5 Cat Products Every Cat Needs in their Life Header

5 Cat Products Every Cat Needs In Their Life

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5 Cat Products Every Cat Needs in their Life Header

5 Cat Products Every Cat Needs In Their Life

I’ll be the first to admit, my cats are spoiled. Their toy bin is overflowing, they have their own dedicated cat-food pantry, and each room as some type of cat furniture in it. Did I mentioned that all three of my heated blankets have been confiscated by them as well? They even have numerous puzzle toys!

Despite their many luxuries, there are some products I have found that stand out from the rest.

1. Metal Litter Scoop

This isn’t a fun one for your cats but it’ll make scooping the litter box a bit less of a chore. Any metal litter scoop works. They’re sturdier than plastic and last longer. I’ve had the same one for years.

5 Cat Products Every Cat Needs in their Life Header

DuraScoop Jumbo Cat Litter Scoop on Amazon @ $12.99

2. Yeowww! Catnip Toys

If you’re only going to buy you cat one toy this month, a Yeowww! Catnip Toy is the way to go. These toys are a staple around my house because of their durability and potency.

 

Yeowww! Catnip Cat Toys Banana Cigar Rainbow 3 Pack

YEOWWW! Catnip Toy Variety Pack Cigar & Banana & Rainbow on Amazon @ $14.99

3. Karma Cat Toys

These toys are made of felt and made in Nepal with a simple goal: “to provide economic stability for our artisan partners in a way that is environmentally sustainable”. No two toys are exactly alike! I have the 3″ 3 pack of Veggies and the Snake & Mouse set.

Karma Cat Toys | 3 Pack Vegetables 3"

Karma Cat 3″ Veges, Pack of 3 Toys @ $9.95

4. K&H Heated Cat Bed

Spoil your feline royalty with a heated cat bed. This bed is nice because it only is warm when your cat is in it and responds to your pets natural body temperature to help regular the heat. Despite having two of these, they always seem to fight over the same one…

 

K&H Heated Cat Bed

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed, Starting @ $77.99

5. Messy Cats Litter Box Cleaning Brush

Also not a fun thing for your cats but I promise this is worth every penny. I own two of these, one to clean litter boxes and the other to clean my bathtub! It’s no wonder they’re sold out at the time of writing.

Cat Litter Box Brush | MessyCats

Messy Cats Litter Box Cleaning Brush @ $8.00

And a bonus….

6. Neko Flies

Neko Flies are difficult to get your hands on as they were discontinued in 2019 but if you can get one, do it. I love this toy and am sad to see it no longer being easily obtainable. These toys provided an interchangeable “bug” which moved in a way similar to natural bugs. Some of their attachments also included iridescent plastic which, when combined with the sound, really make it seem like your cat was chasing a bug. The craftsmanship was well done too which is why I had no problem forking over $50 to get my hands on one.

Neko Flies Cat Toy

This is the attachment I own. At the time of writing it appears Roarcats still has these in stock for $13.99 (excluding the wand you’ll need) but you can also get them from Amazon.

What products can’t your cat live without? Should we make a list of 5 more products? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetsitting

Interactive Puzzle Games For Cats and Dogs

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Interactive Puzzle Games For Cats and Dogs

Interactive puzzles games for cats and dogs aren’t a new concept. If you have ever been to a zoo you’ll probably wonder why the polar bears food is in a block of ice. This is called enrichment! Enrichment in the form of puzzle toys is gaining popularity among pet parents in recent years. Why? Many pets lack the same daily enrichment they would receive if they were in the wild. Puzzle games are a great way to mentally stimulate your pets. They also can help slow down fast eaters to prevent scarf and barf.

Tips for Picking a Toy

  • Make sure the toy is the appropriate size: A Great Dane might not be able to figure out the puzzle, but they surely can pick it up and drop it. Effectively rendering the puzzle toy concept useless.
  • Start at a lower difficulty: If your pet has done puzzle toys in the past it’s okay to start with a higher difficulty toy. If your pet is new to puzzle toys, start off with an easier toy.
  • Experiment with what is in the toy: Some pets go nuts for puzzle toys when a specific treat is inside. Others may only use it if dry food is inside. Try different rewards and see which ones your pet likes the most.
  • Supervise when giving a new toy: It’s important to see how your pet interacts with a toy. Supervise them to make sure they are using the toy properly and to give them a helping paw if they seem to be getting frustrated.
  • Show them how to do it: Putting a puzzle toy in front of a pet may work but often times with more complicated toys, you may have to show your pet how they work.

Toys we Like

Here are 6 toys for dogs (and cats) to keep the enrichment coming.

1. Outward Hound

Outward Hound makes quality dog and cat puzzle games. Developed by Nina Ottosson these toys are designed to stimulate your pet mentally and give you a well deserved break. Outward Hound interactive puzzle games come in four different difficulties. Perfect for beginners!

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Outward Hound Dog Tornado @ $24.99

2. Catit

Catit makes fun interactive puzzle games and feeders for cats. I have a few of these and have found varying success. The Senses 2.0 Digger is my cats least favorite while the Senses 2.0 Food Tree is their favorite.

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Catit Play Treat Puzzle @ $21.99

Want more things your cat can’t live without? Check out our 5 products every cat needs in their life blog.

3. KONG

You’ve heard of this one! KONG toys are a simple puzzle game and a classic option for any dogs toy box. Did you know they also make KONGs for cats? KONG usually goes on sale during Black Friday. If you’re looking to pick up a bunch of these for a great deal keep an eye out.

KONG Classic in Red Interactive Puzzle for Dogs

KONG Classic on Amazon, Starting @ $7.49

4. LickiMat

While not as interactive as some of the other games, LickiMats provide stimulation for your pet and help them slow down when eating. Great for pets that do a lot of canned food since not all puzzle toys are designed for wet food.

LickiMat in Blue Interactive Puzzle for Dogs

LickiMat Slomo on Amazon @ $13.95

You can see more LickiMat’s here.

5. Snuffle Mats

What is a snuffle mat? A snuffle mat is designed to help mimic your dogs natural instinct to put their nose to the ground, sniff out food, and to dig. There’s loads of snuffle mats on the market so experiment with different ones.

I don’t recommend snuffle mats for larger dogs. They often can pick the mat up by an edge and shake out the kibble. While this still gets them working for the food (running around a room), it’s messy and defeats the purpose of the snuffle mat.

Snuffle Mat Interactive Puzzle for Dogs

PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat on Amazon @ $39.50

6. Activity Mats

Similar to snuffle mats, these toys provide a variety of ways to interact with the toy. The one pictured below by Outward Hound contains a small snuffle mat, a hidden pocket, and a loop-&-lock type enclosure. The same deal applies to this as a snuffle mat, not a huge fan of these for larger dogs that can brute force everything.

Activity Matz Garden Game Dog Interactive Puzzle Mat for Dogs

Outward Hound Activity Matz Garden Puzzle Matt @ $34.99

Homemade Puzzle Toys

If you’re feeling crafty you can make some very simple puzzle toys on your own.

Looking for more? You can check our Pinterest board for more ideas. We’re constantly pinning new ones as we find them. We also include fun, DIY furniture and gifts in that board.

What’s your pets favorite puzzle toy? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

Dog Friendly Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

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Dog Friendly Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

Strawberries are packed full of fiber and vitamin C which make this three ingredient dog friendly ice cream even better! Using Greek or coconut yogurt also makes this recipe lactose-free as well as grain-free.

Ingredients:

  • 1c of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
  • ½c of frozen strawberries
  • 2tbsp honey

Directions:

  1. Pureé all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  2. Pour mixture into a silicone mold.
  3. Let freeze for 2-4 hours or until solid before serving.

Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

Did you like this recipe? Why not try this quick and easy popcorn recipe as well. Or try out this other strawberry recipe.

Strawberry and Apple Ice Cream

Apples provide an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus. They also contain natural sugars that can be a low-calorie sweet treat by themselves.

Ingredients:

  • 8 Strawberries
  • 1 Peeled, cored, and chopped apple
  • 1-2tbsp Xylitol-free Peanut Butter
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Purée strawberries in a blender.
  2. Fill your choice of silicone mold about half-way with the strawberry purée.
  3. Purée the chopped apple, peanut butter, and a splash of water in a clean blender.
  4. Add the apple and peanut butter mixture on top of the strawberry purée.
  5. Let chill in the freezer for an hour before serving.

Want more ice cream? Check out our non-strawberry ice cream recipes.

Did you make either of these recipes? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting We’d love to hear your feedback!

Dog Friendly Ice Cream Recipes

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Dog Friendly Ice Cream Recipes

When it gets hot outside we all like to cool down with a refreshing treat and dogs are no exception. Here are a few of our favorite ice cream recipes to try and home with your dog.

1.Dog Friendly Strawberry Ice Cream

A classic strawberry ice cream recipe – for dogs! If you can use local honey that’s even better.

Ingredients:

  • 1c of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
  • ½c of frozen strawberries
  • 2tbsp honey

Directions:

  1. Pureé all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  2. Pour mixture into a silicone mold.
  3. Let freeze for 2-4 hours or until solid before serving.

Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

Did you like this recipe? See the main blog page for more strawberry inspired recipes.

2. Dog Friendly Peanut Butter “Banana” Ice Cream

I love this recipe because it really isn’t ice cream which is great if your pet is lactose intolerant. Plus it’s super versatile with what you can top it with. It’s a perfect base for a dog friendly ice cream sundae.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Frozen Bananas
  • 1tbsp Coconut Milk (or water or raw goat milk)
  • 1tbsp Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

Instructions:

  1. Thaw bananas for 10 minutes.
  2. Put all ingredients into a food processor, process until an ice-cream like consistency.
  3. Serve!

Tip: You can also add freeze-dried strawberries, shredded coconut, or blueberries as a topping.

Peanut Butter Banana "Ice Cream" Recipe

Don’t feel like making ice cream? Why not try some of our easy Thanksgiving treats or our Homemade Peanut Butter cookies.

Did you make any of these? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to see your pictures!

A Quick And Easy Dog Friendly Popcorn Recipe

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A Quick And Easy Dog Friendly Popcorn Recipe

Humans love popcorn and while it isn’t the healthiest thing for dogs, almost every dog doesn’t mind a few pieces. Here’s a quick and easy Dog Friendly Bacon Peanut Butter Popcorn recipe that you can have as well!

Ingredients:

  • 4c Unsalted Popcorn
  • 10oz Carob Chips
  • 1c Crumbled Bacon
  • 1c Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, melt carob chips and peanut butter together. You can do this in the microwave in bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between each burst until melted.
  2. In a large bowl, mix popcorn, bacon, and the carob-peanut butter mixture.
  3. Stir slowly until the popcorn is evenly coated.
  4. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes or until firm.

Remember! Carob is NOT chocolate. Do not substitute carob for chocolate chips unless only humans will be eating this. Peanut butter that contains xylitol can be deadly to dogs. Always check the ingredients label before feeding peanut butter to your dog. Looking for a dog-safe peanut butter? Check out Green Coast Pet, Pawnut Butter.

Dog Friendly Bacon Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe Card

Did you try this popcorn recipe? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. Want to try some other recipes? Check out our Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats or what about our Peanut Butter Cookies.

Jerky Treats Your Dog and Cat Will Love

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Jerky Treats Your Dog and Cat Will Love Header

One Ingredient Chicken Jerky

These yummy chicken jerky treats make special and healthy snacks for your cat and dog.

Ingredients:

  • 1lb deboned, chicken breasts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 175-180℉ or the lowest temperature setting.
  2. Lightly grease a baking sheet with a slight edge. You can use parchment paper to help with cleanup.
  3. Slice chicken breasts into ¼-inch thick strips.
  4. Place sliced chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet leaving about ½-inch between slices.
  5. Bake for two hours. If the slices are not dry, continue baking until they appear very dry.
  6. Remove and let cool on a cooling rack. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container once cool.

If the slices are too long for your cat you can break them into smaller pieces. You can also slice the jerky treats for smaller dogs as well. This means the jerky will last even longer!

One Ingredient Chicken Jerky Recipe Card

Chicken Jerky

Here is another version of the above chicken jerky treats for cats and dogs. Try both and see which one you like the most!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Wash the chicken breasts with water and slice into 1/4 inch strips.
  3. Place the chicken strips in an single, even layer on a baking sheet, leave a small amount of space between each strip.
  4. Bake until the chicken strips are dehydrated, about 2 hours.

Check that the strips are done by cutting one open. There should be no uncooked parts and there should not be any moisture inside. Store the jerky in sealed containers for about a week or longer in the refrigerator.

Christmas Chicken Jerky Recipe Card

Did you try this recipe? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting and while you’re at it, try another one of our cat treat recipes or how about our peanut butter molasses dog treats?

Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats

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Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats

Looking for something to make this weekend? Here’s a quick recipe for peanut butter molasses dog treats that only needs five ingredients. You probably have most in your pantry already!

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F  
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
  4. Knead dough into a ball
  5. Roll the ball out onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick
  6. Take a pizza cutter and score the dough horizontally and then vertically to make a grid. Be careful to score the dough, not completely cut through.
  7. Place on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
  8. Cool and break into pieces, then refrigerate.

Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats Recipe Card

Did you make our peanut butter dog treats? Or have any other baking tips for us? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting.

Check out our Thanksgiving treats and our Homemade Peanut Butter cookies for more quick and easy dog treat recipes.

Doggy Eggnog 

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Doggy Eggnog 

Eggnog is a wonderful holiday treat, this year share some with your dog! Here is a quick dog eggnog recipe you can try at home.

Ingredients:

  • 1 container of plain, Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 jar of baby food (in a dog friendly flavor)
  • 1/4 cup of water or milk
  • 1 egg
  • Dog treats as toppings

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blend and blend until frothy
  2. Add your toppings
  3. Give your dog a small serving

Doggy Eggnog Recipe

Did you try out our doggy eggnog recipe? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. Check out our Thanksgiving treats and our Homemade Peanut Butter cookies.

Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies 

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Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies for Dogs Header

Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies for Dogs

Looking for a recipe for sweet potato cookies for dogs? We have you covered. Sweet potatoes have always been a staple for adding more fiber into your pets diet as well as keeping them full for longer. This year we wanted to celebrate Hanukkah with a recipe that features them. Here is a healthy way to include your dog in the tradition.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1/2c Oats
  • 3c Flour
  • 1tblsp Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet.
  2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and place in a pot of boiling water.
  3. Boil sweet potatoes until soft then puree in a blender.
  4. Whisk the egg and peanut butter into the sweet potato puree.
  5. In a separate bowl mix the oats and flour.
  6. Add the sweet potato mixture to the flour- oat mixture.
  7. Stir the mixture until combined.
  8. Roll out the dough of a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  9.  Use cookie cutter or a glass to cut the cookies into shapes.
  10. Bake the cookies until golden brown.
  11. Let the cookies cool and feed them to your dog.

These sweet potato cookies for dogs are sure to be a hit during Hanukkah!

Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies for Dogs Recipe

Did you make our Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. Check out our Thanksgiving treats and our Homemade Peanut Butter cookies.

Kitty Casserole – Homemade Cat Treat Recipe

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Kitty Casserole – Homemade Cat Treat Recipe

If your cat is a picky eater, or you just want to try something fun, give this fish kitty casserole a try! It is a lot of fun and easy to make, and is sure to peak the interests of your kitty!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of tuna or salmon
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1/2 can of your cat’s favorite food
  • 1 teaspoon of dry cat food or treats

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the wet ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Pour into a Tupperware or small casserole dish.
  3. Top with dry food or treats.
  4. Serve a small amount to your kitty.

Feed this casserole in moderation, 1-2 tablespoons per day. Store in a closed container, in the refrigerator, for up to a week.

 

Kitty Casserole - Homemade Cat Treat Recipe Card

Did you try out our fish kitty casserole? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. Want another cat treat recipe? Try our Tuna Yum Yums.