October 2020 - Page 2 of 2 -

Why do Cats Kick at things?

A gift arrived quickly via USPS Can you guess who was immediately interested?

Kitty Kick Stix is the perfect toy that encourages your cat’s natural kicking instinct. When hunting or defending themselves cats use ferocious tactics included wrapping their front legs around their prey freeing up their back legs. This method is referred to as the “bunny kick” Sounds terrifying right? I suppose it can be for the kitty prey. Fun fact! all felines have this instinct even lions and tigers.

Indoor cats need a lot of toys, especially if they are solitary. A kicking toy can stimulate, entertain, and be used to bond with your cat. All cats like to practice hunting skills, even if they have never been outside. Offering the opportunity for play helps combat boredom, overeating, anxiety and depression in indoor cats.

Where have these Kitty Kick Stix been all of Pizza’s Life?

These well-made cat toys added some fun to otherwise boring days of naps and snacks. When it arrived I could smell the high-quality catnip through the package. Even the dog at home was interested. Initially, I was a little unsure if the fabric would be able to withstand the play, but so far so good. Each product is made with care by hand, once you place the order, they get busy sewing it.

They fill the products with fiber cotton fill and extremely fresh potent catnip. They use a professional-quality sewing machine and an overlock stitch method that reinforces the stitch, that holds this toy together. This kick stick is firmly packed with filler and catnip. However, if your cat is extra rambunctious and you are afraid of a tear, kitty kick stix does offer a “clawtastic” extra strength option for cats with love to kick more enthusiastically. I am not sure it would be necessary, but it’s great they offer the option.

Pizza’s Experience

Having an indoor-only cat, I need to make sure my little buddy stays active and entertained. The toy made an excellent first impression on my cat. Although he was a little timid at first, quickly warmed up to it, quickly. I left sticks out for several hours for him to play with it. Pizza interacted with his new kitty kick stix for solid spurts of about 5-10 min each. He did seem to get a little more aggressive towards the dog, he raised a paw once or twice when normally he doesn’t. Reacting a little territorial, maybe he didn’t want to share his new toy. . Who can blame him? When he was done, he flopped down and had a deep sleep after having fun. I may have even heard little kitty snores. In fact, I am pretty sure I did.

Why we love this company

Family Owned Business

Simple concept, very well made ( no batteries or recharging necessary)

Colorful and fun

Quality organic catnip ingredients

Kitty Kick Stix gives to back to animal shelters

Handmade in the USA

Budget-Friendly

What is not to love? They offer different size sizes 6″, 10″ and 15″. Since Pizza, the Cat is a big guy I chose the 15″. it is the perfect size for this 10-year-old male. They have a wide selection of fun fabric to choose from, or if you are anything like me, and can’t make up your mind, they will surprise you. I like that option. Kitty kick stix the toys that cats love to kick

Finally, now that I have ordered and seen the product, I understand why they offer a 2 packs. I will definitely be placing another order soon. I may even be sharing with all my other cat-loving friends. In addition to their original kick sticks, they also offer goldfish kick sticks so cute! Also, they offer catnip pillows and their 100% Organic High Quality Catnip separately.

I try to support small family businesses when I can. This is an awesome quality product that I’m sure you will be glad you purchased. So go check out their stuff. I don’t want to be the one to remind you but It is holiday season, and these would make the perfect pet stocking stuffer.

**** Update**** ONE MONTH UPDATE**** It is holding up nicely….. even the other fuzzy housemate has had a little fun. But no rips or tears. I have rubbed new catnip on it to refresh it.

What is catnip?

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YES! the catnip scent is very stimulating to cats, most react to it and it encourages play and exercise. Catnip doesn’t harm cats, in fact, my cat Pizza prefers his catnip toys to his other ones. It is non-addictive and can distract before a stressful event and relieve stress in cats

Catnip is a recreational herb enjoyed by many cats all over the world. Nepeta cataria as it is also known by is a member of the mint family. This lovely green perennial has a reputation for attracting cats and driving them crazy, in a good way. As turns out, it has an active ingredient called Nepetalactone found in the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant…

According to a new video from the American Chemical Society, Nepetalactone is a terpenoid, this class of chemicals is also found in cloves, ginger, and cannabis. This chemical actually an aphid sex pheromone designed to attract pests. Additionally, the pheromone also attracts the aphids’ natural predators so aphids fall into nature’s trap, and the catnip can thrive. Now that we know WHY Catnip makes pheromones, how does it affect cats, and is it good for cats? Read on…

Only approximately, 60%-65% of cats react to its effects.

There is a part of a cat’s brain “Jacobson’s organ” that makes the cat reacts to the scent. The scent enters the nasal passages and nepetalactone reacts with proteins in the cat’s brain. It triggers parts of the brain and evokes a behavior similar to that of a cat pheromone. It is fascinating that CBD isn’t the only natural chemical that reacts to the brain.

How do cats react to catnip?

Although catnip can be used to help with anxiety, like CBD oil, mostly it makes your cat feel frisky, it has even been called a cat aphrodisiac. Science is so interesting sometimes. Sadly, a cat’s reactions are a genetic trait, some cats have the trait and some don’t. A kitten under 6 weeks is not usually affected by catnip but it is usually evident by 6 months of age if your kitten will enjoy the benefits of a little catnip from time to time.

Ways Catnip can be beneficial for cats?

Helps relieve stress and anxiety
It encourages the use of scratching post
Promotes socialization
Inexpensive natural product. It is even easy to grow at home.
Reduced Boredom for indoor cats

When playing with a catnip-filled toy, often cats get excited and roll around. It’s fun to watch them enjoy themselves. Some cats start to vocalize, others just enjoy rubbing there faces on the toy and purr with joy.

Cats enjoy the stimulation that usually lasts for about 15-30 min followed by a deep relaxation. Often a cat will take a long nap after play. A catnip filled toy can be a great tool to help entice a shy or anxious cat in a new surrounding, to come out and play. Catnip can be hard to resist. Even large cats like tigers and cheetahs enjoy the benefits of catnip.

Pizza’s experience with Catnip

We have enjoyed Catnip form from time to time. In my experience, Pizza gets really curious. He gets pretty active and playful he likes to bite and kick, which is perfectly normal behavior.

Sometimes cats may even eat catnip or drool with excitement while playing. It is safe to ingest, there are even catnip treats available on the market. When eaten it appears to relax the cat. without the enthusiasm of the scent. Some treats combine catnip with CBD oil. great for stressful times like car rides or company. Occasionally a cat can get a little aggressive “under the influence” of catnip. If you are bringing catnip home for the first time, be aware your feline buddy might get a little wild, fortunately, it will only last for a few minutes. Once olfactory fatigue sets in, then it is nap time.

Fortunately, Catnip is 100% nontoxic, however, overuse leads to laziness and lack of interest. Just kidding, however, It is considered a mild feline hallucinogen, and leaving catnip toys out about once a week is best. Playing with catnip toys too often does lead to a lack of effect. For my indoor-only cat, I like to rotate between catnip-scented toys and his favorite treat puzzles.

Kitty Kick Styx

Good Alternatives to Catnip

For that 30% of the cat population that isn’t affected by catnip, there is an alternative.

Valerian Root – It contains the chemical actinidine. Although it is different and not related to catnip, it is just as effective on cats. Its euphoric effects and relaxation do last longer. It may be more useful if you know your cat will be in a stressful situation, a little playtime with some valerian root beforehand might help. Not all cats are sensitive to valerian, but PizzaCat sure it !

Pizza’s experience with Valerian Root

My experience with Valerian Root? Pizza enjoys catnip and will have a good time with his toys. But Valerian Root? He reacts INSANE to Valerian. I found out the hard way. that he is in love with it. Making a special trip to the herb store, I bought some valerian root for tea for myself. Often used as a sleep aid I was looking for a natural alternative to sleeping pills. I was warned that it has a very distinct odor often compared to “dirty socks” but I had heard it was effective and non-habit forming.

I turned my back for one minute and left my purchase on the counter. Being the big curious boy that Pizza is, one minute was all it took, he quickly found my bag of loose tea and tore it to pieces. Stinky Valerian root tea was all over the floor…. Who would have been able to predict cats react to something other than Catnip? Boy, was he a HAPPY cat! Rolling all over it, whispering sweet nothings into the air, purring loudly. It had the opposite effect on me. I was not as happy, but I got over it. More importantly, I learned that there was more than one benefit of Valerian Root.

Valerian Root Powder

Yes, catnip is good for cats. A non-toxic natural herb that brings a little joy and calmness for your feline friend. The world is a stressful place, especially today. It is important to have a little fun and enjoy yourself and spend time with your cat. .