Pet Snowmen Cat And Mouse

Then i saw this picture of someones snow pet. I know lots of you are off school and work so i thought we would run a Photo competition. Just email us with your pictures or share your picture with us on our facebook page The Cat Pet Shop. We are looking for any good pictures of the snow, snow pets, snowmen, sledging, pets in the snow or any other pictures you may have.

The Winner will Receive a £50.00 Voucher for our website, we will add the pictures to this post and our facebook page as they come in and anouce the Winner. All entries must be in by the 25th january 2010.

Best wishes form us and have a great time in the snow!

tom

p.s I will post all the pics here for everyone to see

Thank you for your entries, we have had a great time picking out a winner. I have included it below. Thank you again and please check out all the entries on our facebook page.

thanks agian

tom

Ok Now it is too deep

Battling to Get our Orders out for the courier

Never Mind the Camera wheres our Tea!!!

Here are some of the entries we have had over the weekend, lots more on our facebook page

Dillon and Snowy, sent in by heather

Christmas cat Sent in by lyndsey Avery

Thats snow bunny, sent in by jackie

Here is the View from our Offices and Warehouse

Firstly I wanted to take the time to wish everyone the very best new year, and thank everyone for their continued support this year.

I just wanted to thank all our customers that have had delays with their deliveries of Christmas Pet Gifts. We have had severe snow at our premesis in the scottish boarders and some of our deliveries were delayed. Over the Past 2 weeks we have had snow Every Day and only managed to get back into our premesis Yesterday. These pictures were taken today.

That by the way is the view from our Premisis, not a bad place to work. The only problem is when it snows it snows big.

What a Toy!! Thats the Yard done Better have a look at the Road!

The good news is i manged to ges some big toys to play with so we could make sure our couriers and royal mail could get to us tommorow,  we now have access to the warehouse and offices. 

Here is one of the snow Mountains we made today. They are ideal for cooling drinks in! It took most  of the morning to clear the yard.

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

It has taken most of today to clear the 2 Mile stretch of road to get our couriers and royal mail in tommorow. Fingers crossed we wont have more snow tonight.

We did manage to clear all orders before christmas, i know some have been delayed but they should be delivered soon. Fingers crossed all orders placed between the 23rd and today will clear our warehouse tommorow.

To those of you who did not receive there christmas gifts in time my appologies.

best wishes

Tom Woodcock

2 Miles to the Main Road, Stop the Snow Dance

A cat collar also offers a way to hold your cat more securely during transport, those awkward trips to the vet, and a number of other situations where you may need to hold your cat safely despite the fact that they have other ideas!

So how do you choose the right collar for your cat?

Above all,  a cat collar needs to be comfortable for your cat.  When fastened around your cat´s neck,  you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your cat´s skin.  Too tight, and the collar may restrict your cat´s breathing or swallowing, and can also rub away at his hair and skin, causing bald patches and irritation.  Too loose is no better either,  as a cat will have no trouble slipping out of a collar that is not tight enough.

A cat collar should be adjustable,  so that it can be loosened or tightened to accommodate changes in weight or coat thickness.  This is particularly important for breeds that shed large amounts of their coat during the warmer summer months.  For long haired breeds you will also need to make sure that any cat collar you choose does not have parts that can snag or tangle the hair around their neck.

You should check your cat´s collar regularly, once a month or so,  to make sure that it is still a comfortable fit, and that it is in good condition.

Are cat flaps expensive?
No! While many people still perceive cat flaps to be expensive, they are actually surprisingly affordable, with some models costing less than £15.

How easy are cat flaps to install?
Although installation will vary from home to home, in general the process is quite simple.  Most cat flaps will come with instructions to help you with installation and you won´t need more than a measuring tape, pencil, drill, saw and sandpaper to create the hole in which to fit the cat flap.  Be sure to pay attention to the exact placement of your cat flap to ensure that it is at a height that is comfortable for your cat to use.

Can I install a cat flap on a glass door?
Cat flaps can be fitted in a glass door in much the same way as in a wooden door,  however it is recommended that you contact a glazier to help you,  as replacing an entire glass pane due to accidental breakage can be expensive!  Cat flaps cannot be fitted to doors with double glazed or toughened glass panels.

Can I install a cat flap on a PVC door?
Yes, although the process is a littler trickier than with a single panel wood door.  You will usually need to remove the panels from the door, cut out the holes and then reassemble the door before installing the cat flap.  You will also need to buy a cat flap that is thick enough for the depth of the door.

How do I know other cats won’t use my cat flap?
Magnetic and infra red cat flaps can only be opened by a ‘key’ worn by your cat on their collar.  The key is programmed with the correct signal to open the cat flap, and the chances of two keys opening the same cat flap is very slim.

Won’t my cat flap let in a draft?
Good quality cat flaps are designed to be weatherproof, and feature seals that keep out drafts and rain.

Take a look at this competition to win the Top Pet Gifts for this Christmas, hurry entries need to be in by 13th December. We are sponsering the top Cat Prize and hope that one of our customers is the luck winner. We will do our best to get the fantastic Cat Scratching Post to you before Christmas.

Please click on the Image Below or click on The Cat Pet Shop on Rock FM to enter today, good look everyone.

]]> http://www.thecatpetshop.com/blog/recent-posts/top-5-pet-christmas-gifts-give-away-competition/feed/ 0 http://www.thecatpetshop.com/blog/recent-posts/essential-cat-supplies/ http://www.thecatpetshop.com/blog/recent-posts/essential-cat-supplies/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:36 +0000 The Cat Pet Shop http://www.thecatpetshop.com/blog/?p=139 Whether you are adopting an adult cat, or bringing home a new kitten, there are a few essential cat supplies that you will need to welcome your new kitty into your home.

Cat Litter and Tray
One of the key essentials,  a cat litter tray provides a defined and sanitary place for your cat to relieve themselves.  It is important to have the litter tray set up before introducing your cat into your home, and make sure that they can find is easily, in order for them to learn that this is the place that you want them to go.  

Cat litters vary a great deal in cost and quality, and some cats can be picky about the type of litter that they will use so you may need to experiment with a few brands before finding one that both you and your cat are happy with.

Cat Collar
Your cat’s collar can be as basic or as flamboyant as you want, but above all it should be comfortable.  If you are bringing home a kitten you will probably need to buy a smaller collar now and a full sized one in a few months.

Cat Bed
Although most cats will decide for themselves on the comfiest spot in your home and quickly take up residence there it is important that they have a space that is exclusively theirs, where they can feel comfortable and safe.  Cat beds are sold in a wide variety of sizes and styles,  so you can choose one that fits in with the decor of your home and the space available.

Food and Water Bowls
Your cat will need his own food and water dishes.  These should be kept at a comfortable height for your cat to reach easily.  Bowls with non-slip feet are great if you will be feeding your cat on a hard surface to stop the bowl from sliding around the floor.  Auto-feeders are also available which will make sure your cat always has the right amount of food when he wants it.  

Food and Treats
There is a wide variety of specialty cat food on the market, so choose the highest quality that you can afford and look for any varieties that are designed for your cat´s specific needs, for example if he is elderly, overweight or an exotic breed.

Grooming Supplies
Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, but it doesn´t hurt to give them a helping hand.  Brushing you cat regularly can help to decrease hairballs as well as reduce the amount of shed hair in your home.  You may also want to buy some basic healthcare items such as ear drops, claw clippers and flea and tick treatments.

Scratching Post and Toys
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition.  If you want to avoid them tearing up your furniture or even walls make sure there is somewhere for your cat to relieve this natural urge.  There are some amazing, elaborate scratching posts available that offer your cat places to play and rest as well as trim his claws, however there are also more cost and space saving options.  It is advisable to start small and work your way up, as with all things, cats can be particular about where they like to scratch.

Cat Carrier
You will need a secure way to transport your cat to and from vet visits.  Choose between soft and foldable carriers to more robust crates.  A great trick to stop your cat from becoming nervous while in his carrier is to keep it out in your home at all times, as an alternative bed.  Place a snuggly blanket inside and occasionally encourage your cat to get in by putting a treat or two inside.

Basic rectangular plastic litter trays cost just a few pounds,  but it is well worth upgrading to a slightly more expensive version to save on mess, smells and hassle.  Cat urine is slightly corrosive, so line a plastic litter tray with newspaper or a litter tray liner to keep the tray from becoming pitted and difficult to clean.  Using a clumping litter allows you to scoop out any urine regularly without the need to fully empty and clean the tray, keeping the litter tray fresher.  Some cat litter also contains deodorizing ingredients which help to reduce nasty smells, and this type of cat litter is well worth investing in, especially if you have more than one cat in your home.

A cat litter tray with a rim can stop litter from being kicked out of the tray while your cat is scratching.  Some cat litter trays also feature higher walls at the back and sides to protect against this problem even further.

However, the peak of cat litter tray design is the fully enclosed style which provides a little privacy for cats while keeping everything discreetly hidden from any humans in the room.  These litter trays come with a hood or cover which stops any litter from escaping, and air filters to help eliminate odors.  The downsize is that these litter trays resemble cat carriers, so some cats may be put off switching from a conventional open tray to an enclosed one.

Teaching your cat to use a scratching post is fairly simple, although we all know how stubborn cats can be! Luckily, most cat scratching posts are designed to be great places for cats to scratch,  made out of sisal, carpet or other materials which are ideal for cats to use to keep their claws trimmed.  Once in your home, you will probably find that your cat is naturally drawn to exploring and then scratching the post.  If you do find your cat scratching anywhere other than on his post, tell him “No” and clap once loudly to startle him into stopping.

Because scratching also stretches and tones a cat´s legs,  many cats like to have a few scratching areas where they can stand in different positions.  This is where a larger, more elaborate cat scratching post comes in useful, as it allows your cat to explore various positions. From basic sisal mats to place on the floor or mount on the wall,  to a standard scratching post on a base, to multi-level trees and activity centres, cat scratching posts come in a huge range of sizes and shapes, and can incorporate several scratching areas, toys, hiding places and places to chill out and relax.  

Think about where your cat currently scratches, and try to replicate the surface, position and angle of his favourite scratching place as closely as possible to make the transition to a new scratching post as trouble free as possible.  Take some time to browse through all of your options to find the perfect fit for your cat.

1.  They say prevention is better than a cure.  Rather than only appearing at times when your cat needs to be transported,  keep the cat carrier out in your home as just another comfy spot for him to relax.  When you see your cat getting into the carrier give him praise and attention, or a small treat, so that he associates it with good experiences, rather than bad ones. 

2. Learn the best way to get your cat inside the carrier.  Ideally, you should be able to pick up your cat, spend a couple of minutes stroking him until he is relaxed and then place him calmly inside the carrier.  However some cats will put up quite a fight against being put in the carrier.  If your cat is struggling against you it is important to get him into the carrier while avoiding injury to either you or him.  One way to do this is to use a towel.  Take a small hand towel and pick up your cat, gently but firmly wrapping the towel around him so that his paws (and sharp claws!) are safely tucked away.  Once placed inside the carrier, the cat should quickly free himself from the loose towel and you can pull it out.

3.  If your cat is particularly resistant to getting into his carrier, try purchasing a larger size.  A small dog carrier is not only roomier, giving your cat more space to move around, but has a larger opening so that it is easier to place your cat inside, even when their legs are trying to grab wildly at the sides.

Playing is how young animals learn new skills such as co-ordination, hunting and balance,  so it is especially important to provide a new kitten with toys that can help with their physical development.  Small furry mice or balls are great toys for kittens to improve their co-ordination,  although they do look cute while they are in the falling-over stage!

Of course this doesn´t mean that the fun should end when your cat gets older.  Playing with toys can help to keep your cat physically and mentally active.  Choose toys that will stimulate your cat and prevent them from getting bored.  Small cat toys that can be rolled, tossed or chased are great for bringing out the predator in your cat, allowing them to exercise their natural urge to pounce, trap and chew.  Choose toys that have catnip included for maximum excitement for your pet.

Dangling toys are another irresistible temptation for cats,  and can get them jumping and stretching. Poles with a small toy dangling at the end are a fun way for owner and pet to interact and play together.  If your cat has become a bit lazy and is in need of some exercise,  get him moving again by tempting him with this kind of toy.

To make sure your cat doesn´t get bored while you are not around, consider a cat activity centre, a scratching tree with play areas, rustling tunnels or bags or a free standing toy that your cat can enjoy on his own.  Toys that are on springs, or suspended in some way are ideal for independent play.

For safety, always buy toys that are specially designed for cats, and don’t leave your cat playing unsupervised with a brand new toy.