MOLLY DEVOSS, CFTBS, CCBC, FFCT, CRM
Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher
Available for Nationwide Consulting
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Food & Nutrition • Enrichment - Catio, Trees, Posts, Etc. • Carrier Training Litter Box Related • Deterrents • Professionals - Sitters, Trainers • Misc • Shelter & Foster Supplies
Introducing Cats • Working Cats • First Aid Kit
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Enrichment
You can watch Molly's "Cat Enrichment" webinar on YouTube:
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Molly talks about the 7 CAT-egories of enrichment and why your cat needs all 45 things on the list!
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You can download a pdf of the Cat Enrichment Checklist
Catios are an outdoor cat patio; an enclosed area where cats can safely enjoy the outdoors. Every size home has room for a catio and your cat will thank you for getting them one!
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You can build window box units, a giant room, or connecting pathways and enrichment areas. But where do you begin? Sometimes it's hard to conceive of an idea, and even more difficult to plan and make a materials list.
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Catio Spaces has made all this easy for you! Their site is full of great ideas and inspiration and you can buy DIY Catio Plans.
Visit them at: https://catiospaces.com
Use promo code: CatTalkRadio and 10% of the sale is donated to Cat Behavior Solutions
Catio Ideas: 50+ AMAZING CATIO IMAGES
All cat owners want to keep their feline friends safe but also give them the best life possible. If you want to let your cat explore the outdoors in the safest way possible take a look at these catio ideas they collected. As a bonus they also included some expert advice about what to consider when planning to invest in a catio.
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Visit this article for more ideas:
Outdoor Cat Tower for your Catio!
This is a 46" tall cat tower for your catio enclosure - it has waterproof rope on the poles, stainless hardware - all weather and freeze proof.
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Large 3-Tier Cat Cage Playpen Box Crate Kennel
When you can’t build a catio, consider getting something like this so kitty can spend time outside with you while you’re gardening.
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Cat Doors
Often it's challenging to find a place to put a cat door and a window is the best solution. This adjustable sash window cat door is a perfect solution. It is available in a couple different sizes to accommodate your window width.
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There are also other cat door options for horizontal sliding windows and sliding glass doors.
Sash Window Pet Door
Harness & Leash Walks
Classical Walking your cat on a leash can be great outdoor enrichment for him. You'll want to use a gradual desensitization process for getting him used to the harness. I sell the best (secure and lightweight) harness and leash system in the Behavior Boutique here.
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I've created a video to show how the Come With Me Kitty harness and leash system is put on. It can be overwhelming and seem complicated when you first take it out of the box. I've tried to ease your stress with this how-to instructional.
Velcro Harness
If your cat is calm on a harness, the velcro underbelly versions work well - it is what I mostly use for Pico. They are super easy to put on - no trying to get feet through holes, etc. and while not as secure as the Come with me Kitty harness, they stay put. You can shop for the Kitty Holster® Cat Harness in our Behavior Boutique.
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This award-winning, difficult-to-escape-from, Kitty Holster® Cat Harnesses are Made in the USA. It is a soft, comfortable walking vest that secures with ultra-strong Velcro closures to keep your cat safe and sound. The breathable, washable cotton has an undyed lining, suitable for all skin types and climates. This harness is perfect for traveling, walking and taking your cat out on a balcony. They are available in 4 different designs.
Sizes to fit almost any cat:
XS - Neck: 5" - 9"; Girth (chest): 10" - 14"
S/M - Neck: 9" - 12"; Girth (chest): 13" - 17"
Pendleton® Cat Vests
Check out our very own Genuine Pendleton® blanket Cat Vests with Pendleton® edge tape. Warm and fuzzy for your favorite furry friends. Handmade in Santa Fe, NM
Outdoor Enrichment
Walking your cat on a leash can be great outdoor enrichment for him. You'll want to use a gradual desensitization process for getting him used to the harness. I sell the best (secure and lightweight) harness and leash system in the Behavior Boutique here.
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If your cat does not need the exercise, or is very uncomfortable with the harness, you can opt to take him out for a stroller walk. Remember, real men push cats in strollers! ;)
Outdoor Play Pen
If you can't build a catio for your cat, I recommend taking him outside with you (as long as he's comfortable) when you garden, etc. An enclosed play pen is an ideal way to have him near you and also safe from predators.
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Click on each image to purchase that play pen.
Window Perch
As long as you don't have outside cats tormenting your feline, a window perch is an excellent way for him to safely get enrichment from the outdoors - especially when you aren't home.
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I like this one because it holds up to 60# and is nicer looking than some of the less expensive models.
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​This window perch has a sturdy hammock seat with a cushion bed cover, wood & metal frame for large cats, easy to adjust.
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Climbing Opportunities
Every cat needs the opportunity to be…cat. It is in your cat’s nature to climb. Steps to a high up wall bed is a purrfect chance for kitty to get some climbing and exploration in. It also gives your cat a place to be undisturbed. We have one of our wall beds ten feet off the ground and often Pico retreats to it when he needs some time alone.
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It’s important to make sure the steps and bed are secure and you will likely have to teach your cat to use it by luring him up with a tasty treat.​
And this is a corner one
This one has stylish shelf steps:
This is a nice big one
This one has a great shape
KittyLawn, real grass for cats
I've been reviewing a lot of grass products lately and KittyLawn is one of them. This carpet of real grass is meant to bring your cats a taste of the outdoors - think of it as the backyard in a box! It is hydroponic grass grown at a farm in California without pesticides or toxins so if kitty decides to taste it, it won't hurt them - but it is meant for lounging!
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Pet Greens Live Original Pet Grass, 6-Pack
Pet Greens Original Live Pet Grass is great for all your Pets! Now your pets can get their greens on in a tasty, healthy treat! Pet Greens Original Pet Grass is a super source of green nutrition and fiber and is gluten free. It is a safe alternative to dangerous houseplants and chemically treated grasses. Pet Greens are also a pruning and juicing treat for birds along as a great source of calcium for reptiles.
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Pet Greens Cat Grass Easy Self-Grow Kits
These convenient Cat Grass Growing Kits, available in Medley and Garden, help with:
Indoor Wellness: Indoor cats* often try to satisfy their craving for greens by munching on houseplants. Cat Grass provides a life-enriching, safe alternative.
Healthy Digestion: Help your cat achieve optimal indoor wellness with fresh and gentle green fiber that supports digestive health. It's a natural hairball treat, grown from your own cat grass seeds kit!
*Organic Cat Grass is also great for dogs, birds, reptiles, rabbits and other small pets!
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Edible Kitty Catnip Balls, 3-Pack
The catnip balls are made of pure natural plant extracts, no chemical additives contained. They easily stick to the wall or other surfaces with strong adhesive, no falling off when your kitten licks and plays. The catnip treat balls can be rotated 360 degree when licking. You can let him choose his favorite flavor: 'catnip', 'silvervine' and 'gall fruit flavor', which together arouse your cat's interest in licking and playing
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Clicker Training
Arguably, there is no better enrichment for a cat than clicker training! The process simulates their natural behavior of expending energy to get food. It provides mental stimulation and increases the bond you share with your cat.
Molly often does clicker training classes - sign up to receive our emails to be notified of the class schedule.
iCalmPet Ruff 'n Ready Portable Speaker
Cool Cat Gold Pak
Classical music can calm your cat. But take that a step further and get music that has been scientifically modulated to remove all stress causing frequencies. And yes, it still sounds like relaxing music to us too. I use it when doing shelter cat work and it really works! The iCalm Cat unit comes with the music card loaded and wireless speaker all in one unit. Very cool. You need one. Or two.
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Cat Self Grooming Tool
Your kitty will LOVE this corner groomer. This is a great way for you to encourage group scenting in a multi-cat household. The comb comes with catnip to attract them and they love the feel of the teeth against their face and chin. Easy installation - you can either screw it in the wall (screws included) or stick with double sided tape (also included.) Install on corners right outside of feeding and litter box areas. Cats tend to scent their pathway through the home - especially paths leading to their resources.
Scratchers
Scratching is a natural behavior in cats. You can’t stop it, but if you provide the right scratching surfaces for your cat, you can direct it to the right places (other than your furniture.) Cats have scent glands in their feet and scratching leaves important scent markers. Listen to this podcast: Scratching and Clawing – how to make it stop! For more information
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Some cats like vertical scratchers and others, horizontal. They also have individual texture preferences. The most important feature of a scratcher is that it is long/tall enough for your cat to get a full back stretch.
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Here are some I recommend:
TALL Cat Tree
Cats need to be able to get up to high spaces. Get a really tall cat tree. This one is great, as the upper bed platforms are above human head height. And there are multiple high beds, making it great for a multi-cat household.
Honoring your cat's need to have alone time, out of reach of human hands (and dogs and other pets) will make your cat seek you out for affection more often.
I recommend making the tall cat tree "sacred cat ground"; an area where you do not reach for your cat - they are able to be on the cat tree on their own terms.
Tall Scratching Post
Notice a tall theme here? Scratching posts need to be as tall as your cat. Over 41-inches tall, your cat will have plenty of room to stretch and scratch on this post, and its sturdy, wide base ensures stability during play.
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Purchase here:
TALL Scratching Post
This is another good, tall post. I own this one shown to the right that is 35" tall and I love it - more importantly, Tabasco loves it! Cats need to be able to get a full back stretch when they use a scratching post - or they are not likely to use it; they'll opt for the back of your sofa, or chair instead. Combine this with the Feiliway Scratch Attractant shown below under deterrents.
Decorator Cat Trees
Not everyone wants a carpeted cat tree in their living room. Understandable. There are some very stylish options available these days - some not as tall as I'd like to see them, but here are some good looking options.
Prey Play is SUPER important for the health and well-being of your cat. Click here to read more about why. Below are several of the most popular prey play toys. Try several until you find the one your cat likes the most - all cats are different!
Wand Toys
Cats have differing preferences on type of wand toys they like. Some like mice at the end, some feathers. So buy a few to test what is their favorite. Keep wand toys out of sight when not playing with them so your cat doesn't lose interest.
Wand Cat Caster Fishing Pole Toy
There is something about the sound of the crinkle paper with the smell of the feathers that drives cats WILD for this wand toy.
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GoCat Cat Lures Catcher Cat Toy
with 2 Refill Mouse
Is a great toy for cats in shelter kennels. The wire makes it easy to maneuver in small spaces. The mouse on the end is very durable and long-lasting.
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The Cat Dancer
Cats need interactive play every day. This does not mean you throwing out toys and hoping they'll play by themselves. Prey Play requires you to be on the other end the toy making it move like natural prey. This entails pulling it around corners, out of sight. Flipping it up in the air, etc.
The Cat Dancer is a good choice for many cats. The metal construction lasts a long time.
Da Bird
Cats This is one of the most popular cat toys; favored by trainers everywhere. If you are working in a shelter setting, this toy works best in group rooms; the string makes it harder to maneuver in kennel spaces. See the Go Cat Catcher for kenneled cats above.
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Felicity Cat Wand Toys
Cat Feather Wand Toy with long Bamboo stick and 5 Feather Refills (2 Cat Bird Toy), 36 Inch Wire
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Suction Cup Wand Toy
This is great for shelters - it will stick to the floor or wall of kennels. Nothing replaces interactive prey play (where you are on the other end of the toy moving it like prey), but this is good entertainment to leave when you can't be home.
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Self-moving toy
Oftentimes you can’t be there to prey play with your cat – and even when you do, your cat still gets bored! Ans that’s because they’ll spend six hours a day hunting when in the wild. Self moving toys are a good way to provide enrichment when you are away. We like Caroline’s Cats automatic shut off and catnip ball interactive toy and think you will too!
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Replacement Butterflies: https://amzn.to/3vfXu0X
Mylar Crinkle Balls
These are GREAT cat toys. So simple and inexpensive. Kittens especially like these. Squish them in your hand to make the crinkly noise and then toss them across the floor and watch your cat scamper after them.
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Food Puzzle Cats in the wild spend 6 hours a day hunting and when we feed them meals they don't have to work for, pent-up energy builds, which can result in behavior changes. Food puzzles are one of the best mental stimulators you can provide for your cat.
Start your cat with an easy puzzle. It's important for them to have successes. Start with this ball type Slimcat. Once they have that mastered, give them the scoop bowl, Vitakraft Puzzler Treat Dispensing Toy (treats incl).
Then a slider challenge, with the Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle. Then the ultimate challenge with the Puzzle Toy 2 Levels, Slow Feeder.
Treat Dispenser
The Trixie Snack popper is an interactive treat dispenser that will entertain kitty.
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Reward your pet for their hard work; provides healthy mental and physical stimulation
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Easy to fill through removable lid, and lockable wheels keep it in place
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Treats pop out by nudging it forward or backwards
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Treat Dispenser
Ducksy is another interactive treat dispenser - simply fill and teach your cat to step on the peddle to pop out a treat. Show them by dong it yourself first.
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Organic Fresh Cat Grass 3-Pack
Pet Greens Live Grass Cat Treat is fresh, all-natural, pre-grown and organic. This super food is made and sourced in the USA for all breeds and ages. It has plenty of vitamins and minerals and is a natural hairball treat. Plus, Cat Grass is good for diabetic support and digestive health. Pet Greens has brought the outdoors inside for your furry friend, because pets need healthy greens in their lives. Indoor cats often try to satisfy their craving for greens by munching on houseplants, so our Cat Grass provides a life-enriching, safe alternative.
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Purchase the 3-pack here:
Pheromone Diffusers
Cats will feel more calm when you plug in a pheromone diffuser. It is not a magic wand that can change your cat's behavior by itself, but when used/layered with other calming products and enrichment strategies, along with behavior modification plans, it really helps.
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The new Feliway Optimum really works a lot better than the original – I suggest you buy this over it.
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If you have more than one cat, I recommend using the multi cat diffuser. The pheromones are slightly different and I find this to be more effective.
If you want a more natural, less expensive option, I recommend the Pet Remedy Calming diffuser. It is a natural blend of valerian root, vetiver, basil, and clary sage essential oils. It has good reviews and independent studies.
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Click each image to the right to purchase the diffuser and/or the refills.
Warm Snuggle Donut Bed
My Tabasco loves his snuggle donut poof bed. I have it in the white, which goes perfectly with my decor. I move the bed close to me when I'm sitting in different places and he climbs in and snuggles right next to me.
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Modern Wrought Iron Cat Bed
Available in a dual-level or single-level design, with a stylish wrought-iron frame and a plush sleep surface, this bed is designed to look great in your home and provide your cat with ultimate comfort. No matter what room your cat likes to rest and relax in, you’ll find that this bed complements your décor and provides the luxury cats crave. Plus, you can easily keep the eyelash faux fur cushions clean with a quick run through the washer.
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