How To Remove That Nasty Cat Urine Smell

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BABY KITTY TALK 2
By Mike Beauford

Want to know how to get rid of cat urine smell? Cat urine is a very unpleasant smell and removing it from your carpet and furniture can be a really daunting task. Keep in mind that cats like to go to the same spot most especially when they can smell their urine. That's why it's a good idea to get all the cat urine removed so that they will stop urinating in that spot.

3 Steps to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell

First you need to use paper towels and put some pressure to the urinated area until all the moisture is removed. Make sure to use enough paper towels so that the area gets dry and it may take a lot of towels to get it all dried up. Once you have the urine out then you can proceed to get rid of any excess residue that's been left in the area.

Next, get your spray bottle and add 80% of water and 20% of white vinegar. This combination will help to defeat any unpleasant smell from the urine that might still be in the carpet. It's not really hard to remove but you need some effort in cleaning the area after you have sprayed to make sure it is dry. This will prevent your cat from going back to this area and urinating in it again.

Scatter a crystalline powder like DeScent in the carpet after drying it up. This will help you to remove cat urine odor that are still on the affected area of the carpet. Important thing to keep in mind is that you must make sure that your cat can never again smell their urine so they will stop urinating in the same spot again and again. If you have a male cat then they are more likely to mark their territories.

Remember these steps and you will be on your way to getting rid of that nasty cat urine smell. Quickly clean the affected area so your cat won't have to pee in your carpet again. If you delay in cleaning your carpet then your cat is going to urinate again and this will only make things harder for you.

About the Author:

Remove cat urine smell from your home. No need to spend lots of money and hours of cleaning cat litter. Go to http://www.squidoo.com/get-rid-of-cat-urine-smell
 

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Pet-proofing your holiday preparations

 The Creative Cat

Cookie is ready for the holidays.

It’s kind of like wondering how those of us of a certain age survived our childhoods without seatbelts and bicycle helmets. How did our pets survive before we knew all these cautions about which foods and plants were truly toxic and exactly what a length of curling ribbon could do to their intestines?
Well, a certain number of them didn’t, just as a certain number of children suffered serious or fatal injuries in cars and on bicycles, but we don’t often talk about it.

Before covering the basic warnings, here are a few key points to remember:

1. Animals are not little people. Animals are simply a fraction of our size, so the effect of anything on them will be multiplied in their smaller bodies which don’t metabolize things the same as we do. Consider chocolate and raisins, both of which can be toxic in dogs and cats in smaller amounts than we would eat for fun. Consider aspirin, which a cat’s small body doesn’t metabolize quickly enough to avoid a possible overdose and can be fatal, but can safely be used in reasonable dosages in a dog as a pain reliever.

2. Animals don’t make reasoned decisions in the same way we do. They make decisions based on their own sensibilities as cats and dogs, and because we presume they can’t read or understand warnings about dangers to themselves, these decisions are based on curiosity and adventure and are not always in their own best interest.

3. Don’t ever think your cat or dog “wouldn’t eat that”. They would. Plan on it. Cats are a little more discerning than dogs in choosing what to eat, and even with that, in all the years I’ve had cats they’ve eaten, or attempted to eat, just about anything they could chew and swallow, including such foods as hot peppers, cookies and raw green beans—who would think?!

4. Don’t think your cat or dog “can’t get to it”. They can. They have nothing better to do than to stalk and kill your cheese plate, or the box with the curling ribbon. Confine them if they won’t stay out of something, or get it out of your house.

5. And a special one for the holiday season: Your change in routine will change your pet. Don’t presume you can predict what they will do. Animals are creatures of habit, but this is the one time of the year we intentionally break habits including daily schedules, entertaining guests, and arranging and decorating our space. Our pets may run the spectrum from happily helping to totally freaking out, but the change in plans will have an effect on them and they may not behave in their usual manner, either, making them much less predictable than we are accustomed to.

They can only get into what we leave available for them, so keep them in mind as you prepare.

BEHAVIOR
Because we’re all a little extra-busy this time of year with social engagements, shopping, cooking, kids home from school and visitors, it’s most important to just keep an eye on you furry companions for any changes in behavior and personality. Some cats are fine with chaos, but Puff doesn’t handle changes in daily schedule very well, and Spot is upset because he just isn’t getting enough attention, including regularly scheduled walks. They’re considering leaving their “opinions” on the carpet in the dining room. Before it gets to this, try to spend a little “quality time” with them at the same time every day, just to reassure them of their exalted position in the household.

This daily visit with your animal companions also serves a purpose for you, as their caregiver. While their behavior may be simply a reaction to the changes in their world, it may also be an oncoming illness or evidence that they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have. This would be easy to miss while you are otherwise occupied. If it seems Puff isn’t eating right or Spot is a little lethargic or aggressive, take some time to observe for other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, irregular breathing, obvious discomfort, salivating, or straining in the box, any of which could signal that the problem isn’t all in their head. A persistence of any of these symptoms would call for an immediate trip to the veterinarian.

UNUSUAL TOYS
On any given day, anything can become a toy.

Under the pressure of stress, however, any seemingly inedible and unappetizing object can become a toy and/or a food item. Puff loves string-like objects like tinsel and garlands, ribbon scraps from your gift wrapping or yarn from craft projects, but they can be deadly if they wrap around her tongue or bunch up in the stomach or intestines, often requiring surgery. Spot may begin snacking on the polyester batting you’ve carefully arranged under the tree to mimic snow, and it’s obvious what a big ball of this indigestible substance in the stomach would do, likely beginning with a trip to the emergency clinic.

In likewise be a temptation to a bored cat lacking human attention. The tree itself, apparently meant to be climbed, chewed and knocked over after it’s decorated, can become a team effort. Puff can swat decorations to the floor, and Spot can eat them.

Observe their behavior as you decorate the tree and elsewhere in the house. If they are irresistibly drawn to something don’t assume you can dissuade their interest, especially when you’re away. If they persist, just take the thing away.

PLANTS BITE BACK
Several plants traditionally displayed at the holidays range from unpleasant to toxic depending on the plant and size and age of the animal, but most deadly to cats are plants in the lily family which often enter the house in cut flower arrangements. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure. It doesn’t affect dogs.

Puff and Spot consider any greenery fair game for a lunchtime green salad, and the sudden arrival of poinsettias, mistletoe and holly can cause great excitement, sure to invite a taste of leaf or stem. These three cause varying levels of gastrointestinal distress, which can be a mess to clean up in the least, but can quickly become very serious. And while an adult animal in good health can often nibble these plants to no obvious ill effect it’s not wise to take chances. For a kitten, puppy or senior animal or one that may have a compromised immune system the experience can be fatal.

LET’S GO OFF OUR DIET
Of all things, food is the greatest temptation, and the well-behaved animal who would never jump on the table, ever, might be irresistibly tempted and end up in the punch bowl.

My cats will eat as much of a new and exciting food as I will give them, so I have to be careful not to give them too much and careful what I give them. Plain old roast turkey is something their digestive systems are capable of handling–in normal amounts. And while I do get food for them that constitutes a human-grade turkey dinner in a can, it’s in an amount and spiced and flavored appropriate for cats, not for me.

But turkey isn’t the only thing we’ve got on the table, and never underestimate the cunning of an animal who knows it has to sneak. I had a cat who would hide on one of the chairs under the table and would reach just his paw up onto the table to steal whatever was there nearly undetected, except that guests hadn’t arrived yet and I hadn’t eaten the stuffed celery sticks.

And it’s true that animals in the wild eat lots of things that we are told not to feed them, including animal bones, but the difference here is that animal bones tend to become brittle when cooked, especially avian bones, but fresh raw bones, while they can still splinter, are more flexible though still not appropriate for our pets. Turkey bones are out.

While we can treat our swollen stomach and raging bowels with various medications, our pets have limited options, and overeating can develop into a life-threatening condition if persistent diarrhea or vomiting develop and the animal becomes dehydrated. Be reasonable with your handouts, whether they be treats or some forbidden human food.

Be especially aware of alcohol, chocolate, macadamia nuts and walnuts, caffeinated beverages, onions, raisins and seeds and pits from many fruits. These contain compounds or cause reactions which can affect organ function or slowly poison a cat or dog.

MEDICATIONS
Because of the general disorder in the household during the holidays and Puff’s propensity to play with any small portable object that’s fallen on the floor, be especially careful of even over-the-counter medications. Cats don’t metabolize medications like most other animals, even dogs, and a small white pill dropped on the floor or swatted off of a counter can become a deadly session of feline hockey or a fatal treat for Spot.

SOMEBODY’S SLEEPING IN MY BED
Now that Puff and Spot are totally fed up with your antics and being told “no” all the time, your loud, obnoxious great-aunt and uncle arrive to spend the holidays with you. Aunt Millie just LOVES kitties and puppies and wants to HUG and SQUEEZE Puff and Spot while Uncle Harold yells at them to SCAT whenever he sees so much as a whisker of one of them. Puff and Spot are now considering moving their “complaint” site from the dining room to Millie and Harold’s bed, or perhaps their suitcases, and they’re sharpening their claws for an encounter. It just may be time for the final solution.

A ROOM OF OUR OWN
For indoor cats with formerly no intention to go outside and work for a living, everything has changed. It looks like a really silent night out there, not like this madhouse, and no one may notice if they scoot out the door as a guest arrives or you come in the door loaded with packages. The dog who normally asks to go outside may also bolt out the door into the night with your dinner about to go on the table.

And with all the hazards of decorations, scissors, tape, ribbons, cooking utensils and who knows what else, setting up personal quarters for Puff and Spot might be the best idea to keep them safe over the holiday season, at least for some periods during the day or during times when visitors are present, candles are lit, canapé trays are on every table and glasses of wine are poured.

For more information on plants toxic to cats and potentially toxic foods, visit the Humane Society of the United States for Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy During the Holiday Season and the ASPCA’s Holiday Safety Tips. Both have tips and links to information on toxic plants and “pet-safe floral arrangements”, and various potentially toxic foods.

Whistlin' Pup Video is Just TOOOO Cute!

Whistling Puppy @ Yahoo! Video

SPCA offers pet safety tips to protect them from the cold

The SPCA does not encourage people to leave their pets outside full time but urges pet owners who do keep their pets outdoors to follow these guidelines:

•During times of extreme low temperatures, all pets should be brought inside. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re cold outside, your pet will be too. Some things to consider: Wet weather during times of extreme temperatures can lead to hypothermia or pneumonia in animals, very young or very old animals are more susceptible to suffering medical issues due to the cold, and medical conditions such as arthritis can be aggravated by the cold.

•For outdoor dogs, weatherproof living quarters are a must. A dog’s house should be able to retain heat, be well-insulated and stay dry. It should also be made up of three sides, a roof and, ideally, a floor. The house should be elevated and the entrance pointed away from wind.

•Pet owners often innocently assume that their pets can withstand the cold weather with the aid of their thick coats, but in many cases they could not be more wrong. Indoor dogs shed their undercoats and should never be made to stay outside for very long. Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter, leave their coat long for more warmth. And when you bathe your dog, completely dry his or her coat before letting them go outdoors.

•If ice accumulates in water bowls, your pets can become dehydrated. Monitor the time your pet spends outdoors and be sure they always have fresh water to drink.

•Outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat, so increase the amount you feed your pet if he spends much of his time outdoors.

•Wipe your pet’s paws and legs clean with a wet cloth after an outing. Salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could hurt your dog if he or she ingests them while licking his or her paws.

“Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate paws. Also, ice can get lodged between the paw pads, and can lead to frostbite, cuts or cracks.

•A cat may crawl up under your car seeking shelter and warmth near the engine and could get caught in the fan and seriously injured or killed. If you park your car outside, honk the horn, open the hood of your car to check or slap the hood of your car noisily with your hand before starting the engine to awaken any animal sleeping there.

•Antifreeze, even just tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Animals are attracted to it because of its sweet taste, so be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle.

•Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold, and the animal could freeze to death.

•Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice. Dogs can easily lose their scent in these kinds of conditions and become lost. They may also panic in a storm and run away.

•Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor. A good place would be a dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

•Keep your pets happy and healthy all year round by having them spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and keep a collar with updated tags on them at all times.

How Long Are Cats Pregnant

By Christine Pinkston

You may be thinking about breeding your cat or maybe you are simply wondering if your cat may have accidentally become pregnant, either way you will discover that there are many things you need to know.

While the age of your cat plays a role in their ability to get pregnant, with older cats being able to get pregnant easier, you will find the the length of your cats pregnancy is fairly standardized.

For the most part, you will find that a cat's pregnancy length will last about 57 to 70 days. Many cats end up averaging around 64 days or so, giving them a pregnancy length of around nine weeks.

There are many signs to keep a look out for when you are trying to figure out if your cat is pregnant. The first and most likely sign you will notice is the absence of your cat going into heat. An unspayed female cat will generally have a cycle she will follow for going into heat and it will be from between ten to fourteen days.

If she suddenly stops giving the signs of having gone into heat, there is a good chance that she might be pregnant. The first physical sign that you are likely to see is that her nipples will have a swollen, slightly tender look and they might turn pinker in color.

You will notice that your cat will start to get hungrier as her body begins to need more resources to nourish her unborn kittens. Along those lines, you cat may start to vomit, however if this happens more then 3 or 4 times you might want to take her to the vet to get her checked out.

In the fifth week of pregnancy, around 35 days, your cats stomach will begin to get swollen from her kittens growing larger. From here, her stomach will continually get bigger until she has her litter.

It is important for you to take some time to get familiar with the process of your cats pregnancy as this will be important for you and the health of your cat.

About the Author:

If you are wondering how to tell if your cat is pregnant then chances are fairly high you have a pregnant cat on your hands and you will need to get information on how to care for her. One thing you should consider is feeding your cat homemade cat food. Learn how to tell if your cat is pregnant and how to feed your cat homemade cat food.

Pet Insurance for Your Pets

By Geraldine Dimarco

Pet insurance definitely would have solved the problem. I confess - I had doubts about treating our dog some time ago when he was involved in an accident. The agony of making a decision like that is something I hope not to repeat. Medical science cannot cure everything, and pets are vulnerable too. Operations on animals can go wrong sometimes.

When you find yourself in this predicament, a decision may have to be made. Really, you should never have to think about how much it is going to cost.

A poor financial situation should never be a reason why a pet does not receive adequate attention; arranging a pet insurance policy saves this type of predicament from happening in the future. A pet health insurance plan does not have cost the earth; the average monthly premium will be less than forty dollars.

It is a strange fact that most pet owners do not bother obtaining pet insurance; this is peculiar when they are generally loved like any other person in the home. When it comes to looking after our own health needs, we do not forget how important it is; with this being the case, looking after our pets should be equally important.

Many do not consider this an important matter; this attitude quickly changes when these pet owners are presented with the bills for treatment. Like many other areas, the cost of vet fees has increased as well; of course the knock-on effect has been a rise in pet insurance premiums.

Considered by many as an unnecessary expense, however, pet owners soon realize that vets bills are costly and it doesn't take much treatment for them to enter into four figure bills. No area is immune for price increases and vets fees are no exception; many people have seen their pet insurance premium increase as a consequence.

Pet health cover costs, like many other types of insurance plans, are on the increase. This should really be enough to make you think twice about delaying but this isn't the only reason. Accidents and serious illnesses occur from time to time. This can happen at any time and usually when you can least afford it!

You can choose from a range of pet health insurance services, and perhaps incorporate more than one pet on the same plan. Pet insurance plans come in all shapes and sizes. There are even plans analogous to pet insurance that actually cover items that insurance doesn't. To my mind, they are a type of insurance, although they market themselves as pet assurance rather than pet insurance. Either way, they could save you a lot of money, and a lot of heartache.

About the Author:

Prior to thinking about purchasing pet insurance, discover the facts about pet care insurance at HealthierDogs.com

Special Characteristics Of Chinchilla Persian Cats

By Cynthia Turner

When you see a cat which is majestic and extraordinary looking you should know that you are looking at a full-blooded Persian cat. These cats have well-built bodies and brawny legs with a face which looks punched. They thrive on attention from you if you are a cat lover and also from people who do not like cats.

The breed of Persian cats is divided into further families where a some of their characteristics tend to differ. Mainly the difference is in the color of their coats and a closer observation reveals further details in which they tend to differ. The Chinchilla breed in particular has some very strikingly different characteristics that make it special.

The Persian cats were starting to be exported to USA in'08 when the Chinchilla Cats Club was founded. If you have to know and value whether a cat is a Pedigree Chinchilla cat or not and distinguish it from others, you have to examine its coat as that is the only means by which you will be able to make out the difference. The color of the body hair has distinctions which would show the difference. A pure breed black coated Chinchilla will have only1/7 of its body hair as black.

The Chinchilla cats look as if they have a shining silver coat because they have an under coat which is pure white with black tips on the hair of the head, back, tail and flank. These cats also have white hair on their chin, chest, stomach and ear tuffs but the legs are occasionally dotted with black tips.

A most attractive feature that you will see in these cats are their black rimmed eyes which tend to give an expression of wearing eye makeup on them. You will also find that their nose and lips are outlined in black.

The coats of Silver Shaded cats have different color hair tips which give them a shadowy effect. You will see several attractive colors from blue to lilac to chocolate. When you consider both Silver Shaded and Chinchilla the former has more 'shadowy' coat. The coats have a fantastic mixture of colors giving it more shades than you can imagine.

Also there is the Golden Shaded where the underlying coat is multi colored which again is magnificent and a pleasure to see because of the wonderful effect it gives to the coat of the cat. Furthermore there is a variety known as the Cameo Persian which has some red in the tips of the coat.

All these cats are known for their gorgeous dark rimmed eyes, nose and mouth, except for the Golden shaded whose eyes and nose is outlined in brown in place of black. The eye color of these cats is primarily supposed to be green or blue-green. This established characteristic in all Chinchilla, Golden Shaded, Silver Shaded and Cameo Persian cats helps to differentiate the pedigree because a pure-bred cats eye color will be either green or blue-green.

About the Author:

The author is a cat enthusiast who writes about Black Persian Cats. In order to read more about Chinchilla Persian kittens click on the hyperlinks.

Safe Car Travel For Pets - 7 Tips

 By Tim Lambert

Don't Let Them Put Their Head Out The Window: Even though it looks harmless, it just isn't safe to let your pet stick their head out the window while you are driving. This leaves your pet vulnerable to anything that might be flying along in the road, debris, bugs, even things from the cars in front of you. You should also never put your pet in the back of a pickup truck. It is so dangerous (especially on long trips) that the majority of states actually have laws against this type of animal transport!

Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.

Keep Them Hydrated: During your rest stops make sure to provide your pet with some fresh water so that they can re-hydrate themselves. Occasionally, traveling in a car can upset your pet's stomach and keeping them hydrated will work to help prevent any 'accidents.' Another trick is to bring ice cubes for your pet as it's easier than having to bring large amounts of water (plus by the time you're done with the trip it IS just water).

Dont Feed Them Extra: You should keep the snacks to a minimum on any long road trip. Fast-food and any other traveler-friendly eateries should not be seen as food sources for your pet. That means no feeding them leftovers as well! That type of food will typically result in poor bowel movement or worse, end up with a sick pet.

No Leaving Your Pet Alone In The Car: Don't ever leave your car with your pets still inside. On your typical warm days, the temperature in your car could rise up to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows open for them.

Restrain Your Pets: While in your car, keep your pets restrained. Properly using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the fastest ways to keep your pet safe. Either method will keep your pet safe from harm as well as keep them from distracting the driver. A pet safety harness is similar to a regular seatbelt, just made to restrain your four legged friend. It's a safe bet to let your pet try on any pet harness before any road-trip, this way they will also get use to the way it feels. Make sure any dog kennels that you use are well ventilated, as air circulation might be poorer in the back. If you have a large pet, look into using a pet barrier in your car. These are best used with large cars and SUVs. One of the most important travel tips to remember is that they should not be traveling in the passenger seat, no matter how cute they might look.

Comfortable and Secure: The number one thing to focus on should be your pets comfort. If your pet is comfortable then the ride will go smoothly. Their comfort is as important as your own. Imagine having to drive on a long-trip sitting in a seat that hurts or is uncomfortable. It'd make for a pretty un-fun trip! Same goes for your pet. An easy trick to put your pet at ease is to bring along their favorite toy or blanket.

About the Author:

To read more pet travel tips visit the Online Pet Vet and get answers to your own pet questions.

Christmas Ideas to Keep Your Pet Healthy - Top Pet Fitness and Weight Loss Products of 2009

earthtimes.org - Calabash, NC (PRWEB) December 2, 2009 -- With half of America's pets now estimated to be overweight, the demand for pet fitness products has never been greater. This year the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) is proud to announce its Top Pet Fitness and Weight Loss Products for 2009. If you are looking to give your pet a healthy gift this holiday season, consider these innovative offerings.

Harnesses and Leashes

"One of the keys to fitness and weight loss in pets is exercise," states Dr. Ernie Ward, Founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and lead product researcher. "Exercise begins with a comfortable leash and harness and this year we saw several innovations in this category."

Easy Walk Harness and Leash - ECO

Earth-friendly, no-pull walking harness for your dog. Made of 100% recycled milk cartons and all of the packaging is recycled. "This is quite simply the best and most earth-friendly exercise product we have run across this year," comments Gina Toman, registered veterinary technician and one of the testers.

Come With Me Kitty Harness and Leash

"For owners of pudgy felines who think they can't take their cat for a walk, there's a harness for you," says Ward. With its innovative, easy-to-use and secure design, the Come With Me Kitty Harness and Leash is a must for any overweight cat who needs exercise.

Sporn Simple Control Harness

Every dog needs a go-to, everyday harness. Some harness systems require a book of instructions and an engineering degree--not this one. "Sporn has one of the easiest and most comfortable harnesses we have tested. On and off in a matter of seconds, our users commented that this was the one harness they could take with them anywhere (and they did)," remarks Ward.

EzyDog Leash

It's pretty hard to improve on the standard dog leash: handle, rope, and clip. The secret to a better leash is the handle. EzyDog has basically taken a mini water-ski handle and attached it to a dog leash that results in a surprisingly comfortable walking leash. They also added a shock-absorbing stretch material that eases the arm and shoulder strain of abrupt pulls. "Even our most stubborn puller failed to cause dreaded "hand pinch" common with traditional leashes. Walkers with arthritis or other painful hand conditions will appreciate the EzyDog's unparalleled cushion and comfort," comments Ward.

Toys

"Play is an important part of staying healthy for pets," emphasizes Ward. "You are the best toy for your pet, although we found several impressive products that can make playtime more fun--and beneficial--for everyone."

Dog Tornado

The Dog Tornado is the perfect solution to entertaining your dog (or cat). This interactive food game has four layers with rotating discs, and three of these layers have compartments for hiding dog snacks. When your dog rotates a layer, she reveals a hidden snack. The game can be made more or less challenging by altering the layers. "The Dog Tornado provides a workout for the brain as well as a way for improving physical coordination. I recommend hiding sliced veggies for a healthy play period," advises Toman.

Dura Doggie Disc

"Many dogs love to play Frisbee. Trouble is, after a few outings, the disc is trashed," muses Ward. Dura Doggie Disc is an incredibly tough, chew-resistant flying disc that doubles as a water bowl (how cool!). No more shredded palms or cut lips from frayed Frisbees.

ChuckIt! Ball Launcher

"As a guy, the thought of using anything other than my rocket arm to play fetch with seemed insulting," laments Ward. "However, after injuring my elbow and being unable to throw for several weeks, I fell in love with my ChuckIt! Ball Launcher. In fact, my dog loved it so much that even when I resumed my mere mortal ball tossing to her, she insisted on the ChuckIt." Men, women, and children everywhere will find their play sessions more beneficial when using this easy-to-use and inexpensive ball launcher. Men, prepare to be humbled. Dogs, prepare to be thrilled.

FroliCat BOLT Automatic Laser Toy for Cats

"We had a hard time finding an interactive exercise toy that a majority of cats liked. This laser toy comes the closest to pleasing a wide variety of kitties," states Toman. It couldn't be easier to use: set up, turn on, and watch the fun! The FroliCat shines a laser dot in a seemingly random pattern your cat will chase, leap, and pounce on for the 15 minute cycle. "If your cat chases the FroliCat twice a day for 15 minutes, it will be well on its way to better health," adds Dr. Ward

Rumble Bumps

Dogs love anything that makes noise. Dogtronics has designed a line of interactive, touch-activated toys our testers found irresistible. "Our favorite noisy toy was the Rumble Bumps. The test dogs liked the fact that the toy made a variety of sounds when it was batted and chewed and their owners appreciated the silence when it was still. We found it to be a great toy to keep your puppy engaged while home alone," shares Toman.

Food Bowls

"Everybody feeds their dog, so we decided to look at how food bowl selection could impact weight loss and healthy eating habits. Our findings may surprise you," says Ward.

Brake-Fast Dog Bowl

"While this bowl was marketed as an aid to slow eating, we found another use: less feeding guilt," states Dr. Ward. The bowl has three columns in the middle that magically make that half-cup of diet food appear larger. It also takes a dog a little longer to eat, thereby delaying any guilt. "We found it to be a great crutch for pet owners who feel the need to fill the bowl."

Neater Feeder

Perhaps the most-used product is also the messiest. "We observed dogs that are what we term "enthusiastic eaters. These dogs tend to spill their food on the floor, leading to owners adding additional food into the bowl, thereby promoting weight gain," explains Toman. The Neater Feeder solves most of your pet's food and water messes with an innovative edge and drainage system. Our testers liked the different sizes and the ease of cleaning. Your floors will love the no-spill design.

Technology Products

"Technology common for human exercise is now becoming available for pets," notes Ward, who is also a certified personal trainer and Ironman triathlete. "I expect even better products in the next few years that will aid in pet weight loss."

Fitbit

"Quite simply, this product wowed everyone," reports Ward. "While not technically a pet weight loss product, the Fitbit tracks your calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, and sleep quality. This is important because you can accurately measure how far you have walked your dog and at the same time you are getting in better shape." The tiny Fitbit uses the same type of controller used in Nintendo's Wii system and fits easily into a pocket or on a belt or waistband. Your data is wirelessly transmitted to your computer where you can view your exercise and sleep patterns. For less than a hundred bucks, this is one weight loss tool every pet owner should have.

The Beacon by Ruff Wear Dog Safety Light

"We liked this product because it was small, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and a life-saving idea," says Toman. During the cooler months, we are often forced to walk our dogs when it's dark outside. Everyone's key concern is visibility. Ruff Wear has created a tiny LED light that can be seen up to a half mile away. "Testers liked the three settings, continuous, slow, and fast flash, and that it was easy to clip on or off using the split ring or built-in clip."

DogTread by PetZen Doggie Treadmill

For the dog that has everything--except a good daily walk--you can't beat a treadmill. "With straightforward controls and quiet operation, the DogTread from PetZen is one of our favorite dog treadmills," reports Ward. For busy people or individuals with physical limitations, a dog treadmill is an excellent alternative to outdoor walking.

Other Products

Liver Biscotti

"Dog owners always ask me what the best treat is for pets. Crunchy vegetables are my favorite," answers Ward. For owners desiring a commercial dog treat, it's hard to find a tasty dog treat with less than 1 calorie per piece, but somehow Liver Biscotti has done just that. "Dog owners need to remember it's not the size of the reward that matters to dogs; getting a reward is what's important,"advises Ward.

The Port-A-Poo Poop Bag Holder

"Walking your dog is fun; handling your dog's unexpected bathroom run is not," muses Dr. Ward. Fortunately, there's an easier way to pick up where your dog left off, the Port-A-Poo. With two sizes to fit either on a standard or retractable leash, the Port-A-Poo is a hands-off solution to one of life's messier problems.

DOOG Walkie Belts

"Ok, we were skeptical when we first saw this dog walking belt (for people) from Down Under. I mean, do you really need it? Was this an Aussie gag?" jokes Ward. "However, after just a few strolls, we couldn't walk our dog without it." Its two quick-dispenser pockets for poop bags and hand wipes were enough but the Walkie also holds an mp3 player, cell phone, treats, wallet, keys and other small essentials. "The ability to stylishly hold all our stuff without dragging our walking shorts down was worth the price alone," adds Ward. They also come in matching dog collar styles for all you fashionistas.

VizVest Safety Vest for Dogs

Sure, we know there are tons of dog reflective vests available. This one caught our eye because it easily adjusted to a variety of dog shapes, stayed in place, was lightweight enough for year-round wear, and inexpensive. We also liked the fact that there was an opening on the top that allowed the use of certain walking harnesses. It's true your dog may look like a road-side worker but because the VizVest uses the same materials used in human safety vests , it just may save both your lives.

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