Cat-Toe Shoes + The Importance Of Compromise In A Cat-Human Slave Relationship

Momma Told Me: Compromise is key to any healthy relationship.


There comes a point in every cat-human slave relationship that you find yourself simply falling into a slump.  Wake up, feed cat. Scoop litter box. Pet cat. Slowly back away as cat makes it known they're done with you. Open window for cat. Pick up cat toys. Feed cat dinner. Scoop cat box. Attempt to pet cat again. Ignore rude feline slang and remind yourself they still love you. Go to bed. Wake up to cat on face. Do it all again.

It's no-one's fault, really. Light any long-term relationship it's bound to have it's ups and downs. But, unless your cat's making $1000's of dollars selling cereal on Instagram (yes, that's a thing) you might want to remind yourself who exactly wears the pants. Literally. Unless your cat is some sort of special pants wearing cat, in which case you're simply out of luck.

For a while, last year, Truffles and I had settled into an Eb and flow that was teetering on the edge of complacency. Our relationship was dull. I wanted nice, pretty, things, and all she wanted to do was lay around in the (dirty) sliding window track all day. She couldn't even be bothered to pull back the blinds before she smushed herself against the glass and drifted off for her afternoon naps. Neither of us seemed unhappy, but neither of us seemed particularly happy either.

So I decided to make some changes.

No long would I settle for our relationship consisting of little more than a routine. For example, if she wasn't going to get up off the floor and go buy her own groceries then she was at the very least going to help with the shopping decisions. There was some grumbling about 'angles' making her look fat, and data usage, but I at last got her to agree to Face Time on the phone during my visit to PetSmart. It turns out, much like the importance of good toilet paper to humans, cats have a lot to say about the litter they use.

Truffles wanted a lower dust formula litter, while I wanted extreme clumping action that would make my human-slave duties much more tolerable each day. We'd been using Fresh Step cat litter for years, but never paid much attention to the new varieties and innovations with the brand. I guess you can just chalk it up too our slump. So, together, we decided to make the switch to a new lower dust Fresh Step with the Power of Febreze formula litter. Our compromise skills, however,were later put to the true test when I rolled past the PetSmart aisle with the toy mice. Turns out Truffles got some new toys, and I got a new pair of shoes.

Of course a plain pair of flats didn't quite make Truffles' fashion approval- they needed a but more pizazz. So I grabbed some painter's tape, a drop cloth, and acrylic paints and sat down to jazz up my new kicks a little.

My relationship efforts must have been paying off because Truffles immediately joined me, as soon as the box the shoes had arrived in was vacant.

I was excited my cat was taking interest in my hobbies, and immediately began explaining my project to her, but her eyes only offered a glazed expression. Baby steps, I told myself.

I took my painter's tape and blocked off an even section of the toe of each flat and gave it a good layer of black paint. I then carefully peeled back the tape and added two swooshes of 'ears'.

Either the scent of wet acrylic on leather was perking her up, or she'd hit the nip a little earlier in the day but Truffles then looked at me and meowed something I took to mean "Paint me like one of your French cats" and I felt myself immediately inspired. Since I also happen to like asymmetrical designed, I decided to paint one toe as Truffles, the tuxedo cat, and the other a mysterious black kitty.

This project was incredibly simple, and didn't really require any special materials or skills- I've since worn my snazzy new flats about town several times to many compliments. This look sure beats that 'gold toe' trend everyone was buzzing about last Spring! Of course a brand new Fresh Step litter variety wasn't quite equal to my new 'designer' kicks- so Truffles demanded we compromise a little more. A new piece of furniture was in order.

Since I knew how much Truffles longed to lounge in the warm grass on a sunny SoCal day, but so very much feared the sound of a car backfiring, or the bark of a stray dog, or the shadow of a fleeing mouse (she's kind of an agoraphobe, really) I decided to bring the outdoors in. For about $8 at the local hardware store I invested in a sturdy concrete mixing pan that just so happened to be the perfect size for a section of sod.

As it turns out you can walk into most major, and even private, hardware and nursery stores and order a section of fresh sod (grass) to pick up the same day. The smallest size, shown here, cost us $2.59, and is actually doubled onto itself in the tray. You can order your sod with or without the thick dirt base- we prefer with dirt because it just has that great spongy, Earthy, feel. Sod for this purpose is generally intended to be tossed at the end of it's life, rather than watered/maintained, and will stay green and plush for 5-7 days depending on your climate.

***Update: We have had sod beds last up to 10 days before they were starting to brown and dry. We do something like this about once a month as a treat whenever we pass by the sod farm but you can get set up on a delivery or pickup schedule for weekly/bi weekly sod if it's something you desire to do regularly. You can also install a 'living' sod bed much like an indoor plant and keep the grass thriving for months on end.

Now, let me tell you- I could have just had a Lay-Z-Boy recliner dropped off, that's how magical this lounger was for our relationship. What a difference a change of local can do for one's mindset! It was as though Truffles checked into the spa each afternoon and was the kitten I fell in love with all over again each night. After hours of recharging in the afternoon sun my cat would return to me a whole new feline, purring and begging for attention with nudges and cuddles.

We may not be completely out of our rut- After all, I'll always be the human slave, and she'll always be the cat, but things are running just a bit more amicably these days. Let's just say I'm still scooping the litter box, but at least she remembers to put Fresh Step Extreme with the Power of Febreze on the shopping list! Now, tell me, if you may Kitty-Toe Flats what type of cat would you feature on the front? Not a cat person? Tell me about your pet's favorite place to sleep in the house!

What Daughter Says: Happy cat, happy human-slave.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.

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!

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.

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.'

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.

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