe!
These types of exploration toys can be found in tunnel shape, add a cube shapes, or can be as simple as a long box with a "doors" cut in two sides.
Look at stores such as www.petsmart.com for options.
Small toys for eye - paw play
The Cat Dancer - a great favorite of all cats!
Fabric wands - easily wrapped around a door handle to encourage solo play
Spongey small balls - tops as far as all our kittens and cats are concerned. They prefer these to catnip toys, or crinkly balls!
Finally, we will photograph and add soon pictures of a cat toy that is new to us: springs! These are medium sized brightly colored, plastic coated springs. Our cats go nuts for them. They come 8 to a package and are very affordable to boot! Have lots on hand - these disappear under radiators and chairs. And - it's fun to have plenty to toss!
All of the cat toys suggested above are affordbale and easy to find. It's important to keep an eye on your kitten's toys: check them regularly. If they start to fray, crack, or otherwise show wear, play it safe and throw them right out! Having a kitten ingest a toy part can lead to an emergency vet's visit - no fun for you or kitty! When you purchase afforable and enjoyable toys for your kittens, you don't worry about tossing them out when they age. And, it's fun to be able to be able to pick up a new kitten toy here or there to surprise your playful baby!
Comfortable carry - on bag for airline travel
If you plan to travel with your kitten, or indeed take it safely to the vets, or on car rides, find the most comfortable soft sided carrier you can. We use a carry-on bag very similar to this one. Ours is made by samsonite and at six years old looks almost brand new. These cost a bit more than the hard sided crates, but the ease of use more than makes up for it. Additionally, bags such as ours, and the one above, are approved for underseat in-cabin airline travel for your baby.
Search sites such as www.Petco.com for these carriers.
