If you're a city slicker or just happen to live in an apartment, then the things you will need for your cat can differ quite a bit from what is needed in a large home or for outdoor cats. Here are six must-have items for cats living in apartments. 1. Kitty Litter Sure, kitty litter is a must for those who have an outdoor cat or live in a large house, but it's a key essential for apartment living kitties. When placing kitty litter in your home remember to consider the location of the litter. Most people opt for the laundry or bathroom to keep any unwanted smells away from main living quarters. Further to this, you must choose the right litter for your home. Keep an eye out for litter specifically made for different places around the home. The scent and the type of litter is desgined to suit where you put the litter box, so think about what suits you and your kitty best. 2. Food There are many ranges of cat food at the ready and it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for your puss. However as your cat is living in much smaller quarters, one that is grain and filler-free is ideal as well as one specific for indoor cats so that it is not loaded with empty calories that your kitty will not burn. 3. Bed It is important to make sure your cat has a place in your apartment to call its own. Whether it's a corner in the house, a small cat bed or a particular cosy spot on a couch, your cat will need a place to relax and unwind in his or her own space. While most cats do not like open pet beds, they love igloos or pods to sleep in as they are a tiny cave-like structure that they feel secure in.    4. Scratching Posts It's no secret that apartments aren't exactly the jungle your cat would rather be exploring. Your cat will need a place to climb and scratch in order to file their nails especially if you don't want your furniture to become its next victim. A scratching post for your cat will not only benefit your furniture but your kitty as it will use it to manicure its nails. Introduce it to your cat by putting it in an area that it spends plenty of time in and encourage him or her to use it.   5. Perches There's a reason for the saying, 'curiosity killed the cat'. In order to keep your kitty safe you will need to provide secure perches for him or her to take in their surroundings. Cats love being up high so whether you provide this or not they will find a lofty location to take in their territory. Some scratching posts are stackable while others are tall jungle gyms for your cat to play and also provide a look-out point.   6. Toys Apartments are small spaces and like all living creatures being trapped inside four walls they need entertainment. And toys are fun! From squeaky toys, to balls and even dangle toys for your cat to swat at -whatever your choice be sure to have a range of toys for your cat to play with alone and some that you can use to play together. Remember, it's often the simplest things that will entertain your cat for hours rather than the latest high. Need some of these apartment essentials for your furry friend? Check out our range right here. Feature Image Credit

Fleas, they're not the world's favourite critter. In fact they're just as unpopular when they take up residence on your poor cat. If you have a sneaking suspicion that your kitty has fleas here's how to tell for sure. If your kitty is scratching persistently, you should do a spot check. Get out a fine toothed comb and run it through your cat's fur. The best places to check are around the neck and at the base of the tail, that's where she will be scratching or biting. If you see small brown shapes that are about the size of a pinhead in her fur then you may have a case of fleas on your hands. You may also see something that looks like black dust or dirt in her fur, that's what is called 'flea dirt', it's actually dried blood excreted by fleas which is disgusting but a good way to tell if your cat has fleas. You might see some white grains embedded into your cats fur. If that's the case then your cat has flea eggs which means you need to treat the problem ASAP.  There are many ways of treating your cat for fleas, orally or in pipettes with topical treatments. It is very important to do so as flea bites on cats can cause anemia. Feature Image Credit

Kitty litter. URGH! One of the least appealing aspects of pet care has to be cleaning up after them, right? Right. If you have an indoor cat you will be all too familiar with the joys of the litter box and all the perils that come along with using them - but there are ways to make your life easier which will in fact lessen the amount of time you have to spend scooping poop. If you are struggling against the smell that is omitted from your cat's litter box then there is one simple, inexpensive, yet very effective solution out there: odor eliminators. Odor eliminators are great because they disguise and eliminate unwanted smells and work to break down residue which is the main cause of smelly odors. Best of all, it activates every time your cat uses the litter box so they are a great tool to be relied on. If you really can't stand cleaning up your cat's litter box, or perhaps you work long hours and don't like returning home to a smelly place that's been closed up for long periods of time, then maybe it's time you considered treating you and your cat to a SELF-SCOOPING LITTER BOX. It sounds like a dream doesn't it? A self-scooping litter box may not be a dream, but it sure is a dream to use- it's so easy to use and maintain. A sensor triggers when a cleaning cycle needs to begin and best news of all, it's compatible with any clumping litter, so you don't need to shop for any special varieties. If you're of a queasy disposition then coming face to face with your cat's droppings is probably not a match made in heaven. If that's not the case then perhaps you just don't like the idea of your cat's waste being out on display for all to see (and we suspect your cat is maybe feeling the same thing!) So why not try out a litter box cover. Litter box covers are available in many materials and can match with a variety of stylish furnishings. They don't absorb any fluids, are sturdy and can be easily cleaned. You'll be glad to hide away kitty's waste and they'll appreciate the privacy! For a quick and easy way to remove waste, why not consider buying a Scoop-N-Sift. A very handy weapon in the fight against kitty litter, a Scoop-N-Sift reduces the amount of waste that kitty litters can provide. To be used with clumping litter, these great little devices allows you to sift the clumps of waste from the remaining litter, making the overall process much, much easier.  

Many people mistakenly assume that cats and dogs will never mix. In fact, lots of cats and dogs are happy to coexist in a peaceful, calm manner, and some even become the best of friends. Unfortunately, cats can sometimes be found behaving in a hostile or aggressive way towards dogs. Here's what you need to know about the origins of this behavior and what you can do to promote harmony in your household. Possible causes Pre-emptive strikes: If your cat has just met your dog fairly recently, the aggression that you see may represent your cat's attempt to assert dominance before the dog has a chance to be the instigator of aggression. Medical problems: When a previously affable cat suddenly starts behaving aggressively towards your dog, it's worth considering medical causes. For example, dementia in older cats may prompt angry or fearful behavior, as can other neurological problems. Sometimes, it can be as simple as diminished vision. If your cat can no longer see very well, you may see lashing out behavior due to feelings of vulnerability. Stress: Your cat might feel like it is impossible to feel relaxed or safe around your dog, and the aggression may be a sign that the cat just wants the dog to remove itself from the environment (whether by choice or by force). Communication differences: It's important to note that cats and dogs communicate in very different ways. Dogs typically bound up to potential new friends and show overt interest, but cats often find this behavior threatening. However, if a cat tries to escape from this scenario, the dog might interpret this movement as an attempt to play, prompting an aggressive response. Possible solutions Make sure the cat has safe places to go: Your cat may stop being overtly aggressive to your dog if the feelings of being threatened are eliminated. One way to help is to offer places like cat trees, where the cat can seek refuge from the dog without being followed. Check out medical causes: In case there is an underlying medical cause, it is always wise to check out behavioral problems with your vet. As a bonus, your vet might have some tips and tricks about cat socialization. Offer constant supervision: Since aggression can lead to serious physical fights between a cat and dog, you will need to police their interactions as long as the tension is present. You can also help to soothe the intimidated party and stop the pets from approaching each other in a negative way. Make sure the dog knows that the cat's aggression is not acceptable: Your cat's aggression could lead your dog to become anxious or aggressive as well. It helps dogs to see their pack leader (i.e. you) verbally scold the cat for being aggressive, as this will promote feelings of safety in the dog. However, be kind to your cat as well, as aggression typically comes from some type of distress.  

Along with other essentials like a name tag and a fun, interactive toy, a food and water bowl is absolutely vital for your dog's care and wellbeing. For many owners, they may choose a bowl based on its size or aesthetic qualities, but careful consideration should be taken before committing to a bowl. Like with many things, your dog should be the biggest indicator as to what bowl you choose. If you have a large dog... Opt for an elevated feeder. Having an elevated feeder means that your dog has less distance to dip down to and can be easier on joints. If you have a puppy... Choose a shallow bowl because their little face won't have to reach as far, eliminating pressure on the throat. If you have a floppy-eared dog... Go for a bowl that doesn't interfere with their lovely big ears! A steep sided bowl is perfect for this. If you have an older/arthritic dog... An elevated feeder is perfect because your dog's poor old bones and joints won't have to bend and reach as far. Elevated feeders are also great for dogs that are recovering from surgery. If you have a short nosed dog... Short nosed dogs need a short/shallow bowl as this relieves pressure on their throat. If you have a long nosed dog... You will need a deep bowl to give plenty of room for the extra-long nose to comfortably fit in and gobble down their food. Please note, if your breed is susceptible to bloat then avoid choosing an elevated bowl - even if it seems suitable for their size/shape. The type of material used to create dog bowls is a matter of preference as it is the shape that has a greater impact on your dog's comfort whilst eating. The following are the most common materials used: Stainless steel Can create noise when your dog is eating. Durable Easy to clean Ceramic Durable Comes in a variety of designs Can crack if not cared for properly Metal Durable Easily cleaned Wood Durable Stylish - can work well with many interiors. Plastic Can be chewed up Easy to clean Inexpensive Feature image credit  

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

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

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.  

If you're considering purchasing an exercise pen, check out the following questions and answers to determine whether or not a pen is suitable for you and your dog.  1. What are exercise pens used for? Exercise pens are the perfect way for you to keep your dog safe while allowing them the room to play, no matter if it’s indoors or outdoors. It gives your dog an area of their own to burn off energy while keeping them safe, and protecting your household items.  Additionally, exercise pens can be a great way to introduce new dogs while keeping the stress levels of both dogs at a minimum. They're typically made of metal or plastic, and are easily stored, movable, and perfect for a variety of settings. Remember: these pens are not made for your dog to be left unsupervised in. 2. Which breeds of dogs are they good for? Exercise pens are great for many breeds of dogs, especially for those with an active disposition. Puppies in particular are great candidates for pens, allowing you to contain them and monitor their play. Unfortunately, larger breeds may be able to knock them over, defeating the entire purpose of the pen. 3. What are the disadvantages of exercise pens? While exercise pens are strong, they have some limitations: they should not be used with a multitude of dogs or larger dogs that can knock them over. Also, it's important to keep in mind that exercise pens are not a substitute for actual exercise that your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.  4. What should I look for when purchasing an exercise pen? The pen should be taller than your dog while it’s standing on its hind legs to insure they cannot jump out. Furthermore, the pen should be sturdy enough to hold up to lively playing and should be escape-proof. 5. What's the best way to set up the pen? The pens should be kept on an even surface so your dog cannot easily knock it over; thankfully these pens are able to be configured in a variety of shapes so they can fit in an assortment of areas around your house where your dog will be safe. Because the pens are adjustable in shape, you may be able to adjust the panels to allow your dog access to their crate if they are tired of playing.