Smart Cat Slims Down Fat Cats

April 2004 - Smart Cat, LLC just announced it’s strengthening the bond between cats and their owners by solving two of the biggest problems affecting cats today: obesity and boredom.

The National Research Council, a division of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report last month showing obesity occurs in 25% of dogs and cats in the western world. The report also shows that cats are affected at an earlier age than dogs. In addition, cat behaviorists will tell you that under active cats are not just fat, but bored too. When cats are left alone, in the house all day, their instincts to hunt, explore, play or socialize are rarely engaged. Instead, cats spend their days eating, sleeping, pacing, or getting into trouble. These "latch key" pets often obsess on food, which is sometimes the only stimulus available to them, while their owners are at work.

Smart Cat’s newest invention, the “Peek a Prize” Toy Box was created with that premise in mind. It appeals to a cat’s instinctual behavior and natural curiosity. Since cats are natural predators, they love to hunt. The sturdy wood-constructed box allows cats to “capture” their toys by fishing them out of strategically placed access holes. When interactive play with the cat owner is not possible, smart cats can easily approach and use the toy box for solo play to keep them mentally and physically fit. For food-motivated cats, kitty treats can be dropped into the toy box for cats to retrieve and eat. “Bored cats are unhappy cats and are prone to stress-related behavior problems,” says Smart Cat Founder Betsy Lipscomb.

Feline boredom is often at the root of a variety of behavior problems including aggression with pets as well as people, compulsive grooming, and depression, according to Cat’s International, a non-profit agency that helps address cat behavioral issues. The agency recommends daily aerobic exercise is as important for cats as it is for their guardians. Cat behaviorists also suggest a couple 10-15-minute play sessions a day will improve your cat's attitude toward life and will bring him into the land of the fit and trim.

Smart Cat has centered its focus to finding practical solutions to everyday cat behavioral problems. Invented by cat behavior counselors, the toy box is attractively designed and includes two balls, although many toys work well with the box. It also comes with an added bonus, educational information on every box to educate cat guardians on the steps creating a healthy and happy cat.

More information is available at www.esmartcat.com. Products may be purchased on the website or by calling 1-866-31SMART (76278).

SOURCE Orca Communications