Yesterday, we looked at how to prepare for home a shelter dog. But dogs aren’t for everyone! So what if you’re adopting a cat or kitten from the animal shelter? Bringing home a new kitty can be really exciting. But cats can take time to settle into their new surroundings. Here are 10 tips to help you help your cat adjust:

1. Before you bring your new kitty home, call the shelter to find out what type of food she was eating. Gather any information about medications, allergies, or even preferences so that you can have the best food for your cat on-hand.
2. Make an eco-friendly scratch post to welcome her home.
3. Purchase a few cat toys and catnip-stuffed items. Don’t go overboard until you know what types of toys she prefers to play with.
4. If you have other pets or small children, make sure you provide a safety zone for your new cat. Consider setting up a baby gate that she can fit under – but dogs and kids can’t – with access to a separate room.
5. Figure out where you want your cat’s litter box to go, and get it set up and ready for her to use. Stock up on your favorite litter so you’re prepared for upset stomachs that can accompany a big transition.
6. Schedule a comprehensive checkup with your veterinarian for soon after you bring your new cat home.
7. When you first bring her home, introduce your cat to her new surroundings slowly. Help her explore your house room by room.
8. If possible, adopt your cat on a Friday so that you have the whole weekend to help her acclimate without having to worry about work.
9. Start building up your bond. Spend time playing with her. She may not want to be patted much at first, but if she requests affection, give in! Let each member of the family offer her a treat so she starts building up a positive association with everyone.
10. Be patient. Your new cat probably won’t want to curl up on your lap to watch TV or sleep next to you at night – yet. Give her time to adjust to her new surroundings, routine, and family.

Image: bobster855

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We love to spoil our dogs, cats, parakeets, and hamsters. In fact, Americans spend $45 billion annually on pets! Instead of dumping our dollars into any retailer hocking a cute chew toy, with a little conscious consumerism, our purchases can support retailers that contribute to animal welfare. Score pet-safe products, treats, and toys for your furballs while supporting these five companies that give back.

West Paw Design

This eco-chic pet retailer carries a range of toys, apparel, and beds for dogs and cats. They regularly donate products to charities to raffle off in fundraisers. Nominate your favorite shelter or charity to receive one of their monthly donations.

Planet Dog

While this manufacturer develops pet-friendly dog products, they also run their own 501(c)(3) foundation, Planet Dog Foundation. The company donates two percent of every purchase to the foundation, which “funds programs that train, place and support working dogs helping people in need.”

Zukes

Zukes makes healthy, natural treats for both dogs and cats. The responsible retailer donates a portion of every sale to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund. The company also pays their employees to bike or scooter to work!

EFA Artists Helping Animals

Etsy for Animals (EFA) Artists Helping Animals “is a group of more than 500 independent artists, independent craftspeople, independent vintage suppliers, and independent art and craft suppliers that combine their efforts to provide charitable relief to animals.” You can locate individual retailers on their site or by searching “team efa” in Etsy’s search bar.

Earthdog

This conservation-driven company manufactures leashes, collars, beds, and chew toys, all made from hemp. In addition to creating cute, sustainable products, 10 percent of Earthdog profits go to kody’s fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that funds spay and neuter programs.

They also donate products to animal rescues!

Image: Bowi The Boxer

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Recently, there has been an increase in the number of eco-friendly pet toys available. Many boast earth-friendly fabrics, non-toxic dyes, and healthy manufacturing. While that’s great news for concerned pet owners, many also have elevated price tags and construction that doesn’t withstand playful puppies.

I must confess: My dogs destroy toys almost as soon as I cut off the price tag. They are “power chewers” who love to play tug-of-war. So of course I’m concerned with making sure that the toys they play with are nontoxic – they occasionally, accidentally ingest torn pieces – and will biodegrade since I end up tossing so many shredded items. We recently had the opportunity to test a handful of eco-friendly toys, and two companies proved that it is possible to have a durable eco-friendly dog toy.

West Paw Design

We tested three toys provided by this innovative, earth-friendly manufacturer. First, the Tux toy (pictured above) is part of their Zogoflex line. The toys are made from tough, non-toxic material in a manufacturing process that creates virtually no waste. Tux is also stuffable – fill the cavities with treats and peanut butter to keep your dog busy for longer. From the same Zogoflex line, we also tested the Bumi, which is a z-shaped flexible toy. Though my dogs didn’t get into the Bumi, I tested it with the neighbor’s puppy who couldn’t get enough of its flexible, tugable shape. The company claims that Zogoflex toys are so tough, they’ll replace it once for free if your dog can damage it – and they have a less than one percent return rate. But the best part? When the toys degrade, you can send them back to the company for recycling.

I hesitated with the third toy. The eco-friendly plush toy, Flyer, is a round disc made from eco fabric and stuffing created from recycled plastic bottles. While the idea is brilliant, I thought for sure it would rip or tear after the first tug-of-war game. But, nope! A few weeks later, it’s still in one piece, and it quickly became my dogs’ favorite toy.

Purrfectplay

Purrfectplay is a young company in northwest Indiana. The products are crafted from organic, chemical-free, fair-trade materials and come in an array of shapes and sizes. We tested the 100 percent organic, dye-free cotton tug rope. The hand-braided toy is stretchable, which seems to be more fun for dogs than a static rope. Plus, this toy earns extra eco points because the company uses scraps of fabric provided through a cooperative arrangement with Mortex Apparel, and the price tags are made from outdated calendars.

We also tested the organic wool balls, which are made from wool sourced from small family farms across the U.S. The wool balls are hand formed from sustainably-produced, dye-free wool that is processed with gentle, non-toxic soaps. My dogs adore these wool balls, and they’re extremely durable, especially because they don’t have a seam for dogs to pull. Both the tug rope and the wool balls are machine washable, which is a big plus.

Bonus: Purrfectplay also produces darling cat toys made from organic dye-free fabrics stuffed with organic catnip.

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While cats are known and admired for their stoicism, and cat owners are amazed at their beloved pal’s uncanny ability to sleep the day away, we’ve all seen frolicking felines in action, and it’s the stuff  hilarious YouTube videos are made of. If you want to treat your sweet kitty to a cherished cat toy to help wile away the six or so hours she’s awake each day, here’s a list of five handmade, eco-friendly cat toys that are lovingly crafted by Etsy artisans. Bonus: Each toy is filled with organic catnip to really up the ante!

Felted Wool Organic Cat Nip Apple Toys

Seen at the top of this post, let’s hope an apple a day keeps the vet away. Opalina of Opalina’s Boutique started making her own pet toys upon being dismayed at all of the toxic, unregulated animal toys she came across. Her felted wool organic apple toys ($8 each) are stuffed with organic cat nip to their very core. Made from recycled, high-quality wool sweaters, each toy is felted and laundered with eco-friendly soap before being shipped out. All cat toys also come with bells inside so cats can really ring in the fun.

Organic Catnip Bakery

If your cat has more of a sweet tooth, indulge him with these handmade and decadent bakery treats. “Stuffed with special secret high quality certified organic catnip,” and “ridiculously detailed,” cats will want to sink their teeth right into these felted goodies. Just make sure your kids don’t think these treats belong in their play kitchen! Priced at $39 for five treats.

Sassy Cat Fish Toys

Cat’s know when something’s fishy, but there’s nothing questionable about these adorable fish-shaped toys, which are handcrafted from reclaimed and leftover fabrics. Stuffed with cleaned and reclaimed futon stuffing, fabric scraps, and organic catnip, your feline friend can get a high from knowing his treat is 100% green. Get three fish for $13.

Hand Knit Wooly Mice Cat Toys

Good things come in twos, and these sweet little mice toys are sold in pairs for $12. Hand knit and felted from 100 percent wool, the real perk comes from the organic cat nip that’s generously stuffed inside! Click here to see the array of colorful and intricate patterns these designer mice come in!

Organic Cat Nip Martini Olive

These funny martini olive cat toys ($7) were specially designed for “the fabulously mod feline who deserves a cocktail olive (or two) to help unwind after a hard day’s work.” Perfectly shaped to be batted around, cats will love both the high and the relaxing aftermath of the 100 percent premium organic cotton catnip hidden inside the olive. That’s some pimento.

Be sure to check out our previous post on How to Build a Simple Scratch Post Your Cat Will Love for even more feline fun!

Images: Opalina’s Boutique, Catzilla Crafts, JennerationFix, Cattitude Creations, Jake & Micah

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