Allie

There’s no getting around that fact. Part of it is her breed**, but most of it is probably because she used to finish the other cats’ food when we lived with two more…

*but she’s really, really cute
**Norwegian Forest Cat

But that’s not the problem.

The problem is that she scarfs her food. Inhales. Think vacuum cleaner on steroids. And then…

Then…

Well, you can imagine the noise that strikes fear into the hearts of all cat owners and sends them running to throw the cat outside or at least onto the linoleum… her older tummy can’t quite handle the incoming torrent of food anymore…

SlimCat Ball

How does one slow down a vacuum cleaner?

With this: the SlimCat ball by Multivet (we have the pink one… ooo… ahh…).

I put her food into one end (a cap screws off to get the food in there relatively easily), button it up, and give it to her in a deep-dish pie plate. Why the pie plate? Because I don’t want to sweep, vacuum, and mop twice a day after she eats.

The pie plate keeps the ball contained. It’s shallow enough for her to eat out of comfortably, deep enough to contain the ball when she whacks it, and big enough to let her push the ball around.

Yes, she really uses it.

It took her about a day to figure out how to use it:

And then another day or two to stop moping around sullenly with a distinct, “you’re not serious, are you?” look on her face. The size of the holes where the food falls out are adjustable, so any time I change food, it needs to be recalibrated (which takes all of two seconds).

(Yes, I was listening to the radio while filming this. Yes, that is Mr. Bon Jovi that you are hearing. No, I’m not apologizing for my 80s addiction. Yes, I’ll remember to turn off the radio next time.)

Used for treats, too.

Well, I don’t use it for treats. But I suppose one could (that’s how they market this thing). Again, I have no desire to chase the crumbs from the food (or from her) all over the house. Perhaps if one had an enclosed concrete patio? But then again, don’t they call that a dog run?

The verdict.

I love it and absolutely recommend it. She’s been using it for over a year now and the ball is still in great condition.

To get it ask your local pet store or go online and search for SlimCat Ball by Multivet.

No, I don’t get paid for recommending anything. Promise.

Questions? Contact us at (503) 737-7883 or catcarepdx AT gmail DOT com

twitter @catcarepdx

Is your cat hiding in the darkest corner of your house, too?

We’re not the ones wearing fur coats through this heat. What to do? Ice water for everyone! But cats don’t usually like ice cubes floating around in their water dish (they’re funny like that).

How does this work?

Le Bistro Self Waterer

My cat’s primary water bowl is actually  a one-gallon self waterer from Le Bistro (pictured). This is convenient year round and ensures my pet always has water. But it gets even more convenient in this heat.

1. Fill the water jug (that sits on top) 3/4 full of water; place in freezer overnight.
   *Important: always leave plenty of water in the bowl overnight!
2. The next morning, top off the jug with cold water; place on the self waterer as usual.

Throughout the day, the ice will melt keeping the water in the dish nice and cool!

Your kitty says, “Thank you!”

Questions? Contact us at (503) 737-7883 or catcarepdx AT gmail DOT com

twitter @catcarepdx