Trixie Enrichment Puzzles

As we've discussed in The Indoor Cat's Daily Schedule of Activities and How You Can Enrich Your Cat's Life Part 1 and Part 2, enrichment for your cat is very important. The best way to cut down on behavior problems and keep them interested is to periodically introduce new toys.

The Cats Exclusive Retail Store heartily welcomes the Trixie family of products! These feline puzzles originate from Germany and the UK and our Retail Manager has been on a waiting list for over a year in anticipation of them being available in the United States! So far, we have three of their puzzles in stock: the Cat Activity Fun Board, the Cat Activity Turn Around and the Cat Activity Solitaire. All of these puzzles provide a mental challenge for cats to retrieve a reward, usually a treat or some catnip.

As the name implies, the Fun Board features many different types of surfaces to place rewards in. They will have to figure out how to get the treats using their paws, noses, claws and tongues! The Turn Around is a raised group of vials filled with rewards. Your cat will have to learn how to turn these vials upside-down to retrieve their treats! Lastly, the Solitaire has small round cups that your cat will have to remove from their recesses to retrieve rewards. No matter your cat's level of ability, these puzzles are sure to challenge them and keep them entertained!

Two Amazing Cats Need Homes!

This week we would like to introduce you to two very special cats, that have been cared for with the Saint Francis Fund. They are both looking for a loving, forever home. Another Saint Francis cat was recently placed in a home and we wish her the best of luck with her new family. We're hoping that we can help Shepherd and Winslow find their families as well.

Shepherd is a 4 year old, neutered male. A very handsome red tabby domestic shorthair, he’s extremely social with people and loves to be cuddled and spoiled. He does need a home without other animals. He has tested negative for FIV and feline leukemia. Shepherd has been diagnosed with lower airway disease and is currently stable, but will likely need daily medications for his entire life. Due to his medical condition, Shepherd needs someone very special who is prepared and willing to pay for his ongoing veterinary care.


Winslow is a 7 year old, neutered male. He’s a gorgeous domestic long hair, who is very playful and has previously lived with other cats. He is extremely social with people, though he can get overstimulated at times. Friendly and loving, he enjoys cuddling on his terms. He will seek you out to get to know you and for attention often. Winslow has tested negative for feline leukemia and is already microchipped.
UPDATE 9/19 : WINSLOW HAS FOUND A HOME!!!

If you would like more information on any of these adorable felines, please feel free to give us a call at 206-546-2287. If you would like to meet any of them, or if you would like to submit an application to adopt, please come into our office and inquire at the front desk.

Pet Health Insurance: What You Should Know

Pet Health Insurance, just like your own health insurance, can be a valuable benefit during a difficult time. It can help cover the bill when your pet is sick, has an accident, or needs routine care. But there are so many plans available out there. How do you decide which one is right for you?

It is important to shop around and compare different policies. There are policies that cover injury and illness only, as well as ones that cover well-care. These will, of course, carry different premiums so it is important to consider what type of coverage you will need for your cat. Read the policies closely before selecting one. It is important to check for exclusions. In addition to preexisting conditions, some hereditary problems common to specific breeds can be excluded.

Most pet health insurance is indemnity insurance meaning you will pay the costs up front and be reimbursed after submitting a claim form. Policies will limit payouts annually, per incident, or over the pet's lifetime. Be sure you know if there is a wait period before coverage kicks in for certain conditions. Also, many plans require that you have gotten and documented regular well-care visits before they will pay on claims of illness.

Lastly, check to see if the policy works on a veterinarian network and if it offers prescription coverage. If you have a regular veterinarian that you want to stay with, ensure that the policy you select includes them. Additionally, drug costs for an injured or ill cat, or one with a chronic health condition, can add up. Some policies will offer prescription coverage to help offset those costs.

There is a company based in Washington called Trupanion that offers excellent coverage, particularly if you start insuring your pet at a young age. They do cover cats between the ages of 8 weeks and 14 years. They have an excellent website with lots of information where you can get a quote for what it would cost to cover your kitty today.