Tag Archives: cat toys

Tunnel Time

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🐾  Banner & Balboa’s Secret Playground

If you’ve ever wondered what pure joy sounds like, it’s the crinkle of a cat tunnel at 2 a.m.

Here at Welcoming Haven, we believe every home deserves a dash of whimsy—and every cat deserves a tunnel that folds, flops, and fuels their inner jungle spirit. Enter the Foldable Cat Tunnel, now officially approved by our in-house product testers: Banner the dignified floof and Balboa the chaos gremlin.

🎪 What’s the Big Deal About a Tunnel?

It’s not just a tube. It’s a portal to feline fantasy:

  • Crinkle fabric that whispers secrets of hidden prey
  • Peek-a-boo holes for surprise attacks and dramatic exits
  • Foldable design for easy storage (because yes, your living room deserves to breathe too)

Banner uses it for stealthy strolls and mid-tunnel naps. Balboa? He’s more of a “launch myself at full speed and hope for the best” kind of guy.

🧠 Why It’s a Win for Cats (and Humans)

  • Encourages mental stimulation and physical exercise
  • Perfect for multi-cat households or solo zoomie sessions
  • Folds flat when not in use—no more tripping over cat chaos

🛒 Ready to Tunnel Into Fun?

Whether your cat is a dignified explorer or a mischievous missile, this tunnel delivers delight in every crinkle. Banner and Balboa give it two paws up—and a tail flick of approval.

👉 Shop the Foldable Cat Tunnel now and let the adventures begin!

 

Of Wet Carpets and Cats

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Carpets and Cats: A Tale of Sniffs, Flicks, and Feline Drama

I used to think carpet cleaning was a human affair—loud machines, sudsy solutions, and the satisfying illusion that we were banishing years of snack crumbs and mystery fuzz. I assumed the cats would retreat to their secret lairs while the carpet cleaner roared like a dragon with a Dyson complex. But no. Banner and Balboa had opinions.

 

Banner photo credit Deb Neumann

Banner, ever the stoic gentleman, watched the whole operation like a supervisor who’s seen it all before. He sniffed, he paced, he gave me the occasional side-eye, but he didn’t panic. Balboa, on the other hand, acted like the carpet had been replaced with lava. He took one tentative step, flicked his paws dramatically, and gave me a look that said, “You expect me to WALK on this?” His gait became a sort of bow-legged prance, like a cowboy tiptoeing through a puddle of indignation.

He made his way to the food corner, where he sniffed his bowl with the intensity of a customs agent. I guess he wanted to make sure the carpet cleaner hadn’t tampered with his kibble. Banner followed, sniffing the air like a wine connoisseur detecting notes of citrus and betrayal.

The Toys: A Tactical Feline Response

Paws mustn’t touch the wet carpet- Balboa Photo Credit Deb Neumann

In preparation for the carpet cleanse, I gathered the cat toys. The plush mice, the crinkle balls, the feathered wand—all tucked away. Larger toys were stacked on the coffee table like a shrine to feline fun. Banner immediately began pulling the small toys back out, one by one, as if to say, “Nice try, human.” Balboa, ever the diva, perched in the center of the turbo cat scratcher like a prince on his throne, refusing to let his delicate paws touch the freshly cleaned floor.

Honestly, I think they both believe the carpet belongs to them now. I just pay rent.

🧼 Product Spotlight: BISSELL—Clean Floors, Full Hearts

If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that gets the job done and gives back, BISSELL is a purr-fect choice. Every purchase helps support the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless pets through adoption events, spay/neuter programs, and disaster relief. Since 2011, BISSELL has donated over $28 million to help more than a million pets find loving homes. So when you clean your carpets, you’re also helping clean up lives.

Banner approves. Balboa is still suspicious.

🌀 Product Spotlight: Pet Turbo Scratcher Toy—Balboa’s Throne of Drama

If your cat believes the world revolves around them (and let’s be honest, they’re probably right), the Pet Turbo Scratcher Toy is their red carpet, racetrack, and personal spa rolled into one.

Coastal Pet Products

This clever contraption features:
• A circular ball track that keeps cats entertained for hours—perfect for those 3 a.m. zoomies.
• A replaceable cardboard scratch pad that satisfies their primal urge to shred something other than your couch.
• A sprinkle of catnip magic to turn even the most aloof feline into a turbo-charged tornado of joy.

Balboa, naturally, claimed the center of the scratcher like a feline emperor surveying his freshly cleaned domain. He refused to touch the carpet, but this toy? This toy was worthy. Banner, meanwhile, gave it a few swats before returning to his supervisory duties.

Bonus: The scratcher’s non-skid base means it stays put—even when your cat decides to launch a full-scale attack on the spinning ball.

Whether your cat is a curious kitten or a seasoned sniffer of suspicious carpet fibers, the Turbo Scratcher is a hit. And with replacement pads available, it’s a long-term investment in feline happiness (and furniture preservation).

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Banner and Balboa thank you for supporting their carpeted kingdom and toy hoard.

 

 

Whiskers & Wishes: Celebrating My Cats’ Birthdays With Style

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Celebrating My Cats’ Birthdays With Style

There’s something delightfully endearing about throwing a birthday celebration for a cat. It’s not just about cake-shaped toys or sardine soufflés—it’s about honoring the quiet companionship, the mysterious glances, and the absolute rulers of our hearts and homes.

Banner and Balboa- Photo credit Deb Neumann

 

🐾 The Feline Lineup

In my home, birthdays come in soft purrs and fluffed tails. Each one of my cats has their own personality, style, and yes—preferred party theme.

  • Banner

Regal Banner

  • Banner turner 5 this year on June 6. Banner is the big brother. He is also my opera singer. Every night we get the songs of his people with his reedition of Moonlight & Meows. His gift was a Pawkitty Water mat. 

  • Pet Water Bed,Cat Water Mat 2025 Upgraded Thickened Sensory Water Palymat,Leak-Proof Sensory Playmat,Water Mat for Cats and Dogs,Anti-Scratch Design Waterbed for Indoor Cat & Dog

    Water Mat

    This was a dud. What they don’t tell you is it takes a lot of water and water is heavy. I don’t have a hose or an indoor faucet that would allow me to hook one up if I did. I tried to fill it in the sink but the mat was too big. I tried the tub but before I had it more than 1/2 filled it was too heavy to move. Banner watched the tub fiasco with interest but that was as far as we got. No water bed for him this year.

  • Balboa

Balboa also turns 5 this year. His birthday is coming up in August. August 14 to be exact. Balboa is my lap cat. Where Banner is regal and aloof, Balboa is timid and shy with strangers. Not so with Banner or me. He is my high flying kitty. He likes to be up high and chases toys in leaps and bounds. That includes his big brother. He is also the leader of the demolition team. You’ve heard the expression “This is why we can’t have nice things”. Well that’s Balboa. He is also ridiculously funny.

Balboa photo credit Deb Neumann

Just look at those eyes. You can see the insanity!

🎁 Gifts, Real and Imagine

Their birthday gifts included handmade toys, a new paper bag,  a new cat scratcher shaped like a cactus (how fitting, right?), and the ultimate luxury—a nap uninterrupted by vacuum cleaners.

Cactus Cat Tree-

But the real gift was in the ritual. These feline birthdays remind me to slow down, appreciate softness, and indulge in silliness. They ground me in quiet moments and encourage me to create little bits of magic—not because it’s necessary, but because it’s meaningful.

🌙 Looking Ahead

Next year? I’m dreaming of a “Zen & Zoomies” spa retreat for Banner and a pirate-themed tunnel adventure for Balboa. Whatever the plan, it will be theirs—and that’s what makes it purrfect.

Cactus Cat Tree available at Welcominghaven.com

Additional Pet resources can be found on Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate

Tails From the Cat Side

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Cat Tales (Tails)

Time for “Tails from the Cat Side”. I told you that my kitty shenanigans in our evening play sessions needed a post all of their own and I mean it. My usually quiet and boring fur babies turn 15 minutes of playtime into the “Eve of Destruction”. It came as a shock to me the first time it happened but I think I’ve got a handle on it now.

Oh the mess

Bed Time-Play Time

I try to play with my cats in the evening as that’s when they are most likely to be around. During the day they like to watch birds and squirrels out the window or sleep.  I have a bunch of interactive toys they can play with too if I’m busy. Everything from a laser that runs for 15 minutes before it shuts off to good old fashioned paper bags but lately I’ve had trouble holding their attention.  They had no interest in me and would just ignore the toys and walk away. 

Feline Wrestle-mania

Of course the minute I walked away to go to bed they had a hissy fit. Banner led to charge with the Song of his people in loud wails. Balboa added tiny chips and irritated meows. I had to do something. So I made an emergency trip to PetSmart for a bunch of “Wand” Toys.

Product Whisker CityÂŽ Multi Ribbon Boa Teaser Toy Wand

Whisker CityÂŽ Multi Ribbon Boa Teaser Toy Wand

 

 

 

This was the favorite.

Wand Toy Playtime

Both Banner and Balboa seemed to like chasing this toy and we had a lively few minutes before they wandered off to lay down.  They really put some effort into chasing it and there was no more evening serenade. It seemed to satisfy their need for bedtime attention …at first.

I made the mistake of letting them catch the wand. 

I flipped the boa over Balboa’s head instead of dragging it along the floor. OMG! He exploded into the air. If it had been a bird it’s life would be over.

Balboa flies

 

 

Balboa jumped so high he looked like a cartoon kitty.  I can’t take a picture fast enough and handle the wand. Unfortunately Balboa won’t “perform” for anyone but me. He hides whenever anyone else comes around so you’ll need to use your imagination.

Destruction

Banner is just as violent but at ground level. I guess we have air force and infantry here. The Boa didn’t last long. I switched to feathers and Banner made short work of that one. 

 

Wand before playtime

Boa Wand after Playtime

 

The remains of the feather wand after 5 minutes with Banner

Some of the feather remains

I’m using a fuzzy wand now. It looks like a squirrel’s tail. They both really get going after that and it seems to be a little less delicate. Maybe this will last more than a day or two.

Rocky’s Antics

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Rocky must have been feeling left out since Buddy was getting all of the attention. I had to protect the tree didn’t I?

centers2014 011 copy

So while Buddy attacked the Christmas tree, Rocky went missing. I saw him head into the bedroom but he usually doesn’t spend much time there if Buddy and I are in the living room so when he didn’t come back I began to get a little concerned. After all, he’s no spring chicken at 13.

Rocky 001 copy

I tried calling him..no luck . Not even an answering meow. I looked under the bed, in the closet, even opened the bottom drawers of the dresser. No cat. Buddy was at my feet but he wasn’t any help unless tripping me counted.

The tree box was standing on end  at the bottom of my bed. I took a chance and  peaked in the tree box and there was a little ginger face looking back at me. He got in and couldn’t get back out. I tipped the box on its side and Rocky flew out like he was shot from a cannon. Once out he gave himself a lick and a shake and walked off as if nothing happened.

Today Rocky gave me my Christmas present. A little late but no less sweet.

Santarocky 002a copy

Rocky and I used to play fetch. He could go at the game for hours. The rules were simple. Rocky would bring a mousie to me and I’d throw it. He would retrieve it and bring it back and I’d throw it again. I was always careful to follow the rules because if I changed them he’d quit. He’d quit if Smokey decided to join in too. It was a very sensitive balance.

Smokey

Smokey

Since Smokey passed over the rainbow bridge Rocky hasn’t once brought a toy mouse to me to play fetch. Oh he plays with the toys but like a normal cat. I tried to get him to play a few times and he’d just walk away.

Brown Spotted Bengal catten carrying a retrieve toy.

Well today he brought me a toy mouse and laid it at my feet. I picked it up and you could see his body tense, a sure sign he wanted me to throw it. So I did and held my breathe. Yes! He took off after the toy, caught it and proudly brought it back. We played like that for about 10 minutes until the mouse took a bad bounce and escaped under the china cabinet.

In spite of my best effort to rescue it the momentum was lost but for a few minutes we’d enjoyed a fun game that I thought was in the past.

Rockyandme 018a copy

Thanks Rocky 🙂

(The cat picture with the mouse in its mouth isn’t mine nor is it of Rocky. I have never been able to capture that shot but this is exactly how Rocky looks. The same look in his eyes. Nice shot whoever took this.)