Real hedgehogs aren’t exactly good playmates for cats, but Imperial Cat has made a mighty hedgehog filled with certified organic catnip! My kitty Oscar, the great indoor adventurer, is happy.
Please watch the short video of Oscar playing with his Cat ‘n Around catnip toy from Imperial Cat. The toy also came with a cheerfully colored, curly-looking ball that’s not in the video, but you can see plenty of examples in the photos.
I was given one free Hedgehog toy with ball for review purposes. Read more about my disclosures.
Here’s what I like about the new Cat ‘n Around toy in addition to its tummy of certified organic catnip:
• It’s unusual. I’m not talking about just the fact that it’s a hedgehog instead of a mouse (though I don’t think the cats care), I like that it has appendages that dangle below the main body of the toy. Watch the video above to see how Oscar likes this feature too.
• It makes noise! Cats are motivated to hunt by sound, so silent toys are never winners in our kitty household.
• The really soft and uniquely fuzzy cat ball is handy for cats who like to play catch (don’t laugh!). Oscar loves to catch things, though his chosen “ball” is typically a ponytail holder. He carries his toys in his mouth, deposits them in front of me, and stares with pitiful eyes or yowls until I play catch.
More thoughts…
The organic catnip used in the toy is grown in the US, but the toy itself is made in China.
Given that Imperial Cat manufactures their very practical, yet artistic recycled cardboard scratchers in the US, I was a bit surprised to see that the toy was made elsewhere.
The Imperial Cat website says they have the “largest selection of USA made toys,” so hopefully they’ll stick with that good habit and maybe also make some toys out of recycled materials when possible.
Overall, Oscar has given his hedgehog toy and ball a claw’s up, and he’s hoping that Imperial Cat comes out with more classy looking toys that he can carry around in his mouth!
Imperial Cat has created a giant bunch of fun shapesfor kitty (and their owners). These modern and eco-friendly scratchers come in more than 80 interesting shapes like orca, turtle or whale.
I received a free scratcher for review from Imperial Cat. See my disclosures page for more info.
• Plus, you can recycle them when you and kitty deem the time is right.
Choco (black and white kitty below) loves his Scratch ‘n Shapes Cheetah Chaise!
He was interested from the very beginning. My other cat Oscar seen sniffing the scratcher prefers carpet scratchers (sigh).
I’ve purchased other cardboard scratchers made of recycled paper, but Scratch ‘n Shapes is unique since it looks more like a piece of furniture. It doesn’t stick out so much.
Also, it seems to be more sturdy than some other cardboard scratchers we’ve tried. I haven’t noticed excessive cardboard scraps lying around.
Choco doesn’t need catnip on his scratcher to be attracted to it, but he enjoyed the organic catnip very much. In fact, he started eating it! As you can tell, Choco loved not only scratching his chaise and eating some catnip, but also just lounging around.
It’s great that these scratchers come with organic and apparently tasty catnip, but I found that the catnip didn’t stay on the scratcher.
Once I relocated the scratcher, I noticed a pile of catnip that had fallen through the bottom or somehow escaped through a mystery method. I suppose this is one disadvantage not being an ordinary scratcher encased in a cardboard box. If you go with these scratchers, I suggest applying only a very small amount of catnip at a time.
Closing thoughts…
Overall, these durable scratchers are great for kitties who like cardboard and their human companions who want something more decorative. The only disadvantage I could find is that some of the catnip may fall off the scratcher. Scratch ‘n Shapes scratchers have many earth-friendly advantages, and they’re made in the USA by a company that works to help shelter cats.
Even if you can’t adopt a cat this month, you can make a difference in a shelter cat’s life. Imperial Cat offers Scratch ‘n Bits, an affordable line of recycled scratchers created just for shelter cats!
Scratch ‘n Bits are made in the United States from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, and may be recycled after they’ve been lovingly scratched to pieces.
Scratchers can help sheltered felines relieve stress and feel more at home. Also, once cats are adopted, the scratchers can go home with them, helping to ease the transition and discourage scratching of furniture, the leading cause of relinquishing household cats. Continue reading »
for kitty (and their owners). These modern and eco-friendly scratchers come in more than 80 interesting shapes like orca, turtle or whale.
