ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

Why is it when you go into a pet store, you can find lots of items relating to dogs, but very little relating to cats? I'm not talking about food, but items that keep them active. My cats find most cat toys boring. They love a small ball that really bounces, but usually lose them. The more I throw them though, the faster they wear themselves out and seem to enjoy life. It would be nice to keep them away from the soft stuff like toilet paper. What's on the market that keeps a cat's interest, and that I don't have to necessarily take part in? -- Denny, Tucson, AZ

Dear Denny,

Even though cats are the most popular pets in the U.S., they have had always had to play second fiddle to dogs when it comes to pet products. But that's changing, and while you may not find everything that's produced for cats on store shelves, you can find lots of products and toys for them online.

If you want to keep a cat's interest when you are not around, then step up their game by searching online for puzzle or interactive cat toys. Just like with dogs, cats need to be mentally-stimulated and physically active to stay healthy and happy, and these types of toys engage them on many levels and result in long-lasting play. For example, there are mazes and circuit tracks in various shapes (circular, s-shaped, and stacked tracks) where a cat can push around a loose ball that stays inside the toy, which keeps the ball from rolling under the sofa.

There are puzzle games with increasing levels of difficulty, depending on your cat's aptitude, where he or she can try to retrieve a treat or remove a ball or toy from an opening inside the toy. Kong makes several circular toys for cats that have lights and sounds and roll across the floor while cats bat balls circling tracks or fishing with their paws for treats to eat. Also, look for toys that have built-in feather teasers. A cat can hardly walk by a feather teaser without giving it a smack.

You also will find automatic rotating laser lights with multiple patterns, multiple speeds, and 360-degree play so your cat can swat the laser light materializing on your floors and walls.

So, check out these options online and see if you can find something your cat will approve. Of course, cats love cardboard boxes too, so you could simply put one of those bouncy balls in a box so your felines can chase it around the bottom.

Dear Cathy,

Wouldn't it be better on a dog's neck to use a harness versus a collar when walking your dog? I realize some dogs may not need one because they are good walkers. I saw one gentleman jerking on his dog's regular collar. It seems like it's a no brainer (to switch to a harness). -- John, Las Vegas, NV

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