Home Improvement Ideas: Pets

April 18, 2008

Eco-friendly Flushing Cat Box Reduces Waste

Did you know litter for cat boxes is strip mined and has a negative impact on the environment? Eep. Then after it's used, you dump it into your garbage where it's sent to bulk up landfills. Is there a more eco-friendly alternative? One that removes litter from the scenario? (Environment aside, it's a pain just to have to change the litter in those cat boxes all the time.)

Well, the folks at Cat Genie believe they have a good solution.

The company's cat box uses washable granules that need not be thrown away. And you don't have to wash them yourself either. You simply hook this bad boy into your plumbing (apparently it's easier than it sounds--a one-time 10-minute project) and cold water flushes the waste away, just as with a toilet. For the solid stuff, there's a raking scoop thing that liquefies the waste for easy removal.

So, if you're tired of changing cat litter for your furry friends, maybe it's time for an automatic system that takes care of the mess for you (and is better for the environment).

Under $300 at SmartHome:

Cat Genie Self-Cleaning Litter Box

March 25, 2008

Non-Permanent Cat Doors for Windows

Cat doors are an easy way to let your kitty in and out of the house without you personally having to man the door. But you may not be crazy about the idea of cutting a big hole in your perfectly good back door to install such a device (and try explaining that hole to the people who you want to sell your home to down the line...). If this sounds like you, then you may want to check into non-permanent cat doors for windows.

This cat door from PetSafe installs into your standard size window to allow your pet free and easy access to the outdoors. The device is not permanent and can be removed at any time without damaging the window in any way. It also comes with a locking flap, so you can choose when to let your cat out.

$110 from the Cat Palace

March 14, 2008

Pet Carriers with Air Conditioning

If you travel frequently with your pets, or they just get too hot around the house in the summer, then here's a solution for you: a climate-controlled pet carrier.

Yup, air conditioning for your cat or dog (and in the winter, this fancy crate can kick in some heat too.)

"This convenient pet carrier has a built-in climate controller that activates automatically to cool down your pet when it gets too warm or to warm him up when it gets too cold. Since this pet carrier comes with a 12-volt car charger as well as a standard 110-volt power cord, you'll be able to keep your pet in a temperature-controlled environment at home, in a hotel room, or in the car. Built with a folding handle that makes for easy seatbelt strapping in a car, the carrier is convenient and practical to take along on the road."

Unfortunately, this model only seems to be for pets up to 12.5 pounds, so small dogs and cats only.

$150 from Smarthome:

Climate Controlled Pet Carrier

February 21, 2008

Heatable Cat Beds, the Ultimate Feline Luxury

If you've ever had a cat of your own--or at least had a serious relationship with one--then you know how much they love warm spots. A sunbeam, a heating pad, an electric blanket, your chair after you've gotten out of it (too bad if you were planning on coming back).... all acceptable. Now you can really spoil your feline friend with a heatable cat bed.

"Treat your frisky feline to a warm and snuggly haven with our Heatable Cat Bed. Just heat the herbal insert briefly in the microwave to create a warm comfy place for your cat. The warmth is like snuggling up with the litter and for aging and ailing pets, the moist heat soothes arthritic joints and sore muscles."

I do wonder how long the heating insert stays warm after you nuke it in the microwave. I'd hate to hear complaints throughout the day and have to run out to tend to kitty's chilled bed...

$80 from Wrapables

January 11, 2008

A Designer Scratching Post You Won't Mind Displaying

We pet owners love our pets, but it can be a bit embarrassing to explain why guests are sitting on half-eaten chew bones or tripping over cat trees that look like they've been through the garbage disposal a few times. Here's one pet toy you won't be embarrassed about at least:

The Leo Scratching Post is made from an exotic African wood called Zebrawood (we've talked about zebrawood countertops and floors before, but it's not something one usually sees as a material for pet toys), which is handsome enough to be displayed in its own right, and the sleek shape is sure to have guests assuming it's a piece of sculpture and not just a scratching post for Mr. Wiggles. The weeble wobble design should be fun for your cat too.

James Owen Design