PetSmart Halloween Costume And Cat Toy Review & Giveaway!

October is my favorite month of the year, and now that it's finally arrived, I'm officially allowed to start talking about Halloween!



A few weeks ago, PetSmart offered to send Charlie and Priscilla Halloween costumes of their own, and who am I to deny my beloved kitties the chance to express themselves?



Actually, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have been too upset if the email had been accidentally deleted from my inbox, but still, I forged ahead with the absurdly difficult task of choosing costumes that would uniquely complement their individual styles (in case you hadn't noticed, I take the cat Halloween costume selection process very seriously).



Every year I've noticed an appreciable increase in feline-friendly costumes that are designed to fit a cat's body shape. Although doggie sized suits still reign, I was pleasantly surprised to find an awesome selection of cat costumes on the PetSmart site, ranging from a clown and pirate, to the cutest darn sailor you've ever seen.



If I had my way, Priscilla would have donned a fairy outfit complete with wings and a tutu, but in the interest of not losing an arm, I opted for the pretty princess hat, complete with fancy jewels and festive sprig of tulle shooting out of the top.


Princess Priscilla

Charlie, on the other hand, the sweetheart of our family, also has a devilish side that I thought would be brought of purrfectly by the devil hood. The red cap, with a velcro closure, benefits from sparkling red sequins and black feather accents, and even has a dapper little bow-tie on the neck.


Charlie the Lil' Devil

One thing to keep in mind when selecting a costume for your cat is their comfort level, and what will suit their needs. I happen to know that Priscilla is ok wearing hats (pop one on her head and she strikes a fierce pose), but would not be comfortable wearing an outfit, so I chose accordingly. Also, costumes are fun for photo-ops, but not recommended for long term wear. They should always be worn under supervision.



Once our photo shoot ended, the cats were rewarded with some adorable Halloween catnip toys from the Martha Stewart Pets collection. The feathered jingle witch and pumpkin immediately drew Prissy's attention, while the jumbo mouse was a hit with Charlie, the bunny kick champion.


I love you, jingle pumpkin!

Enter To Win!

PetSmart has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win some Halloween goodies, including a cat costume and toys!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please. 

Good luck, and be sure to visit the PetSmart website or store near you to help get your kitty into the Halloween spirit!

If you have trouble leaving a comment, please email me at catsparella@gmail.com.

Disclosure: PetSmart provided us with costumes and toys to review, but all opinions and festive felines in this post are my own.

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PetSmart Halloween Costume And Cat Toy Review & Giveaway!

Neko Flies Cat Toy Review & Giveaway!

Priscilla eyeing the kragonfly.

My kitties are big fans of wand toys that they can hunt, pounce, and leap for, so when Neko Flies recently asked if we'd like to test out some of their products, I knew I couldn't say no without seriously hissing Charlie and Priscilla off.  

Neko Flies was started in 2007 by founder Ellen Tsuyuki, who decided to create a toy that would measure up to her cats needs. After working with her trusty feline advisors, Nekochan, Chiquita, Timmy and Bubba, she created the unique line of interactive toys tailored to make both kitties and their owners happy. Neko Flies are touted for being realistic looking with lifelike movements, and appealing to a cat's natural hunting instinct. All of the toys promise a fun, interactive bonding experience for you and your cat, plus they come with super cute names like "foxifur kittenator" and "kattipede." 

In case you haven't noticed, I've been a little Vine-happy lately (follow me @catsparella!), and couldn't resist taking a few videos of Priscilla getting her kittenish swagger on. She might be 12-years-old, but homegirl doesn't look a day over 8. 

Here she is testing out the Foxifur Kittenator with rod:


Priscilla pouncing for the Foxifur Kittenator (Thank to my mom for the Homer Simpson-esque commentary in this one).

And giving the Kragonfly attachment a spin:

Going belly up for the Kragonfly attachment. As predicted, the "realistic gliding dragonfly that shimmers in the air!" was too much for her to resist. 

Enter To Win!


Kattipede Toy with Rod

Our friends at Neko Flies have generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader (and their kitty!) the chance to win a kattipede toy and rod of their very own!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Tuesday, July 30 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to visit the Neko Flies website to check out their entire range of fun toys for your frisky feline!

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, please email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

Disclosure: I received the Neko Flies products seen here for review and giveaway, but all opinions and cat bellies contained in this post are my own. 

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Neko Flies Cat Toy Review & Giveaway!

10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For The Cat Lover In Your Life

Cats Love Me T-Shirt, Wider Awake
Present your favorite cat person with the ultimate compliment, in the form of a shirt proclaiming their popularity with the feline species (which as we all know, is the hardest won affection of all!)


Assorted Cat Toys, PetSmart.com
Help spread the love with every purchase from PetSmart's exclusive Luv-A-Pet Valentine's Day collection. 10% of the sales from the pink and red feline feather toys go to PetSmart Charities in the US and Canada to help save homeless pets.


Valentine Sugar Cookies, MoonLight Cookie Art
You could give your Valentine the same old flowers and candy, or you can choose to delight their senses with a batch of artisanal sugar cookies that are *almost* too gorgeous to eat. Each colorful cookie is unique, hand decorated and embellished with fine sugar crystals, and baked with high quality ingredients, including organic eggs, butter, flour, cream and pure vanilla. 


Ceramic Cat Necklace, Jasmin Blanc Boutique
Erika Iozsa's handmade, ceramic clay necklaces remind me of vintage cat figurines, except that instead of admiring them on the shelf, you can actually display them around your neck. The miniature pieces of art come in a variety of gorgeous colors, including "Chat Noir" (shown above), red and gold, and an array of creamy pastels.


Floating Hearts Valentine Cat Hat, Stylin' Dogs Boutique
Surprise your Valentine with a romantic note that's custom made to fit your kitty's head. The conversation hearts are affixed to a crocheted cap, that will keep your cat feeling cozy. Plus, this is one charitable fashion statement, with 10% of the shop's sales going to benefit the ASPCA.


Box o' Catnip Chocolates, The Gallant Grizzly
Just because they can't indulge in a Whitman's sampler, doesn't mean your kitty can't still feel the love. This hand-stitched felt toy set is filled with 100% organic catnip, "guaranteed to win the lion heart of every feline."


Be Mine Meow T-Shirt, Economy Grocery
Show your potential love interest that you're a smitten, with a retro style tee that pops the question with kittens.

Assorted cat cosmetics (sold separately), Paul and Joe Beauty
Your sweetheart will be looking and feline fine with these assorted cat-themed cosmetics by Paul & Joe. The limited edition make-up line includes cat print pressed powder, eye color, a lipstick case, and cosmetic bag, along with a cat shaped blusher stick to give them a rosy glow.


Hello Kitty Lingerie and Accessories 
Hello Kitty has been around for nearly 40 years, and Sanrio wants fans to know that they have the purrfect gift for everyone who has grown up loving her. If you're feeling racy, the Hanky Panky for Hello Kitty collection features lacy thongs, babydolls, and bralettes, or visit Sanrio.com for adorable accessories like an eye mask, retro phone headset, and train case that are pink, red, and kitty all over.


Tuxedo Stan Valentine Card #1
You might remember Tuxedo Stanley, the kitty candidate who ran for mayor of Halifax last year in an effort to highlight the plight of homeless animals. Sadly, Stan was recently diagnosed with cancer, yet he remains steadfast to his mission as he undergoes chemo treatments. 

You can help support his efforts by making a purchase from the Tuxedo Stan store, that features several Valentine's Day-inspired items, including greeting cards, a catnip mouse in a tuxedo gift box, or an adorable Tuxedo Stan minion plush, that comes with a “Tuxedo Stan for Mayor” button and a Certificate of Authenticity “signed” by the cat himself. For the ultimate gift experience, consider going "BALLS OUT" or "BEAT THE HEAT" with a donation to sponsor a spay or neuter surgery, that comes complete with a high-quality certificate, suitable for framing.

All profits from the sale of Stan Stuff are used by Spay Day HRM, a not-for-profit society in Nova Scotia. The Spay Day Program is a special initiative to address the cat over-population crisis in Halifax Regional Municipality by assisting students and low-income families to spay and neuter their cat.

Looking for Valentine's Day card ideas? Check out my previous post: 12 Cat-Themed Valentine's Day Cards To Help Show You Care

10 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For The Cat Lover In Your Life

Get Your Kitty Supercharged For Spring + $100 AmEx Gift Card Giveaway!

I've partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger! As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles filled with tips for living on a budget.

It's springtime, and I'm officially done being cooped up inside - or at least ready to make time to step out for a few minutes and get some fresh air. But what about your indoor cats? It's not like they have the pleasure of visiting cat parks, and many only leave the house once or twice a year to go to the dreaded vet. Since my Apartment Guide posts are about living on a budget and keeping your cat happy and healthy in any space, I was inspired to offer of a few ideas on how to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated this season, no matter what kind of environment you live in.

Charlie on-the-go!

Exploring the outdoors is a no-no for many indoor cats, but what if it can be done in a safe and comfortable way? Taking your cat for a walk on a harness and leash is a great way to help them burn energy and socialize, while also keeping them (and you) in tip top shape. Cat behaviorist and "My Cat From Hell" star Jackson Galaxy extolls the virtues of leash training, although he warns it may require some behavior modification on behalf of the owner and the cat. Last year, Galaxy worked with New York Times writer Stephanie Clifford to leash train her cat Mac, and also offered some tips on how to get started in the process. Before you set off on your journey, make sure you have the right gear, and choose a safe area away from free-roaming dogs. You'll also want to keep a close eye on your cat to make sure they don't attempt to climb any trees, or chew or ingest anything they shouldn't when they're out on the prowl.

For the cat who's not quite as active, a stroller is another possible way to give them the taste of the outdoors without really putting paw to concrete. Once again, it really depends on the personality of your cat, and what they feel comfortable with. My cat Charlie enjoys a short jaunt around the block where he can catch the breezes and check out the birds, but will start to fuss once the stroller stops moving. I've heard stories of other cats who are able to attend different events like parades and festivals in their strollers, and others still who don't tolerate the experience at all. Listen to your kitty (and your gut) to see what works for you, and prepare to have some fun with the neighbors when they ask to see your fur "baby"!

Sure your cat has a million and one toys, but are they the right ones? Out of the zillions of options in my house, Charlie's favorite (and cheapest) toy is still a plain old plastic spring. I wrote a post about how the original green coil took a permanent vacation a few months back, but since then a new package has been purchased, the contents of which are usually half missing. He literally plays with these things for hours on end, but I'm still not sure who gets more of a workout: Him running around and batting them all over the house, or me fetching them from under the furniture.

On the other hand, Priscilla doesn't touch them at all, and prefers to get her rocks off with a furry mouse that brings her immeasurable joy. The point I'm making is, if your cat's toys aren't driving them to pounce around like a kitten again, maybe it's time to do some experimenting to find out what does the trick. Try out different brands of catnip, get a wand (it will also give your arm a nice workout!), or invest in an electronic toy to rev up your cat's predatory instinct. Just like little kids, not all cats like playing with the same toys, so mix it up and open up a whole new world of fitness for your finicky feline.

Enter to Win!

Throughout the Apartment Guide How-To Guide for Living on a Budget series, I've given ideas on cool kitty decor (for cats and humans), offered ways to get your kitty cat craft on, suggested tips on moving with cats (presented by kitties in boxes, natch), and even fashioned Charlie his own DIY cat palace using little more than a discarded peanut box from Costo and some scrapbooking paper.

As a thank you for following the series, and to give you the chance to splurge on some goodies of your own, Apartment Guide has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a $100 American Express gift card!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.). The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Monday, April 2nd at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents aged 18 and up only. One entry per person, please.

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Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers how-to tips for making the most of a space for you and your pet on a budget on http://www.movingtoday.com and http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog.

If you’re ready for a whole new space or are looking to move, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect pet-friendly apartment community.

Like Apartment Guide on Facebook at facebook.com/ApartmentGuide, follow them on Twitter @AptGuide, and "circle" them on Google+ for real-time tips and updates on making the most of your space and living on a budget.

Disclosure: Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

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Get Your Kitty Supercharged For Spring + $100 AmEx Gift Card Giveaway!

The Island of Lost Kitty Toys

"Springy"

I had fully intended to write a post about Charlie's new obsession - a bright green plastic spring - but recent developments have turned this into a post of another sort, about what happens to cat toys when they go to die.

Truth be told, I first received the spring over the summer at BlogPaws in a goodie bag, thoughtfully prepared by our friends at Curlz and Swirlz... and Coffee Cats n' Yarn. Among cat food, a cool wooden top (also a big hit), and assorted other cat distractions, Charlie's paws down favorite gift was the tiny lime colored coil, simple in nature and measuring no more than two inches in length.

"Springy," as he (yes, HE) is affectionately known has been MIA for quite awhile, along with Charlie's other favorite toy, "Witchy" - an orange ball with a bell inside, with a black witch's hat on its head and one eye still stuck on its face. Although he has tons of other beautiful, high quality (and non-missing) toys, this weekend I decided to go on a a quest to seek out his old pals, who were probably nestled away somewhere, just out of paws reach.

Flashlight and hot pink yardstick in hand, I flatted myself out on the floor and made my first stop: under the stove. Lo and behold, among the dust bunnies and wayward fur mice, the little green coil emerged (Witchy is still on the lam).

Charlie played with that coil all week, for HOURS on end, chasing it in circles and adorably toting it around in his mouth - and I spent no less than half of that time back on the floor, fishing it out from under appliances and pieces of furniture. Barricades were made; "Why are there tin foil boxes lined up in front of the stove?" some may have wondered, but no matter what I tried, that damn spring kept finding itself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I planned on writing a post about Springy today, focusing on why Charlie is so obsessed with it, and asking, "Is your cat obsessed with something, too?" But as of yesterday, Springy has gone missing again - and I fear that this time it's for good.

My favorite theory is that Priscilla is hiding him in her furry tummy pouch, just to make Charlie's life a little bit more miserable - but maybe like socks, cat toys like Springy and Witchy have their own secret portal under the stove or the couch, where they go to retire when they've had enough. An island, where they're allowed to bask in the sun alongside all of the other missing mice, milk rings, and hair elastics, secure in the knowledge that they lived a good life being the favorite toy of a little black cat in New Jersey who loved them so.

The Island of Lost Kitty Toys