Cat treats are a little harder to come by than dog treats. It’s easy to see why – treats tend to be mostly about training, and most people don’t even think about training their cats!

That said, I think cats can and should get some training. Most cats can be taught to come when they’re called, and if you catch ‘em young, they can be taught all kinds of tricks. Check out this youtube video from the States.

I reckon at the very least, cats should be taught “come” (which could save their life one day), and “get down” which comes in oh so handy at our place where little black pawprints cover every surface.Another command I think every cat should learn is “stay”. Think about it. How many scenarios can you come up with where that would come in handy? Just off the top of my head…

• Keeping an indoor cat from running out the door (it works because they know they’re busted!)
• Keeping an outdoor cat from running out in front of a car.
• Stopping a cat from jumping up onto food preparation areas.
• Keeping a cat from jumping down into a dangerous situation – like when you’ve just dropped a glass and haven’t picked up the bits (or is that just me? I’m kinda clumsy.

I’m a great believer in treat-based training, but I couldn’t for the life of me find something that my cat would work for – besides the not really health-and-sloppy fish paste option.

Cat treats need to be yummy to the cat but easy to handle and dole out in small quantities. I bought some scary heart-shaped ones but Mei Mei turned up her tiny nose at them. My last cat loved dried fish, but again, they were not to the likings of our little princess. I was fast running out of options, until I discovered these appallingly-named treats at Woolworths. Say it with me now “Love ‘em Purrfect Liver Treats.” Naming products is a science, see?

They come with all kinds of reassuring claims about natural goodness and veterinary degrees and such. They’re dry enough to handle and moist enough to be tasty, you can break them up if you want to, they cost just four bucks and best of all, Mei Mei will literally jump through hoops for these.

I tend to run my dog through his arsenal of tricks about three times a week these days just to keep him on the ball. Now when we’re doing our little trick sessions, I often feel a pair of beady blue eyes on me – that’s Mei Mei, wanting treats too.

She learned “sit”, “stay” and “get down” so fast I’m kind of wracking my brains for other useful things to teach her. Like all treat-based training, you have to be sneaky or she’ll only do it when there are treats in sight. Good thing these are generally within reach now.

RATING:
BUY IT: Woolworths/Pet Supersavers
COST: AUD$3.95

I’ve always wanted a climby thing to keep my acrobatic cat amused and out of our hair, but as a lifelong renter the options aren’t so good. I can’t exactly be screwing avant-garde home-made climbers into the wall a la apartment living. And the thought of purchasing a standalone cat climber is a little depressing. (Seen how much floorspace these babies take up? Now get out your calculator and work out how much rent you’ll be paying to house this. That’s valuable floorspace you’re paying for my friends. Floorspace you could be STANDING IN RIGHT NOW.)

So file this amazing over-the-door cat climber under “Why didn’t I think of that?” It’s spring loaded, minimalist and generally, like I said, amazing.

I’m lovin’ this Moderncritter cat scratcher reviewed last week on Moderncat. And I’m also lovin’ Moderncat itself, which takes a designer-y look at the latest cat gadgets - and has free giveaways. Free! Giveaways! Scamper over and have a look.

Most cat toys are a bit hit and miss when it comes to pleasing your furry little highnesses. But if you’re after a stocking filler for a cat-lovin’ friend, or indeed a feline friend, these are the ones to try. According to Jacque, Louie, Mei Mei and The Internet, most cats will respond to these toys. And would Jacque, Louie, Mei Mei and The Internet lie to you? I think not!

Catnip — Most cats over six months old LOVE cat nip. If only there was a harmless herb that could make me that happy.

Turbot Cat Scratcher — A legend in the USA, this one’s finally reached Australian petstores. It’s fun watching kittens playing with these.

Alpine Cat Scratcher — Different cats like different surfaces for scratchers, but the cat forums seem to love this one paws down.

A Toy Mouse — A mouse is almost always a cat’s favourite toy. Avoid the gadgety and remote-controlled ones and go for small, light, rattly mice without any scary plastic bits that puddy might swallow.

Peek-A-Prize Cat Toy - We make DIY versions of these around here and they’re a big hit with our Mei Mei. Can’t help feeling that the store bought version would last longer and look a little nicer kickin’ round the floor though.

Da Bird — The winner hands down of worldwide cat popularity awards. We’re getting this for our cat soon, so very soon.

It’s not fair is it? As if your furry pal wasn’t having a rough enough trot as it was, now his favourite livery, chickeny treats have got to be scratched from the menu. And you know it’s for his own good, but how can you tell him that?

Weep no longer!

Now, I’m not one for a bake off; my scones are like rocks and my sponges sag, but even I reckon I could whip up a tray of these treats for an unwell pal using  prescription diet products.

So don your baking mitts, unleash the mixing bowl and bake with the vision of your favourite furry chowing down a few “acceptable” treats on Christmas day.

Home Baked Treats using a “Wet” (Canned) Prescription Diet Product

1. Preheat your oven at 180 degrees
2. Tip your pet’s can of prescription diet onto a carving board
3. Cut into bite-sized pieces using a sharp, clean knife
4. Place the pieces on a baking tray and place in your preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until a desired texture is reached.
5. Cool and store the treats in your refrigeration for no longer than 5-7 days.

Home Baked Treats using a “Dry” (Bagged) Prescription Diet Product

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees
2. Grind the kibble (biscuits) into flour using a blender.
3. Mix with enough water to form a pliable dough, just like pastry!
4. Roll the dough flat on a chopping board and cut into treat-sized pieces using a clean sharp knife. If you have a pastry tool, (even better in the shape of a bone or fish), cut the shapes out using the tool.
5. Place the pieces on a baking tray and place in your preheated oven
   for approximately 30 minutes until crisp.
6. Cool and store the treats in your refrigeration for no longer than 5-7 days.

Just keep an eye on unsuspecting guests in case they try to sneak one of your cooling tray of “gingerbreads” while you’re not looking!