Momma Told Me: My Cat Paints And Yours Can Too With #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay Toys! #Giveaway 4/27

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My Cat Paints And Yours Can Too With #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay Toys! #Giveaway 4/27

This post is sponsored by Petmate® and the Blog Paws® Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated to help create awareness about the Jackson Galaxy Cat Toy line available at PetSmart®, regardless we only share information that we feel is relevant to our readers. Petmate® is not responsible for the content of this article.
Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Momma Told Me: You better not bother the cat!

It's a funny thing, being owned by a cat.

It's a subtle form of slavery. You bring them into your home, your family, your life. You adopt this feline- you're saving them. Then you realize, despite being 1/12th of your size this cat has far more freedom then you ever dared, in your own home. They walk around naked, sit on expensive electronics, sit on expensive electronics while you use them, wake you up with more enthusiasm and discipline than a drill sergeant (because when it's time to eat it's time to eat,) claim anything that looks cool enough to have garnered your own interest (pillows, food, shoes, clothes,) and slink through your home at 2 AM doing who knows what with unimaginable intentions. And that box you call a toilet you spend your life scooping and cleaning? That's not a chore, that's a privilege; at least they're kind enough to humor your intentions.
Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
I'll admit, raising Truffles from kitten-hood, she was a bit spoiled rotten. And, when I began dating Jay she was quite the Napoleon cat, walking the condo with all the fierceness of a short dictator over-compensating for her size by claiming territory. There was a time when I'd utter phrases like "Don't do ______, you'll make the cat angry," and "Truffles won't like that. You've been warned." But, ultimately, the happiest cat is a Mojito cat- a cat who's so cool, calm, confident, and collected that they welcome others into their home with all the pride of a cocktail peddling entertainer.

So things had to change.

Not so much because I couldn't live under the iron thumb, er paws, of my tyrannical cat, but because a less stressful mentality and environment would best benefit Truffles as much as the humans who lived with her.
Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
While that story is much longer and for another time, I will say that there were a few very basic things we did to help build Truffles' confidence in her new home and roommate (Jay.) My first step was to put Jay on food duty- feeding Truffles both meals, day in and out, until Truffles came to associate meal time (a positive) with him. Next, we added some extra cat friendly furniture to the new condo to help Truffles find more ownership in the space, and define places that were safe to her. Adding height was a big concern to me, as I wanted her to be able to feel as though she could watch this new inhabitant in her home from a safe distance. Lastly, we spent more time fostering her natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill. This channeled her more aggressive energy towards the correct targets and away from Jay's favorite shoes.
The Catnip Vault- Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
During this time I also became very acquainted with the techniques and wisdom of a man often referred to as the 'cat whisperer,' Jackson Galaxy. Former rock musician turned cat behaviorist (no, I'm not making this up) Jackson Galaxy is most commonly known for his appearances on Animal Planet, particularly with a show titled My Cat From Hell. While he doesn't actually talk to cats (I'm the only one who can do that) he does have an intuitive awareness of a cat's needs based on reading their physical presentation and personality. Jackson has a keen sense of feline's most basic needs, hunt, catch, kill, groom, eat, and sleep, and urges cat parents to keep these needs in mind for the overall health of their cats.
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The Mixed Twisted Kicker- Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #SponsoredThe Mixed Twisted Kicker- Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
So, when I heard Jackson Galaxy and Petmate® were teaming up to launch a new line of cat toys and enrichment tools sold at PetSmart, I didn't hesitate to give a few a try in our home. Play time is a big part of Truffles' day, even as a 6 year old indoor cat. While she spends a large portion of her day lounging in the window soaking up rays and napping away the work hours, she regularly interacts with a number of elements and toys at her own leisure. I'll admit- I don't bother to contain it- she drags her 'prey' through the house and deposits it wherever she desires. So having toys that are stylish and fit her personality are a must; after all, they're practically decor!

Jackson Galaxy's line is not only vibrant and stylish, but also well thought. From the genius Vault Catnip Toy Marinator to the Mixed Twisted Kicker and the more advanced Air Prey Teaser Wand, these products feature intelligent designs all devised to engage and nurture one or more of your cat's basic needs/instincts.
HepperPod from Hepper Home
I was so inspired by all of the beautiful colors and shapes in the Jackson Galaxy by Petmate line I decided to talk Truffles into a little art project. After all, a Mojito Cat should take pride in their home!

I began by clearing a space near one of Truffles' favorite hangouts, covering the floor in a dollar store shower curtain (not too shabby, it's kind of stylish, right?) I then placed some of her usual toys and accessories on and around the curtain, as well as her blank canvas. Keep in mind you will want to support the back of a mounted canvas so it can bear the weight of, say, a cat sitting on it. I used a few magazines stacked side-by-side, beneath.
Ideally you can leave your cat studio set up for a few days to allow your cat to explore it themselves and decide all is well. If your cat's anything like Truffles the canvas will shortly become their new favorite place to lounge- expect a lot of loose fur and maybe even for the canvas to migrate overnight. If your cat shows absolutely no interest in the 'studio' attempt to give off a nonchalant, "I couldn't care less that you're not interested in this space I clearly created for you" attitude in an effort of reverse psychology.
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
When you feel your cat is in a positive mood, and has moderately accepted these changes to their environment go ahead and drip, pour, and splash some paint of your choosing onto the blank canvas. Cover the canvas with a plastic sheet to protect paws (and your furniture) from any mishaps. I use a cellophane roll (for gift wrap) from the dollar store. I find this creates a fun crinkling texture and sound that Truffles responds well too.

Next, bring on the toys.

Naturally, your cat will likely have already caught on. They're not stupid, after all.
#JacksonGalaxyCatPlay #sponsored
#JacksonGalaxyCatPlay
Here's this whole new space right in the middle of my territory and all of a sudden the human wants to play with me.

Luckily the Jackson Galaxy Air Prey Teaser toy is perfect for luring said cat into your trap art studio. With it's telescoping wand the Air Prey Teaser can dangle the toy of your choice several feet from where you actually sit, so you can engage your cat with the utmost disconcert. Even better the included feather attachment clips onto the end of it's 30-32" retractable cord so you can fish for your cat with all the prowess of a Pro Bass Fisherman.
#JacksonGalaxyCatPlay #Sponsored
I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the Jackson Galaxy by Petmate Air Prey Teaser as much as Truffles. It's unique feather layout and weighted tip give it the illusion of actually flying (yes, like a bird) through the air with minimal effort. I was pretty darn captivated.

Right until Truffles caught on to the fact that I was just as transfixed as her and grabbed the opportunity to snatch it, full weight, mid-air. Thank goodness I can grab a replacement feather attachment on our next trip to PetSmart.....that birdie's missing a few feathers....
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
But I digress- use your uber awesome Jackson Galaxy Petmate enrichment tools (toys) to captivate your cat and subtly lure them to the studio. Practice letting the teaser soar up into the air and casually land on the canvas. Drag the feather attachment from one side to the next, only to jet up into the sky for a few loops. Be sure to let the toy stop here and there to make it seem more attainable, and to help keep your cat's interest.
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Walking across the canvas will create it's own unique patterns and effects, but what you really want is some impact action. Truffles is a small, lightweight, female cat so I knew I had to up my game a little if we were going to get some real art out of this. It was time to bring out the big guns.

The Jackson Galaxy Ground Prey Teaser is perfect to stimulate your cat's hunting instincts and won't need to even touch the canvas to get a desired reaction. The teething friendly rubberized snake attachment is weighted and jointed to help encourage a natural movement when drug or gently lifted. You can actually get it to dance with a little lift and wiggle. Position this toy on the floor opposite your cat, with the canvas between and watch as your cat pounces into the canvas, sliding and making for some awesome visual effects!
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Of course the type of paint you use and the protective cover you cover your canvas with will impact the amount of movement of paint and the visual effects you will see. We used basic acrylics, and the cellophane stuck fairly well to help blend and smudge without sliding off the canvas. Obviously larger and more enthusiastic cats can create quite the work of art in just a few leaps and slides! Truffles spent about a half hour working on hers.
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Your work of art is done when your cat is.

It is their painting, after all.

If you're working with a slow-to-dry oil based paint you can leave the canvas out for a while after your play session and perhaps your cat will return for a few finishing touches. Truffles decided her canvas was the perfect place to rest up after that exhausting play session. Between you and me, I think she was just remaining vigilant for the next 'sneak attack.'
Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Excuse me you've got something on your....oh, never mind.....

I'm sure you're just dying to see our work of art. But for that, you'll have to wait for another post. Take my word, it came out fabulous. Truffles is even talking about opening up a gallery. Of course she'll have to work on funding the rent first, but those are minor details. (I think she mentioned a Kickstarter.)

Whatever your cat's personality, the Jackson Galaxy by Petmate toy and enrichment collection is perfect for stimulating your cat's most basic needs and inspiring creative play time. Learn more about the Jackson Galaxy collection by following Petmate on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find these colorful and exciting toys in store now at PetSmart.


What Daughter Says: Inspire your cat's inner Mojito with engaging enrichment tools and toys from Jackson Galaxy and Petmate.


This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of PetMate. The opinions and text are all mine.


Cat Painting- This SIMPLE and fun art project can be done with your cat! Discover #JacksonGalaxyCatPlay by Petmate toys and enrichment tools at PetSmart and unleash your cat's inner Mojito! Foster a cat's natural instincts to hunt, catch, and kill with these colorful and engaging cat toys! #Sponsored
Enter below for your chance to win an assortment of Jackson Galaxy by Petmate products!
Jackson Galaxy by Petmate

19 comments:

  1. Aw, I miss having a cat (my son has asthma, so it's "So long, kitty!"). I especially love the kitty lounger. I kind of want one. For me.

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  2. I was wondering how you were going to accomplish that without making a mess everywhere (and on the cat). Great solution!

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  3. Haha you had me cracking up start to finish, great entertaining read! Keeping cats busy is a great step in the direction of keeping them out of trouble! I love this line of Jackson Galaxy items!

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  4. I have never owned a cat but I really love this post. You seem to have an awesome cat! I like the products and how you had me entertained for beginning to end! Thank you for the post!

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  5. I never thought about how hard it could be on pets to have a new room mate like this! These are great ways to help your cat get acquainted with a new roommate.

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  6. Oh this is super cute ... what a brilliant idea!

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  7. So super cute. What a great idea! My 3 cats would love this, they are so playful and always looking for stuff to play with and do! - Jeanine

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  8. I have never owned a cat but they are a lot of fun to play with. This looks like a great time for both you and the cat!

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  9. Cats are so funny that's why i love them. They are so sweet and cutie. I love them even though they are so clingy.

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  10. I'll be donating it to my best friend, Mary, who has SEVEN cats.

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  11. I think our cats would like the Space Station cat toy.

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  12. I think our cats would have fun with the Jackson Galaxy® Cat Crawl Tunnel Cat Toy.

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  13. I think my cats would enjoy the Natural Playtime 3-Pack Cat Toy. Two of my kitties like to play fetch, so I'm always looking for any type of ball they can play with.

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  14. Jackson Galaxy® Cat Crawl Cat Toy is my favorite.

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  15. My cat would love the Comfy Cocoon cat toy. She loves crawling and napping in little areas.

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  16. Our girl cat would actually love the Comfy Cocoon Cat Toy! She loves to hide or burrow under anything!

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  17. My cat would love the Jackson Galaxy™ Spiral Swat & Scratch Cat Toy.

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  18. My cat would go crazy over the Jackson Galaxy™ Air Prey & Laser Teaser Cat Toy

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  19. My cats would love the Jackson Galaxy™Air Prey Wand Cat Toy.

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