"Cats Gone Wild" with Pet Fit For Life Teaser Toys - Plus a Giveaway and Shelter Donation!

WAFFLES:  It's a swing and a miss– And the crowd goes WILD!!! AAAAAAAHHHH!

This post is sponsored by Pet Fit For Life®

WAFFLES:  No miss this time! The handsome orange mancat is the MVP of Wand Toys. 

WAFFLES:  Just look at that form, ladies. He must work out.

WAFFLES:  Let's hear it for–

KATIE:  Get ahold of yourself, Waffles. And quit talking in the third person. You're not the only cat around here who can play with a feather, you know.

WAFFLES: Whaddya mean, Boss? I thought it was just you and me here. 

KATIE:  Exactly.

KATIE:  So, Waffles. Now that you're done hogging that red feather toy, we need to talk. 

WAFFLES:  You're not breaking up with me, are you, Boss?

KATIE:  You understand that just because this wand toy has two feathers and two balls, that doesn't mean we're going to play TOGETHER. You got that?

WAFFLES:  Two feathers. Two balls. Play together. Got it, Boss! I'm so glad we're not breaking up.

KATIE:   No, Waffles. Two feathers. Two balls. ONE toy. That I'm going to play with. You just have to wait your turn.

WAFFLES:  But what about all that together stuff you were talking about?

KATIE:  Two feathers. Two balls. ONE toy. How about you go find your own feathers and toys?

WAFFLES:  Nailed it.

Introducing Pet Fit For Life Cat Teasers & Exercisers

We had no idea that when the big, puffy envelope addressed to Katie and Waffles came in the mail, we were about to hit the wand toy jackpot. And did we EVER! 

Our friends at Pet Fit For Life asked if we'd like to try out some of their toys and share our experiences with our readers. Somewhere along the line feathers were mentioned, and that's all it took!

About Pet Fit For Life

Pet Fit For Life is a brother and sister team with a vision to create products and toys that inspire pet lovers to interact and bond with their furry family members. Their toys are designed to keep pets AND their people moving, active, and healthy. 

Active play is not just about exercising your cat's body and stimulating their mind, though those are very important and wonderful things. It's about connecting with them on a much deeper level and strengthening the human-cat bond. Time spent playing is never, ever time wasted. 

The Pet Fit For Life team has taken what might be considered ordinary, everyday wand toys, and added unique features to make them more interesting to cats, easier to use, and more fun to play with.

Our Take on What Sets Them Apart from Other Similar Toys We've Played With 

Multiple Feather and Toy Attachments

Each toy comes with two or more attachments that can be played with at the same time or switched out and used individually. Not only is this fun, it will add to the longevity of the attachments.

Unique Attachments

We really love the variety of attachments offered. It's not just about feathers...though don't get us wrong, we LOVE feathers! There are SO many fun options to choose from and many of their toys come with a variety so it's almost like getting two or three toys in one.

BELLS!!! 

This just might be one of our favorite features. If you look closely at some of the photos, you'll see there is a tiny bell attached to the tip of many of the attachments. We love that it provides an audible cue in addition to the visual. Katie's eyesight isn't quite as sharp as Waffles, but she can hear a cat treat drop from over 100 feet away. So for her, this is an added benefit that has ignited her inner kitten and enabled her to play more actively than she has in a while. 

Sturdy Wands & Easy to Store

The wands/rods either telescope down or come apart in two pieces making them easy to fit into a small drawer for storage. Assembly is super easy and they stay strong and don't come apart even when Waffles is playing with them.

Comfy Handle Grip

The handle is cushiony and very comfortable to hold onto. Again, even when Waffles is playing with them.

Value

We didn't realize how reasonably priced these toys were until we visited the Pet Fit For Life Amazon Store. We must have bee too busy opening up all the exciting packages of toys! When compared to many other toys we've either been given or purchased ourselves, we were very pleasantly surprised at how much you get for your money. Just take a look below at what are only a few of the toys they offer and you'll see what we mean. Each toy with all its attachments range from about $7.95 to $11.95. And if you're an Amazon Prime member, speedy shipping is free.

TOP LEFT: Multi Feathers & One Soft Teaser/Exerciser

TOP MIDDLE: Two Fish & Feather Teaser/Exerciser

TOP RIGHT: Multi Feather Teaser/Exerciser with Snake

LOWER LEFT: Retractable Wand with Two Feathers

LOWER MIDDLE: Two Ball Feather Teaser/Exerciser

LOWER RIGHT: Five Piece Worm Teaser/Exerciser

So What Do We Think?

It doesn't take a kitty rocket scientist to look at the photos of Waffles and Katie and figure out that they love the toys. Glogirly loves them too. 

And we love their story and the thought and care they've put into making them. Toys are a remarkable thing. They bring people and pets together in a way that creates a lasting and loving bond. 

Plus, FEATHERS!

It's a Giveaway!

We're so very excited to be able to offer these wonderful toys in a special giveaway for our friends and readers! Three lucky winners will receive THREE Pet Fit For Life toys! The prizes will be a random mix of some of the toys we've featured here today. 

Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Though prizes can only ship to US addresses, we're opening the giveaway to our readers worldwide so that if anyone outside the US wins, they can gift their prize to a friend or shelter here in the US.

But Wait, There's More! 

A Special Shelter Donation

Pet Fit For Life will be making a generous toy donation to one of our favorite, local, cat-only rescue organizations here in Colorado. Angels With Paws Cat Rescue and Adoption Center in Lakewood is a small but powerful rescue organization that works hard to make a difference for cats and the people who love them. 

Funded strictly by private donations from caring people like you, they are a mostly cage-free rescue shelter that has provided over 10,000 cats with care, rehab, and safety until finding them loving forever homes.

Good luck, everyone...and thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: This post and giveaway are sponsored by Pet Fit For Life^®  which means that we were paid to create and feature this content. Regardless of the payment received, we only feature products and services we use and/or feel would be relevant to our readers. 

When Being a Brat is Normal: 6 Tips for Dealing with Displacement Aggression after a Vet Visit - Plus a FELIWAY® Giveaway

WAFFLES:  Whoa, whoa, whoa...is that you, Boss? 

This post is sponsored by FELIWAY^®

KATIE:  What do you mean, Waffles? Of COURSE it's me. 

WAFFLES:  You smell funny. Not ha-ha funny. More like...I-don't-even-know-who-you-are funny. 

KATIE:  Seriously, Waffles. I spend one afternoon at the vet and it's like you've lost your head. Not to mention your sense of smell.

Our Experience with Displacement Aggression

Years ago, after Waffles was just past kittenhood, we noticed that every time he or Katie would go to the vet, there'd be a period of time after we got home that Waffles would exhibit some very out of character behavior. 

Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky, (a.k.a Waffles), who'd ordinarily follow Katie around like she was his best friend, was all of a sudden stalking her, staring at her, hissing, and even blocking her when she'd try to walk away. This would often last for a few hours and sometimes even into the next day. Katie's behavior toward Waffles never changed, though we're sure Waffles surprising behavior caused her stress. 

Our vet explained to us that displacement aggression is quite common, even among cats who ordinarily get along great. 

It wasn't until earlier this year, when Katie underwent extensive dental surgery, that we realized how intense and long-lasting this unwanted behavior can be. Katie had three of her canines and one incisor extracted. It was a difficult and long surgery that required general anesthetic and a day-long stay at the vet. Katie did great by the way, and has since been getting along fine with her lone fang. But the aftermath of her surgery, when she came back home, was extremely difficult for Waffles. 

Katie came home smelling nothing like herself. She was on pain medication and antibiotics for about a week, which likely affected how she smelled to Waffles. But the biggest contributing factor to the way in which Waffles was acting out was the fact that Katie wasn't able to groom herself for nearly 10 days. Her mouth probably felt very different to her. She had to get used to her new normal. Even Glogirly could tell that Katie didn't smell anything like she usually does. And with a cat's sense of smell roughly 14 times more sensitive than a human's, it's no wonder Waffles was dramatically affected. 

It's easy to become frustrated when a cat is acting out and presenting unwanted behavior. This was really a test for Glogirly's patience. She had to remind herself that Waffles was confused, scared, and probably wondering what happened to his friend. Between getting used to her new mouth and getting hissed and growled at by her longtime feline companion, Katie was also confused. 

Glogirly pulled out every trick she could think of in her book to get everyone through what was an incredibly long week. 

With so many of our friends and readers going through similar veterinary procedures with their own kitties, we hope our experience and how we dealt with it will help. 

Dealing with Displacement Aggression: 

6 Tips to Restoring Peace & Harmony

1. The Ride-Along

Whenever Katie or Waffles has an appointment at the vet, they both go. This way, both come home smelling like the vet clinic. Even if Waffles never gets out of the carrier.  It's not a 100% perfect solution, but it can lessen the animosity once everyone is home.  If your clowder is much larger, perhaps bringing only the kitty who is most prone to displacement aggression along for the ride would lessen the unwanted behavior once home.

2. The Quarantine

Depending upon the degree of aggression observed once we return home from the vet, sometimes a quarantine is in order. We've never experienced anything verging on physical harm, but it's extremely stressful for all involved. In this situation, a time-out can be very beneficial. Our home office is a perfect place for a quarantine. It's a kitty-comfortable room with a litter box, food and water, plenty of windows, and a place to scratch, nap, and play. Most important, it has a door.

For regular vet visits, the quarantine may only last a couple of hours. But back in January, when Katie had her dental surgery, the quarantine became necessary for a few days. Waffles spent his time in the office, Katie had the rest of the house, and Glogirly split her time between the two.

3. Room Swapping

When it's necessary to separate cats for an extended period of time, like a day or two, a controlled room swap can be very helpful. After Katie's surgery, Waffles spent a few days in our office, separated from Katie. Once it looked like Katie was feeling up to it, Glogirly put Katie in the office for a couple of hours while Waffles could explore where Katie had been spending her time. This helped him become acquainted with her smell again. Once Waffles was done investigating, Glogirly swithed them back. 

4.  FELIWAY^® MultiCat Diffuser

If you're a regular reader of our blog, you probably know we use a number of FELIWAY^® products in our home. When it comes to displacement aggression or even just stress or tension between Waffles and Katie, we've found the FELIWAY^® MultiCat Diffuser to be extremely helpful. 

It's important to understand the difference between the FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Diffuser and the MultiCat Diffuser, especially when dealing with displacement aggression. 

The FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Diffuser provides a sense of comfort and security by creating "happy messages." The kind of comfort and security a cat feels when they rub their face against furniture, people, and even other cats. It can also give cats a sense of security when new visitors come to the house or when strange noises can be heard. 

The FELIWAY^® MultiCat Diffuser helps to reduce conflict between cats living together by creating "harmony messages." It may help decrease fighting, chasing, blocking, and even staring, which for us is the perfect storm of displacement aggression behaviors. 

5. Yes, Socks!

This is a simple and effective trick that has worked wonders for us. After vet visits, Glogirly rubs Waffles' head and mouth area with one of her unwashed socks, then rubs that scent onto Katie, and vice versa. It's all about Waffles and Katie getting comfortable with each other's scents again. Glogirly's scent is familiar and calming to them as well.

6. Patience

This is by far the hardest part. Every cat and every situation is different. When it comes to displacement aggression, it may just take an hour or two, a day or two, or even a whole week. Slow and steady wins the race. 

Enter to Win!

Have you every experienced tension, stress, or displacement aggression between your cats? If you have, we've got something special for you. We're giving away a FELIWAY^® MultiCat Diffuser Starter Kit to three lucky readers. Just enter below via Rafflecopter. 

Though prizes can only ship to US addresses, we're opening the giveaway up to our readers worldwide so that if anyone outside the US wins, they can gift their prize to a friend or shelter here in the US.

Good luck, everyone. And thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: This post and giveaway are sponsored by FELIWAY^®  which means that we were paid to create and feature this content. Regardless of the payment received, we only feature products and services we use and/or feel would be relevant to our readers. 

We are not veterinarians or animal behaviorists. We're just sharing our experiences and solutions to challenges we've faced in hopes of helping other cat families. Please seek professional veterinary help if faced with a situation you are not comfortable handling.

4 Simple Ways to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful - plus a FELIWAY® Giveaway

This post is sponsored by FELIWAY^®

WAFFLES:  Wow! Look how cute I was at the vet when I was a kitten. I'm pretty sure she had a big crush on me. 

KATIE:  Yeah, that was before you figured out that it's not always a party at the vet.

WAFFLES:  Whaddya mean, Boss? They still tell me how handsome I am and what a good boy I am.

KATIE:  Uh huh. And that's right before they pull out a needle, or share the news that you need a "dental." 

Take Your Cat to the Vet Month

Take Did you know that August is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Month? Though it's not something Katie or Waffles has high on their calendar radar, it IS a big deal to Glogirly. It's an important reminder to make sure everyone is current on their annual wellness visits. For six-year-old Waffles, that means a yearly date with our vet. At 13, Katie is considered a (shhhh!) senior cat, so she sees our vet two times a year. 

But some cats don't see a vet at all. And given how masterfully they can disguise illness and pain, many cat parents may not realize something is wrong. That's just one of the reasons we're big proponents of regular wellness exams. 

When Visiting the Vet Means Anxiety

We've all been there.

Act natural the morning of the vet visit while you calmly lure your cat into his or her carrier. A quiet and peaceful ride in the car, followed by a zen-like calm in the veterinary clinic waiting area. Yeah, right.

It doesn't matter how hard you try to hide the fact that you're going to the vet. 

They know. They know. They know.

4 Easy Tips for Creating Calm

Even the most easygoing of cats can experience stress and anxiety. Waffles is a purr-fect example. Come over to our house and he'll be showering you with love and head butts in no time. Try and get him to the vet and his sweet and fun-loving demeanor goes out the window. We've got 4 easy tips that make a big difference for us in lowering the stress level on those vet visit days.

Half the battle of getting your kitty calmly to the vet is getting them comfortable with their carriers. We leave ours out and open in the house 24/7 and as shocking as this may sound, both Katie and Waffles have gotten so used to them now, they LOVE hanging out in them. They nap in them and sometimes will even sleep through the night in them. 

How to create a friendly bond between your cat and his carrier:

1. Leave the carrier out and open in a quiet room of your house. We keep ours in a large walk-in closet.
2. Make the inside of carrier cozy with a comfy pad or blanket.
3. Use FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Spray in and around the carrier. The spray leaves an odorless message called a Feline Facial Pheromone. These happy messages provide comfort and security. Just what you want to help them feel comfortable and safe in their carriers. Be sure to let the spray dissipate for about 15 minutes before letting your cat in the area. 

FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Spray is also our secret weapon for car rides. About 15-20 minutes before we're leave the house, Glogirly will spray the inside of the car and then leave it with the doors open for the spray to dissipate. 

We're not going to say our car rides are 100% peaceful, but it sure does help. 

Another tip that has worked wonders for us is to take a few car rides here and there where we don't really go anywhere. Just a drive down the canyon road and back helps Katie and Waffles to realize that not ALL car rides end up at the vet. 

Sometimes the anticipation is the worst part. Katie and Waffles are usually silent in the waiting area. But that doesn't mean they're not feeling anxiety. They're just quiet about it.

Here are a few tips to help with the wait:

1. Keep your cats inside their carriers in the waiting area. It's where they will feel the safest, especially with other animals and people coming and going. 
2. If you have an option to visit a feline-only veterinary clinic, go for it! Our vet is feline-only and the difference in the overall energy and vibe in the clinic and waiting area is night and day compared to what we were used to. There actually is a zen-like calm. No hustle bustle of dogs on leashes, no barking. Cats are so much quieter and pretty much keep to themselves inside their carriers.
3. If you don't have the option of visiting a feline-only practice, suggest to your vet that they create a cat-only portion of the waiting area, separate from where the dogs wait. Our previous vet had cat-only exam rooms and dog-only exam rooms. Though still not quite as good as a feline-only clinic, it made a big difference.

Ok, now that you're done ooohing and aaahing over our vet's gorgeous exam room, you can stop to take a peek at what's plugged into the outlet. LOL!

Every veterinary practice we've visited have all used FELIWAY^® products to help create a safe and calm environment for their feline patients. In fact, that's where we first learned about them.

There are FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Diffusers plugged in inside each exam room at our current clinic, as well as one in the waiting area. With so many foreign smells, unfamiliar people, and activity, it helps to provide a sense of comfort and security. 

You've probably seen your cat rub their face against corners, furniture and even you. As they mark their territory, they leave an odorless message called a Feline Facial Pheromone. These happy messages provide comfort and security. The FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Spray and the FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Diffuser mimic these pheromones. It's almost as if your cat has already been in the room, marking things up with their own scent.

Now for the FUN - It's a Giveaway!
In celebration of Take Your Cat to the Vet Month, our friends at FELIWAY^® have a super fun giveaway for us to offer. Three lucky winners will receive a FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Spray and their adorable Nuzzle Buddy toy.

The Nuzzle Buddy is tested and approved by Waffles. He love hiding his toys under things and then stalking them and pouncing on them. The Nuzzle Buddy is perfect for this. The plush kitty head is attached to a small blanket that you can drape over things or hide toys under. 

Though prizes can only ship to US addresses, we're opening the giveaway up to our readers worldwide so that if anyone outside the US wins, they can gift their prize to a friend or shelter here in the US.

Good luck, everyone...and thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by FELIWAY^®  which means that we were paid to create and feature this content. Regardless of the payment received, we only feature products and services we use and/or feel would be relevant to our readers. 

Belated Birthday Bash Giveaway

WAFFLES:  Hey, Boss! Lookee who came to Glogirly's birthday party! 

KATIE:  I don't think those are party guests, Waffles. 

WAFFLES:  So if they're not guests, I can eat them, right?

KATIE:  No, you can't eat them. They're prizes for our Birthday Giveaway.

WAFFLES:  We're giving away a birthday? COOL! Glogirly said she didn't want her birthday this year on account of there being so many candles and all. And there's a fire ban in the mountains.

KATIE:  You can't give away a birthday, Waffles. 

WAFFLES:  Glogirly thinks someone will take hers. She said she'd even pay–

KATIE:  Yeah, that's not really how it works.

It's a Birthday GIVEAWAY

Yesterday was our girl's birthday so we decided to celebrate with our favorite kind of giveaway. What could be more fun and pink than a bunch of cool GLOGIRLY swag???  Each time we've shared photos of our swag on Facebook, or hosted a giveaway of the coveted pink stuff, SO many of our friends and readers have wanted to know how to get their paws on some of their own. We still have a tiny stash we've been saving for just the right occasion. And today's the day! 

Four Winners & Open Worldwide

Ok, not exactly elebenty-hundred... but  lucky winners will receive a prize package worth MILLIONS of... 

...smiles. What? You were thinking millions of dollars?? HAHA!!! 

Our giveaway is open worldwide and each prize will be lovingly packaged right here in the Colorado Rockies. NOTE: Winners may select a small tuft of tuxedo or orange tabby fur. 

KATIE:  WHAT??? 

WAFFLES:  Cool, Boss! I'll get your fur tufts ready, ok?

The LOOT!

1. Genuine GLOGIRLY Swag Bag

Just the right size for lunch, snacks.... or half of Waffles.

2. Officer Katie & Waffles Greeting Card

Our most popular greeting card from the Glogirly Zazzle Shop featuring our favorite and most shared photo.

3. Limited Edition CatBell & Pen

Because sometimes you just need more catbell.

4. Waffles & Katie Mini Fan Cards

Bound to be valuable collectors items, these sweet little cards feature Waffles gobbling his chicken legs and Katie looking lovely in her diamond daisy tiara.

KATIE:  But wait, there's more? There's always more.

5. BONUS! 

Each winner will also receive a catnip mouse in their swag bag. Either Cotton Candy Pink Miss Mouse or Mr. Chocolate Mousse Mouse.

Good luck everyone! 

And thank you SO much for letting us into your inboxes and hearts. 

You mean the world to us. xoxo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrating the 4th of July with a FELIWAY® FUReedom from Fear Giveaway

This post is sponsored by FELIWAY^®

KATIE:  Are they here yet? The flag is out by the front door. Red, white and blue decorations. There's a fresh FELIWAY^® CLASSIC diffuser plugged in. And Glogirly is CLEANING THE GUEST ROOM. 

WAFFLES:  COOL! Houseguests! I call firsties on suitcase sniffing.

KATIE:  Waffles, I don't think you understand. It's almost July 4th. 

WAFFLES:  You mean like the 4th of July?

KATIE:  I mean like loud noises. Big booms. Fireworks. 

WAFFLES:  Wait. What? When???

Purr-fect for the 4th of July

We plan on having plenty of FELIWAY^® at the ready for our holiday celebration. Between new visitors and houseguests, new smells and lots of noise, the stress level will be rising for Katie and Waffles. Katie doesn't seem to mind strange noises so much, but she's very timid and even scared around new people. Waffles is usually a social butterfly and warms up to new people quickly, but for him, strange noises send him running for a safe place.

In addition to our FELIWAY^® CLASSIC diffuser, we'll be using our spray in the entrances to our home, rooms where guests will be spending time, and even on their suitcases. (!) 

We always make sure there's a safe, quiet, and private place for Katie and Waffles to retreat to if they're feeling stressed or scared. For them, their favorite space is in the master bedroom closet. That's where some of their beds and toys are and it's adjacent to a room with a litter box. We've got a separate litter box on the other end of the house for guests. (LOL!) 

How Does It Work?

Cats communicate through natural messages released in the air called pheromones. These pheromones give them a sense of safety and belonging. And safety is key when it comes to the stress of loud noises and new people and smells that often accompany 4th of July celebrations.

FELIWAY^® mimics three naturally occurring feline pheromones, or "messages."

FELIWAY^® CLASSIC - Happy Messages

You've probably seen your cat rub their face against corners, furniture and even you. As they mark their territory, they leave an odorless message called a Feline Facial Pheromone. These happy messages provide comfort and security. FELIWAY^® CLASSIC is perfect for when houseguests arrive!

FELIWAY^® MultiCat - Harmony Messages

Momma cats communicate with their kittens through natural messages released into the air. These Cat Appeasing Pheromones help to maintain harmony and social bonds between cats of all ages.

FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY^® - Territory Messages

As you might expect, this is how cats communicate with each other. For example, when they scratch an object in their space, they leave both visible (like scratch marks) and invisible Territory Messages that indicate this is mine. 

FUReedom from Fear Giveaway

We're celebrating the 4th of July holiday with a special pick-you-own giveaway. Enter via Rafflecopter and choose from three of our favorite FELIWAY^® products to help keep your kitties feeling calm and safe. 

• FELIWAY^® MultiCat Diffuser
• FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Diffuser
• FELIWAY^® CLASSIC Spray

Though prizes can only ship to US addresses, we're opening the giveaway up to our readers worldwide so that if anyone outside the US wins, they can gift their prize to a friend or shelter here in the US.

Good luck, everyone...and thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by FELIWAY^®  which means that we were paid to create and feature this content. Regardless of the payment received, we only feature products and services we use and/or feel would be relevant to our readers. 

7 Tips to Kitty Bliss - De-Stress Your Pet Giveaway

WAFFLES:  Hey Boss, do I stress you out?

KATIE:  Only when we're in the same room, Waffles. 

WAFFLES:  How about in the same window sill? 

This post is sponsored by FELIWAY®

Our friends and readers who have been with us over the years are no strangers to Katie and Waffles' often complicated relationship. They've come a long way since way back in 2012 when a spirited orange kitten named Waffles moved into the family, much to Katie's chagrin, and started taking our blog by storm. 

We like to think we have a very peaceful and calm home. And for the most part, we do. But even still, stress is no stranger to us. We've heard from many of you who have experienced the same. Stress can sneak its way into your home in the most subtle of ways. It's not all sunshine, rainbows and catnip. Especially for cats. 

That includes Katie and Waffles. 

What some cat parents don't realize is that many unwanted behaviors can actually be a cat's natural reaction to stress. Things like fighting at food time or inappropriate scratching are just a couple examples of behaviors commonly linked to stress. Not knowing what to do about it makes it even more stressful for pets and their humans.

April is De-Stress Your Pet Month

We're helping our friends at FELIWAY®  share some very simple tips on how to create a peaceful and calm home for your and your cats. Our 7 Tips to Kitty Bliss can absolutely help to improve and maintain the well being and happiness of your furry family members in ways that are incredibly easy to incorporate into your daily lives.

7 Tips to Kitty Bliss 

1. Mitts Off My Dish!

If there's ever a time for stress to enter center stage, it's mealtime. At least that's how it is for us. Maintaining individual food and water locations can help reduce that mealtime animosity. Not only do Katie and Waffles have their own food dishes and watering stations, we make sure they can't see each other when eating. Their food dishes are positioned on opposite sides of the kitchen island so that neither of them feel the need to look over their shoulders.

2. Food, Glorious Food

It's truly remarkable what a game changer a good diet can be. As obligate carnivores, cats nutritional needs are not only very specific to their species, but crucial for them to thrive and survive. As we've transitioned Waffles and Katie to a protein rich diet, we've noticed they're so much more satisfied. In fact, they rarely beg for food or treats anymore. Eating a healthy and protein rich diet is something we believe contributes to their overall well being and longevity.

3. Serenity Now

Sometimes Katie and Waffles love to get away from it all. It's important for any cat to have a place they can retreat to where they feel comfortable and safe. We keep their cozy carriers in a large walk-in closet. It's quiet, private and given it's the warmest room in the hose, it's the perfect spot for napping, sleeping and safely hiding out when the plumber is here or houseguests have arrived.

Keeping their carriers open and accessible also helps to define them as more than just a means of transport to the vet. Katie and Waffles are so comfortable in theirs in fact, they sleep in them just about every night. 

4. He Must Work Out

By now Glogirly is thinking these tips aren't just appropriate for cats. Good food, her own dish, a comfy bed, and exercise. Let's hope she's paying attention!

We've lost count of how many times we've been told by vets and behaviorists that play is often the answer to any number of unwanted behaviors. Animosity between cats and destructive behavior can be curtailed quickly with just a little daily playtime. Tiring them out both physically and mentally is key. Play helps tap into their instinctual behaviors to hunt and stalk. Not only will this help to cut down on that unwanted behavior, it will also help to strengthen the human-cat bond. 

5. Puzzle Power

Cats, especially Waffles, aren't necessarily the best at multitasking. Food puzzles keep them busy and occupied. 

6. Chopin for Cats

Glogirly often has music playing throughout the house. She's found it to be a soothing alternative to the overabundance of news on TV. And whenever she leaves the house, she always puts on classical music for Katie and Waffles. The sound can make them feel less alone and can also mask scary sounds like planes, trains, and automobiles. 

7. Scratch, Scratch, Scratch

Cats need to scratch. It's instinctual. Most cat parents don't want this kind of instinctual attention paid to their sofas and chairs though. Scolding them for scratching the furniture and not providing an appropriate alternative can cause stress for cats and their humans. We keep some kind of scratching post in every room of the house. 

FELIWAY®-Another Secret Weapon for Stress

In addition to these simple tips, FELIWAY® products can further help bring a sense of calm to your furry family and alleviate many stress-related behaviors. We use their products all the time. In the house, in the car, even our vet uses them in her clinic. 

How Does It Work?

Cats communicate through natural messages released in the air called pheromones. These pheromones give them a sense of safety and belonging.

FELIWAY® mimics three naturally occurring feline pheromones, or "messages."

Happy Messages

You've probably seen your cat rub their face against corners, furniture and even you. As they mark their territory, they leave an odorless message called a Feline Facial Pheromone. These happy messages provide comfort and security. 

Harmony Messages

Momma cats communicate with their kittens through natural messages released into the air. These Cat Appeasing Pheromones help to maintain harmony and social bonds between cats of all ages.

Territory Messages

As you might expect, this is how cats communicate with each other. For example, when they scratch an object in their space, they leave both visible (like scratch marks) and invisible Territory Messages that indicate this is mine. 

Pick-Your-Own Giveaway!

We're celebrating De-Stress Your Pet Month with a special GIVEAWAY!

Since we love and use all of their products, we're giving three lucky winners a FELIWAY® product of their choice.

Enter via Rafflecopter to win your choice of any one FELIWAY® product:

• FELIWAY® MultiCat Diffuser
• FELIWAY® Diffuser
• FELIWAY® Spray
• FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY®

Though prizes can only ship to US addresses, we're opening the giveaway up to our readers worldwide so that if anyone outside the US wins, they can gift their prize to a friend or shelter here in the US.

Good luck, everyone...and thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To learn more, visit www.de-stressyourpet.com. FELIWAY® is available at your veterinary hospital, PetSmart or local pet retailer.

FTC Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by FELIWAY®, which means that we were paid to create and feature this content. Regardless of the payment received, we only feature products and services we use and/or feel would be relevant to our readers.