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!

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

Halloween Cat Chic + Apartment Guide $50 PetSmart Gift Card Giveaway!

Apartment Guide offers tips for bringing a new pet into your apartment and helping them adjust to your home. If you’re ready for a whole new space or looking to move with your pet, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you search for the perfect pet-friendly apartment community.

The folks at Apartment Guide asked me to put together some tips for keeping your space pet friendly and stylish. With October just around the corner, I put together a few of my favorite cat-friendly, Halloween-themed goodies that will put you and your kitty in the festive fall spirit!



1. Felt Catnip Bats - $4, Smiling Frog Pets
2. Molti Crani Catnip Toy - $9, The Dots
3. Knit Candy Corn Catnip Mouse - $6, Viva le Chat
4. "A Hearse is a Hearse, of Curse, of Curse" Catnip Toy - $9, The Dots
5. Happy Halloween Kitty Cat ID Tag - $10, Ebonypaws
6. Black and Orange Cat Bow Tie Collar - $8, scooterKnits
7. KONG Halloween Cat Spider Teaser Toy - $7.19, PetSmart
8. Candy Corn Pet Bed - $58, SassMuffins 
9. Haunted House Cat Bed - $75, The Cat Ball

Enter To Win!



To help get your kitty started with some stylish seasonal gear (or whatever else they would like!), Apartment Guide has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a $50 PetSmart 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 Friday, October 5 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and “Like” Apartment Guide on Facebook, tweet at  them @AptGuide on Twitter, “circle” them on Google+ and follow them on Pinterest for real-time tips and updates on how to make the most of your small space.

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

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Apartment Guide provides helpful suggestions for moving to and exploring a new neighborhood with your pet. Whether you’re living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction.

Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. partner with bloggers such as me to participate in blogger programs.  As part of that program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any products 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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Halloween Cat Chic + Apartment Guide $50 PetSmart Gift Card Giveaway!

Whimsy Kitten Catnip Toy Set Giveaway!

Melanie shows off one of her Whimsy Cats!

I first fell for Whimsy Kitten (aka the artist formerly known as RadCat), when I profiled Melanie, the the kick-ass cat lady behind the brand last year. The Portland, Oregon based artist has dedicated her life to her passions, namely cats and photography, and used her creative talents to whip up a one-of-a-kind line of plush dolls and organic catnip toys out of eye-catching, reclaimed vintage fabrics.

Whimsy Kittens

Whimsy Cats

All of the supremely adorable Whimsy Kittens come with Official Adoption Certificates which list their name, birthday, likes, and adoption date (kinda like Build-a-Bear, but way cooler). The fancy felines are available in two sizes (cats and kittens), and make great accent pillows -- or snuggle bunnies, too!

Whimsy Kitten Catnip Toys

Strictly for the kitties, Melanie also makes a catnip version of the popular plushies that are a must have for hip cats of all ages!

Enter To Win!

Melanie has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a Set of 3 organic catnip filled kicker toys from Whimsy Kitten!

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, July 23rd at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to everyone, so our international friends can participate, too! One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to visit the Whimsy Kitten Etsy shop, and follow them on Facebook for updates on all of their latest designs!

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

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Whimsy Kitten Catnip Toy Set Giveaway!

The 40 Pink Cats Project

Ethel recently shared a unique idea that she came up with to celebrate her 40th birthday, called The 40 Pink Cats Project. The project is a synthesis of all of her favorite things, including cats, the color pink, photography, and writing. It's also a way for her to share her birthday with some very special kitties in her life from the East Coast (where she's originally from) and Portland (her current home).

She writes: "For my 40th birthday, I’ve hand sewn 40 pink felt cats and filled them with organic catnip and will be sharing them with my kitty friends and photographing each of them with the felt cat. (I have to admit, I didn't start to feel my age until I realized I was sewing 40 cats by hand... But each one was made with cat love!) I will begin distributing the birthday favors today and this weekend and posting the photos as I meet the cats. They have all been approved by my kitty, Ikki."

This isn't the first time Ethel has had the idea to share a welcome treat with the neighborhood kitties. For Valentine's day she handed out catnip hearts, and for Easter she distributed catnip-filled peeps and eggs.

She says, "There's something so sweet about walking away from a cat rolling around deliriously with a pink felt cat, and looking back and watching the two of them getting smaller and smaller until that pink cat is just a pink dot... knowing that you brought some joy to his or her life that day."

Ethel has started a blog to document each of the cats who receive one of her catnip kitties. Check out a few below, and catch up on all of the rest at 40pinkcats.ethelmanibo.com.

Cat #1

Since Ikki is my kitty, she always gets to *help* me make any cat treats. She approved all 40 of them, but liked this one best.

Cat #4

Sasha loved her pink cat so much, she ended up rolling around in freshly cut grass clippings until she was covered in it. She didn’t mind one bit.

Cat #14

White tabby was one of the friendliest kitties we’ve ever met. When we ran into him on a different street, he remembered us, meowed and did a rollie before continuing on his way.

Cat #20

This is Bolemy (also known as Ptolemy). He is the sweetest, most popular and brownest tabby in all of NJ. The lady cats adore him. He loved his pink cat.

Cat #29

This little dude was SOOOOOOOO excited about his pink cat. When his Mom came along, he took it in his mouth and ran away, always cautiously looking over to make sure no one would come over and take away his new treasure.

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

The 40 Pink Cats Project

5 Ways To Freshen Up Your (Cat's) Space For $25 Or Less

I have 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. This month our topic will focus on ideas for pet-friendly decorating on a dime. 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.

January is my least favorite month of the year, because it's cold and boring and there's not much to look forward to until nature begins to bloom again in the spring. With that in mind, when Apartment Guide asked me to create a "How-To Guide For Living on a Budget," I decided to pick some easy items that would help brighten up a dreary indoor space, while there's still snow on the ground.

I really wanted to find cool, interesting pieces that came in under the $25 price point, and the theme for my collection was ultimately inspired by a treat jar that looks like a tree stump. Kind of an unusual cat product for sure, but I love that it looks more like a cookie jar for humans, which could easily blend into your home without any of the "meow" motifs you're likely to find on feline decor.

1. ORE Pet Woodland Placemat :// $4.99, Wag.com

Charlie gobbles down his food as fast as he can, and it's not unusual to find remnants of his dinner everywhere, his head and the floor, included. This cute mat, which also matches the treat jar (there's a matching bowl, too), wipes up easily, camouflages crumbs, and will go a long way in alerting your guests to the earthy cat lover you really are.

2. Mee-U Organic Catnip Toy :// $8.00, GEORGE

Every kitty deserves a catnip treat, but why stick to boring designs when there's a whole world of cool nip out there to discover? For under $10, you can go to sites like Etsy, and find catnip in every design under the sun, from sushi to severed heads. In keeping with my theme of bringing the outdoors inside, I chose this cute little catnip with a goldfinch illustration on the front and a sweet passage from a vintage children's book on the back (The kitten said, "Mee-u," and rubbed against his foot. One thing is certain. We ought to go home and it looks to me as though the kitten has made up its mind to go wherever we go).

3. ORE Pet Woodland Pet Treat Jar :// $21.99, Wag.com

4. Pet Greens Garden Pet Grass Self Grow Kit :// $4.29, Petco

Do your cats enjoy munching on household plants? If you don't fully appreciate their gratis pruning services, cat grass is a wonderful, safe alternative to keep your kitty satisfied and add a little extra greenery to your home. You can buy seeds to plant yourself like the like ones shown, or pick up a plant up from your local pet store for under 5 bucks a pop.

5. Molly Meow Cat Duvet - Green & White Lattice :// $25, Wag.com

Finding a stylish bed for $25 or less was a challenge, which is why I was excited to find these great duvet covers from Molly Meow. In addition to being an inexpensive way to give new life to a cat bed you already have, you can also improvise by stuffing it with blankets and clothes from around the house (which is what your cats are probably already sleeping on anyway). The duvet covers come in four cool colors and patterns, including the bright green shade shown, and are a simple way to freshen up tired decor without shelling out a ton of cash.

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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. Bringing home a new pet? Use these ideas from Apartment Guide for how to decorate your apartment or home to make your pet feel at home. They also a guide for essential pet items to buy to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Like Apartment Guide on Facebook at facebook.com/ApartmentGuide or follow them on Twitter @AptGuide for real-time tips and updates on making the most of your space.

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.

5 Ways To Freshen Up Your (Cat's) Space For $25 Or Less

Star Wars Catnip Toys

Kitty Death Star

If you're in the market for some unique nip, look no further than The Cheeky Beastie's Etsy shop! Designer Jamie Havins creates "morbid and fun" kitty toys, ranging from the culinary (Cheeseburgers, Sushi, and Cupcakes), to the pop cultural (Twin Peaks and Star Wars), with some decapitated mouse heads thrown in for fun, too.

Using a little ingenuity and some vintage bed sheet fabric, Jamie whipped up these unofficial catnip toys that will leave your feline feeling like president of the all kitty-cat Star Wars fan club. May the force be with mew!

Hug 'Em Tug 'Em Chewbacca

Hug 'Em Tug 'Em Han Solo

Hug 'Em Tug 'Em R2-D2 and C-3PO

Star Wars Catnip Toys

Moderncat Studio Toy Review & Giveaway!

Jute Joint Jezebel

Are your cats tired of the same ol' same old when it comes to their playthings? Then maybe it's time to try out Moderncat Studio, purveyors of treats and toys for stylish kitties everywhere! The Phoenix, AZ based studio is helmed by cat-lover Kate Benjamin, who's also the brains behind the hugely popular kitty websites, Moderncat and Cattoo Design.

Moderncat Studio is dedicated to creating products that are beautiful and functional, and are handcrafted using environmentally friendly cat-safe materials and finishes. They generously sent over a sampling of toys for Charlie and Priscilla to test out, and what I immediately liked best was that in addition to the funky patterns and innovative designs, some of the toys also integrate fun sounds (rattles and bells, which my kitties love) which are very important when your cats have a short attention span!

Priscilla and Charlie Review Moderncat Studio Toys

As you can see, they loved everything - check out the "Meow!" at 0:15! I let them pick out their own toys from the box (first Priscilla, then Charlie), and they went to town! In the video they're playing with the Jingle Jute Bomb (a crowd favorite!), ModShaker Catnip Rattle Toy (also a fav), and Small ModKicker (true to its name!).

Priscilla lording over the toys

Our haul included the following items:

1. Lynks Felted Wool Cat Toy, 2 & 3. ModKickers, 4. Felt Roller, 5. Atomic Flyer, 6. ModShaker, 7. Jingle Jute Bomb, 8. Bamboleo - Re-purposed Wine Cork Cat Toys with Organic Catnip (pictured with Charlie, below).

Charlie sniffing out a Bamboleo

I have to say I was impressed with all of the toys, and my cats are obsessed! With Moderncat Studio you're getting unique designs and cool fabric patterns (that make me happy), and sturdy construction and high quality catnip for the kittehs! Win-win!

Enter To Win!

Speaking of winning, we want YOUR cat to take part in the fun too! Moderncat Studio has generously offered one lucky winner the chance to win a random assortment of the toys seen above!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.).

The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Wednesday, August 24th at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to everyone, so our international friends can enter, too! One entry per person, please.

Good luck to all, and make sure to stop by Moderncat Studio to check out their fabulous selection of luxury cat goods! For the month of August, 5% of total sales will go to All About Animals, a Phoenix, AZ based animal rescue dedicated to saving companion animals whose lives are in jeopardy, by providing rescue, foster, and adoption.

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

Disclosure: I was provided with Moderncat Studio toys for giveaway and review, but all of the opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Bonus vid: Blink and you miss it! Charlie catching the Atomic Flyer!

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Moderncat Studio Toy Review & Giveaway!

Charlie and Priscilla Review Tipsy Nip Organic Catnip Products!

What's in the box?

The folks over at Tipsy Nip Organic Catnip Products out of Burlington, Vermont, recently offered to send over some of their fine merchandise for my discriminating feline product testers to review. With their company mission statement to, "create healthy toys that make cats insanely happy," how could I say no?

Charlie surveying his majestic bounty

They sent over a wonderful selection, that included the following products to sample:

Tickle Pickle: This tummy-hugging toy is stuffed with 100% eye-crossing high potency catnip, with no poly fillers, and comes in regular (6") and XL (woah!)

Tipsy Nip Ball: A nontoxic wooden ball infused with organic catnip, nesting in organic catnip.

Tuna Sushi: A purrlicious treat for cats! Made with Bonito tuna flakes, Nori Seaweed, and Tipsy Nip. Give as a treat or put on their food for added flavor.

Organic Tipsy Nip: A straight up jar of organic catnip!

Now let's hand it over to the professionals to get their opinion!

Priscilla couldn't wait to get the Pickles out of their packaging!

Charlie employs some double paw action with the Tickle Pickle and Tipsy Nip ball!

Two seconds after this picture was taken he knocked the entire jar over with his paw

Tuna Sushi = Kitty Crack

The Aftermath. Nipped out bliss!

Charlie testing out the Tickle Pickle, Tipsy Nip Ball, and Tuna Sushi

The biggest hits in my house were definitely the Tickle Pickle, and the Tuna Sushi. Charlie isn't much of a foodie, but he was going after it likes nobody's business! I also love the idea of the wooden ball, but think it's something they'd have to get used to. I rolled it Charlie's way and he would watch it, or sometimes catch it, but after that, I'm not sure he knew what to do with it!

Overall, I was very happy with the items we received, and believe they stand up to the level of quality that is promised.

Both Charlie and Priscilla send many thanks to Tipsy Nip Organic Catnip Products for providing them with a fun, delicious, and catnip filled afternoon! For more information, or to purchase any items mentioned in this post, please visit their website at http://www.tipsynip.com!

Disclosure: Tipsy Nip Organic Catnip Products provided these items for review, but all of the opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Charlie and Priscilla Review Tipsy Nip Organic Catnip Products!