Animals | She Scribes

Budget friendly, DIY Pet Projects (#BudgetLiving)

February 20, 2012 By Kimberly Leave a Comment

I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger. As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles filled with tips for living on a budget.

I was checking searching the Internet for instructions to make a window shelf for my cats when I happened upon a really cool idea to make a cat “condo” using some cardboard tubes purchased at the local hardware store.

I can tell you from experience that cat condos are expensive. I have looked into them for my own cats but they are way out of our budget. We have a small one now, but it’s a hand-me-down from another cat owner.

I really LOVE this idea! I’m going to have to try to make one when the weather is better and I can do the work on the balcony (I rather not do this inside). It can be made for under $40 too.

On the Lowe’s site it’s referred to has a “Kitty Corner Cat House”. For step-by-step instructions please visit http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/WAGI_Kitty_Corner_Cat_House_0211.aspx.

Here is a brief video that shows you how to make the Kitty Corner Cat House too.

Another thing I love about the above project is that it’s light weight and can be moved if needed.

I did continue to look for directions to make a window seat for my cats. One of the best ideas I stumble across was one that required little to no crafting skills to make. All you need is a large serving tray, a pillow or small blanket, shelf brakets and screws.

All you need to do is measure and mark where you can the brackets to go. Pre-drill the holes to make it easier. Attach the brackets to the tray and the others side to the wall. One attached place a pillow or small blanket in the tray to make it soft and comfy for your feline friend. You can even attach string and dangly toys from it for you pet to play with too.

I found the instructions to make the shelf out of an old tray here, http://www.shelterness.com/amazing-diy-cat-window-perch. The photo is from the site too. The article was written by Kate.

I think this is a great project because it only requires a few very inexpensive supplies and you are recycling an old tray.

Both of these products are very budget-friendly and ideal for pet owners like me who live in a small space. We live in a tiny condo which is basically an apartment that we own.

For other great how-to tips for making the most of a space for you and your pet on a budget Apartment Guide blog, www.ApartmentGuide.com/Blog as well as www.MovingToday.com.

You can also “like” Apartment Guide on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide as well as follow them on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/AptGuide for real-time tips and updates on making the most of your space and living on a budget.

Apartment Guide is also on Google+.

Apartment Guide offers visitors plenty of photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect pet-friendly apartment community.

Kimberly

* Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Animals, Apartment Guide, Around the Web, DIY Pet Projects, Household, Pets, Website

Orijen Cat Food from Mr. Chewy

February 16, 2012 By Kimberly Leave a Comment

We have a problem with our youngest cat, Bella. She’s spoiled rotten! We refer to her as Princess Bella because she doesn’t like to eat from the same cat food dish as my four other cats. She needs to have her own dishes and her own food. That’s right – she won’t even eat the same food as them! She’s very picky and only seems to like the $$$ cat foods.

We keep a bowl of dry food out that all the cats nibble from throughout the day. We have to keep it on top of the litter box lid to keep our dog from eating it. Whenever one of the cats is hungry they just hop up on the lid and eat until they are full.

Every now and then we give them canned food. When we do that two have to share a big bowl, two have to share a two sided bowl and two get their own dishes.

We’ve been trying to encourage Bella to eat from the other cats dry food dish. The only thing I can think of is that she doesn’t like the food we serve them (Bella eats a dry food made especially for kittens). I had hoped that if we gave the other cats a different kind of food that Bella would finally start eating from that dish and we wouldn’t have to keep feeding her separately and her own food.

My cats received a bag of Orijen dry cat food from Mr. Chewy to review.

Orijen pet food is grain free and rich in protein. It also has limited carbohydrates. That is great news for chubby cats (my cats tend to be on the chubby side).

Orijen foods have more fresh meat than any other dry dog or cat food brands. What pet wouldn’t want more fresh meat?

Orijen foods include a diversity of fresh meats including free range chicken and turkey, whole eggs, saltwater and freshwater fish, and free range red meats. It’s a nourishing diet the way nature intended. Orijen foods are not made highly processed “fake” ingredients.

I honestly cannot tell you how the food tastes, ha ha, but I can tell you that my cats love it – INCLUDING Princess Bella. We actually saw her on top of the litter box eating out of the “community” dry food dish. And we didn’t have to encourage her or bribe her to do it either. In fact we caught her doing it a few times.

I was right! If we had the right kind of food Bella would be interested enough to eat from the big dish. She still wants her own food from time to time but at least she’s making an effort to eat the Orijen from the other dish.

The only downside to the Orijen food is that is has a strong scent, and it’s not the most pleasant scent either. My husband kept compliaing about the scent but I didn’t really smell it. I’ve been a bit stuff lately (Cold? Allergies?). It wasn’t until the other day that I did start to smell it when I entered the kitchen.

Yeah, the smell is not that nice but then again most cat foods smell, most especially canned few. Ewww! Canned cat food is the worst!

Mr. Chewy carries different varieties of Orijen dry pet foods including Adult Dry Dog Food, 6 Fish Cat Dry Food, Cat and Kitten Dry Food, Puppy Dry Food and several other varieties.

If you would like to check them out please visit www.MrChew.com/s/Orijen.

The bags range in size from 5.5 pounds to 27.9 pounds and range in price from $17.99 to $86.99 (that is for the HUGE dog food bag).

Mr. Chewy also carries other varieties of dog and cat foods. They also offer FREE 1-2 day shipping with orders of $49+. Under $49+ shipping is a flat rate of $4.95. Trust me, when you are thinking about the larger bags it’s nice to have the luxury of having it delivered right to your door.

Mr.Chewy also carries treats, litter and potty pads and flea & tick products.

Check out all Mr. Chewy has to offer at www.MrChewy.com. You can also follow them on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/MrChewyPets.

Kimberly

*We received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Animals, Mr. Chewy, Orijen, Pets, Reviews, Website

Tips for moving with pets (#BudgetLiving)

February 6, 2012 By Kimberly 3 Comments

I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger. As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles filled with tips for living on a budget.

My family has been trying to find a house, or town home, to move into for many years. We have outgrown our tiny condo. Four people (two adults, two teens), five cats and a dog in a shoe box size condo (aka – an apartment we own, not rent) just doesn’t cut it anymore.

I cannot imagine having to move with our pets. I know our dog and at least two of our cats would be OK with moving to a new place (or at least I THINK they would be). Three of my cats, most especially our oldest one, Velcro, would probably die from fear. He’s afraid of his own shadow, let alone moving him to a new home.

When you are moving it’s important that you take your pets into consideration. Not all apartment complexes or communities are “pet friendly”, and if they are, they most likely have plenty of rules you’ll need to follow. Some places even have limits on the number of pets you own, including small critters.

Here are a few tips to consider when moving into a new place with pets.

- Obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records. You will need this information for your pet’s new vet. Some apartment complexes might also require your pet’s medical records. Make sure you pet it up to date on all their vaccinations and your pet license if required.

- Pack all of your pet’s belongings and supplies together and make sure to unpack them immediately when you get into your new home. It’s a good idea to set your pet up in their new home right away. Take the time to introduce your pet to where they will be sleeping, eating and if you have cats, where the litter box will be placed. The sooner you get your pet acclimated to their new home the better. Your pet will be curious so let them have some time to explore their new surroundings.

- Your pet might experience a lot of anxiety with the new move. DO NOT SCOLD YOUR PET if they act out in any way such as have an accident in the home or chew up something that is not a toy or treat. If you reprimend your pet for doing something wrong it will only add to their anxiety. Instead you should be reassuring to your pet. Take some time to play with them and cuddle with them. Make them feel comfortable in their new home.

- Make sure your pet has an ID. Being in a new home with new surroundings could be confusing for a pet. They might accidentally wander off and not be able to find their way back to their new home. This is why it’s vital that your pet have an up-to-date ID tag, including your new phone number and address. If your pet has a microchip embedded into them make sure you contact the service immediately and provide them with your current information at your new address.

It would also be beneficial to have a current photo of your pet, just in case they do get lost.

You should also jot down the number of the local pet shelters, area vets and animal control just in case your pet does wander off.

- If you are moving far away, and your a traveling by car or truck with your pet, it’s a good idea to get to know some pet friendly hotels along your route. You can do a search for pet friendly hotels on the Internet or visit PetsWelcome.com. Make sure to know the hotel’s policy on pets up front or you might be in for a big surprise. Some places charge per pet, with a 1-2 pet minimum. There might also be weight restrictions. A hefty deposit might also be required, and some places do not refund the deposit.

It’s a good idea to call ahead and make reservations at places that are suitable to your needs. That way you are prepared to pay any extra fees involved.

I’m sure there plenty of more things you can do to make moving with your pet less stressful and more enjoyable. I would love to hear from my readers who have experienced moving with a pet (or pets). Feel free to comment and share your tips.

I found a few more articles I thought would be useful if you are moving with pets. Click on the article title to be taken to the full article.

Write your pet’s resume to help you rent an apartment

Renting with a pet – What to ask your apartment manager

How to help your pet adjust to a new home

What do you need to know when you rent an apartment with a pet?

How to de-pet your apartment

The Apartment Guide has more information and articles about moving and moving with pets. They also offer tips on how to make the most of your space, as well as having a pet on a budget.

For more articles you can check out www.ApartmentGuide.com/Blog and www.Movingtoday.com.

Also, if you’re ready for a whole new space or are looking to move, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect pet-friendly apartment community.

For more tips on making the most of your space and budget, as well as other useful information, you can “like” the Apartment Guide on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide) and follow them on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/AptGuide). They are even on Google+.

The Apartment Guide is also having a sweepstakes called the Apartment Guide’s Night In or Night Out Sweepstakes. You can enter for your chance to win your perfect evening.

To learn more visit the Apartment Guide Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide. There you can also submit your entry.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends @ 9:00 PM ET on 2/14/12. Must be a US legal resident of the 50 US or DC and 18 years of age or older. Sweepstakes subject to full Official Rules available at www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide. Void where prohibited.