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You are here: Home / Archives for Featured

Featured

Ten Tips About Catnip: Legal High for Cats

August 26, 2014 by Kat Maran Leave a Comment

Tamale: caught in the catnip plant again!
Tamale: caught in the catnip plant again!

Follow these tips to give your stark raving cat the best catnip experience.

Try our special 5-Star Catnip

First, what is catnip? Call it cat weed, cat mint, or catnip, it’s the stuff that makes some cats wacky. And as with any herb, freshness matters.

What does catnip do to a cat? I’m asked this all the time, usually by spouses who tolerate a partner’s cat (or rather, the cat tolerates them). I even had a vet ask me this question. (Gaahhh! Don’t they cover catnip in vet-med schools?) Here’s what I tell them…

Mreachingforjoint

Ten Tips About Catnip 

Catnip is an herb related to mint. It’s safe and natural. Catnip works in both dried and fresh forms.

1. Catnip stimulates the pleasure-seeking pheromones in a cat’s brain. Result: Rolling, rubbing, purring, wild-eyes, racing, friskiness and frolicking – for about ten minutes, before the cat abandons the catnip. (Some cats get aggressive, so watch your fingers.) The crazy-session is followed by a crash: sedentary zoning or naptime ­– which can be handy if you want your cat to be tranquil for a spell.

2. Most cats, but not all, respond to catnip. Experts say 70-75 percent of cats inherit a “catnip gene” which makes them responsive to catnip. Kittens and cats younger than six months don’t respond to catnip. (Perhaps, like kids, they’re naturally high.)

Pookie and Catnip Joint
Video still of Pookie playing with Catnip Joint

3. Let your cat inhale! Cats get their kicks by inhaling the vapor from the catnip oil. Chewing, pawing and slobbering on a catnip toy helps release the oil’s vapor. (With our Catnip Joints, we recommend running the joint under the cat’s nose, like a fine cigar, to get them engaged, before tossing the joint in the air like prey.)

4. Stale catnip won’t work. Which is why cat toys that have been on the shelves for months lose their potency; mass-market brands often start off with cheap, inferior catnip. No wonder kitty won’t play! Don’t waste your money.

5. Smell the freshness. Catnip’s essential oil “nepetalactone” makes the magic happen, and it’s found mainly in the leaves and buds. When the oil dries out, no more magic. It’s just like the herbs in your kitchen cabinet. If your herbs or catnip don’t have aromas, throw them out. They’re duds.

6. Quality matters. Again, as with all herbs, there are weak strains of catnip and stronger ones. Soil, sun and growing conditions make a difference between “premium catnip” and inferior catnip. (At Stark Raving Cat, we use only premium catnip.)

7. Freeze dried catnip airtight to keep it fresh. This includes catnip toys. (If you buy a multi-pack of Catnip Joints, freeze a few for later use.)

Catnip Joints

8. If a catnip toy needs reviving, roll it in dried catnip (stuff that’s not stale). Don’t just sprinkle the catnip: crumble it on scratching posts or toys to release the potent oil.

9. Is catnip safe to eat? Yes, but best in small amounts. It acts like a sedative, making cats more sleepy than frisky. Large quantities may cause digestive issues. Don’t set out a platter of catnip (I’ve seen this happen on the Interweb; the cat was passed out for days.)

10. Desensitization happens. Problem: My cat stopped playing with her catnip toy. Solution: Remove catnip toys after playtime. Cats’ noses get desensitized when they’re always around catnip. Bring the toys out again in a day or so. To revive an old toy, rub loose catnip on the outside to refresh the aroma.

Catnip plants are as easy to grow as mint. But beware: your frenzied cat may crawl right into the pot! I’ve discovered Pookie nesting in the catnip plant on more than one occasion.

Or you can try our special 5-Star Catnip.

– Stark Raving Kate

tcatniprub

A Public Service Post by Tamale at StarkRavingCat.com

 

Filed Under: About Cats, Catnip and Cat Toys, Featured, Tips About Cats, Catnip and Cat Toys Tagged With: catnip, safety, tip, toy

7 Tips: How to Get Old Cats to Play

May 13, 2014 by Kat Maran 2 Comments

Geezer Wolfie at Play
Geezer Wolfie at Play

Wake Up, Geezer Cats: It’s Time to Play!

By Pookie and Wolfie, Senior Advisors

You’d probably not toss Frisbees to your great grandpa, or chase grandma around the block, so why would you do that to your old cat? (Okay, the Frisbee is a more of a dog thing, but you get the idea.)

Myth: Old Cats Won’t Play

WandGeezerGOld cats will play – if you remember that they’re old.

Don’t expect old cats to play like they used to. Arthritic joints, stiff muscles, poor eyesight and other signs of aging change how a cat is able to play.

Why play with an old cat at all? Geezer cats sleep a lot and need their rest. But just because that lump of fur hasn’t moved for hours doesn’t mean it shouldn’t play. Change how you play with your cat, and you may find regular play keeps your senior cat younger and fitter.

“Regularly engaging your cat in moderate play can promote muscle tone and suppleness, increase blood circulation, and help reduce weight in cats that are too heavy, ” according to Petfinder.com. Plus, play is a mood-booster that helps banish boredom.

Remember: old cats don’t usually initiate play. You need to be the spark that fires up their attention and interest.

Our Senior Advisors Pookie and Wolfie offer these tips for playing with older cats:

WandGeezerC41. Warm up before starting. Let the cat wake up, get the blood flowing, and stretch a little before starting to play. Best time to play: after a cat’s done grooming herself.

2. Use soft, gentle toys. Smaller toys are less intimidating and easier on the paws. Hard toys can be painful on aging teeth and gums. Good toys: soft toys that move in the air, like our Baby Batnips attached to a Telescoping Wand with Clip and Cord.

WandGeezerB23. Old cat? Old prey. Jerk the toy like prey, in short bursts, but closer to the cat’s paws. Younger cats will dart across the room, but geezers may not move off the couch. Make small movements with a toy under a blanket, towel or throw rug, as if the prey is peeping out; cats of all ages love this.

4. Let the cat win…sometimes. Cats like a challenge, but one they can occasionally conquer. Near wins are good too.

WandGeezerA35. Air-play is OK! It’s fine if just the paws play. Running and jumping is not required. Older cats may just swipe with a paw or two. Or roll on their back and play with their paws in the air. They’re still mentally and physically engaged.

6. Mood-boost before play. Scent up the toy. Catnip makes some cats frisky; and freeze-dried treats, crumbled and rubbed on the toy, can entice a cat’s sense of smell, just as prey would.

7. Know when to stop. Don’t let play turn sour. Your cat will let you know when it’s tired or annoyed, so take a time-out or try again the next day, maybe with a different toy. Keep play new and fun.

Finally, reward your cat after a “prey” capture or when a play period ends. Your affection, praise, and a treat can make your cat feel rewarded. Savor the victory together.

Our exclusive Telescoping Wand with Clip and Cord is ideal for senior cats, and fun for cats of all ages. Most of our cat toys have loops on them – tie one end of the cord to the loop and attach the other end to the wand and you’re all set for playtime!

Filed Under: About Cats, Catnip and Cat Toys, Featured, Tips About Cats, Catnip and Cat Toys Tagged With: catnip, old cat, tip, toy, wand

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Handmade cat toys, tents, mats, collars and more – make cats and cat lovers especially happy this gift-giving season. Tamale shows off Pawsies, our holiday ornaments with catnip tubes inside. Get in on the Holiday fun with our Santa’s Rocking Stocking Catnip Joints, Christmas Tree Cat Ornament with Silver Mice, Fish and Cat Charms and Mini-Stockings Catnip Set (all shown below).

 

Rocking Stocking
Christmas Tree Cat Ornament with Silver Mice, Fish and Cat Charms
Catnip mini-stockings

On Instagram

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  • by starkravingcat 1 day ago
    Mayonnaise cat. Tamale gets a little messy with her mayonnaise. ...  #TamaleCEO  and StarkRavingCat: hip toys, tents, gifts, ornaments, earrings, and greeting cards for cats and cat lovers, at  #starkravingcat  online and on Etsy, from  #Austin   #ATX   #txhillcountry   #starkravingranchito   #etsy   #etsyshops  See link in bio
  • by starkravingcat 3 days ago
    Tamale was not happy! After a stressful day with the good folks  @lonestarvetcare  (getting tortured with xrays and blood tests ), she was so ready to get home — only to have to wait while our friendly mail carrier blocked the driveway, loading up all our packages ⛺️ of cat toys and gifts. His van was already packed, so Jerry took a long time trying to find room for our SRC items. That’s when Tamale started losing her CEO cool . She’s not very patient . But now she’s home and napping heavily. ❤️ Happy Tamale Tuesday! . Our Etsy
  • by starkravingcat 3 days ago
    LAST DAY: go shopping NOW! We *never* hold sales on Etsy... until now. Get 20% off select items, including our Rocking Stocking Catnip Joints, Heart Ornaments, Catnip Mini-Stockings, cat lady earrings. and more! Plus free shipping on orders over $35. Tamale sez we’re nuts to do this, but she’ll try anything once. Because that’s the kind of CEO she is. Right? ❤️ . Sale on StarkRavingCat on Etsy only (not on our webshop). See links in profile ❤️❤️ .  #TamaleCEO  and  #StarkRavingCat : original toys, cat tents, earrings, and gifts for cats/cat lovers - links to our shop online and on
  • by starkravingcat 1 day ago
    Whiskers on kittens — and cat tents for all cats! These are a few of *our* favorite things ⛺️ Repost  @kpnabbers  ・・・ Showing my whiskers off in my super cool tent from  @starkravingcat  ⛺️⛺️ Happy  #whiskerwednesday  pawsies even if it is late!  #kpnabbers   #adoptdontshop   #starskyandmiika   #tuxedocatsofinstagram   #catsofinstagram   #srccattent   #srccattentclub  .  #srccattent   #cattent   #srccatmats   #srccatmat  ⛺️⛺️  #StarkRavingCat : groovy toys, and big, luxury cat tents in blue or orange And adorable cat mats. Tents and cat mats available at our webshop and now in our  #etsyshop . See link in bio
  • by starkravingcat 2 days ago
    Christmas cheer came early this year! ❤️ Ho-ho-ho! Repost  @purringblues  ・・・ Oh, the kitties are thrilled with their new toys by  @starkravingcat  ! They love the  #scatterballs  snd  #scatterballstars . Thanks  #TamaleCEO  for the rocket and so many cute cards! The pawsie looks just like them! We are loving it all. ❤  #srcpawsies   #tamales18thbirthday   #catsplaying   #HolidaySeason   #spacecat   #catballer   #purringblues   #adopted   #russianbluemix   #cats   #minou   #gato   #gatto   @purringblues  . ❤️ . StarkRavingCat: hip toys, big cat tents, gifts, ornaments,  #catniprocket , catnip piñatas, cat lady earrings, and greeting cards for cats and cat lovers, at  #starkravingcat  online and on Etsy, from  #Austin   #ATX   #txhillcountry 
  • by starkravingcat 7 hours ago
    Tamale was feeling pretty sparky ... until the dreaded Santa cap came out . . Swipe to see a few gift suggestions from Tamale, available in our StarkRavingCat shops (links in bio). Ho-ho-ho! .  #TamaleCEO  and  #StarkRavingCat : happy toys and gifts for cats/cat lovers - links to our shop online and on Etsy in bio. Handmade at  #starkravingranchito  in the  #txhillcountry  near  #Austin   #ATX   #etsy   #etsyshops  See link in bio  #carrots   #christmascatornament   #christmascattots   #catniptoys 
  • by starkravingcat 18 hours ago
    One can never have too many cat tents ⛺️ ⛺️... or cats! Repost  @promothecat  ・・・ How much does Abacus love his  @starkravingcat  tents? . .  #catsofinstagram   #greycat   #greycatsofinstagram   #srccattent   #funnycatvideos   #funnycatvideos   #catvideo  .  #srccattent   #srccattentclub   #cattent   #fridaynighttentpawty  ⛺️⛺️  #StarkRavingCat : groovy toys, and new pawsome cat tents in blue or orange Tents now available at both our webshop and our  #etsyshop . See link in bio
  • by starkravingcat 2 days ago
    Whisker Wednesday morning, with rays of sunshine on my sunshine girl Happy WW from Tamale! .  #whiskerwednesday   #TamaleCEO  and StarkRavingCat: hip toys, tents, gifts, ornaments, earrings, and greeting cards for cats and cat lovers, at  #starkravingcat  online and on Etsy, from  #Austin   #ATX   #txhillcountry   #starkravingranchito   #etsy   #etsyshops  See link in bio
  • by starkravingcat 2 days ago
    Like dessert before dinner ... Our friends  @marignycats  didn’t wait for Christmas. They look so happy! Santa brought Giant Scatterballs, Happy Butterfly and Giant Catnip Poppy, and 5-Star Catnip toys — and  @thecatball  , which only makes play periods even more wild and crazy. Look at those eyes! (Pssst: They also get a Unicorn Piñata filled with catnip toys on Christmas-lucky cats!) . .  #giantscatterballs   #giantcatnippoppy   #happybutterflycatniptoy   #starkravingcat  . StarkRavingCat: hip toys, big cat tents, gifts, ornaments, catnip piñatas, cat lady earrings, and greeting cards for cats and cat lovers, at  #starkravingcat  online and on Etsy, from  #Austin   #ATX   #txhillcountry 
  • by starkravingcat 11 hours ago
    A silly rise’n’shine slideshow from Tamale Just to make you smile - with a few gift suggestions from our hardworking CEO. Happy FriYay, furrends: be love, send love, be loved With extra purrs from Tamale and big thanks for all the love you’ve been sending to us .  #friyay   #catvideo  .  #tamaleceo  and StarkRavingCat: Handmade  #catnip   #cattoys  and catnipjoint. For your  #catmom ,  #catdad ,  #catlover ,  #instacat , from  #starkravingranchito   #Austin   #atx   #austintxlife   #txhillcountry   #etsy   #etsyshop   #starkravingcat 

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