Holy Moly Ravioli

Holy Moly Ravioli - catnip cat toy

 

For those of you who don’t want the whole Dinner and Dessert, I am now selling the Ravioli cat toys separately.

To view the entire description or to place an order click here to be directed to the Crazy About Catnip Shop.

Troubleshooting on WordPress

A few months ago, I discovered that I couldn’t update my pages.  I don’t do it that often, so I wasn’t sure if I was doing something wrong, or if something had changed.  I found myself going to the “help” tab to see if I could find out why I was having problems, but it didn’t help any.  Finally, I gave up.

Then, earlier this week, I discovered I was having the same problem with posts.  There was no option to attach categories, tags, or publish my posts.  Once again, I found myself browsing in the help section of WordPress, and once again, I couldn’t find out any information on what was going on.  This time, I decided to contact WordPress.

I filled out the required information, explained my problem, and sent the message off.  Usually, I don’t like to do this because of issues I’ve had in the past, mostly ebay, paypal, and a few other sites that ignore your problems, or just send you a reply that has nothing to do with your problem.  But I was pleasantly surprised by how quick I got a reply.  Not only did I get it in less than 24 hours, the answer they gave me did the trick.  They also took the time to explain to me what caused the problem.

Hats off to WordPress for realizing that customer service is still important.

Indoors vs. Outdoors For Your Cat

There will always be a controversy as to which is best for your cat, indoors or outdoors.  Where as cats do love the outdoors, and it may seem cruel to keep them inside, it is the safest for your cat.  Today, many shelter’s will only let you adopt a kitty if you promise to keep them indoors.  So here’s a list of pros and cons on this topic.

Out Door Cats

Cats love the great outdoors.  There is so much to do and see out in the “wilderness.”  Bugs, birds, other animals.  Things that move and make noise are also a curiosity for cats.  And let’s not forget sunbathing.  Just lying out catching some rays is a great way for your kitty to pass the day.

But….

Out door cats are most likely to die at an early age.  There are dangers out there such as diseases from other animals, attacks from dogs, coyotes, and yes, even humans.  Your cat stands a good chance of getting hit by a car or lost.  Many times, outdoor cats just disappear, and although we would like to think our loveable feline has found a new home, more times than not, they wind up dead.

Indoor cats don’t get as much stimulation as outdoor cats do.  But they live longer, and are less likely to get diseases.  They can have well-rounded lives by providing them with interactive toys.  Scratching posts, cat towers, food puzzles, hanging toys and a whole bunch more can keep your cat active, happy and healthy living indoors.

There are solutions to giving your cat the best of both worlds.  Here in Florida, a screened in patio is very popular. 

Screened in Patio

Mostly used to keep bugs and other critters out, the screened in patio also allows your cat to go outside without the fear of being attacked by other animals, or getting lost, stolen, or hit by a car.  The picture on the left is a picture of my back yard.  As you can see, the screen isn’t just around the walls of the patio, but also on the roof, therefore you are no doubt outside.

Normally we have trees on the patio, but due to a cold winter, many died and will be replaced.  This allows for the three cats that live in the house to climb.  In addition, although bugs can’t get in, lizards can.  That’s right I said lizards.  They’re real small and manage to get under the screen door, and the cats love to chase them.  Sounds gross, but it really isn’t.  In most cases the lizards will lose it’s tail, and escape unharmed, but it is great fun for our kitties.

No matter how you look at it, indoor or outdoor, I hope I’ve provided you with some information that will help you to determine which is best for your cat.  I know I geared this post towards pro indoor life, but it really is up to you to decide.  Think about screening in a part of your back yard if possible.  You don’t have to get anything fancy, but it’s well worth it.

Crazy About Catnip’s Latest Toy

Prawn Cat Toy

 

This latest addition to the Crazy About Catnip shop is great for the kitty who demands only the best.  The Prawn Cat Toy is filled with potent catnip.  Made of fabric, it has a felt tail, and is sure to keep your cat busy for hours.

For more details, click here to bring you to the Crazy About Catnip shop.

Dinner and Dessert – Ravioli

The Dinner and Dessert cat toys were such a big hit, that I decided to add something new to the menu.  Catnip Ravioli.

This cat bowl has 3 catnip ravioli cat toys (dinner) and a bag of catnip (dessert). 

Great fun, and makes a great gift for either your cat, or a friends.

If you would like more information, please go to the Crazy About Catnip’s, Etsy shop.

The Tea Party?

Now that I live in Florida, I have discovered that politics plays a key role in people’s lives.  I myself, am not a political person.  I’m not a Democrat.  I’m not a Republican. and I’m not a Liberal, communist, conservative, etc.  I am a proud American, (although I don’t always agree about what America does, or some of the policies in place by past and present administrations), and I vote every election.  Only missed one election in 30 years.  I’m out there and I want my vote counted! 

That being said, I also have respect for the leaders of our country, whether I voted for him or not.  There have been times when I’ve been embarrassed by what some of our presidents have done, not done, or said.  But, you know, they are our leader, and as a proud American, I will not say anything bad about them.

Last week, I was invited to a Tea Party rally.  Yes, the Tea Party is now a legit political party, (I kid you not.)  The people who invited me were friends of my parents.  I enjoy hanging out with them, and like them a lot.  They are very political as are many people here in the south, and have made comments that I don’t appreciate, but I keep my mouth shut, (in most cases.)  So when they invited me to the Tea Party Rally, I just didn’t know what to say.  I didn’t want to upset them, because boy, when it comes to politics, they can be nasty.  I enjoy hanging out with them, they’re really great people.  But there was no way I was going to go to this Tea Party rally.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, more power to you if you’ve found a political party that works for you, but don’t expect everyone to share those views.  Politics is like religion.  It’s all in what you belive, and every one is going to have a different view of the topic.  And there is nothing wrong with that!  In fact, that’s what makes this world special.

Cheep Oil Change

The other day it was time for me to get the oil changed in the car.  I don’t have to do it that often because I really don’t drive that much.  Right now I have a 2006 Toyota Camry.  Yes I said Toyota, and lucky for me there was no recall for the 2006 Camry.  This is only my 3rd oil change because I was informed that the oil doesn’t really need to be changed every 3,000 mile, like we are all told, but 5,000 miles is just fine.  In fact the idiot light to tell me it’s time for an oil change comes on every 5,000 miles.  Just to be on the safe side, I try to do it every 4,000 miles.

Anyway, My step father suggested I go to one of the drive in places.  You know the one I’m talking about.  Oil change $18.99.  You drive in and ten minutes later the job is done, and you go on your merry way.  Now I’ve never done this before.  I always had my mechanic do all the oil changes, but now that I’m a thousand miles away from my mechanic, I thought I would give it a try.

I pulled the car into the garage and went into the office as instructed.  The next thing I know, the guy comes in and asks me if the mileage is correct.  You see I only have 12,000 miles on the car, and even though it’s a 2006 model, I bought the car in 2005.  Yes, the car is nearly 5 years old, and yes, the mileage is correct.  He then tells me what the recommended oil to use is, and also informs me that I was half a quart low, I should have the oil changed more often, and he’s going to have to add something to clean out the engine.  The problem is he fails to tell the person who is working on the car while we discuss it, not to start yet.  It’s now too late to do the additive, but the oil he suggested will be an added cost to the $18.99.  Fine with me.

Just before the car is finished, the guy comes back with two different types of filter, non of which is the oil filter, (I’ve changed my own oil in the past and have knowledge of what those look like).  He tells me they are both filthy and should be changed.  If I change both, he’ll give me $10.00 off one of the filters, but it would still cost me $50 more.  I’m looking at filters that are still white with some dark spots along the bottom edge.  “Yeah, you’ve got dirt and dead bugs in here.  Look how filthy they are.”  I tell him they look pretty good to me, yet he has a come back.  “They should both be pure white.  You would be foolish not to change them both.”  Sorry folks, but I thought we had the “women are dumb” thing under control, (like thirty years ago).   I thought about saying something to him, but refrained from making any comment since my car was sitting there, no oil, and other parts exposed that could suddenly turn into “major engine problems.”, so instead I told him I was low on cash right now, and would take care of it next time “he” changed my oil.

I consider myself luck that I left with only a $34.00 bill.  If I had done everything he told me to do, (and yes, he also insisted on rotating my tires), the oil change would have come out to about $150.

All I have to say is beware of the quick and cheep oil changes.  If you’re not smart about it, it could cost you.

Your Help Requested. What Does Your Cat Like to Play With?

Part of being the owner of a cat toy business (Crazy About Catnip) is research.  Where as I have a Vice President of Product Research, Sweetie the Cat, in my employment, I need idea’s from cat owner’s like you before I develope the next toy for Sweetie to test.  And yes, she actually does test all the toys and products before I add them to my product line.  She’s also rejected quite a few too, so you’ll never see them in my shop.

Here’s the parameters.  First of all, all toys must be able to be hand-made.  I do not sell anything that needs to be manufactured, therefore it needs to be something that I can figure out how to make and add it to my product line.   There also needs to be something to it.  In other words, it can’t be something as simple as a crumpled up piece of paper or a cardboard box.  You don’t need me for that.

The winner will receive not only the suggested toy, signed by me, CEO & President of Crazy About Catnip, (which will be worth millions when the company has its IPO and goes public on the stock exchange), but will also receive a toy of choice from the Crazy About Catnip shop on Etsy.  Yes, I’m including the shipping with that.   Plus a feature of the product with your name (any other information you are willing to make public) on my blog.

Oh, one more thing.  There can be more than one winner!  Yeah!!!!

Send your comments and suggestions.  If there are duplicates, I’ll get to that bridge when I come to it.  (but try not to give the same suggestion as someone who already has.)

Give My Cat a Bath! Are You Nuts?

I’ve spoken to many people who have given their cats a bath and survived.  Me?  I’m not that brave.  Sweetie the cat may not have front claws, but she does have back claws and teeth.  So I have to questions how important it is to give your cat a bath.  To my dismay, I’ve discovered that there are certain instances where it is very important. 

Cats are very clean animals, and spend a lot of time cleaning themselves.  But, if they get into something that they can’t clean on their own, well, you have to step in.  I’m talking about sticky stuff that wont come off even with a sandpaper tongue.  Then again, your cat may get into chemicals that could harm them, (curiosity killed the cat).  That’s when you need to make sure you bath them before they try to do it themselves.  If you have a long-haired cat, such as a Persian, they might need assistance, after all it’s a big job to keep all that fur clean, (and limit hairballs in the process).  Also, if there is someone in the family who is allergic, you really need to give your kitty a bath on a regular basis.

Okay, so it is important, so how do you pull this off without going to the trama center with uncontrollable bleeding?  The best way to do it is start when they’re a kitten.  If getting a bath is something that they’ve known all their lives, it’s a lot easier.  That’s not to say they will enjoy a bath.  Children hate when mom or dad say it’s time for a bath, so why wouldn’t kittens.  But in a long run, it helps. 

Always make it a two person job.  Get everything out and ready before you even approach your cat.  One person will be in charge of holding the cat, the other in charge of cleaning.  Tip for the holder of the cat, grab your cat by the nap of the neck, and make sure you have a firm, strong grip.  Don’t worry, you’re not going to hurt your kitty, that’s how mother cat carries her babies, and believe it or not, it’s a comforting feel even for the adult cats.  Never toss the cat into the water, gently lower your kitty into warm water.  Oh, and be sensible, wear long sleeves to protect your arms, and rubber gloves will also help.

If I’ve scared you enough, or you still have doubts, then take your cat to a groomer.  That’s what I do.  It may cost more money, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s a lot cheaper then a transfusion.

Good luck!

PAWS Event

The other day I was contacted by a volunteer at PAWS, this particular chapter is in Connecticut.  For those who have never heard of PAWS, it’s a well known animal shelter here in the USA.  I was contacted because they are having an even in May, and asked me if I would donate one of the items I sell in my cat toy business, Crazy About Catnip.  Of course anything that will help animals I’m all for, and I’ve donated a “Dinner and Dessert” cat toy and treat.

Dinner and Dessert

They will be doing a silent auction at this event, as well as raffles, and so on.  The website about the auction is: http://www.pawsct.org/shownews.php?article=13, or for additional information on the event you can go to: http://www.pawsevents.shutterfly.com/. 

For those of you who can’t make it to the event, but would like to learn more about the organization, or just send a donation, the website is:  www.pawsct.org.

Organizations like these are very near and dear to my heart.  I hope you’ll take the time to help.  There are so many homeless animals out there, and they need out help.

Thanks!