Sara Seitz, Author at Catster https://www.catster.com/author/sara-seitz/ Cat care guides and Shop by Veterinarians and Experts Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:27:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-Catster-website-icon-32x32.png Sara Seitz, Author at Catster https://www.catster.com/author/sara-seitz/ 32 32 WaggleCam Pro Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/wagglecam-pro-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/wagglecam-pro-review/#respond Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:08:01 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=642363 The post WaggleCam Pro Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

With so many pet camera options available these days, you may be wondering what the best one is to keep tabs on your tabby while you’re away. Since most pet feeder cams are marketed for dog owners, it can be tough to know which will work just as well for cats. Recently, I had a […]

The post WaggleCam Pro Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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The post WaggleCam Pro Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Our Final Verdict

We give WaggleCam Pro a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Features: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4.7/5
Value: 4.8/5

With so many pet camera options available these days, you may be wondering what the best one is to keep tabs on your tabby while you’re away. Since most pet feeder cams are marketed for dog owners, it can be tough to know which will work just as well for cats.

Recently, I had a chance to try Waggle’s new WaggleCam Pro to keep an eye on my cat, Makoa, while I was on vacation. This camera has loads of features to keep all pet owners happy, including treat tossing abilities, multiple subscription options, and motion detection. But it also has a few extra features that are highly useful for cat owners, including a 360-degree camera view and powerful suction cups to keep it in place.

This pet cam proved mighty useful for me and Makoa. Keep reading to find out what it might offer you and your cat and to see my full WaggleCam Pro review.

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About Waggle

Waggle Pet Camera - makoa on the counter with the product

Waggle first entered the pet scene with their revolutionary RV and vehicle temperature monitor. This innovative product has helped pet owners around the world keep their pets safe by sending real-time temperature alerts straight to their phones. Today, Waggle has a number of pet product offerings, including smart feeders and cameras.

The WaggleCam Pro is an updated version of the company’s original WaggleCam 2.0. The newer camera features a sleeker, more compact design and a number of new features cat owners, especially, will find useful.

Where is the WaggleCam Pro Made?

Waggle is a global IoT solutions company with offices in multiple countries, including India and the US. Most of their products are made in China.

Which Type of Cat Is the WaggleCam Pro Best Suited For?

This pet camera is a great choice for owners looking to keep a closer eye on their kitty while they’re away. Whether you’re on vacation or just at work, this camera will help give you peace of mind that your cat is happy and safe while you’re away.

Since it has a treat-throwing option, it is an especially good choice for cats who will come running when they smell food. The strong suction cups help keep this camera in place so inquisitive cats don’t knock it down. And its 360-degree rotating camera makes it easy to keep tabs on your cat no matter where they are in the room.

The subscription option includes extras like AI human detection and noise alerts, great features if you’re worried about home safety while you’re away.

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WaggleCam Pro Overview

Waggle Pet Camera - unboxing

Here is an overview of the WaggleCam Pro, including camera features, setup information, subscription options, and product specifications.

Camera Features

This camera comes with all the great features you would expect from a modern pet cam.

The camera provides a clear picture so you can spot your cat easily, even if they’re curled up asleep on the couch. The night vision technology keeps this clear video going even in the dark.

The WaggleCam Pro has a moderately sized treat reservoir and a capable treat tosser that can send those treats flying to give your kitty something to do while you’re away. The inset top can’t be pried off by curious kitties and features two plastic tabs for a secure fit.

The camera base has three strong suction cups that keep the cam in place on any smooth surface. At the same time, this camera is easy to reposition as needed, so you can find the best spot in your house to keep an eye on your cat.

The base also features a full 360-degree swivel, allowing you to manually move the camera to check the entire room. In auto-mode, the camera will automatically follow your cat as they move around, ensuring you never miss a thing.

Setup

Setting up this camera is super simple. Start by downloading the app on your iPhone or Android.

Once the app is downloaded and you’ve created an account, you can easily add the camera and any other Waggle tech you have by scanning the QR code on the product. The wifi connection process is super simple and I was able to have my camera up and working within five minutes of plugging it in.

The app is intuitive to navigate and, for the most part, works well. However, I found it does take some time to open and more than once caused my phone to freeze up.

Waggle Pet Camera - mobile app

Subscription Options

There are two subscription options you can choose for this camera.

The first is the free version, which allows you to access the live camera whenever you want. You can also activate live tracking to make the camera automatically rotate to follow your pet and access playbacks for the past 24 hours.

Both options also include a two-way microphone, manual treat tossing, and scheduled treat tossing.

The paid subscription costs $9.99 per month or about $60 if you pay for the year upfront.

This option includes many extra features you don’t get with the free version, including:
  • Real-time alerts and notifications
  • Noise detection
  • Motion detection
  • Human detection
  • Pet detection
  • Barking (and yowling) alerts

Specifications

Height: 9.5 inches
Width: 5 inches
Weight: 2.06 pounds
Treat capacity: ¾ cup
Treat size requirements: Diameter of 0.28 inches to 0.6 inches
Launch distance: About 4.5 feet
Color: White and black

In Summary

Pros
  • Easy to set up
  • Clear video day and night
  • 360-degree view
  • Auto-track movement
  • Multiple additional features with subscription
Cons
  • App can be slow to load
  • Treat capacity isn’t huge
  • Works only with larger cat food

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Key Features

Waggle Pet Camera - cat treats in the product

360-Degree View

The WaggleCam Pro features a highly useful 360-degree rotating base to allow you to see the entire room. This is a wonderful feature for cat owners to ensure they can track their kitties movements, whether that kitty is cat napping on the counter or running zoomies around the couch. And with the auto-track mode enabled, the camera follows your cat for you so you never miss a moment.

Cat Proof

Keeping a treat camera out of a dog’s reach is as easy as putting it on a counter, but it’s a bit trickier with cats. Luckily, the WaggleCam Pro comes with multiple features to ensure this treat cam is cat-proof.

It starts with the strong suction cups on the base that keep the camera firmly attached to any smooth surface to prevent it from getting tipped over. The intelligently designed lid, which sits below the lip of the body and clicks into place, prevents even curious kitties from getting into the treat reservoir.

Optional Subscription Features

Whether you want a simple camera that allows you to check in with your cat as needed or a full-scale pet nanny that will report activities straight to your phone, Waggle has you covered. Their free version allows full access to the camera anytime, while the paid subscription comes with loads of extras such as push notification alerts anytime there is movement, noise, or a human is detected.

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Is the WaggleCam Pro a Good Value?

Pet cameras are available in a variety of price ranges, starting at around $40 and topping out around $250. Most treat tossing cameras are in the higher price range.

The WaggleCam Pro is currently listed for about $130. The subscription costs $60 a year, which is about on par with other leading pet cameras.

Waggle Pet Camera - product on the cabinet

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which phones is the Waggle app compatible with?

The Waggle app works with both Android and iOS systems.

Does the WaggleCam Pro require a wifi connection?

Yes, this camera does require wifi and is compatible with both 2.4 and 5Ghz connections.

Can I put cat food in my WaggleCam?

Larger dried cat food will work with this camera. But small kibbles under ¼ inch wide or food that crumbles easily should not be used.

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Our Experience With the WaggleCam Pro

Waggle Pet Camera - putting cat food in the product

My pets are lucky that I get to spend most days working at home. But this summer also saw me and my husband leaving the house quite a bit for vacations. We wanted a way to keep an eye on our cat and two dogs while we were away and decided to give the WaggleCam Pro a try.

It was important for us to find a cam that would work well for a cat since Makoa is definitely the pet in our house that needs to be watched most closely. The fact that the WaggleCam Pro has strong suction cups to keep it stable, but can also be easily moved around as needed, was a big selling point for us. As was the 360-degree swivel camera.

It took no time at all to get this camera set up. It connected to our wifi very quickly without any issues, which isn’t always the case with these high-tech pet products. I opted to try the subscription option since we had a vacation coming up.

We tested it for a few days before leaving for our trip. Checking the camera quickly became a daily routine for our family while we were gone.

One major advantage of this camera over other pet cams is the 360-degree rotation. This became a must for Makoa since he spent most of the time sitting right next to the camera on the window sill. The manual rotation option let us check in on him, our dogs sleeping on the couch, and even our parrot in her cage next to the camera.

The treat toss function was definitely the feature our pets liked the most. I used freeze-dried cat kibble in it since it was large enough to meet the specifications and highly enticing.

The camera lets out a long melodic song before it launches the treats, which gives all the pets plenty of time to get into position.

I found many of the subscription-only options highly useful as well. The human detector made it easy to keep tabs on our pet sitter and ensure they were coming over often enough. And the pet detector always gave us a heads up when the animals were getting restless or required a treat.

It was also nice to be able to go back and review footage from times when we weren’t able to check the camera, such as overnight.

I am a big fan of the design of this camera as well as the many features. The only complaint I have about the physical makeup is the use of a rubber pull tab on the top of the treat compartment.

While this is unlikely to be an issue for most cat owners, those of us with pica cats know that rubber is always a dangerous material. My cat loves to chew on rubber and swallow pieces of it whole. Before I set this camera out, I made sure to cut this tab off.

I also wish the treat reservoir was a little bigger. I was able to get enough treats in it to last our three pets through a long weekend, but any longer than that and the pet sitter would have needed to refill it.

Most of the issues that I found, however, had to do with the app.

This app was easy to set up and very intuitive. But it also takes a while to load each time it opens. It has also, on many occasions, caused my phone to freeze, sometimes for minutes at a time.

After dealing with this multiple times I finally started force quiting the app after each use. This seems to help avoid phone performance issues.

I imagine these issues will be fixed with future software updates, so they definitely aren’t a deal breaker for me.

Overall, I have been very pleased with this pet camera. I plan to switch to the free version during months when we will be home most days. But the subscription option is certainly worth it for those times when we are out of town and our pets are home with the pet sitter.

Waggle Pet Camera - makoa sniffing the product

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Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a pet camera to help keep an eye on your kitty, I highly recommend taking a look at the WaggleCam Pro.

This highly capable camera has a strong suction base and a tight-fitting lid to ensure even curious kitties can’t knock it over or get into the treats. And the 360-degree rotating camera, motion detection, and many smart features make it easier than ever to keep an eye on your cat whether you’re at work or halfway across the world.

The post WaggleCam Pro Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/zonli-pet-cooling-mat-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/zonli-pet-cooling-mat-review/#respond Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:13:26 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=639548 The post Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Is it just me, or are summers getting hotter and hotter? I know my cat agrees with me. In a bid to find him some relief from this summer’s many 95+ degree days, I stumbled upon Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat. Zonli, a sleeping goods company specializing in creating innovative products to help people sleep better, […]

The post Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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The post Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Our Final Verdict

We give Zonli Pet Cooling Mat a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars.

Quality: 4.8/5
Effectiveness: 4.9/5
Usefulness: 5/5
Value: 4.7/5

Is it just me, or are summers getting hotter and hotter? I know my cat agrees with me. In a bid to find him some relief from this summer’s many 95+ degree days, I stumbled upon Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat.

Zonli, a sleeping goods company specializing in creating innovative products to help people sleep better, recently extended their product line to pets. One of their most popular pet products is their Pet Cooling Mat.

This unique mat mixes natural properties and scientific innovation to bring your kitty a luxurious sleeping mat that’s made to be as cooling as it is comforting. This mat features non-toxic, self-cooling material to provide relief without the effort. And because summer only lasts so long, it’s also reversible, with cozy, warming fabric on the opposite side.

As soon as this innovative cooling mat arrived, my cat, Makoa, fell in love with it. I’ve been pretty impressed with it myself. To find out where this product shines and who might benefit from using it, keep reading to see my full Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review.

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About Zonli

Zonli Pet Cooling Mat

Zonli is a Hong Kong-based company on a mission to help people and pets around the world sleep better. This mission started after the founder’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. The treatment left her with a bad case of insomnia largely due to her inability to regulate her body temperature throughout the night.

To help his mother, he created a cooling blanket made of soft, breathable materials that could offer comfort and help regulate body temperature. From the conception of this “Z-Magic” blanket, Zonli has grown to offer dozens of innovative sleep products for humans and the pets they love.

Where Are Zonli Products Produced?

Zonli products are designed at their Hong Kong headquarters. They are manufactured in Hong Kong, China, and the USA.

Zonli prides itself on using non-toxic fibers and materials. Their pet products are safe, durable, and machine washable.

Which Type of Pets is The Pet Cooling Mat Best Suited For?

The Pet Cooling Mat is largely marketed for dogs. However, as any cat owner knows, if it’s a thing that can be sat upon, a cat will sit on it!

This is certainly the case with this comfy mat. For kitties who need a little help staying cool in the summer, it’s the perfect solution.

It can be folded to fit any space and makes a great addition to catios, cat trees, sofas, or your cat’s favorite cardboard box. When the weather changes and a chill takes the air, simply flip this mat over to provide your kitty with a cozy place to curl up.

Because this mat is non-toxic and made with durable, kitty-claw-proof material, it’s a great option for cats young and old.

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Pet Cooling Mat Overview

Makoa resting Zonli Pet Cooling Mat

Here is an overview of Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat. We’ll look at what this mat is made of, how it works, the different options available, and what other great pet products this company offers.

Material

This pet mat is made of nylon and polyester, two hypoallergenic materials that are known for their durability and easy care. Infused into the silky side of this bed is Arc-Chill cool technology fabric.

On the opposite side, you’ll find a plush, almost fuzzy fabric that feels warm to the touch.

The entire blanket is machine washable on the gentle cycle. But don’t expect to have to wash it much, at least not in the summer. The slick fabric on the cooling side naturally repels cat hair and dirt so it stays cleaner longer.

How It Works

The innovative Arc-Chill material used in this mat naturally draws heat from the skin, absorbs it, and then releases it into the air. This allows the material to stay cool to the touch all day and night long.

Compared to cotton, the cooling material used in this bed is over four times colder to the touch. It’s also cooler feeling than bamboo, silk, and lyocell.

Just as cats can sense even the slightest difference in warmth when they’re searching for a cozy place, they’ll have no problem homing in on this cool fabric when it’s time to chill out.

This cooling fabric is only used on one side of the bed. So when the weather gets chilly, all you have to do is flip it to the plush side and let your kitty cozy up. This soft, denser fabric holds onto pockets of air that retain heat to help your cat feel naturally warmer.

Options

The Pet Cooling Mat is available in three different colors: gray, rose pink, and ivory white. For each option, the plush side has a deeper color than the silky side, giving it a nice two-tone look.

There are also three sizes available for this mat:

  • Medium (23” by 36”)
  • Large (28” by 48”)
  • Extra Large (40” by 59”)

I purchased the medium size for my cat and it is plenty large. In fact, I usually use it folded in half to fit in his favorite sleeping spots, but that just makes it all the more comfortable.

Makoa playing Zonli Pet Cooling Mat

Other Pet Products

The Pet Cooling Mat isn’t the only pet-specific product this company offers.

For adventurous cats, you can take your cooling power on the road with Zonli’s Z-Magic Pet Cooling Mat. This mat has many of the same great features as the newer cooling option, including Arc-Chill material, a reversible design, and durable fabric. But this one is designed for use inside the house as well as outside, featuring a water-resistant coating and roll-up design for easy portability.

Zonli also offers a heated mat for those cooler months.

This USB Heated Pet Mat is made of supreme sherpa and velvet. It connects to your car charger or USB plug for electric heat anywhere your cat needs it. With three warming settings, it does a wonderful job keeping barn cats, catio dwellers, and comfort kitties warm and cozy no matter the weather.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Instant cool-touch feel
  • Stays cool all day and night long
  • Non-toxic material
  • Durable and claw-resistant
  • Machine washable
Cons
  • No small size available
  • Not overly thick

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Key Features

Zonli Pet Cooling Mat on the floor

Stay-Cool Fabric

With this innovative cooling mat, you don’t have to worry about having a power source, keeping it wet, or preparing the mat for it to provide lasting relief against the heat. The material naturally wicks heat from the skin and releases it into the air to keep your kitty feeling cool for the entirety of every cat nap.

Non-Toxic and Durable

Durable nylon and polyester are both hypoallergenic and non-toxic, making this mat safe for all cats, even those who like to chew. And, because these materials are highly durable, this mat will stand up to that chewing, as well as clawing and scratching. This pet-safe bed was built to last.

Reversible for Year-Round Use

The cooling technology of this bed certainly sets it apart, but this isn’t a single-season product. Thanks to the reversible design, it is just as useful for those cooler seasons as it is for the summer. Once the temps start to dip, simply flip this bed over to the plush side to give your kitty a nice, warm, comfortable spot to cozy up.

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Is Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat a Good Value?

There are cooling mats out there that cost a fraction of what this one does. But most of these are gel-based (not a great option for cats given those sharp claws) or require frequent wetting or freezing to keep the coolness flowing. If you want a hands-off cooling solution, you’ll have to pay more.

At about $42, this mat is more expensive than some other premiere brands, but, in my experience, it is also more effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does this mat help keep pets cooler?

The material used in this cooling mat was developed in the lab and is scientifically proven to feel cooler on the skin than any other fabric. This helps wick heat from the body for better temperature regulation in warm conditions.

Do cats like the Zonli Pet Cooling Mat?

Yes, absolutely! Cats are known for seeking out heat, but when it’s sweltering out, they are much more likely to look for a cool place to lay. The cool-to-touch feel of this bed along with the plush comfort will attract cats as well as dogs.

Is this mat washable?

Yes, just be sure to use the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.

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Our Experience With the Zonli Pet Cooling Mat

cat resting Zonli Pet Cooling Mat

For anyone who has read my reviews before, you’re probably familiar with my problematic kitty, Makoa. He has a condition called pica, which means he likes to snack on inedible objects, which occasionally lands him at the emergency vet.

To help reduce how much access he has to things he might decide to eat when no one’s looking, we have to lock him in the laundry room overnight. He has a comfy setup with plenty of toys, snacks, and a plush bed.

But as summer crept in, it became clear that leaving the window open in there wasn’t going to be enough to keep him cool overnight. That’s when I started seeking out a comfortable, cooling bedding option for him.

The Zonli Pet Cooling Mat was perfect for the space and had me very hopeful that Makoa would be more comfortable overnight, even on those sweltering evenings.

There is no question about which side of this mat features the cooling technology. The instant I set my hand on the silky fabric, I could feel the chill. It’s a weird sensation because, unlike silk and other cool-touch fabrics, that coldness remains apparent no matter how long I leave my hand on it.

I knew this would be perfect for Makoa to use overnight. But first, I let him test it out around the house.

He was definitely attracted to the feel of it and sat on it no matter where I put it. The only issue we encountered was that my Chihuahua, Papyrus, also thought it looked like a great place to nap!

That night, I moved the mat up to the laundry room.

I got the medium size, which ended up being about perfect for the space once I folded it in half. It’s big enough for him to stretch out on, which is how he tends to sleep on warm nights. And the doubling up adds another layer of luxurious comfort over the hard table I put it on.

He has been sleeping on it every night since I got it.

I love that I don’t have to do anything for this mat to be effective. I literally haven’t touched it since I moved it to the laundry room and it’s still providing effective heat relief each and every night. This is a major difference compared to most cooling pet mats that require pre-freezing or soaking every time you want to use them.

Once the weather changes, I plan on flipping it over and using it to add an extra layer of comfort to Makoa’s favorite round cuddle bed. It’s thick enough to provide support and comfort, but still thin enough to act like a thick blanket if you need it to.

This is a well-made bed that feels durable and soft and definitely delivers on the cooling aspect. I like that it is washable and easy to care for, as well.

All this is to say that there isn’t much I would change.

Since it’s mainly marketed for dogs, the smallest size is still pretty large. Having a smaller option may make it more useful to cat owners. But, like I said, it’s easy enough to fold in half for smaller pets and smaller spaces.

The material used is durable and effective, but it’s not made of natural fibers like Zonli’s Z-Magic comforter for humans.

As usual, I’d love it if they offered more color choices, as well.

But overall, I have been really impressed with this product. It truly does feel cool to the touch and that coolness lasts.

Makoa has certainly enjoyed it, as have my dogs. I plan on buying a few more for them next summer.

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Conclusion

If your cat struggles to stay cool in the heat, I highly recommend Zonli’s Pet Cooling Mat. This innovative mat uses Arc-Chill material to pull heat from the body and provide lasting relief all day and night.

The best part? It doesn’t require any freezing, wetting, or other upkeep. The cooling power is natural and continuous so your cat can enjoy it whenever they need to chill out.

This Pet Cooling Mat is durable, washable, and reversible so you can use it to spoil your kitty all year long.

The post Zonli Pet Cooling Mat Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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PetFriendly Subscription Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/petfriendly-subscription-box-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/petfriendly-subscription-box-review/#respond Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:13:55 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=634437 The post PetFriendly Subscription Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

  There’s a lot that goes into keeping your cat healthy and happy. If you’re looking for an easier way to get all the supplies and supplements they need to thrive, PetFriendly may be worth a look. This subscription pet supply company specializes in providing personalized, vet-quality health products for cats and dogs. These safe […]

The post PetFriendly Subscription Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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The post PetFriendly Subscription Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

 

Our Final Verdict

We give the PetFriendly Subscription Box an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Quality: 4.7/5
Effectiveness: 4.8/5
Ingredients: 4.5/5
Value: 4.8/5

There’s a lot that goes into keeping your cat healthy and happy. If you’re looking for an easier way to get all the supplies and supplements they need to thrive, PetFriendly may be worth a look.

This subscription pet supply company specializes in providing personalized, vet-quality health products for cats and dogs. These safe and effective pet products are delivered to your door every month to ensure you never run out. From flea treatment to treats, PetFriendly has everything a cat needs to be healthy and safe.

I had a chance to try PetFriendly’s subscription box on my one-year-old cat, Makoa. I got a variety of products, including Bug Bites treats, calming supplies, and Squeaky ear wipes. I found a lot to love about these products but also some room for improvement.

To find out if this subscription box is worth it for your cat, keep reading.

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At a Glance: What We Received

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Mellow Diffuser for Cats Mellow Diffuser for Cats
  • Room diffuser with calming pheromones
  • Place anywhere
  • Covers up to 700 square feet
  • Second place
    Squeaky Ear Wipes for Pets Squeaky Ear Wipes for Pets
  • Removes wax and dirt
  • For ears and paws
  • Plant-based cleaning ingredients
  • Third place
    Bug Bites Bug Bites
  • Treats made from fly larvae
  • Sustainable protein
  • Crunchy heart-shaped morsels
  • Mellow Calming Spray for Pets Mellow Calming Spray for Pets
  • Calming pheromone spray
  • Use wherever your cat spends time
  • Fast acting
  • divider 2 cats

    About PetFriendly

    makoa sitting in petfriendly box

    PetFriendly is a pet wellness company that specializes in delivering safe and effective pet products right to your door. Each subscription box is personalized to your cat’s needs and includes their photo and name. They carry a long line of pet products including flea and tick sprays and treatments, health supplements, calming supplies, and treats.

    Who Makes PetFriendly Products and Where Are They Produced?

    PetFriendly was co-founded by Aaron Shady and Ryan Finstad. They are based out of Omaha, Nebraska and all their products are made in the US and Germany.

    Which Types of Cats is PetFriendly Best Suited For?

    Whether you’re looking for calming products, flea and tick preventative, or other supplies to keep your cat healthy and happy, PetFriendly has you covered. While their cat-specific line is limited at the moment, it is growing fast, with new vet-approved products being added frequently.

    They carry multiple flea and tick products for cats, including topicals, home sprays, and flea combs. The topicals are made with the same medications as the leading flea and tick products for cats.

    PetFriendly also has multiple pheromone-based calming products. These are great for kitties who are chronically anxious or stressed, as well as those who need extra help relaxing during vet visits and other scary situations.

    divider 2 cats

    Key Features

    makoa sleeping near the petfriendly mellow diffuser for cats

    Now let’s take a look at what sets this pet subscription box apart from others out there. We’ll dive into the ingredients used, product options, personalization, and subscription options.

    Ingredients

    PetFriendly products feature effective, scientifically researched ingredients.

    Their flea and tick topical uses the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus while their flea treatment uses the same active ingredients as Advantage II. These are not natural treatment alternatives, but rather a more affordable option for those looking for a product with the same proven effective ingredients as these popular commercial products.

    PetFriendly’s Bug Bites cat treats are made with black soldier fly larvae, a more sustainable healthy protein option for cats. The other ingredients in these treats are all-natural, though they do contain corn, soybeans, and wheat.

    Other cat products from PetFriendly, like their calming supplies and ear wipes, use effective formulas developed by researchers and veterinarians.

    Options

    When it comes to PetFriendly’s flea and tick products, it’s easy to get exactly what your cat needs. After you build your pet’s profile you simply choose the product type you want and add it to your box. The product will be automatically updated to the right dose based on your cat’s weight.

    If you have multiple cats, each box will be customized to each individual cat.

    Some of the other products, such as the calming spray and ear wipes, are only available in a single size. But you can order as many as needed to last the full month between box deliveries.

    petfriendly cat products

    Personalization

    One of the most unique and fun features of the PetFriendly box is the personalization that comes with each supplement and treatment product. These items arrive with your pet’s photo and name on the box.

    This is a fun touch but also very helpful for multi-cat households as it ensures the right kitty gets the right dose every time.

    Each box also comes with a personalized note and exciting bonus products like treat samplers.

    Subscription

    Most of the items in your PetFriendly box will be delivered on a recurring schedule every month. The sizes and formulas of these products are made to last a full month. If you have multiple cats or need multiple calming diffusers to cover more rooms, for instance, you can add more to your box.

    You can also add one-time purchases to your box each month, as needed. There is also an option to get six months’ worth of products at a time and have your box delivered just twice per year.

    All orders over $20 receive free shipping and are automatically shipped out to ensure you never run out.

    You also have the option to forgo the subscription and instead buy a single month’s worth of any product. You can even buy a single six-month supply and save some money.

    But the real savings lie in signing up for the subscription option. You’ll save up to 50% with the one-box-every-month option or up to 60% for the one-box-every-six-month option.

    divider 2 cats

    Our Reviews of Petfriendly Products

    1. Mellow Diffuser for Cats

    PetFriendly Mellow Diffuser for Cats

    The Mellow Diffuser for Cats is a pheromone-releasing table-top diffuser. It naturally helps cats relax by releasing the same type of pheromones mother cats use to keep their kittens calm.

    Each diffuser refill lasts for a full month and is good for spaces up to 700 square feet.

    This non-electric diffuser is meant to be placed in areas where your cat frequently hangs out, such as near their bed or by their favorite sunning spot.

    It is a great option for cats who struggle with chronic anxiety or nervousness. It can also be very helpful for multi-cat households that are more chaotic than calm.

    The diffuser has a sweet smell that is only obvious when you are close to the product. The pheromones themselves don’t have a scent and are undetectable to humans but highly effective on cats.

    The cute paw print cutouts and simple design of the diffuser holder blend easily to any home decor while the green inserts make it easy to tell when it’s time for a replacement.

    I use my Mellow Diffuser in the laundry room where my cat sleeps at night. It helps calm him down while he’s locked up and has made a big difference in how much of the night he spends pacing and waking us up.

    Pros
    • Works fast
    • Easy to use
    • Small size with a cute design
    • Place on any surface
    • Covers up to 700 square feet
    Cons
    • Scent can be overwhelming if too close

    2. Squeaky Ear Wipes for Pets

    PetFriendly Squeaky Ear Wipes for Pets

    If your cat suffers from ear mites or frequent ear infections, these Squeaky Ear Wipes from PetFriendly are a great option.

    Each canister contains 100 soft, presoaked wipes to make ear and paw cleaning a breeze. The round wipes are the perfect size for cat ears and dainty cat feet.

    The plant-derived surfactants made from coconut and palm oil help break the bonds of dirt, grease, and wax to gently remove them from your cat’s skin and coat.

    Wax and grime buildup in the ear can lead to bacterial and yeast infections. These wipes are also helpful for removing the dirty residue left by mites and keeping the area clean so mites have fewer places to hide. Squeaky wipes also provide a simple and effective way to clean up dirty paws.

    I love that these convenient wipes come presoaked with gentle cleansers. They make it super easy to keep up with ear cleaning even if your cat isn’t a big fan of the process.

    Pros
    • Very easy to use
    • Gentle plant-derived cleansers
    • 100 wipes per container
    • Multiple uses
    Cons
    • Not the best-smelling wipes
    • Palm oil may not be from a sustainable source
    • Contains preservatives

    3. Bug Bites

    PetFriendly Bug Bites

    If you’re looking for a more sustainable cat treat or one that doesn’t contain chicken and other common protein sources, then say hello to PetFriendly’s Bug Bites.

    These unique cat treats are made with black soldier fly larvae. Wiggly larvae like these are high in protein and minerals that cats need. They are also far more sustainable to farm than traditional protein sources.

    In fact, these larvae are raised on leftover fruits and veggies that would otherwise go to waste, making them doubly good for the Earth.

    The treats themselves are small, crunchy, and come in an adorable heart shape. They are the perfect size for spoiling good kitties without spoiling their dinner.

    While I love that these treats feature protein-packed fly larvae, I am less thrilled about the other ingredients in them. The first four ingredients listed are corn, wheat, soybean meal, and cane molasses. Many cats are sensitive to grains and they don’t provide much in the way of biologically available nutrition.

    But, if your cat isn’t too sensitive, these fun treats make a great, affordable option to pamper your cat with a new kind of protein that is better for the planet.

    Pros
    • Unique, bug-based protein
    • Small and crunchy
    • Highly palatable
    • Sustainable protein
    Cons
    • Contains corn, wheat, and soy

    4. Mellow Calming Spray for Pets

    PetFriendly Mellow Calming Spray for Pets

    PetFriendly’s Mellow Diffuser is great for keeping kitties calmer in the house, but what about those stressful situations on the road? That’s where Mellow Calming Spray comes in.

    This product contains the same effective kitty pheromone ingredients as the diffuser, but in a convenient spray bottle that can be used when and where you need it.

    Spray this pleasant, floral-smelling mist in your cat’s carrier before going to the vet, on their bed during storms, or on their collar for lasting calm that goes where they do. While it is not meant to be sprayed directly on pets, it is a great way to provide targeted anxiety relief by using it wherever your pet is likely to be when they need it most.

    Even more so than the diffuser, this product seems to work fast. I use it for my cat when he gets a little too hyperactive around bedtime, in his carrier anytime we leave the house, and when we have furry company over.

    Pros
    • Use when and where needed
    • Pleasant smell
    • Long-lasting
    • Starts working immediately
    Cons
    • Can’t spray directly on pets

    divider 2 cats

    Our Experience With PetFriendly

    I love the idea of subscription boxes for pets. They are a super convenient way to make sure your pet has everything they need without ever running out.

    While my cat, Makoa, does not have any issues with fleas or ticks, I still found plenty of great options to fill my PetFriendly Box. I chose their “The Cat Pack” combo, which came with Mellow Calming Diffuser and Spray, Squeaky Ear Wipes, and a bag of Bug Bites Treats.

    Unfortunately, because my order didn’t contain any supplements or flea treatment, I didn’t receive any personalized products with Makoa’s name and picture.

    Still, I was excited to test these products out.

    I knew right away where I was going to put the Mellow Calming Diffuser. Because Makoa eats inedible objects on occasion, we make him sleep in the laundry room to limit how much trouble he can get into overnight. I placed the diffuser on the shelf in there hoping it would keep him calmer overnight.

    After just a couple of weeks of using it, I have noticed a huge difference in how much he jumps around while locked up. He’s also more likely to be sleeping when I open the door in the morning than sitting there yowling to come out.

    I keep the Mellow Spray in his carrier bag and use it whenever we go to the vet. While he isn’t really an anxious cat, it still definitely seems to help him find more chill when we are out and about.

    The Squeaky Ear Wipes are another great product. They make quick work of cleaning Makoa’s ears, which is good because he is not a fan of the process, so the faster the better.

    But by far my favorite item in this combo pack is the Bug Bites Treats. I am a big fan of bug-based pet products. This kind of protein is much more sustainable than traditional meat as it requires a fraction of the land, water, and feed to make the same amount of “meat.”

    Plus, wild cats often use bugs as a source of energy and nutrients.

    I love the cute little heart shapes of these tiny treats and Makoa loves how they taste! The downside with these is the corn, wheat, and soy as ingredients, and the fact that fly larva is the fifth ingredient listed, which means there likely isn’t that much of it in each treat.

    Still, Makoa seems to enjoy them and he doesn’t have any sensitivities to grains, so they work well as an occasional motivational treat. Plus, they are fairly affordable as far as bug treats go.

    Overall, I can see how the PetFriendly Box would be a useful subscription for cat owners, especially those who use monthly flea and tick treatments. It’s convenient, inexpensive, and features some fun aspects that other subscription companies don’t, like personalized product boxes and extra savings for buying in bulk.

    wiping makoa's ear with petfriendly squeaky ear wipes

    divider 2 cats

    Conclusion

    If you’re looking for a subscription option that will make keeping your cat healthy and happy easier and more affordable, I suggest taking a look at what PetFriendly has to offer.

    Their subscription boxes make it super easy to get your cat the monthly flea treatment and other frequent-use supplies they need. And they do it while saving you loads of money over the other options out there. Plus, they have a lot of unique products like bug-based cat treats and effective calming options.

    My cat, Makoa, has been loving his subscription box and I love how easy PetFriendly makes it to pamper him every month.

    The post PetFriendly Subscription Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    Travel Cat “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/travel-cat-the-navigator-convertible-cat-backpack-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/travel-cat-the-navigator-convertible-cat-backpack-review/#comments Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:42:59 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=634538 The post Travel Cat “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Does adventure call to your kitty? Do they look at the confines of a catio and flick their tail in disgust? Then Travel Cat may just have the product for you. “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack was made for kitties who long to breathe mountain air, travel the world, and never, ever be left behind. […]

    The post Travel Cat “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post Travel Cat “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Our Final Verdict

    We give Travel Cat’s “The Navigator” Cat Backpack a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars.

    Features: 4.9/5
    Quality: 5/5
    Comfort: 4.7/5
    Value: 4.8/5

    Does adventure call to your kitty? Do they look at the confines of a catio and flick their tail in disgust? Then Travel Cat may just have the product for you.

    “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack was made for kitties who long to breathe mountain air, travel the world, and never, ever be left behind.

    This ultimate cat backpack features multiple roll-up windows, two harness clips, four mesh sides, and safety clips on all zippers. For the human, this well-designed pack comes with highly adjustable straps, breathable padding, plenty of pockets for gear, and even a water bladder reservoir with a hose outlet.

    It’s the perfect cat backpack for hikers, campers, adventurous, and the cats they love.

    My adventure kitty, Makoa, and I had the opportunity to give this super-functional backpack a try. So far I’ve been very impressed with all it has to offer, though there is some room for improvement. Find out more in my full Travel Cat Convertible Cat Backpack review, below.

    divider 3 paws

    About Travel Cat

    Travel Cat - Contents

    Travel Cat was founded by wife and husband team, Emily and Ian after they “accidentally” adopted a stray kitten. They wanted more for their cat than a life of lounging indoors, but the market didn’t have any companies dedicated to creating cat travel products. That’s when Travel Cat was born.

    Today, this cat-centric company makes quality cat carriers, backpacks, harnesses, leashes, and everything else adventure cats need to feel safe and comfortable in the big, wide world outside their homes.

    Where Are Travel Cat Products Produced?

    Travel Cat is a small, family-owned business based out of New York. All their products ship from their warehouse in the state, though many of them are made elsewhere. The Navigator backpack, for instance, is made in Vietnam.

    Which Types of Cats Are Travel Cat Products Best Suited For?

    As you might imagine, many Travel Cat products are geared toward kitties who like to accompany their owners into the great outdoors. They have a long line of hiking backpacks, playpens, portable bowl sets, portable litter boxes, and everything else cats need to feel comfortable away from home.

    But even less intrepid kitties can shop Travel Cat. Their carriers and convertible backpacks are great for car and air travel, too. And they sell plenty of cat beds, accessories, and necessities that even homebody felines will enjoy.

    The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack, in particular, is a great option for owners who want to hike with their cats. It has extra padding, pockets, and features to make long hikes with your kitty copilot safer and more comfortable.

    divider 3 paws

    The Navigator Overview

    Here is an overview of Travel Cat’s “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack. We’ll look at the build, features, storage, and technical specifications.

    The Build

    From the second you get your hands on this backpack, you can tell it is well-built and made with an eye for detail.

    The polyester fabric is thick and sturdy—even the sharpest nails are no match for this bag. Each of the rubbery mesh screens is made to withstand tearing and chewing while maximizing airflow.

    The straps and back of the pack are lined with thick padding and breathable mesh material to maximize comfort for the owner. Each strap, including the shoulder, chest, and waist straps, is highly adjustable to fit owners of all sizes. The chest strap, in particular, can be adjusted in width as well as up and down.

    The Navigator can be used as a backpack or with the included removable shoulder strap, which converts it to a duffle-style bag. The bottom pad inside can be moved as needed to keep your cat comfy in all positions.

    Features

    This versatile backpack is popping with features.

    For cats, it offers roll-up windows on the back and top so they can enjoy the world unobscured. These mesh windows roll up and secure thanks to a brilliant system of clasps. To keep kitties in, the pack features two internal, adjustable harness leashes.

    Each opening and window flap features two zippers and clips to secure them together.

    The shape of the backpack maximizes the space at the bottom so even big kitties can rest comfortably. The frame is fairly sturdy too, which helps keep the space inside from collapsing even as the pack gets jostled around.

    For owners, there is plenty to love about this pack too. On one side, you’ll find two large water bottle pockets. On the other is a spacious zip pocket with three internal compartments and a key clip. This pack even has a water bladder pocket inside the main compartment, complete with a hose outlet at the top.

    Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack - woman wearing the cat backpack

    Storage and Usability

    For those cramped car trips and camping expeditions, as well as those downtimes between adventures, this bag is made to be easy to stow and store.

    The entire bag folds flat so it can be stuffed into the trunk or the closet.

    But don’t put it away just yet. The convertibility to a duffel bag makes this backpack a great option for securing your cat in the car. The bag also falls under most airlines’ in-cabin size restrictions, which makes it a good option for air travel.

    Technical Specifications

    The Navigator is a good-sized backpack meant to accommodate cats up to 25 pounds. The dual harness clips inside mean you could even load this spacey pack with two smaller kitties at once.

    The pack itself is 18 inches high by 15.4 inches wide by 10 inches deep. It is fairly sturdy but could easily be smashed down a bit to fit on an airplane or into a packed car. It weighs about 2 pounds when it’s empty.

    In Summary

    Pros
    • Well-made and durable
    • Multiple openings and windows
    • Very spacious inside
    • Padded straps and back
    • Multiple pockets
    Cons
    • Straps may not accommodate small individuals
    • No hip pads
    • Only two color options available

    divider 3 paws

    Key Features

    Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack - cat backpack hanging on a wall rack

    Made for Kitty Comfort

    The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack was made with the comfort and safety of cats in mind. It has large mesh windows on four sides to ensure maximum airflow, which means more fun smells to smell. Two of the windows roll up to allow kitties to hang out and see the world around them. And the bottom pad provides a comfy place to rest while the study bag offers tons of room to move around.

    For safety, the bag features two internal, adjustable harness clips and locking clips on every zipper.

    Great for Hikes

    The padded straps and padded, breathable material on the back of this pack make it a great option for long hauls. It has a chest strap and waist strap to help distribute the weight and unburden your shoulders (a great feature for owners of hefty tabbies). It also has two large water bottle pockets and a water reservoir pocket with a hose outlet.

    With multiple storage compartments and clips to carry even more, this cat backpack may just become your go-to hiking pack.

    Convertible to Cover All Your Needs

    Whether you’re hitting the trail or just taking Whiskers in for a checkup, this bag is up for the job. It converts quickly from backpack to duffel thanks to the included shoulder strap. The pad inside the pack can be moved to the bottom or back depending on the orientation of the bag.

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    Is The Travel Cat Convertible Cat Backpack a Good Value?

    There is quite a range of cat backpacks out there, from the simple $25 options to the premium products that can run near $200. At about $140, The Navigator is definitely on the premium side. But this pack also offers a lot more than most other options.

    The extra storage, ample padding, multiple straps, water bladder pocket, and multiple other features are not things you’ll find on most cat backpacks. And certainly, you won’t get these options for a lower price, making this premium backpack a good value for what you get.

    Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack - makoa and cat backpack

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    How much cat can this backpack hold?

    The Navigator is rated for up to 25 pounds of cat. It has two harness clips and can accommodate up to two smaller kitties or one big cat.

    Are there multiple size options?

    No, this is a one-size-fits-most backpack. The shoulder straps are highly adjustable, though they may not tighten down enough for petite people. The waist and chest straps also have plenty of room for adjustment.

    Are there any other color options?

    The Navigator is available in gray and the recently released “Earth” option. This new color choice is brown and tan with highlights of turquoise and orange.

    Travel Cat The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack - convertible cat backpack

    divider 3 paws

    Our Experience With Travel Cat Convertible Cat Backpack

    My one-year-old domestic shorthair, Makoa, thinks he’s a dog. Maybe that’s because he’s been raised alongside my two dogs since he was five weeks old.

    Because of this, he needs to be part of the pack. This means that he sits at the door and yowls every time I leave the house to walk the dogs. To remedy this issue, I thought I’d give The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack a try.

    I’ve used cat backpacks with Makoa before. But he quickly outgrew those in size and function. At 12 pounds, he’s a fairly large boy. He’s also completely fearless and does not want to be cooped up inside a pack when there are things to see outside.

    For all these reasons, I thought The Navigator might be a good choice.

    This backpack is roomy—it has more than enough space for my big kitty. And the combination of the harness clips and the roll-up windows means Makoa can literally “hang out” while we walk, rather than being locked away inside the bag.

    As soon as I got the bag, I was impressed with the quality of it. The material is thick and sturdy and the bag has obviously been made and designed with care.

    I love all the pockets and was so excited when I found the water bladder pocket. This combined with the padded straps and back had me forgetting walks with the dogs and plotting my first hike with Makoa, instead.

    After a few test runs, I knew he would love it. He spends the entire time I’m moving with his head and front paws hanging out the back window. He seems to love being able to see everything clearly and smell the breeze flowing past.

    He certainly meows less while in this pack compared to his previous backpacks.

    On my end, I really appreciate the extra padding this pack has. It’s a substantial bag and my boy puts a lot of pressure on my shoulders, especially when he hangs out the back.

    I only have two real gripes, in terms of comfort. One, the shoulder straps don’t quite tighten enough for my build. And two, the waist straps don’t have any padding around the hips. If this thing was built with the hip straps of a backpacking pack, I could hike for days!

    Still, I think with a little conditioning, this backpack will be comfortable enough to take Makoa hiking and camping with ease. As an adventurer at heart, I know he’s very excited about having the means to get out more. And I’m happy to have an easy way to add enrichment to his life.

    In fact, this pack has really inspired me to find more ways to include Makoa in my adventuring, specifically hiking and camping. I plan to load up on more of the wonderful adventure cat products Travel Cat offers in the near future.

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    Conclusion

    If you have a cat who’s not content lounging around the house all day, I highly suggest checking out what Travel Cat has to offer. And if you like to hike and are looking for a way to include your cat in your adventures, then the Travel Cat Convertible Cat Backpack is definitely for you.

    This pack is loaded with features. Multiple roll-up windows, a spacious interior, plenty of storage, a water bladder pocket, and more make for a better, safer, more comfortable experience for cat and owner alike. And because this pack quickly transforms from backpack to duffle, it has a multitude of uses.

    Thanks to The Navigator Convertible Cat Backpack, I never have to leave my adventure-loving cat at home.

    The post Travel Cat “The Navigator” Convertible Cat Backpack Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/pawtree-tear-saliva-stain-remover-chews-review/ https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/pawtree-tear-saliva-stain-remover-chews-review/#respond Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:15:32 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=632291 The post PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Just about every owner of a light-colored dog or cat knows the struggle with tear stains is real. Often, switching to a higher-quality diet can do wonders to stop tear stains in their tracks. But for some pets, even the highest quality food isn’t enough to put an end to those unsightly reddish-brown stains. For […]

    The post PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Our Final Verdict

    We give PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

    Ingredients: 4.9/5
    Effectiveness: 4.7/5
    Value: 4.5/5

    Just about every owner of a light-colored dog or cat knows the struggle with tear stains is real. Often, switching to a higher-quality diet can do wonders to stop tear stains in their tracks. But for some pets, even the highest quality food isn’t enough to put an end to those unsightly reddish-brown stains.

    For those pets, pawTree developed a powerful Tear & Saliva Stain Remover chew. This supplement contains eight scientifically backed ingredients to help support eye and tear duct health while fighting common causes of tear stains. And like all pawTree’s products, this one is made with quality ingredients that you and your pet will love. I had the chance to try pawTree’s Tear & Saliva Stain Remover on my white-furred cat, Makoa. He has struggled with discolored tears since recovering from a bad respiratory infection as a kitten. After a month on this product, I’ve seen a consistent improvement in his tear and eye health.

    Keep reading to find out more about this product, how it helped, and where there’s room for improvement in my full pawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover review.

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    About pawTree

    PawTree Pet Supplement

    Roger Morgan spent decades in the pet industry watching pets suffer due to a lack of quality nutrition in commercial diets. He set out to change that by starting pawTree. The company’s line of nutritionally balanced, high-quality pet food was just the beginning. Morgan wanted to do more to help pets overcome common health issues. That’s when he developed the company’s extensive line of natural, scientifically-backed health supplements. Today, pawTree offers a solution for just about every common ailment dogs and cats suffer from. From gassiness to bad teeth to anxiety, this company has a solution for it all.

    Where are pawTree Products Produced?

    All pawTree products are produced in the USA with ingredients sourced from here and around the globe. Every ingredient they use meets their high standards for purity and quality.

    Which Types of Cats Are pawTree Supplements Best Suited For?

    PawTree has a long, long list of supplement products. This means there is likely to be something to benefit just about every kitty out there. For nervous kitties, they offer CBD chews and calming treats with thirteen active herbal ingredients. For internal problems, they have supplements focused on bladder health, immunity, the digestive system, hairball control, and more.

    They also have a whole slew of supplements focused on skin and coat health. These include fish oil, topical treatments, allergy support, and, of course, tear stain treatments. Their Tear & Saliva Stain Remover is perfect for cats and dogs who suffer from discolored tears, stained paws, and stained fur around the mouth. They also carry a topical tear stain removed to help get rid of stains that have already set in.

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    Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Overview

    PawTree Pet Supplement

    Here is an overview of pawTree’s Tear & Saliva Stain Remover chews. We’ll look at the ingredients, the dosage, what to expect, and options for purchasing.

    Ingredients

    One thing I love about pawTree is how their products combine multiple proven active ingredients to maximize their effectiveness. This is certainly the case with their tear stain chews, which contain eight powerful active ingredients, including:

    • Cranberry Extract – Cranberry is often prescribed for bladder health because it helps prevent bacteria from sticking to mucus membranes. In this way, it can also be very helpful to prevent bacteria buildup in tear ducts and underneath eyelids.
    • Oregon Grape Root – This natural antibiotic helps prevent bacteria buildup in the body, as well.
    • Eyebright Herb Extract – This aptly named herb helps reduce inflammation of the eye and dry up excess secretions to promote eye health.
    • Marshmallow Root – Another herb that helps soothe the mucus membranes of the eyes to reduce tear production.
    • Lutein – This powerful antioxidant has been shown to help lubricate mucus membranes, strengthen the immune system, and support eye health and aging.

    This supplement also contains omega-3s, omega-6s, and vitamin C—nutrients that have all been proven to support a healthy immune system to ward off bacterial and yeast infections. All of these ingredients work together to reduce inflammation in the eye which can cause excess tear production. They also reduce the number of bacteria in the eye and body to reduce how much porphyrin (red pigment) gets into tears. And they help fight yeast overgrowth, which can cause brown staining in moist areas, such as under the eyes.

    In addition to these active ingredients, this supplement also contains natural inactive ingredients that help achieve the chewy texture and tasty flavor dogs and cats love. These include things like brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, natural flavors, and rosemary extract.

    Dosage

    Each bottle of Tear & Saliva Stain Remover contains 90 adorable heart-shaped chews. For cats under 15 pounds, the dose is one heart chew per day.

    These chews have a soft, dry texture that makes them easy to crumble into food. This can be helpful for picky eaters. For cats that are less discerning, you can feed this supplement as a treat. My cat absolutely loves these and will pick the chew out of his food bowl and gobble it up before eating the rest of his breakfast.

    This tear supplement does not contain Tylosin, an antibiotic that some companies sneak into their tear stain treatments despite the risks it poses. This means that pawTree’s tear stain formula is safe to use daily or as needed, depending on your cat’s specific tear stain-fighting needs.

    PawTree Pet Supplement

    What to Expect

    What results to expect and when you can expect to see them will vary depending on what is causing your cat’s tear stains.

    For cats with bacterial overgrowth in the eyes or yeast problems below the eyes, you should see results rather quickly. Many users report seeing an improvement within just a couple of weeks. This improvement is typically most noticeable when you pair this oral treatment with pawTree’s topical Tear & Saliva Stain Solution.

    If your cat’s tear stains are a matter of irritated eyes, inflammation, and/or structural issues, it may take longer to see improvement. For my cat, who has structural damage, scar tissue, and inflammation in his eyes due to multiple bad infections he suffered as a kitten, it took about three weeks before I noticed any changes. Since then, his tear stains have slowly continued to improve.

    Purchasing Options

    While pawTree offers multiple ordering options for many of their supplements, this one is only available in one size chew and one size bottle.

    They do have two ordering options: a one-time purchase or a subscription option.

    If you choose to subscribe with their EZ-Ship selection, a new bottle will automatically be shipped out every 20 to 120 days, depending on your needs.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • 8 Scientifically-backed ingredients
    • Highly palatable
    • Soft and chewy
    • Can be given daily
    • Effective for all causes of tear stains
    Cons
    • Take some time to have an effect
    • Fairly expensive

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    Key Features

    PawTree Pet Supplement

    Multiple Effective Ingredients

    Some tear stain supplements focus on supporting eye health, while others only target bacteria. This one contains eight powerful ingredients that work together to support healthy eye function, reduce bacterial load, and prevent yeast buildup that can lead to additional fur staining issues.

    Easy to Feed

    Whether you have a picky kitty or a fatty catty, this supplement is easy to feed. For the former, the soft, crumbly texture makes it easy to break apart the chew and hide it in your cat’s food. For less picky cats, the chewiness and yummy flavor make for a great treat that can be fed by itself.

    Safe for Daily Use

    For cats who have struggled all their life with tear stain issues, it’s unlikely any supplement will completely clear up the problem. Luckily, this product can safely be given every day to keep tear stains at bay. And because all the ingredients are natural, you can feel good about making it part of their daily routine.

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    Is Tear & Saliva Stain Remover a Good Value?

    Compared to many tear-stain supplements on the market, this one is a bit higher in price. But when you consider how many active ingredients this one has compared to those lower-priced brands, the cost difference makes more sense. Like other PawTree products, you will pay a little more for the quality you get with these supplements.

    PawTree Pet Supplement

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    How Often Should I Give Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews?

    These chews should be given daily until results are seen and then continued for at least a month after the issue begins to resolve. For many cats, you can stop giving the chews at this point and resume only if the issue starts again. For other cats, giving these daily will be necessary to control tear stains caused by structural issues.

    What Causes Tear Stains?

    Tear stains are caused by a red pigment called porphyrin. This substance is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells and is also produced by certain types of bacteria. When tear ducts are damaged due to structural problems or inflammation, the concentration of porphyrin can increase and cause staining. Excess bacteria in the body or eyes can also lead to red-tinted tears.

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    Our Experience With PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews

    PawTree Pet Supplement

    I found my little Makoa as a feral kitten when he was just five weeks old. He was walking down the middle of the street completely blind thanks to a horrific respiratory infection that left his eyes swollen and crusted shut. It took weeks just to get his left eye to open wide enough to get topical antibiotics into it. And it took months before the infection was cleared. A year later, both of his eyes still show signs of this damage. His left one is scarred and blurry, and has veins growing over the cornea. His right one looks normal but suffers from the near-constant overproduction of discolored tears. Having white fur below this eye does nothing to help things.

    I have tried other tear stain chews in the past with unimpressive results. That’s why I was so excited to give this supplement from pawTree a try. I have used some of their other supplements on my dogs in the past and have always been impressed. I love how they combine different medicinal herbs, extracts, nutrients, and compounds to achieve better results than other products.

    The first test, of course, was how easy (or not) this supplement would be to administer. After all, with cats, you never can tell how they’ll react to edible items. Luckily, Makoa had no problem eating these adorable heart-shaped chews. I toss one in the bowl with his dry food each morning and it’s always the first thing he eats. It took about three weeks before I noticed any substantial results in terms of tear volume or color. But once it happened, the improvement in his right eye continued every day. His left eye is still cloudy and scarred, but even the discolored discharge from that eye has improved.

    I was sure to pack this supplement with him when he boarded for a week this summer. With feline herpes, which is one of the many eye-attacking viruses he had as a kitten, he can get flare-ups anytime his immune system gets compromised. When I dropped him off to board I was displeased to see the ancient Siamese in the cage next to him was sneezing green snot. I thought for sure Makoa was going to be sick when I picked him up. Somehow—and I give pawTree’s Tear & Saliva Stain Remover chews much of the credit here—he was completely fine! He hasn’t had any respiratory issues or eye virus relapses since he got home two weeks ago.

    Since Makoa has structural issues on top of chronic inflammation and immune problems, I plan to use this supplement daily for most, if not all of his life. Given the results I’ve seen so far, I’m happy to do so even if this option does carry a higher price tag than the other tear-stain supplements I’ve tried.

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    Conclusion

    If your cat has red staining on their fur from licking, tear stains under their eyes, or any kind of eye inflammation issues, I recommend checking out pawTree’s Tear & Saliva Stain Remover. These chews attack tear and saliva stains from all sides to reduce eye inflammation and irritation while also reducing bacterial and yeast loads. The eight powerful ingredients are highly effective in reducing tear overproduction and discoloration.

    They have done wonders for my cat’s eye health. I love how easy they are to feed and that they are made with only quality, natural ingredients that I don’t mind giving my kitty every day.

    The post PawTree Tear & Saliva Stain Remover Chews Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/coyotevest-pet-body-armor-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/coyotevest-pet-body-armor-review/#respond Wed, 24 Jul 2024 19:10:51 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=632443 The post CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    If you have an adventurous cat, you probably worry about them more than you would like. CoyoteVest is a company that started to give small dog owners peace of mind, is able to offer the same for cat owners. This company has a number of products to help keep cats safer while they’re outdoors. It […]

    The post CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Our Final Verdict

    We give CoyoteVest a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

    Quality: 5/5
    Options: 4.8/5
    Effectiveness: 4.9/5
    Customer Service: 5/5

    If you have an adventurous cat, you probably worry about them more than you would like. CoyoteVest is a company that started to give small dog owners peace of mind, is able to offer the same for cat owners.

    This company has a number of products to help keep cats safer while they’re outdoors. It all starts with their genius, puncture-resistant vest. From there, you can add metal spikes, long whiskers, stab-resistant shields, and a spike collar to protect your kitty from a variety of predators. I first discovered this company after my Chihuahua was attacked by a roaming dog. More recently, I got to revisit their amazing lineup as I prepared my adventurous cat for his first camping trip.

    Find out how Makoa, my Domestic Short Hair, took to his new protective gear and how it’s been working in my full CoyoteVest brand review, below.

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    At a Glance: What We Received

    Image Product Details
    Winner
    SpikeVest for Cats SpikeVest for Cats
  • Puncture resistant material
  • Multiple rows of spikes
  • Available in seven colors
  • Second place
    Spike Collar Spike Collar
  • Lightweight protection
  • Highly adjustable
  • Multiple uses
  • Third place
    CoyoteWhiskers CoyoteWhiskers
  • Used to prevent attack
  • Irritating to predators
  • Come in multiple colors
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    About CoyoteVest

    CoyoteVest Makoa Walking in the grass

    CoyoteVest is a family-owned business that has been providing effective predator protection for pets for nearly a decade. Paul and Pamela Mott started the company after watching helplessly after a coyote attacked and ran away with their beloved dog, Buffy. Today, they offer many versatile solutions for small dog and cat owners looking to better protect their pets from the unexpected.

    Where are CoyoteVest Products Produced?

    CoyoteVest products are designed and made in the USA. The company is headquartered out of San Diego where they have run the company since the beginning.

    Which Types of Cats is CoyoteVest Best Suited For?

    CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor products were originally designed for small dogs. Most of the products on the site are still marketed for this clientele. But, more recently, CoyoteVest has added the SpikeVest for Cats to their lineup. This vest is very similar to the original SpikeVest but has a slimmer build and a shorter neck to better fit the shape of cats. The vest works with all the same accessories as the dog vest, including CoyoteWhiskers and HawkShield.

    This product is intended to delay predator attacks and fatal bites to allow you time to intervene and save your kitty if the worst should ever happen. It is best suited for cats who like to explore the great outdoors along with their owners. It is also great for cats who live with dogs that get too rough or are at risk of getting attacked or bullied by other cats. Of course, buying a vest for cats doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get your cat to wear it. Many cats may not take to the vest. But if your cat is used to wearing a harness or is much more interested in hiking or adventuring than what they’re wearing, this product is likely to work for them.

    If they aren’t keen on dressing up, the CoyoteCollar might be a better choice.

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    Key Features

    Coyote Vest Pet Body Armor

    When the Mott’s designed their CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor product lineup, they did so with intent. Here, we’ll look at a few of the key features that make CoyoteVest an effective solution to keep your pet safe from attack.

    Puncture-Resistant Material

    CoyoteVests are made of Cordura® Ballistic Fabric. This tightly woven nylon is highly resistant to tears and punctures. It is used by the US military and does a great job of preventing sharp teeth from reaching your cat’s skin. The neck flap on the SpikeVest for Cats is reinforced with DuPont™ Kevlar® for added protection. Wide velcro chest and belly straps, also made with Ballistic Fabric, add another layer of protection while ensuring a snug fit for cats of all sizes. The vest products are long enough to cover your cat from the base of their ears to the base of their tail.

    One-Inch Spikes

    Many of the CoyoteVest products come with spikes to add a level of repulsion on top of protection. These one-inch spikes are made of dense plastic and have a stiff point on the end. This point is not sharp to the touch, but with enough pressure, they can puncture. These tough spikes are meant to “bite back” in the case that something latches onto your cat. Spikes like these have been used for centuries on livestock guardian dogs to help protect them from the immense bite force of wolves and bears. For cats, they are helpful to defend against coyotes, aggressive dogs, and other cats. The SpikeVest for Cats comes with two lines of spikes that run down the back and six spikes encircling the top of the neck. The CoyoteCollar is fully encircled in spikes to protect all sides of the neck.

     

    Optional Add-Ons

    One of the great things about CoyoteVest protection vests is that they can be easily customized to protect against whatever most threatens your cat. This is accomplished by adding various products to the vest. One of the most popular items for cats is the CoyoteWhiskers. These flexible nylon bristles attach to the extra velcro strip on the vest to intimidate predators and irritate any that get too close. Another great optional add-on for cats is the HawkShield. This extra shield is made with three layers of DuPont™ Kevlar®. It attaches to the back of the vest and has velcro strips so it can be used with many of the other add-ons. Additionally, CoyoteVest offers attachable lights to make your dog more visible, LED light strips with blinking/moving displays to confuse predators, and more.

    Wonderful Customer Service

    Despite their extended lineup of products, CoyoteVest remains a small family-run business. Because of this, they offer wonderful customer service. If you have any questions about sizing or what to order, it’s easy to get ahold of the company to discuss your concerns before ordering. Once you place your order, the team at CoyoteVest go to great lengths to make sure you’re satisfied and to help with any issues that may arise. After I placed my order, Pamela Mott herself called to see how my kitty liked the product. Since ordering something like this can be very hit or miss for cats, it provides wonderful peace of mind to know there is a real person on the other end of the phone you can talk to about your concerns.

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    Our 3 CoyoteVest Reviews

    1. SpikeVest for Cats

    Coyote Vest Pet Body Armor

    If you’re concerned about protecting your cat from coyotes, birds of prey, aggressive dogs, or even other cats, the SpikeVest for Cats is the product you need. This high-quality vest is made with puncture-resistant ballistic material to help protect your cat from teeth and talons. The long, slim build is designed specifically for the shape of cats and the velcro straps ensure a perfect fit so your cat can’t wriggle free. The vest comes with two lines of spikes that run the length of the back and two smaller runs that protect the neck. It also features a D-ring for attaching a leash, a bell for easy tracking, and reflective strips to increase visibility at night. As with all CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor products, it is designed to slow attacks, giving you time to intervene before your cat gets hurt. It also does a wonderful job of making your cat more visible as they move through the undergrowth.

    The SpikeVest for Cats is available in seven colors and three sizes to accommodate cats from 10 inches to 18 inches in length.

    Pros
    • Well made
    • Durable, puncture-resistant material
    • Designed to fit a cat’s body shape
    • Velcro straps for snug fit
    • D-ring to attach a leash
    Cons
    • Material is not overly breathable
    • Too bulky for some cats

    2. CoyoteCollar

    Coyote Vest Pet Body Armor

    The CoyoteCollar makes a great addition to the SpikeVest but can also be used on its own. When used with the SpikeVest, the collar can be placed on top of the neck fabric of the vest to provide more protection for the back of the neck and the throat. Alternatively, you can remove the spikes on the top of the collar and use it under the vest for added protection for the throat.

    The collar is also a great option for cats who will not tolerate the full vest. While it won’t protect from bite wounds to the torso, it will help discourage predators from grabbing your cat by the neck and shaking them, a common kill tactic. The CoyoteCollar is designed to be easy to adjust so it fits comfortably but snuggly. Each spike sits on top of a separate section of double-sided velcro tape. These individual sections attach to a normal nylon buckle collar that is fully adjustable.

    This product comes in seven colors, including a fun red, white, and blue design, and is available in three sizes.

    Pros
    • Fully adjustable
    • Most cats tolerate it well
    • Can be worn with or without vest
    • Multiple colors available
    • Has two metal D-rings
    Cons
    • Takes time to adjust the size
    • Color options don’t match all vest colors

    3. CoyoteWhiskers

    CoyoteVest Whiskers

    If your main reason for using a CoyoteVest is to protect your cat from coyotes and other common ground predators, then adding the CoyoteWhiskers is a great idea. These colorful nylon bristles work to help keep your cat safe in two ways.

    First, these bristles serve to intimidate would-be predators. Just like when your cat puffs up to make itself look bigger and more threatening, the CoyoteWhiskers make your cat appear larger. And because they resemble porcupine quills, seasoned predators are more likely to pass your cat by without trying to attack them.

    If intimidation isn’t enough, these whiskers also help thwart attacks by irritating predators who try to bite. The multitude of long, flexible whiskers easily find their way into the nostrils, eyes, and throats of overzealous coyotes. These bristles take some time to install since they each need to be threaded by hand into the four bristle holders that come in the kit. There are eleven colors, including rainbow and fireworks, to choose from. The whiskers attach to the velcro strip on the back of the vest and to the small strip on the back of the neck.

    Pros
    • Help avoid attack
    • Makes cats more visible
    • Protect cats in two ways
    • Kits come with multiple replacements
    Cons
    • Take time to install
    • Easily bent

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    Our Experience With CoyoteVest

    I first heard about CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor long ago, back when my Chihuahua was young enough to enjoy off-leash hikes. After an overzealous Collie chased him up the trail and tried to attack him, I looked into some solutions to avoid this happening again. I never pulled the trigger on the purchase back then because I ended up moving to a less crowded area where dogs and predators were less of a concern. But now, I have a year-old cat who loves being outdoors.

    For the sake of our local wildlife and his own protection, he is always on a leash or under supervision when we go outside. But that doesn’t stop us from adventuring in some wild areas. With camping season looming, I wanted to find a way to keep Makoa safe around the campsite. That’s when I remembered CoyoteVest.

    I ordered their SpikeVest for Cats, CoyoteCollar, and CoyoteWhiskers. For all products, I was impressed with the quality and the time that clearly went into designing them. But the real test, of course, was whether or not Makoa would accept these new apparel items. I tried the collar first. Since he has always worn a collar, he was completely unphased. And, boy, did he look cool! Next was the vest. The moment I got it on, he tried to back out of it, eventually collapsing and giving up on life completely. But I wasn’t about to give up. Makoa happily wears harnesses and bandanas, so I figured he could get used to it with the right motivation. I knew his reaction would change if I took him out of the house to a more interesting environment. So we hit the trails.

    As soon as we were outside, I put the vest back on. While he walked a little funny at first, he forgot about the vest completely as soon as he started exploring. I like how much more visible he is with the vest on. I also appreciated the large bell that came with it. Even with the CoyoteWhiskers in place, he has no trouble getting through the underbrush and climbing trees with the vest on. The only limiting factor I have noticed is the heat. It was a sunny day and about 80 degrees during that first test. After a few minutes, he was already panting. The thick nylon fabric of the vest is meant to be sturdy, not breathable, so this wasn’t surprising.

    Aside from not being usable in high temps, I have been really impressed with the vest overall. It fits him well, the velcro straps are easy to snug down, and he doesn’t care at all about it if we’re doing something interesting. Luckily, I haven’t had any opportunities to actually put the vest to the test. But one quick scan of the reviews for the SpikeVest for dogs reveals dozens of stories of small dogs surviving predator and dog attacks thanks to this vest. Fewer cats have put it to the test, but I can’t imagine the results would be much different, assuming mom or dad were close by to intervene. I will definitely be using this on Makoa during our camping adventures this summer.

    Coyote Vest Pet Body Armor

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    Conclusion

    If you have a kitty who loves to adventure but you don’t want to trust their safety to those extra nine lives, I highly recommend checking out CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor’s products. Their SpikeVest for Cats is made to keep kitties safe from sky and ground predators and give you time to intervene. The thick fabric is puncture-resistant while the spikes and optional whiskers help scare predators away and keep them from latching on. Their long line of accessory products, such as the CoyoteCollar, make it easy to customize your protection to what threatens your cat the most.

    My cat happily wears his vest, collar, and whiskers when we’re out hiking and camping. And I love having the peace of mind that he is better protected from predators should one cross our path.

    The post CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/penguin-cbd-cat-supplement-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/penguin-cbd-cat-supplement-review/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:01:10 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=628324 The post Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

      Whether your kitty is anxious, overstimulated, or just keeping you up at night, CBD can help. This natural compound is purr-fect for helping cats chill. But how do you find a safe, effective, and easy-to-use CBD supplement for your cat? Penguin, a premium CBD company, has the answer. This CBD brand prides itself on […]

    The post Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

     

    Our Final Verdict

    We give Penguin CBD brand an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

    Ingredients: 4.8/5
    Effectiveness: 4.7/5
    Ease of Use: 5/5
    Value: 4.8/5

    Whether your kitty is anxious, overstimulated, or just keeping you up at night, CBD can help. This natural compound is purr-fect for helping cats chill. But how do you find a safe, effective, and easy-to-use CBD supplement for your cat?

    Penguin, a premium CBD company, has the answer. This CBD brand prides itself on bringing pure CBD products to the whole family. And that includes spoiled kitties everywhere.

    Their salmon-flavored CBD oil makes it easy to add a little chill to your cat’s every day. And their CBD Cat Treats are the perfect, tasty way to take the fear out of your feline during those stressful events.

    I had a chance to try both of Penguin’s cat CBD products on my rambunctious one-year-old Domestic Shorthair, Makoa. They worked wonderfully to help him get through a week-long boarding stay without incident and have done wonders to create calmer nights in our household.

    Find out what else these products have to offer in my full Penguin CBD brand review, below.

    divider 2 cats

    At a Glance: What We Recieved

    Image Product Details
    Winner
    Salmon CBD Oil Salmon CBD Oil
  • Easy to dose oil
  • Salmon flavor for better palatability
  • 5mg of CBD per ml
  • Second place
    CBD Cat Treats CBD Cat Treats
  • Tasty chewy treats
  • Valerian root for extra calm
  • 3mg of CBD per chew
  • divider 2 cats

    About Penguin

    Penguin CBD Products

    Penguin CBD took its name from the flightless birds we all love, the ones who “keep their cool under pressure.” Their mission is to make quality CBD products at an affordable price so all people and pets can find the same chill penguins possess.

    Who Makes Penguin CBD and Where is it Produced?

    Penguin gets all of their hemp from Oregon. It is non-GMO and sustainably grown without pesticides. Once harvested, the hemp is CO2 extracted in the company’s labs and mixed with other pure ingredients to make a variety of products from oils to gummies to pet treats.

    Which Types of Cats Is Penguin Best Suited For?

    CBD is a multi-talented compound. Studies have shown that it can help with a variety of issues from anxiety and depression to cancer, pain, and epilepsy.

    Any cat suffering from these issues is likely to benefit from Penguin’s cat products. Their treats are an especially great option for quick and easy dosing on an as-needed basis. The oil, on the other hand, is great for daily maintenance and is made to be added to meals.

    Both these products feature broad-spectrum hemp extract without THC. This makes them extra-safe for pretty much all cats over the age of six months.

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    Key Features

    Penguin CBD Products

    Here is a quick overview of Penguin’s CBD cat products. We’ll look at the ingredients, CBD content, how to administer them, and what to expect.

    Ingredients

    Both of Penguin’s CBD cat products start with broad-spectrum hemp extract. This oil is gently extracted from the aerial parts of the plant using CO2 extraction, which helps to preserve the natural terpenes, cannabidiols, and flavonoids. All of these extra compounds help CBD work more effectively once it’s in the body.

    The Salmon CBD Oil also contains hemp oil, MCT oil, natural flavors, and added terpenes. The treats contain many natural ingredients, including chicken powder, flax oil, and brewer’s yeast. They also have some added valerian root to help cats relax even more.

    CBD Content

    Most vets recommend giving your cat 1 to 5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Penguin certainly had this dose recommendation in mind when they created both of these products.

    The oil contains 5mg of CBD per ml (dropper). Since the average cat weighs about 10 pounds, this makes it super simple to figure out the right dose for your kitty.

    For those in need of a therapeutic dose for pain, extreme anxiety, or chronic issues, one dropper full is going to be about perfect. For those who need just a dash of CBD to promote calm or for general maintenance, 4 drops of the oil will deliver 1 mg of CBD.

    For the treats, each of these soft chews contains 3.3mg of CBD. For most cats, this is going to be a good amount for targeting stressful situations, such as trips to the vet.

    How to Administer

    With plenty of flavor from chicken and salmon and a delectable texture, the CBD Cat Treats from Penguin are easy enough to administer. Most cats will happily eat them straight.

    For the oil, the easiest way to use it is to add the dose to your cat’s meal once or twice daily. The added salmon flavor makes it palatable enough that most cats won’t mind this addition.

    Alternatively, you can administer the oil straight into your cat’s mouth. Just be careful that they don’t chomp on the glass pipette during the process.

    Penguin CBD Products

    What to Expect

    CBD typically has a quick effect on cats. You should notice a change in their behavior about 30 to 45 minutes after administering it.

    But the real magic CBD offers comes with consistent use. This compound works naturally with your cat’s endocannabinoid system to help balance and revitalize the body. But it takes time for this compound to build up enough to have lasting effects.

    For specific stressful situations, dosing as needed will work. But for chronic or severe issues, giving your cat CBD every day will yield the best results. Typically, you can expect to see a noticeable effect after about three weeks of daily use.

    Other than making your cat noticeably more chill, CBD does not typically have any side effects.

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    Penguin CBD Cat Product Reviews

    1. Salmon CBD Oil

    Penguin CBD Products

    If you’re looking for a daily CBD supplement for your cat, the Salmon CBD Oil from Penguin is a great option. With broad-spectrum, THC-free hemp oil and 5mg of CBD per ml, this oil was made for the sensitive systems of cats.

    Each bottle contains 150mg of CBD as well as healthy MCT oil, natural flavors, and added terpenes. Despite the name, this tincture does not contain salmon oil. Rather, the MCT carrier oil is enhanced with natural flavors to be more appealing to cats.

    The broad-spectrum oil is refined to ensure no impurities or other potentially harmful compounds are present. This refining yields a fairly clear product with fewer flavonoids and terpenes than raw oil. To help make up for this without compromising the purity that makes it such a great option for cats, Penguin adds pure terpenes back to the final product.

    This oil is a great option for older cats dealing with pain, sleep issues, or chronic anxiety. It might also be helpful for epilepsy and certain types of cancer.

    The recommended dose is one dropperful daily, to be adjusted as needed to meet your cat’s needs.

    Pros
    • 5mg CBD per ml
    • Broad spectrum hemp extract
    • THC-free
    • Added terpenes and MCT oil
    • Enticing salmon flavor
    Cons
    • Measurement markers on pipette are difficult to see
    • Refined oil contains fewer beneficial compounds

    2. CBD Cat Treats

    Penguin CBD Products

    If your cat only needs extra help chilling out on occasion, the CBD Cat Treats from Penguin are an excellent option.

    These treats have a pleasing, chewy texture and salmon-chicken flavor that most cats love. This makes them super easy to administer, even in stressful situations.

    Unlike most CBD cat treats you’ll find, these ones also have a fairly high concentration of CBD per treat, which means it takes fewer treats to get desirable results. Each soft chew—which is about the size of your typical cat treat—contains 3.3mg of CBD. This equates to a moderate dose for a 10-pound cat.

    If your cat needs less, they are very easy to split in half.

    The other thing I love about these treats is that they aren’t loaded with artificial or questionable ingredients. The flavors used are all natural and all the ingredients are recognizable. Some of them, like flax oil and brewer’s yeast, even come with their own health benefits.

    In addition to CBD, these treats also contain valerian root. This natural herb stimulates production of GABA in the brain, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.

    Pros
    • 3mg of CBD per treat
    • Soft and chewy
    • Appealing flavor
    • Contains natural ingredients
    • Added calming compounds
    Cons
    • Take a little time to have an effect

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    Our Experience With Penguin CBD

    Penguin CBD Products

    I am lucky that my cat doesn’t deal with a lot of anxiety. He’s also young and fairly healthy without chronic issues. But what he does have is an excess of energy.

    This is problematic on a daily (and nightly) basis. But I was worried it would be especially bad during his one-week boarding stay over the Fourth of July. I couldn’t imagine crazy Makoa locked up in a cage for seven days without losing his mind.

    To help with this, I purchased both of Penguin’s CBD cat products. My hope was that by using the oil every day leading up to the boarding stay, I could help him chill out in general. And then I could bring the treats to be used as needed for those moments when being caged caused too much stress.

    I started adding the oil to Makoa’s breakfast about two weeks before the boarding stay. He had no issues slurping it up along with the rest of his food. He also showed no digestive upset or other side effects after starting it.

    After about a week, I noticed he was sleeping better overnight (and much of the afternoon) and was more affectionate in general. Other than that, he was just as happy as usual.

    I also tested the treats out before his boarding stay by giving him one each night before bedtime. After the first night, he’d come running every time I grabbed the jar and would happily eat the treat and beg for more. The addition of the treats before bedtime did seem to help him stay calmer overnight (that is, he never woke me up these nights).

    But the real test came when I dropped him off for boarding (I, of course, packed both CBD products with him). While his cage was well-sized, it was still a cage and Makoa is a cat who spends his days prowling around the yard and running zoomies up and down the stairs.

    Because of this, I was shocked when the boarding techs referred to him as “affectionate” and “so sweet” the first time I checked in on him. This trend continued throughout his boarding stay. And when I picked him up, the workers only had the sweetest things to say about him.

    Since bringing him back from the kennel, I have continued to use the oil in the mornings and give him one CBD treat before bedtime. The combination seems to really help him relax in between his energetic spells.

    For my part, I love how easy both these products are to dose and that I can feel confident using them daily given the quality ingredients and cat-specific formulations.

     

     

     

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    Conclusion

    If you’re looking for a safe and effective CBD product for your cat, I highly recommend checking out both of these products from Penguin.

    The Cat CBD Treats are so easy to use and perfect for those moments when kitty anxiety gets the better of our furry friends. The chewy texture and quality ingredients are hard for any cat to deny and make them easy to dose.

    The Salmon CBD Oil is a great option for cats who need daily CBD to help treat chronic pain, anxiety, and more. With 5mg of CBD per dropper and added salmon flavor, this is another Penguin product that most cats and owners will love.

    The post Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    Catlog Smart Cat Collar Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/catlog-smart-cat-collar-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/catlog-smart-cat-collar-review/#respond Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:30:50 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=623544 The post Catlog Smart Cat Collar Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Ever wonder what your cat is up towhen you’re not around? Or maybe you’re concerned about their eating habits or changes in behavior. Whatever has you curious about what your kitty is doing when you’re not looking, Catlog has your answers. This cat tracking collar is more than a step counter. It uses advanced AI […]

    The post Catlog Smart Cat Collar Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post Catlog Smart Cat Collar Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Our Final Verdict

    We give the Catlog Smart Cat Collar a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.

    Design: 4.8/5
    Functionality: 4.8/5
    Phone App: 4.6/5
    Value: 4.7/5

    Ever wonder what your cat is up towhen you’re not around? Or maybe you’re concerned about their eating habits or changes in behavior. Whatever has you curious about what your kitty is doing when you’re not looking, Catlog has your answers.

    This cat tracking collar is more than a step counter. It uses advanced AI algorithms to detect when your cat eats, sleeps, grooms, drinks, and more. It takes this information and breaks it out into various formats that allow you to get an in-depth look at your cat’s day so you can keep better track of their health and wellbeing.

    As the owner of a very mischievous, disaster-prone kitty, I was excited to try this smart collar out. After a few weeks, I can say it has done what I hoped it would do while offering a lot more than I expected. Find out what I loved about this collar and where it fell a little short in my full Catlog Smart Collar review, below.

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    About Catlog

    Catlog Smart Cat Collar

    Catlog, which is owned by RABO Inc, is a Japanese company started by Yukiko Iyo. In Japan, cats are almost as popular as dogs as pets, making it a fitting setting for this cat-centric company. Iyo started Catlog with a mission to help cat owners everywhere gain a better understanding of their felines so that they can live longer, happier lives.

    Where Are Catlog Products Produced?

    Catlog products are designed at RABO headquarters in Tokyo. The company makes two products, the Smart Collar and the Litter Box Monitor. Both are made in Japan.

    The Catlog smart collar and the Catlog Board (Litter box monitor) are available for purchase on Amazon.

    Which Types of Cat Is the Catlog Smart Cat Collar Best Suited For?

    Catlog is a great option for indoor cats over the age of six months. Because it requires a constant wifi connection to transmit data, it is not a good choice for outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats. While kittens could wear the collar, the AI algorithms and collar sizes are made for cats who have reached or are nearing their full body size.

    While all indoor cats can take advantage of the many features of this product, it is an especially great option for owners who want to keep an extra close eye on their kitty. Whether your cat has behavioral issues or health concerns, Catlog will warn of changes in activity, sleep, and eating patterns that may signal something is wrong. It can also help you determine the right amount of food for your kitty based on their activity, making it a great option for obese and overly skinny cats.

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    Smart Cat Collar Overview

    Catlog Smart Cat Collar

    Here is an overview of the Catlog Smart Collar by RABO Inc. We’ll look at how this collar works, its many features, the phone app, and the cost.

    How It Works

    Each Catlog Smart Collar kit comes with a base station and a collar. This station acts as both the charging dock and the connection between the collar and your phone.

    To get started, you first need to download the app, then follow the prompts to connect the base station and add the collar pendant. To connect the base to wifi you need to ensure your router is running on 2.4GHz and does not use WPA3 security measures. Note that this unit is not compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and later networks.

    Once the app is set up, you can add a profile for your cat, including their age, weight, sex, and a photo of them. Once the collar is on them, the app will begin recording data about their activities throughout the day and night.

    The collar uses intelligent AI algorithms to interpret your cat’s movements to determine what they are up to.

    Each base station can connect to up to four collars.

    Features

    This intelligent collar has more features than many human fitness trackers.

    In terms of basic functions, it detects and records different activities your cat engages in throughout the day and night, including:

    • Eating
    • Drinking
    • Walking
    • Running
    • Grooming
    • Resting
    • Sleeping

    In the app, you can see what your cat is up to at the moment and also access the “diary” page to see what they’ve been up to.

    You can also take an in-depth look at each specific activity to see how your cat’s habits compare day to day, week to week, and month to month. Once you get enough data on each activity, the app will even tell you how your cat’s habits compare to other cats of similar sizes and ages.

    Another great feature of this collar is the ability to compare how much your cat eats versus how many calories they expend each day. To activate this feature, you first must add your cat’s calorie intake.

    The app makes this easy by allowing you to choose your food brand and recipe type to add preloaded calorie content. From there, you just need to measure how much you feed in grams and enter it into the app.

    Catlog will then compare this number to how many calories your cat burns throughout the day based on its calculations.

    One of the most important features this product provides is warning you when there is a change in behavior or activity, such as if your cat’s activity levels suddenly drop off or if they are not eating as often as they usually do.

    Catlog Smart Cat Collar

    The Phone App

    All of the information Catlog provides is accessed through the phone app. This app is highly intuitive and has a lot of great features.

    At the top of the home screen, it displays what your cat is doing right now. This data has about a two-minute lag time, assuming your cat is within range of the home base.

    All of the data is recorded chronologically in the diary page, so you can easily look back on your cat’s day or even reference a day from weeks or months ago.

    The app also reports the ambient temperature for the home at any given time. This is a handy feature if your cat is home alone or out in their catio and you’re concerned they may be getting too hot or cold.

    The app works smoothly, though gaps in data are common. I’ve also noticed that push notifications do not always go through, which can leave you with a dead battery you didn’t know about. This may be due to having fewer Catlog Home units than needed for coverage. The coverage area for each Catlog Home is approximately 60 square meters.

    Cost

    The Catlog Smart Collar system is available on Amazon for about $99. This includes the home base, pendant, and collar band of your choice. You can choose from the following colors:

    -Sakura (Pink) x Gold
    -Yellow x Gold
    -Ice Blue x Gold
    -Navy x Gold
    -Blue x Gold
    -Tatami x Gold
    -Sumi (Charcoal Gray) x Gold
    -[R2-D2] Design x Gold (Star Wars Collaboration, Limited Edition)
    -[May the Force be with you] Design x Gold (Star Wars Collaboration, Limited Edition)

    Collars are available in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large.

    In addition to the upfront cost, you must also purchase a monthly subscription in order to connect and use the Catlog collar. This runs about $14 per month per cat.

    At the moment, there is no free trial period and no discount for a yearly rate.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros
    • Provides data on multiple activity types
    • Warns of changes in activity
    • Diary tracks months’ worth of data
    • Tracks calorie intake and calories burned
    • Provides ambient temperature readings
    Cons
    • Collar must be within range of base station to work
    • Gaps in data are common
    • Push notifications don’t always come through

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    Key Features

    Catlog Smart Cat Collar

    Easily Check In With Your kitty From Anywhere

    With this intelligent collar, you can check in on what your cat is up to from anywhere. Whether you’re at work and worried kitty might be bored or you just woke up to a crash and want to see if kitty is downstairs playing, all you need to do is open the app. From here, you can see what your cat has been doing since the last time you checked on them.

    Track Changes In Behavior

    Catlog provides warnings of changes in behavior long before you are likely to notice them. It does this by comparing your cat’s typical activity, eating, sleeping, and grooming habits day after day. Any sudden changes trigger a warning in the app, giving you an opportunity to intervene before things become more serious.

    Get Your kitty In Perfect Shape

    This collar makes it easier than ever to figure out exactly how much food your cat needs to be healthy and happy. By inputting your feeding amounts and food type in the app, it will calculate how many calories your cat eats per day. It can then calculate how many calories they burn on average based on their daily activity numbers and tell you exactly how much you are over or underfeeding.

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    Is The Catlog Smart Cat Collar a Good Value?

    Catlog Smart Cat Collar

    Catlog is one of very few cat collars on the market made to track activity and behavior. Most options like it are focused more on GPS tracking than recording activity metrics. Truly comparable products range from slightly less than this one to almost twice as expensive.

    While the system itself is a good value, keep in mind that you must also pay a monthly subscription fee. While all the features Catlog has make this fee worth it, it is not a small amount of money in the long term. Plus, it comes with no free trial period even with the purchase of a full system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use this collar outside of the house?

    In order to send data, the collar must be within range of the base station and the base must have a wifi connection. While it is possible to set it up at other people’s homes, it will not work outdoors or at boarding kennels or vets unless you have access to their wifi.

    How long does the battery last?

    The battery lasts about 10 days and takes about 1 hour to charge.

    Is there a warranty?

    Each Catlog product comes with a 1-year warranty.

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    Our Experience With the Catlog Smart Collar

    Catlog Smart Cat Collar

    Anyone who has read my reviews before is probably familiar with my crazy rescue cat, Makoa. Among the many unique things about this Domestic Shorthair is his propensity for eating things he shouldn’t. Thanks to this condition, known as pica, he has already had two surgeries for intestinal obstruction in his short life.

    While we do everything we can now to keep certain items away from him, the surest method to keep him from going under the knife is to watch his behavior carefully. If he eats something he shouldn’t and we catch it in time, the vet can typically get him to throw it up before surgery becomes a necessity.

    This is where I was hoping the Catlog Smart Collar could help us out.

    Since this innovative collar detects changes in activity and eating habits, I was hopeful it could help us intervene early if Makoa started to feel off for any reason.

    The collar is small, super lightweight, and seems comfortable enough. It does not have a ring for a tag or bell but does have a breakaway clip, just in case. Makoa had no issues transitioning to this collar from his old standard kitty collar.

    Unfortunately, getting this product set up proved to be more difficult than I expected, largely because of my internet settings. While I have never had issues with other wifi enabled pet products, this one has very specific requirements. Luckily, the customer support team was helpful and I was able to get the base station and collar hooked up so I could start using the system.

    As soon as I signed in, I could see what Makoa was up to and review his activity on the diary page. This diary view is super helpful. It summarizes his activity at the end of each day, including how many times he ate and drank, and how many hours he spent sleeping, resting, and moving around.

    From there, I can scroll down and get an hourly summary of his activities. From what I have seen, they are fairly accurate in reflecting his true movements and behaviors.

    While Catlog provides some great insight into his activity, it is not comprehensive. Most hours throughout the day are missing an average of 30 minutes of data. This is true despite the fact that the Catlog home is centrally located and in an area where Makoa normally hangs out.

    Despite these data gaps, I am able to get a good day-to-day comparison of his habits and activity levels. This means it’s easy to see changes that might indicate a problem.

    After using the collar for about three weeks, I have yet to see any dramatic changes and the app has not reported any concerns. I have recently inputted his food amounts and am very excited to get information back about his food-to-activity level so I can better manage his hunger without overfeeding.

    Overall, I have been very impressed with the accuracy of this collar and how many activities it is able to track. I also appreciate the many features, including the warnings about changes in activity and the calorie tracking.

    Where I have been less impressed is with the large, unexplainable gaps in data throughout the day and night. But I am hopeful, given that this is a newer product for the US market, that these inconsistencies will be alleviated through software updates in the near future.

    For now, I am eager to keep using this collar to help keep a better eye on my mischievous kitty.

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    Conclusion

    For cat owners who want more insight into their kitty’s daily routine, the Catlog Smart Collar is a great option.

    This intelligent, lightweight collar records your cat’s activities in real time (plus or minus two minutes) so you can see what they’re up to no matter where you are. And the activity comparison functions and daily diaries help you and the app identify behavior behavior changes that might be indicative of a problem.

    While you can expect some data gaps and have to pay extra for a monthly subscription for this product, I think it is well worth the downsides given all it offers. This is especially true for cat owners like me who have a good reason to watch their kitty more closely.

    The post Catlog Smart Cat Collar Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/neakasa-m1-open-top-self-cleaning-litter-box-review/ https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/neakasa-m1-open-top-self-cleaning-litter-box-review/#respond Thu, 27 Jun 2024 18:59:39 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=618752 The post Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    There are so many joys that come with owning a cat, including plenty of free cuddles and lots and lots of silliness. There are also some downsides, most specifically, the dreaded litter box. If you loathe cleaning the cat box, I have a product for you. The Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box was […]

    The post Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Our Final Verdict

    We give Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

    Quality: 5/5
    Functionality: 4.9/5
    Ease of Use: 4.9/5
    Value: 4.8/5

    There are so many joys that come with owning a cat, including plenty of free cuddles and lots and lots of silliness. There are also some downsides, most specifically, the dreaded litter box.

    If you loathe cleaning the cat box, I have a product for you. The Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box was made to handle stinky litter so you don’t have to. But it does much more than that, including reporting your cat’s potty habits, tracking the box’s litter levels, and notifying you when the waste bin is full.

    There is no doubt that this automatic litter box is talented, but is it worth the money?

    I had a chance to test the Neakasa self-cleaning litter box with the help of my one-year-old kitty, Makoa. As an auto-cleaning litter box newbie, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Now, after having this talented gadget in my home for a couple of weeks, I’m not sure how I ever lived without it!

    divider 1 paws

    About Neakasa

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - makoa standing on the box

    Neakasa got their start in 2017 with a line of highly innovative automated cleaning products for the home. Since then, they have expanded their lineup to include everything from kitchen composters to pet grooming vacuums. And they do it all in the name of simplifying and elevating people’s lives with smart cleaning solutions.

    Who Makes Neakasa Cat Boxes and Where Are They Produced?

    Neakasa is a global company that serves over 60 countries. They have offices located in the US, China, and Hong Kong. Most of their products are made in China.

    Which Type of Cat is the M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Box Best Suited For?

    This Neakasa self-cleaning litter box is a great option for cats of all ages. The open-top design makes it more appealing to cats used to a traditional litter box, but even those who desire more privacy are likely to acclimate well to this setup.

    This cat box is fairly high off the ground so it may not be the best option for cats with mobility issues. The weight sensors can detect cats who weigh between 2.2 and 33 pounds. For kittens lighter than this, it does have a “kitten setting” that ensures pint-sized users stay safe.

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    M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Overview

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - charging the product

    Here is an overview of the many features and functions of the M1 self-cleaning litter box. We’ll take a look at the setup, settings, safety features, phone app, and specifications.

    Setup

    The Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box consists of three main parts that work together to keep your cat’s litter box clean.

    At the bottom of this intelligent machine, you’ll find a collapsable silicon waste bin. This 11-liter bin can hold up to 14 days’ worth of waste. The included waste bags fit perfectly inside and are easy to close, tie, and toss for hassle-free cleaning.

    The base of the litter box consists of four tall legs, an intuitive control panel, and a motor that makes all the magic happen.

    Tucked into this base is the ingenious, half-cylinder litter box. When ready for use, this rounded box sits at a slight angle, allowing cats to use the litter just as they would in a traditional litter box.

    Once they’ve finished their business, the box cleans itself by slowly rotating and dumping the clean litter into a screened compartment. The box continues to turn, dropping the clumped waste into the bin underneath. Once it completes the rotation, the remaining litter is released back into the box and leveled so it’s ready for the next use.

    General Settings

    This Neakasa cat box comes with many different settings so you can customize it to your cat’s needs.

    You can choose to have the unit clean automatically after each use, cyclically after a set number of hours, or only when started manually. You can also choose to turn on automatic coverage (to fully cover any poo in cat litter) and auto-leveling (to level whenever new cat litter is added).

    You also have the option to set do-not-disturb periods and reminders for cleaning, litter ordering, and more.

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - buttons on the product

    Safety Features

    Each of these litter boxes features five infrared laser sensors and four weight sensors to help keep your cat safe. The box will not engage in cleaning if your cat is inside or next to the box.

    Even when cleaning has already begun, if any of these sensors are triggered, cleaning will pause and the litter box will stop moving. This prevents cats from getting stuck or pinched as the litter box rotates.

    My inquisitive cat tested these safety features thoroughly by trying to jump inside the litter box every time it moved for the first few days. Each time, the box would freeze and patiently wait for him to move on to something else.

    Phone App

    While the basic premise behind this auto litter box is pretty neat, it’s the phone app and wifi connectivity that elevates it above other self-cleaning options.

    Once connected to wifi, Neakasa will record every time your cat uses the litter box, including how long they were there and the time of day they entered. If you have multiple cats, you can create separate profiles for each and the box will track them separately based on weight.

    With the app, you can also track how much litter is in the box, how full the waste bin is, and look back on the cleaning record from previous days. You can also kick off cleaning from the app, level the litter, and shop for accessories.

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - mobile app interface

    Specifications

    This litter box is a bit on the chonky side compared to your typical self-clean box. It’s just over 20 inches tall, 23 inches wide, and 20 inches from front to back. The litter box itself is about 17 inches wide and 15 inches across.

    This is plenty of room for even big cats to get in. But do note that the size of the litter area is a bit smaller than the opening.

    When empty, this hoss weighs about 23 pounds but does have carrying handles, which makes it easy enough to move around.

    The phone app is compatible with both iOS and Android.

    The starter kit for this litter box comes with two rolls of waste bin bags and a very effective litter mat.

    In Summary

    Pros
    • Hands-off cleaning
    • Holds up to 14 days of waste
    • Tracks usage for multiple cats
    • Tracks litter amount
    • Multiple cleaning settings
    • 9 sensors to ensure safe operation
    Cons
    • Large footprint
    • Fairly high off the ground
    • Pricey

    divider 1 paws

    Key Features

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - opening calibration

    Self Cleaning Options

    With this intelligent self-cleaning solution, you can choose the right cleaning settings for your cat and lifestyle. The “smart clean” mode automatically cleans the litter 5 minutes after your cat leaves the box. Or you can choose to have it clean every set number of hours or only when you tell it to.

    You can also set do-not-disturb periods that will prevent the cat box from cleaning itself during the night or other times of the day.

    Tracks Potty Habits for Multiple Cats

    This smart litter box tracks how often your cat uses the potty throughout the day and night. It records not only when they entered, but also how long they stayed and their weight at the time of using the bathroom.

    If you have multiple cats, you can set up different profiles for each. Using each individual cat’s weight, the Neakasa will differentiate between who uses the potty each time.

    Intelligent Phone App

    In addition to helping you keep track of your cat’s potty habits, the connected phone app also gives you full control of all the features of this box. You can scroll through previous usage records, set cleaning preferences, auto-clean with the touch of a button, track how much litter is inside, and set reminders for manual cleaning, refilling, and more.

    divider 1 paws

    Is the Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box a Good Value?

    The average self-cleaning litter box costs around $200. But if you want one with wifi connectivity like the Neakasa, you have to up your budget to between $400 and $750.

    With a list price of $600, the Neakasa M1 sits comfortably within this average range. Considering its unique open-top design and many extra features, I would say it is well worth that price.

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - unboxing

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Do you need a special litter for this self-cleaning box?

    No, any standard clumping, scoopable litter with pieces smaller than 3mm in diameter and 10mm in length will work. Non-clumping, loosely clumping, and nontraditional (such as wood grain) litters will not work with this box.

    Do cats take to this litter box easily?

    Yes, in general, cats have no issue transitioning to this litter box, especially if you use litter they are already accustomed to. For scaredy cats, it can be helpful to turn off auto-cleaning until they are readily using the box.

    How often do I need to empty the waste bin?

    The large waste bin of this litter box typically lasts 2 weeks before it gets filled up. However, you may want to clean it more often than this to avoid odor or if you have multiple cats.

    Is this litter box safe?

    Yes, this self-cleaning box features 9 different sensors to ensure it only cleans when your cat is well out of the way. If your cat comes near it during cleaning, the box will stop moving and wait until they leave to continue cleaning.

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box.jpg - makoa checking out the product

    divider 1 paws

    Our Experience With Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box

    I’m not averse to cleaning the litter box (I’ve been doing it since it landed on my chore list at the age of eight), but finding the time to get it done is a challenge. That’s one of many reasons why I was excited to try out this intelligent self-cleaning box from Neakasa.

    Right off the bat, I was impressed with the litter and waste capacity of this thing. I was a little less impressed with how big it was as a whole, though. I ended up having to rearrange my entire laundry room to get it to fit.

    On the plus side, it was super easy to unbox and get set up.

    I wasn’t worried at all about my cat, Makoa, using this new contraption—he will happily relieve himself in anything that holds a litter-like substance. But just to be sure, I added the clean litter from his old litter box to the unit.

    Makoa spent quite a while exploring the new box and was especially taken with the fact that it moved on its own. In fact, he interrupted the first cleaning cycle about thirty times. Luckily, all the safety features of this litter box ensured that no matter how often he tried to crawl inside while it was working, he never once got pinched or stuck.

    Getting the box connected to wifi and the app set up was also exceptionally easy. Once this was done, I added Makoa’s profile and set my cleaning preferences.

    One feature that I really appreciate is the do-not-disturb setting. Because Makoa has pica and can’t be trusted to roam freely throughout the house at night, he sleeps in the laundry room where the litter box is.

    I was worried that the box would never be able to complete a cleaning if he was locked up with it. Him constantly bugging it could lead to the box getting stuck upside down for hours, leaving him no place to potty. Luckily, with the do-not-disturb setting, I’m able to turn off auto cleaning at night and have it resume in the morning.

    The other really great thing about this cat box is how it tracks your cat’s usage. The first sign Makoa has eaten something he shouldn’t is a disturbance in his normal bathroom routine. By looking through his potty log on the app each day, I can be sure everything is running smoothly.

    I can even tell when he sleeps in the litter box!

    This smart box also does a pretty decent job of sealing in odors. I typically clean the cat box twice a week. But with the Neakasa, I don’t notice any smells until about seven days have passed (and this is when using fragrance-free clay litter without any odor absorbers).

    As an automatic litter box newbie, I am more than impressed with how easy the Neakasa M1 has made litter box cleaning. But what really sets this option apart from others is the smart app, unique open-top design, and the many customizable options.

    Neakasa Cat Litter Box - makoa using the product

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    Conclusion

    Whether you have one cat or a whole pride of them, cleaning the litter box is a chore better left to the robots. If you’re considering a self-cleaning option, I highly recommend the Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

    Not only does this intelligent system take all the hassle out of cleaning up after your cat, but it also helps you track their health. The in-depth usage logs tell you when your cat uses the box and for how long. For multi-cat households, it can even differentiate between different users.

    This functionality combined with an extra-large waste bin, open-top design, and customizable cleaning options puts this auto-cleaning litter box high above the competition.

    The post Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Brand Review 2024: A Detailed Look https://www.catster.com/nutrition/the-new-zealand-natural-pet-food-co-brand-review/ https://www.catster.com/nutrition/the-new-zealand-natural-pet-food-co-brand-review/#respond Thu, 30 May 2024 16:43:50 +0000 https://www.catster.com/?p=606297 The post The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Brand Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    If our kitties could thrive on love and affection alone, they would all live a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, we know it takes more than cuddles and good intentions to keep felines feeling their best. A healthy, happy life starts with a quality diet packed full of the protein these obligate carnivores need. But in […]

    The post The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Brand Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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    The post The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Brand Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

    Our Final Verdict

    We give The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co brand an overall rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars.

    Quality: 5/5
    Variety: 5/5
    Ingredients: 5/5
    Value: 4.8/5

    If our kitties could thrive on love and affection alone, they would all live a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, we know it takes more than cuddles and good intentions to keep felines feeling their best. A healthy, happy life starts with a quality diet packed full of the protein these obligate carnivores need.

    But in a world dominated by commercial cat food filled with grains, low-quality meat, and unnatural additives, how do we make sure our cats get what they need? The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co thinks they have the answer.

    Their long line of air-dried diets, freeze-dried diets, and natural cat treats are loaded with high-quality meat and a handful of superfood additions. Each recipe contains the best of what New Zealand has to offer, from free-range lamb to king salmon to wild venison.

    I had a chance to sample multiple products from this company on my 11-month-old rescue cat, Makoa. He certainly had a lot of good things to say about them and I’m pretty impressed with these foods myself, but is this lineup right for your cat?

    Find out that and more in my full review of The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co.

    divider 3 paws

    At a Glance: What We Received

    Image Product Details
    Best Overall
    Winner
    Chicken & King Salmon Air Dried Cat Food Chicken & King Salmon Air Dried Cat Food
  • 97% meat, organs, and bones
  • Crunchy texture
  • Chicken, lamb, salmon, and green muscle
  • Second place
    Lamb & King Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food Lamb & King Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food
  • 97% meat, organs, and bones
  • Raw meat and superfoods
  • Soft morsels
  • Third place
    Wild Venison Freeze Dried Cat Bites Wild Venison Freeze Dried Cat Bites
  • Soft texture
  • Venison, lamb, tripe, and green muscle
  • Use as treat or topper
  • Beef Green Tripe Freeze Dried Cat Treats Beef Green Tripe Freeze Dried Cat Treats
  • Highly palatable
  • Soft texture
  • Prebiotics and probiotics
  • divider 2 cats

    About The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food - makoa in the box

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co was started in 2016 by friends and pet parents, Amber Cordero and Jacqueline Taylor. They wanted a way to provide beloved pets around the world with high-quality, wholesome food that could help them thrive. And they wanted to do it while also being mindful of the planet.

    The company offers two lines of pet food. Their MEOW line features food, treats, and toppers for cats, while their WOOF line offers the same for dogs.

    Where is The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co’s Products Produced?

    This natural pet food company makes all their recipes in small batches at their New Zealand facility. They source their fair trade ingredients from local farms and suppliers with an eye for sustainability and ethical practices.

    Almost all of the meat and superfoods used in their recipes are harvested in New Zealand and the surrounding waters.

    Which Types of Cats is The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Best Suited For?

    All of the diets and treats this company makes are approved for all life stages. This means they can be fed to kittens, adults, and seniors.

    Each recipe is loaded with protein from various meat sources. The vast majority of cats will benefit from the high protein and fat content but some felines with specific health issues, such as kidney disease, may not be a good match for this food.

    This company offers a number of different recipe options, including some very novel proteins. For cats with common food allergies, there are likely to be multiple recipes they can eat without issue.

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    Key Features

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food - products lined up on counter

    There are a number of key features that set The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co’s MEOW line apart from your average cat food brand. Below we’ll take a closer look at what goes into their recipes, how they’re prepared, and the many options available.

    Whole Raw Meat Ingredients

    Every meal offering from the MEOW line features several raw meat ingredients in their recipes. These ingredients always appear at the top of the ingredient list and make up around 97% of the total recipe.

    But what really sets The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co apart from other freeze-dried pet food options is their inclusion of ground bone and organ meat.

    Not only does ground bone offer calcium, which your cat needs to thrive, but it also contains bone marrow. Bone marrow is full of important nutrients as well as collagen, glucosamine, and anti-inflammatory factors that can help keep your kitty healthy.1

    The organ meat found in these diets also brings plenty of nutrition. Liver, kidneys, and other organs provide many vitamins and minerals that muscle meat doesn’t. These cuts are also a great source of protein and contain less fat than muscle meat.2

    None of the meat ingredients in these recipes are exposed to heat or pressure. Maintaining this raw state means they offer more in terms of nutrients, amino acids, and intact enzymes. All of these factors are important to maintaining optimal kitty health.

    Added Superfoods

    In addition to the long list of meats in each recipe, these offerings from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co also contain some powerful and unique superfoods.

    Kelp is added to most recipes because it contains important amino acids. It’s also a great sustainable source of omega fatty acids. Research has shown that kelp can help boost immune system function and improve dental health in pets.

    Another ingredient you’ll find in all meal recipes is New Zealand Green Mussel. This superfood is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its omega fatty acid content and anti-inflammatory properties are well known for improving joint health.

    Manuka honey is a superfood you can only find in New Zealand and Australia. That’s because it’s made by bees that pollinate native tea tree flowers. This type of honey has powerful antibiotic and antiviral properties and is also a potent anti-inflammatory.

    Most recipes also contain organic virgin coconut oil and hoki fish oil, both of which are packed with health-supporting fats.

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food - makoa eating chicken & king salmon recipe

    Minimally Processed

    It doesn’t matter how many great ingredients you pack into a pet food, if you expose that food to heat or pressure, it’s going to be less nutritious. That’s why The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co does not heat or pressure process any of their meals or treats.

    Instead, they use freeze-drying or air-drying to finish their recipes.

    Freeze-dried raw foods are made by freezing raw ingredients, and then removing the moisture by placing them in a vacuum. This produces a product that contains very little moisture while keeping all of the nutrients and enzymes intact. While this food is still technically raw, it doesn’t contain enough moisture to support bacterial growth, making it much safer to handle.

    Air-dried raw food is made by exposing raw ingredients to circulating air until most of the moisture in it evaporates. Like freeze drying, this process leaves the nutrients and enzymes intact while reducing the moisture so that bacteria can’t grow.

    Multiple Recipe Options

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co offers a long list of freeze-dried diets and treats as well as many air-dried options.

    The air-dried foods have a crunchy texture but are much less dense than traditional kibble. They are crumbly, which means the pieces themselves come in a variety of sizes from large-kibble to fine topper consistency.

    The freeze-dried foods have a very soft texture that can be easily crumbled. They can be fed as is or soaked in water to create a sort of pate. These cylindrical pieces are fairly large but are easy to break apart, even for cats without teeth.

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co has many different recipe options, most of which are available in freeze-dried and air-dried preparations. Their current meal recipe options include:

    • Lamb and King Salmon
    • Chicken and King Salmon
    • Lamb and Hoki
    • Duck
    • Beef and Hoki
    • Wild Venison
    • Wild Brushtail

    divider 2 cats

    Reviews of the The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Recipes We Received

    1. Chicken & King Salmon Air Dried Cat Food

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Meow Chicken & Salmon Air Dried Cat Food

    The Chicken & King Salmon air-dried food from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co is packed with protein from three different animal sources. All the protein and the bulk of the nutrients in this food come from chicken with ground bone, chicken heart, lamb green tripe, king salmon with bone, and chicken liver.

    All those quality, biologically appropriate ingredients make up 97% of what’s in this food. The other 3% consists of superfoods like green-lipped mussel, manuka honey, kelp, and hoki oil. A short list of amino acid mineral complexes is also added to round out the nutrition profile.

    The crunchy texture and simple feeding instructions make this air-dried food a great choice for cats transitioning from kibble. It doesn’t require any special preparation and can be added to the bowl just like traditional cat food.

    The airy density of this food makes it a bit more crumbly than what most people are used to. This makes it fairly messy but also, in my experience, makes it more appealing to cats. This is especially true for older cats and those with dental problems.

    Pros
    • 40% protein and 38% fat
    • Packed with quality meats and superfoods
    • Crunchy texture
    • Easy to feed
    • No preparation needed
    Cons
    • Crumbly texture makes it a bit messy
    • Feels a little greasy

    2. Lamb & King Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Meow Lamb​ & King Salmon Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food

    Freeze-dried cat food brings all the benefits of raw in a package that is easier to handle and prepare. This lamb and king salmon diet from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co is no exception.

    It’s packed with quality animal ingredients that provide the macro and micronutrients your cat needs to thrive. The first six ingredients are lamb, king salmon with ground bone, lamb green tripe, lamb heart, lamb liver, and lamb kidney.

    Like the air-dried formula above, this one contains 97% animal ingredients plus a handful of superfoods. Because of this, it needs only a trace amount of added nutrients. Most of these are in amino acid complex form which greatly enhances their absorbability.

    This food comes in relatively large chunks. But these are very soft and easy to break or crumble. In fact, they are soft enough that even kitties without teeth could easily eat them.

    As with most freeze-dried pet foods, you have the option to feed these as they are or to soak them in water to rehydrate them into a pate-like consistency. They can also be crumbled onto your cat’s kibble or wet food. My cat happily gobbles this diet up in all forms.

    Pros
    • Six quality meat ingredients
    • High fat for extra energy
    • Superfoods and highly absorbable nutrients
    • Soft texture
    • Multiple preparation options
    Cons
    • Can require more work to prepare
    • Larger than typical pellet size

    3. Wild Venison Freeze Dried Cat Bites

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Meow Wild Venison Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Treats

    In addition to food, The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co also makes a line of “bites.” These freeze-dried morsels are very similar to their meal recipes but come in smaller packages. They are meant to be used as toppers for traditional food or as a convenient meal option for travel.

    The wild venison recipe contains seven quality meat ingredients. These include wild venison, lamb, lamb green tripe, lamb kidney, and ground lamb bone. Like the full recipes, this one contains a handful of superfoods, including manuka honey, rosemary, and hoki oil.

    This recipe option is high in protein and lower in fat than most, making it a great option for less active cats.

    The pellets in this freeze-dried option resemble those in the meal recipes. They are fairly large but are easily broken up thanks to their soft texture. This makes them easy to crumble over kibble for an enticing topper that will convince even picky eaters to clean their bowl.

    Both the macro and micronutrient profiles of these bites match that of most of the meal recipes. This makes them highly versatile and a great option for travel or special occasions. If you’re considering The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co but aren’t sure if it’s right for your cat, opting for one of these smaller bags is a great way to test out their product line.

    Pros
    • 40% protein and 22% fat
    • Small bag for travel or sampling
    • Makes a great topper
    • Can be served in a variety of ways
    • Great for less active cats
    Cons
    • Price is higher per ounce
    • Larger than typical pellet size

    4. Beef Green Tripe Freeze Dried Cat Treats

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Woof Beef Green Tripe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Treats

    If you’re looking for a cat treat even your picky eater can’t deny, this is it. These beef green tripe freeze-dried treats from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co are highly palatable. And they feature the same soft, chewy texture as the other freeze-dried offerings from this company.

    This recipe contains just two simple ingredients, beef green tripe and New Zealand green mussel.

    Tripe is made from the stomach lining of ruminants. It has a naturally potent flavor and odor that most cats cannot resist. It also offers many benefits for gut health, including prebiotics and probiotics. The added green mussel provides many health benefits of its own and has a similarly enticing flavor.

    As an added benefit, these treats are packed with protein and healthy fats.

    This is just one of many freeze-dried and air-dried treat options from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. One of my cat’s other favorites is the freeze-dried green mussels. These fun treats are made of whole green mussels that still retain their original shape and look.

    Pros
    • Highly palatable
    • 50% protein and 31% fat
    • Easy to break apart
    • Comes in a variety of flavors
    • Highly nutritious treat option
    Cons
    • Can be a little messy

    divider 2 cats

    Our Experience With The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co

    My cat, Makoa, has had a sensitive gut since battling multiple infections as a kitten. After finally getting him off antibiotics and strengthening his gut biome with multiple supplements, he is finally at a place where he is ready for less processed, more biologically appropriate food.

    That’s why I was so excited about the opportunity to try some of The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co recipes. I got a variety of options to test out, including air-dried food, freeze-dried food, and multiple different bites and treat options.

    I started by slowly mixing in the Chicken & King Salmon air-dried food with his normal kibble. From day one, it’s been clear he prefers The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co option. He always picks it out of his bowl first.

    At the same time, I started mixing the Lamb & King Salmon freeze-dried food with his canned food at meal times. After a few days, I had transitioned him entirely over to the new food.

    It takes a bit more time to prep this raw food than standard canned food, but only because I prefer to let it soak in water. But there is no doubt that he loves it!

    In fact, the only thing he likes better than the meal recipes from this company are their treats. He is a big fan of the Wild Venison bites but definitely loves the Beef Tripe and New Zealand Green Mussel treats the best.

    After a couple of weeks of eating the new food and treats, he already seems like he has more energy than he did before. His coat seems softer, too. And, remarkably, his sensitive stomach has held up rather well during the transition.

    For my part, I am really impressed by the ingredients used in these recipes. Not only are they packed with quality animal meats and unique superfoods, but they also contain many novel ingredients you won’t see in most other cat foods. This is great for kitties with food allergies and provides a different nutrient profile that can benefit all cats.

    The New Zealand Natural Pet Food - makoa eating wild venison recipe

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    Conclusion

    If you’re ready to seriously up your cat’s nutrition game, I can’t recommend The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co’s MEOW line enough.

    Both their meals and treats are packed with protein from quality raw meat sources. For owners looking for a simple dry-kibble substitute, the air-dried line is a great option. Or for those who want raw made easy, the freeze-dried recipes are a wonderful place to start.

    My cat Makoa has nothing but good things to say about everything he has tried from this company. And I feel great knowing that he is getting everything he needs to thrive thanks to these wholesome, nutrient-dense options made with sustainable, fair-trade ingredients.

    The post The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Brand Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

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