January 16, 2020
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Here at T.H.E. Cat Hospital, we’re dedicated to helping cats live long, healthy, happy lives. And while that of course means we stay up to date on the latest advancements in feline medicine, it also means we keep an eye towards helping cats get more life out of life too. And play time is a big part of that.
So, we’re delighted to introduce our very first toy!
It blends all our interests together, giving your kitties something fun to chase around, while also playing a small role in their dental care. It has catnip inside and makes a delightful crinkle noise, while also incorporating a special mesh material on the back to help remove small amounts plaque when bitten.
Read on for details, or stop by one of our Southern California locations to grab one at your next visit.
What are the toys made of?
Dental Mesh
Let’s talk about one of the most unique features first. We have an illustrated article about the subject, which you can read here, but the short version is that as your cat goes about their daily life, small amounts of plaque collects on their teeth. And over time this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional equipment. And if left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to a whole host of healthcare problems.
So, one of the ways to help your cat live a longer life is to regularly brush their teeth to remove the plaque before it hardens into tartar. But since it can be challenging for a lot of people to do that on a regular basis, this toy was specifically designed to help in a small way.
The backside of the toy is covered with a special mesh material, which you can think of like a kind of floss. So, as your kitty chomps on the toy, it will help remove small amounts of soft plaque.
Is it a complete replacement for brushing and other preventative care? Oh goodness no, but it should provide some small measure of help.
Catnip & Crinkles
What cat toy is complete without catnip? Ours includes a double helping, as well as some material that makes a nice crinkling sound that doubles your kitty’s fun (like when they go nuts chasing plastic bags around your house).
FAQ
Where can I get one?
Stop by one of our offices in Tustin or Marina del Rey to pick one up. We are not currently selling them online.
How much do they cost?
$4.99 each.
Is the toy indestructible?
No toy is indestructible. All cats play differently. Some are gentle and carry their toys around, occasionally sending them spinning with a good swat. And others play more vigorously, using all their teeth and claws. So, how long the toy lasts will depend on how your cat plays with it. If any of the stuffing becomes exposed, or the dental mesh becomes frayed, please remove it from your cat.
Can the toy be cleaned?
We recommend only spot cleaning the toy if necessary, and not running it through the wash. The reason why is that there is a little pouch filled with catnip inside, and if exposed to too much water, it can go bad.
Do all cats go crazy for catnip?
Surprisingly, no. Studies on the subject vary, but roughly 20% of cats actually don’t seem to be affected by catnip. If your kitty doesn’t go cuckoo for it, you may have success sprinkling powdered Silver Vine on their toys.
Is the toy also meant for children or dogs?
Again, no. While the materials used within the toy are the same non-toxic materials used in plush toys for children, it was specifically designed with cats in mind. Because it is fairly small in size, it’s best to keep out of reach of both small children and dogs.
Toys designed by Vetfini