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Handmade Toys For Your Cat

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Making Playthings For Your Feline Friends
Any cat owner will tell you that you can never have enough cat toys. Kitties love to play, and a nice selection of toys will keep them entertained and exercised. There are many different types of cat toys you can buy at the store, but if you're looking to give your cat a very special toy, try making one yourself! Here are some great craft ideas and instructions for creating handmade toys your cats will adore.
Contents at a Glance

Cat Toy Crochet Patterns
Cat Toys on Amazon
Felt Cat Toy Patterns and Tutorials
"On a Stick" Cat Toys
Handmade Cat Toys on eBay
Other Cat Toy Tutorials
Related Reading
Comments

Cat Toy Crochet Patterns
Free crochet patterns for cat toys
Smiley Face Crocheted Cat Toy

Cat toys are a fun crochet project for both seasoned and beginning crocheters. Here are some free patterns you can use to make cute toys for your favorite kitties.

Smiley face cat toy crochet pattern
Tiny whale cat toy crochet pattern
Easy catnip mouse crochet pattern
Door hanger bouncy cat toy crochet pattern
Sardine tin cat toy crochet pattern
Fortune cookie cat toy crochet pattern
Goldfish cat toy crochet pattern
Squid cat toy crochet pattern
Sausage links cat toy crochet pattern
Computer mouse cat toy crochet pattern
Easy crocheted disc cat toy (video)
Chicken cat toy crochet pattern
Ice cream cone cat toy crochet pattern
Happy crab cat toy crochet pattern
Octopus cat toy crochet pattern
Candy corn cat toy crochet pattern

A few of these patterns are found on the Lion Brand Yarn website. You must register for the site to see the patterns, but registration is free and allows you access to Lion's awesome collection of free crochet and knitting patterns.
Cat Toys on Amazon
Amazon.com items related to cat toys
Sevi Stacking Tower Toy, Cat
Sevi Stacking Tower Toy, Cat

Amazon Price: $21.50 (as of 09/28/2011) Buy Now
Handmade, Eco-friendly, Fair Trade, Wearable Puppet-Cat to Wear Toy
Handmade, Eco-friendly, Fair Trade, Wearable Puppet-Cat to Wear Toy

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 09/28/2011) Buy Now
Ty Goodnight Garfield
Ty Goodnight Garfield

Amazon Price: $25.23 (as of 09/28/2011) Buy Now
All Natural Handmade, Handpainted Humpty Dumpty Puppet, Small
All Natural Handmade, Handpainted Humpty Dumpty Puppet, Small

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 09/28/2011) Buy Now
Bead Bazaar Cozy Caches and Keepsake Boxes - The Cat's Meow
Bead Bazaar Cozy Caches and Keepsake Boxes - The Cat's Meow

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 09/28/2011) Buy Now
Felt Cat Toy Patterns and Tutorials
Patterns and instructions for making cat toys from felt
Felt critter cat toys

Felt is an ideal medium for creating cat toys because it is inexpensive, fairly durable, easy to work with, and comes in every color you can imagine. With the most basic of sewing skills, you can make some of these fun toys for your cat's entertainment.

Felt critter cat toy patterns
Sushi roll felt cat toy
Basic mouse cat toy tutorial
Another mouse cat toy tutorial
Felt cupcake cat toy tutorial
Felt mushroom cat toy tutorial

"On a Stick" Cat Toys
Ideas for making cat toys featuring the classic string-and-stick setup
Stick and string cat toy

One of the most classic cat toys is the "string-and-stick" setup, which is one of the easiest toys to make. All you need is a stick, a string, and optionally something to tie to the other end. Some things you might use for a stick are:

Broomstick
Yard stick
Dowel
A stick!

There are also many options for the string portion of the toy and how to attach it. Whether you choose drilling a hole, stapling, gluing, or tying will depend on what you think will work best for your particular materials. You can also add one string or multiple strings. Some things to use for string include:

Yarn
Shoelaces
Fabric scraps

You may also wish to tie items to the ends of you string (or strings)! You can use almost anything that you can attach to a string. Try:

Feathers
Bottle caps
Large beads
Other cat toys

There is no right or wrong way to make an "on a stick" cat toy. Just make sure you use materials that are durable enough to stand up to a little bit of roughhousing with your kitty"!
Handmade Cat Toys on eBay
eBay items related to handmade cat toys
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Catnip Cat Toy Kicker Stick Handmade Halloween Skeleton

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Mr. and Mrs. Cat Dolls - Handmade/Porcelain

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CATNIP CAT TOY BALL HANDMADE 100% CHARITY...WATCH VIDEO

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CAT STUFFED ANIMAL- HAND MADE

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eBay
Other Cat Toy Tutorials
More great ideas for making cat toys
Cardboard cat rocket

As a cat owner, you probably already know that cats will play with just about anything, which means that there are infinite ways to make toys for them. Aside from crocheted toys, felt toys, and on-a-stick toys, here are a few other ideas for feline playthings.

Cardboard cat rocket tutorial
Motion sensor cat toy tutorial
Remote control mouse cat toy tutorialli>
No-sew cat toy tutorial (video)
Spool knit cat toy tutorial (video)
Repurposed stuffed animal cat toy tutorial
Modified tennis ball cat toy tutorial
Computer mouse cat toy tutorial
Treat-dispensing origami cat toy tutorial
Glove cat toy tutorial

Related Reading
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Dog's in pickup trucks.. not safe

ASPCA Blog Banner
September 22, 2011
Cruelty Alert: Dogs in Pickup Trucks

dog in the back of a pickup truck A few years ago, Julien Roohani of Portland, Oregon, was at work when her roommates spontaneously decided to go on a hike. Not wanting to exclude Julien’s six-month-old Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Niña, they threw her into the back of their pickup truck and set off for an adventure.

Niña had never been in a truck bed before. Whether she was scared or just spotted something of interest, she managed to jump out during the drive. Panicking, the roommates called Julien, who rushed Niña to an emergency veterinary clinic where she was diagnosed with a broken spine and other severe injuries. Julien had no choice but to allow her young pup to be humanely euthanized.

Unfortunately, stories like Niña’s are all too common. It is never safe to drive with an unrestrained pet—especially with that pet in an open truck bed.

“When you drive with a loose dog in the back of your truck, you’re taking a huge risk and placing your dog and other motorists in danger,” says Chuck Mai, a vice president with AAA Oklahoma. “Even if a dog is trained, we’re talking about an animal who responds to stimuli on impulse. This irresponsible decision can start a deadly chain reaction on the road.”

Is It Legal?
Transporting unrestrained dogs in low-sided truck beds has been banned in a handful of states, including California and New Hampshire, and municipalities including Indianapolis, Cheyenne and Miami-Dade. However, in the vast majority of jurisdictions, it’s not even illegal to transport children in this manner, so we must rely on common sense and education to protect children and pets alike.

How You Can Help
One can feel terribly helpless witnessing a loose dog in a pickup truck. The best course of action is to try to get the vehicle’s license number (if you can do so while remaining safe) and call the local police. Rather than dialing 911, Jill Buckley, ASPCA Senior Director of Government Relations, suggests storing your police precinct’s phone number in your cell phone.

DOGOSCOPE

Fun Facts about Libarka the Libra
Dates: September 23-October 22
Element/Temperment: Air
Energy: Yang
Ruling Planet: Venus
Birthstone: Sapphire
Colors: Blue
Flowers: Hydrangea, Daisy, Aster
Celebs: Will Smith, Kelly Ripa
Lucky Numbers: 6, 9
Characteristics: Indecisive, Easygoing, Non-confrontational, Charming, Good Manners, Food Lover

Happy Birthday to all of those Libarka the Libra. To celebrate, visit the website and treat yourself or your pooch to a charm.

Retailing at $15, DogOscopes charms are not only fun and functional but also affordable. Constructed of ruff tuff nickel plated steel their durability is only outdone by their stylish good looks. Canines everywhere can feel good about purchasing DogOscopes as they know $1 from every retail sale is donated to animal rescue groups.

Want to show off your pooch? Please submit your photo here and be featured on the DogOscopes website and e-mutt newsletter.

And there are other free ways to show off Woof's Your Sign:
- Banner for your website
- Desktop wallpaper
- Ecards

Even if it isn't your birthday, check out DOGOSCOPES and treat yourself or your pooch to your sign.
WOOF'S YOUR SIGN?
P.S. And make sure to friend DogOscopes on Facebook and follow DogOscopes on Twitter

calming collars

Calming Collars



Calming Collars


WELCOME

The beauty of our products is not only that they work, but that they work using NATURAL methods. You just clip our collars on your pet and let the herbal blends work naturally to calm your pet. Stress relief is just minutes away for your loved one. Reduce dog anxiety and or cat stress!

Calming Collars reduce stress and anxiety in pets

Our patented Calming Collars are filled with a blend of natural herbs. Our blends were specifically developed to help with certain conditions, like excessive barking, hyper-activity, stress, anxiety and fear due to loud noises, storms and thunder (thunder phobia), separation anxiety and more!

These fabric collars are handcrafted and are filled by hand with a precise, measured amount of dried herbs. Your order will be custom made and shipped quickly, usually in less than a week. The plastic buckle allows you to adjust the collars for a perfect fit.

Not sure if a Calming Collar will work on your pet? Give one a try and if you don't notice a more relaxed pet, we'll refund your purchase price.


Calm Me Down

These collars help with separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms and other bad weather, fireworks or other loud noises, and in most stressful situations like a trip to the groomer or to the vet.
Click here to order. $32

Good To Go
These are anti- motion sickness collars. These will help stop your pet from getting motion sickness when traveling in a car or other moving vehicle.
Click here to order. $32

Too Cool
These collars are soaked briefly in water and the polymer crystals inside turn into a gel and expand. The gel helps your pet stay cool. They have been very popular with pets and their owners.
Click here to order. $16

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© Copyright 2010 - The Mendez Group, Inc. All rights reserved

fun pet goodies

we love our pets

  Curated By: LULUSCLOSET

ArtFire.com

Indie Design

cat's eat by smell

Non-Scented Eating: Plastic Bowls Can Retain Odors
JANUARY 6TH, 2011
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

No matter how much you wash them, some plastic bowls will always retain odors. Plastic can also harbor bacteria, which then can irritate the cat’s chin. The best way to feed a cat wet food is to give up the idea of a bowl entirely and serve meals on a nice big saucer so that your kitty cat doesn’t have to press her chin down into a bowl of food, which can often cause blackheads on a cat’s chin.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here

Most Drivers Don't Buckle Fido In

Most Drivers Don't Buckle Fido In

SLEEPY CAT DESIGN ON ARTFIRE

Hello! My name is Debra - I have been making things for about 40 years now, and I am a true cat lover. I cannot get enough of cat fabrics, cat jewelry, cat accessories.

Yep, I am a cat-a-holic. I only have one kitty to share my life with but he is the inspiration for all things cat in my life. His name is Chester, and I will mention him a lot on this site at various times.

I love to sew and make things out of all kinds of different but I love working with fabric most of all.

I have another studio on ArtFire...you can find other types of gift and accessory items there. The name is www.SewBizzyGifts.artfire.com if you would like to check that out. Just go to the lower right corner area of this page and click on the link there to go right to that studio!

The Senior Dogs Project
..........."Looking Out for Older Dogs" ...........

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

Site Map

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog*
Housetrained 1. Older dogs are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
Won't chew inappropriate items
2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

Focus to learn
3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

Know what "no" means
4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.

Settle in with the "pack"
5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

Good at giving love
6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

WYSIWYG
7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

Instant companions
8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

Time for yourself
9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

A good night's sleep
10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

*Adapted from Labrador Retriever Rescue's "Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescue"
You can print and post this "Top Ten" list. For the printable version, click here.

ANGLE'S FOR SOLDER'S ANIMALS

When a soldier goes off to war, he or she leaves family behind. But sometimes, that family includes a pet that needs someone to look out for it until the solider comes home.

Terri Sabens is with Soldiers' Angels, an organization that assists members of the military with a number of things, including pet care. She is currently fostering dogs for soldiers who are overseas.

Sabens says people can apply to be foster parents to animals or help with pet care. She says foster parents are chosen by the military members, who interview volunteers and then decide who they want leave their pets with.

Sabens also says the Vermont group also assists veterans, as well as active members of the military, with caring for their pets.

If you would like to contact the Vermont Soldiers' Angels, you can email Terri Sabens at vtsoldiersangels@yahoo.com.

Back to school time can also affect your pets, follow these tips for an easy transition

Back to school time can also affect your pets, follow these tips for an easy transition

By: Denise Naughton, abc15.com
When it's time to go back to school, everyone starts preparing. Parents start shopping for clothes, school supplies, and lunches, and the kids switch up their routines. It's an adjustment for the entire family, including the pets.

Melissa Gable, Executive Director of Friends of Animal Care and Control says an empty and quiet home could be difficult for your pets. Follow their tips to help the furry family members easily adjust to the changes.

1. Begin by giving your companion animal some "alone time" BEFORE the kids head off to school. This means separating your kids from your pet(s) for a while each day prior to school starting. When you leave, be quiet and low-key. Making a production of your departure could add even more stress to your pooch. A simple "See you later" will suffice.

2. Leave some interactive toys for your pet; this will help keep him from being bored. Look for sturdy toys that aren't easily destroyed. There is a large selection of toys on the market that allow you to fill them with treats - giving your dog something to keep him busy and occupied while you are away.

3. If your dog seems upset and anxious when the kids leave, give your pet a blanket or t-shirt that has your kids scent on it. The familiar smell may calm Fido down and give him something to cuddle while everyone is away.

4. Separation anxiety is common in dogs - especially this time of year. Dogs can become stressed, which may lead to destructive behavior. You may want to consider confining your dog to a small laundry room or crate/kennel while you are away. If your pet has not been crate trained, don't start on the day the kids go back to school! Your dog will need time to adjust to the crate and shouldn't be left alone for more than 9 hours (for adults) or 6 hours (for puppies).

5. Ask your kids to spend some quality time with their pet when they return home from school. This could be a simple walk around the block, playing in the backyard or even having children read and share their homework with the family pet.

Top 10 Household Items Most Toxic to Cats

You do the best to ensure your cat’s good health by buying the healthiest food and making sure she’s up-to-date on vet checkups – but did you know that there are many items that can be harmful (even fatal) to your kitty right within your own home? As there are thousands of items that are toxic to pets, these are simply a list of the most common. Please feel free to share any others you think of with us!



1. Fruits and Vegetables
Onions, garlic, grapes, green tomatoes, mushrooms and many root vegetables are just a handful of human foods that are toxic to kitties. In addition, beware of products that contain these foods – for example, most baby food contains onion powder.

2. Caffeine
Consider the effect caffeine has on your nervous system, then consider the effect it will have on a small cat. Even small doses of caffeine will cause felines to shake, vomit and experience diarrhea.

3. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical which cats are unable to digest. Typically speaking, the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains – thus the more fatal it becomes to kitty. Regular milk chocolate can cause diarrhea, vomiting, seizure, coma and possibly death.

4. Flowers and Plants
Cats are naturally attracted to foliage – there’s nothing they love better than brushing up against plants and nipping at leaves. Unfortunately, there are a surprising number of plants that are very harmful to kitties. Lilies, aloe and carnations are just a few of the plants to keep away from your cat. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of plants that are harmful to kitty.

5. Alcohol
Calling all frat boys: although it may seem cute to feed your cat a beer, it may prove to be fatal. Alcohol and alcohol-based products can cause kitty to experience serious intoxication, leading to coma or death.

6. Permethrin
Permethrin is the active ingredient found in OTC flea and lice products geared towards use on humans and dogs. Unfortunately, this ingredient can prove to be highly toxic – even deadly – to cats. If your kitty happens to get fleas, only use products that are labeled for use on cats, such as Advantage Flea Treatment for Cats or Frontline Plus Flea Treatment for Cats. Likewise, if you’ve recently treated your dog (or child), be sure to keep your kitty far away – permethrin can be harmful even upon contact with someone who has been treated.

7. Ethalyne Glycol
Commonly found in anti-freeze, solvents and rust removers, Ethylene Glycol is extremely deadly to cats. Unfortunately, the sweet smell of this toxin is also very appealing to kitties, thus it’s best to keep your garage closed off to your pets. PetEducation.com offers tips on what to do if you suspect your cat (or dog) has ingested Ethylene Glycol.

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8. Bone-In Chicken or Fish
It seems like the healthiest, most logical thing to feed your kitty – unfortunately, many people don’t realize that bone-in chicken and fish can be extremely harmful to cats. The small bones in these foods can be easily ingested and can obstruct or lacerate your kitty’s stomach. If you choose to serve your cat one of these items, your best bet is to remove the meat off of the bones prior to feeding to ensure safety.

9. Milk
Yes – kitties love milk. Unfortunately just like humans, cats don’t always love what’s good for them. Surprisingly, the majority of cats are lactose-intolerant, and feeding them milk can lead to cramping, gas and diarrhea. If your kitty simply can’t live without milk, check out CatSip, a milk formulated with an added enzyme that helps cats digest lactose.

10. Household Cleaning Products
There is a laundry-list of household cleaning products that don’t bode well with kitty, including bleach, furniture polish, wood preservatives, air fresheners, deodorizers and many aromatherapy products. The good news is you don’t have to stop cleaning – just be sure to keep kitty quarantined until you’re finished and all of the products have dried.



What to Do if Your Pet Has Ingested a Toxin

Gather Information
Be sure to have all information ready for your veterinarian, including the type of toxin (it’s helpful to bring the toxin’s container along) and your pet’s basic information (breed, weight, etc.). It is also helpful to collect anything that your pet may have chewed or vomited in a sealable plastic bag.

Contact Your Veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center
Be prepared – always keep your veterinarian’s phone number as well as the phone number of the closest 24 hour emergency vet clinic close at hand. If your pet is not exhibiting any symptoms just yet or there is not a 24-hour vet hospital nearby, you may want to call the poison control center. Note that a $65 consultation fee may apply.

PRODUCT REVIEW

pet guard herbal collar
safe,natural,fresh herbal scent.. it is purple and does it smell wonderful !!
Made with pennyroyal oil,eucalpptus oil.rose oil.lavender oil,cederwood oil and citronella.. $6.99

NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY..ROSIE !

GORMET DOG BISCUIT IN A JAR

HTTP://WWW.MEGSCREATIONS.ETSY.COM
For all the dog lovers out there. Great gift!!!!! You will get 2 quart jar of dog biscuit mix. Each jar makes 3-4 dozen dog biscuits. These are very a healthy yummy treat for any pooch.

Each jar will come with a super easy to follow recipe card. All you will need to do is add eggs and beef or chicken broth, then bake and you have homemade dog biscuits.

Each jar will come decorated with dog fabric and a ribbon. Each jar is made to order and last 3-4 months.