Chesapeake Cozy Cat Trees and Condos

Chesapeake Cozy Cat - Baltimore Co., Maryland

If you are a cat lover and would like to supply your cat with a quality cat tree or cat condo and you are in the Baltimore County area, I have some good information for you.  Both Mittens and I are thrilled about the treasure I acquired yesterday from Chesapeake Cozy Cat.

Buying Local - in Baltimore County, Maryland

I prefer to buy things that are made and sold locally, but it is not always easy to find what you are looking for. It often becomes much easier to mail order items. It is also often less expensive to buy from the big box stores.

One item that I have put off purchasing is a large cat condo. I didn't care for the quality and the prices at the local stores. And I didn't feel like spending that much money on Mittens the Maleficent. Frankly, she is constantly in the top of closets, on top of my kayak (that I store across the top of closet doors - next to the ceiling), and in every other nook and cranny she can find. While I really wanted a large cat tree for her, it wasn't a priority.

However, her knocking things from this shelves and spaces to make room for her napping has grown old. I definitely wanted to have a "high" space dedicated to Mittens.

Years ago I had seen a variety of cat trees and condos being sold yard sale style at the park-and-ride across from Martin State airport. But I hadn't seen this set-up for quite awhile and had given up on being able to shop those items - UNTIL YESTERDAY!

Chesapeake Cozy Cat

The Chesapeake Cozy Cat tent was in front of the park-and-ride in front of Martin State Airport yesterday. I pulled a U-turn and stopped to shop.  I grabbed a card so I could remember to provide the contact information to you.

Chesapeake Cozy Cat official website

The gentleman (I forgot to ask him name in my excitement) said that he doesn't do mail order business yet. He attends local shows and continues to sometimes set up at the location I found him. He builds all of the items himself.

I found that his prices were less expensive than the items at a local pet store I had been window-shopping. And in my opinion, the item I purchased is a higher quality.

Mittens and Her New Tree

Some of my readers occasionally ask about Mittens. She is the cat that I adopted from a local shelter in 2015 and we had adventures before I ever brought her home. In fact, I was a bit worried about whether or not Mittens the Maleficent Kitten would be allowed to come live with me. 

Mittens continues to do well with me. Rather, I continue to do well with her. She is clearly in charge of both myself and the dogs, and the apartment is her apartment. 

As soon as I brought this 42" tall tree into the door, she claimed it. She wasn't quite sure what it was, but she claimed it by laying on the base. 

Later she hopped up into the 1/2 tube beds. When I was making my purchase, I initially thought I should buy the enclosed cat houses, but I am glad I bought the tree with the two 1/2 tube beds. She loves them. Some day, I'd love to buy her one of those HUGE cat trees (on the far left in the intro photograph) but for now, this tree is perfect for Her Highness and a good size for my apartment. 

Maybe you do not live locally. In that case Amazon may be a really good option for you to find a cat tower or condo in the shape and size that you want. Simply click the banner below and shop the pet section for cat towers.




But if you are lucky enough to live local to Baltimore County, and are looking for a quality cat tree, you definitely should contact Chesapeake Cozy Cat. Mittens certainly has given her stamp of approval.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you. 

Goodbyes

Our little Sugar baby is heading home very soon.  I could not have asked for a better guest and first time foster dog experience. I am a bit sad to see her go but thrilled that a dog will soon be reunited with her human mom and her pack.

I have a ton of photographs of this sweet and elegant girl but when I saw her and Willy laying quietly on the edge of the bed, I just had to snap a few more.  It's so rare that Willy holds still or is in lighting that I can take his photo. And there they were relaxing together in the late afternoon light.

Just as I began to think my photo-taking was becoming excessive, I felt a horrible pulling of my hair. I was reminded of my childhood and my mom struggling to get the snarls out. I have forgotten how tender-headed I am!

For those of you who have wondered how Mittens the Maleficent has settled it... well... she's the Queen.  I don't believe I've ever met a more naughty kitten. But I adore her. She and Willy play together, chasing each other through the apartment.  Sugar isn't afraid of her but is far too dignified to be bothered with the kitty shenanigans.

The photo session ended with Mittens combing my hair to get my attention.

My little family will soon number three again. Willy the dog, Mittens the kitten, and me... her grey twin!

Thank you so much to the owner of Sugar, for allowing her to come visit and to add to our lives. I will not forget her adorable dances to get treats, finding her burrowed inside of my pillowcase, and the way she sits watching everything that's going on.

Wordless Wednesday - Entitlement

Mittens. The lovely, rescued, "spirited" kitten. 

I've never met such a naughty cat. She has knocked things off of every shelf in my house. She has shredded entire rolls of toilet paper. I search for things for days only to find that she's carried them off and left them in odd places.



Mostly, she just goes where she wants, when she wants, brushing barriers aside. I've adopted Mittens. I'm hoping to be able to adopt her philosophy.

Solving Litter Box Woes

Cat Box Furniture

My dear Mittens the kitten was adopted and moved in with us a month ago today. There was a bit of
excitement that delayed her adoption and I knew that she was going to be a challenging kitten.  I knew that she may cause some excitement in my home. And she has. The first problem I've had to address is the disgusting litter box problem.

Mittens, despite all of her extreme naughtiness, is great with the litter box.  There have been no accidents. And even though I have moved the box several times during this month - which is not something I wanted to do - she doesn't hesitate to use it. Thank goodness for that small favor!

The problem is the dog. Willy, my young dog, used the litter box as a snack buffet at the very first opportunity. There are two things I cannot stomach about being a cat owner. One is the cat walking on the counter where I prepare food (all I can imagine are dirty litter box footprints) and dogs snacking in the box. So Willy's sneakiness has to be the very first thing I address. 

Mittens and Willy getting acquainted

Small Living Limits Litter Box Placement

I live in very small apartment with little extra space. And no extra room or closet to turn into the "cat" room. All of my past options are not an option in this small space. 

• Bedroom - In days gone by, I would use a baby gate and block one room off from the dogs, and place the litter box in that spare room. But I don't have that luxury here. 
• Closet - Due to creative space-saving issues for my belongings, my bedroom closet doors are permanently open, so keeping the litter box in the closet, behind a partially open closet door is not an option either. 
• Bathroom - My bathroom is barely big enough for me. Not an option.  

Litter Box in a Crate

Dog Crate with Side Door

On the first evening that Mittens was out of her crate and roaming the house, Willy was found in the crate helping himself.  We had transitioned Mittens slowly, letting her out of the crate for small periods of time and she was doing well settling in. I didn't want to move backwards by keeping her crated more in order to guard the litter box.  A very good friend suggested that I turn the crate so that the door opens from the top of the cage.

I did exactly that. I turned the crate so that the side door opened on the top side of the crate. Mittens, the spirited kitten, had no qualms about entering the crate and accessing the litter box through the top. Because it is a dog crate, it was solid and held her weight. I just placed a towel on top to protect her little feet. The crate kept the litter box safe from the dog. However, that left a large crate in the middle of my bedroom. A perfect way to break a toe in the middle of the night and a complete eyesore.  It was a fantastic temporary solution but clearly not a good permanent solution.

Cat Bathroom Furniture

Are you aware that furniture is made specifically for hiding a litter box? Until I had started looking for solutions I had not known this bit if information. There are very beautiful pieces of furniture than can be used to hide the litter box. I looked at them all.  The only problem with the pre-built furniture was that it all looked as though the entry hole for the cats would also be large enough for Willy's head. It seemed unlikely that the cabinets would be dog-proof.     

I also found a wonderful article, with step-by-step photographs, about building your own furniture to hide the litter box. So I had decided to make my own.  I planned on going to used furniture stores to find the perfect end table to re-purpose.

Cat Box Furniture in Brown or White

Thump Thump Thump

As the days passed and I was stubbing my toe on the crate in the middle of my tiny bedroom, I was waiting for the opportunity to go to the used furniture stores, and wondering who I'd borrow a saw from, I realized the answer was right before my eyes.  Thump, thump, as the kitten was playing in the aquarium stand and was batting the door open.  Our aquarium, sits on a stand that is backless, but wooden, with a hinged door. Viola, the perfect solution to the cat bathroom problem.  Mittens clearly already entered and exited this cabinet freely.

Bowfront Aquarium and Stand

I moved the empty Aqueon brand aquarium and stand (I haven't had fish in it since moving to this apartment) to the bedroom. I will be using the aquarium as a miniature seed starting greenhouse. The lid on it will keep that cat from spilling the tiny plants. The cabinet is backless, so she enters it easily but it is close enough to the wall that the dog can't get in. And the large front door of the cabinet makes cleaning the litter box easy. 

If you have a cat and are looking for a litter box solution, I highly recommend that you get a cat litter box piece of furniture. Whether you buy one or re-purpose an existing piece of furniture, it is a great way to store that litter box.  Now, on to solving the other Mittens issues!

Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of these products - at no additional cost to you. 

Wordless Wednesday - The Takeover

When you feel like you are no longer in control

This is my chair now.  Go ahead, move me. I dare you.

Sock? What sock?  I don't see no sock? Your sock? Nah, it's my sock now.  C'mon, chase me.

Blog Paws WW Blog Hop

Rescued - A Kitten's New Life Begins Today

Bringing a rescued pet home from the shelter produces a mixed bag of feelings. At least it did for me.  My kitten, Mittens, finally came home today. On the seemingly endless drive home, my thoughts raced. It seems that my feelings changed with each traffic light.

I already know that she is a "spirited" kitten, described as such by the shelter staff.  And the mystery of the adoption of Mittens deepened as her first homecoming was delayed after scratching the veterinarian. 

Today, the Vet Tech talked to me briefly, explaining that Mittens had also scratched her during this 10 day hold but it appeared to be a combination of playfulness, overly long nails, and being the type of cat that wants to be engaged and social but NOT be held.

I'm fine with that.

I was thrilled on the way home. Glad that she was finally mine.  I was relieved and thrilled that this kitten who bites and scratches won't be euthanized because she didn't seem adoptable.  Or adopted, misunderstood, and abused.

During this entire process, I've been more than a little scared that maybe I was biting off more than I could chew. I've had plenty of pets over my lifetime but this is my first formal rescue. I worried that rather than being a playful cat, she's a fearful cat, and won't be happy in my home. Oh the worrisome thoughts to think.

On the way home, she tried repeatedly to touch me from the carrier.  I swear she was saying, "Hey Lady, let me out!"  

I kept sticking my finger through the cage to pet her at stop lights, repeating to her, "We're almost home."  Followed by,  "Just five more minutes" (which my children learned to recognize as a little lie, but she doesn't know differently. Yet. Shh, don't tell her.)

Then I swear she said, just a little more loudly, "Hey Lady, I remember you. Let me out!  I won't scratch you, I promise." as she held out her paw, "I promise. See, they trimmed my nails."

Mittens the Maleficent Kitten

Oh my dear Mittens-the-kitten.  She's going to be something else. I can already feel it.

Mittens' mug shot

Just two days ago, I told the tale of how I found and adopted my tiny Mittens.  I shared with you how the name tag on that cage at the shelter generously and hopefully described her as "spirited".  Frankly, I had many other ways of describing her to friends and family, some of those ways were not G-rated.  Even so, I was counting down the days and the hours until I could bring my baby home from the shelter today. 

I had changed my schedule and prepared to drive that 40-45 minutes out of the way. As I was shutting down the computer at work and shrugging on my jacket, my cell phone rang.

"We have bad news" the shelter employee began.

Oh gosh.  I sat down expecting to hear that something had gone horribly wrong with the surgery.  

No, it wasn't that type of bad news, the woman assured me. In fact, Mittens-the-Spirited hadn't even had her surgery.  She had scratched the veterinarian prior to the surgery. And is now on a 10 day hold; in part to rule out rabies.  I scheduled the time to pick her up in 10 days.

Oh, whew, is that all? That was my initial reaction.  Then I started to think about it.  Rabies?  She had scratched me and drawn blood when I visited her.  And if she already had her rabies shot, and had been at the shelter 9 days at least, wouldn't they already know?  Do cats really give spread rabies through scratches? The questions spun in my head and something didn't seem right.

So I drove down to the shelter anyway.  Why not?  After all, I had already gotten to work an hour early today to cover the time I was leaving early. I might as well.

It turns out to be a legal thing, when an animal (I can't decipher whether this covers only shelter animals or all pets) causes injury, it must be held for 10 days for observation.  Yes, if my Mittens has rabies, she would have been showing signs by now.  Yes, she could have still had rabies even though she was recently vaccinated. But no, she's not showing symptoms. It is possible but unlikely to get rabies via a scratch. However, Cat Scratch Fever is more than just a Ted Nugent song, it is a disease and I should have had my scratch checked by a doctor. 

No, they don't think she was a feral cat.  She just "doesn't like to be held".  Those shelter workers sure know how to give generous descriptions.

I will still bring my Mittens the Maleficent home, in 10 days, provided she doesn't have rabies.  She still has to be spayed. And I wasn't quick enough to think to ask, what if she injures the vet during the next surgery attempt? Do the 10 days start over?  I sure hope not. Otherwise, she'll never get out of there.

TRIXIE Pet Cat Tree

I don't feel the need to have a lap cat. So I'm not concerned that she doesn't like to be held. I am a smidge concerned she gets agitated easily and I am concerned that she will not be happy in a home with Willy, my active dog.  I am already shopping around for a cat tree or house to help her have her own space.

So please, cross your fingers and hope that my spirited Mittens will behave and will be able to come home in 10 days.  


Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products

Mittens the Kitten

This is Mittens.  She is a 7 month old kitten at the local animal shelter. 

I have been considering adding a cat and a dog to the family for about a year.  I kept flipping back and forth about which would come first, cat or dog.  

Then I found Mittens. And the decision was made.

She is listed as a "spirited" kitten. The definition of spirited seems to be as follows - she puts her head down to be rubbed and after less than a minute passes she scratches, or hisses, or bites, or all three.  She does all of this while purring and flicking her tail tip.  

I came home with three scratches on my hand and the adoption paperwork.  She remains at the shelter in order to have her spaying completed. I pick her up on Thursday.

I will introduce her to Willy, my dog, slowly.  As much for her comfort as his protection!  And I will hope for the best.  I don't want a cat that scratches and hisses. But I think she will settle in and be the type of independent and opinionated cat that I like.

During my adventure of shelter visits, I was reminded that I really, really like cats. Many cats.  I could probably easily become the crazy, old, cat lady.  There is only one type of cat that I don't care for and those are orange tabbies. And I only recently remembered the stray cat that bit the hand that fed it (mine, as a 7 year old child) was an orange tabby.  The mystery has been solved about my hesitance about orange tabbies.  Now that I've remembered that, maybe someday I'll like orange tabbies.  Until then, I love every other type of cat there is.  

365 CATS Calendar

I've decided to get a cat calendar for my desk at work.  So I can enjoy looking at many different cats without bringing them all home. I found this calendar and love the little story bits that come on each page.  

Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy

I also have some shopping to do.  I've purchased the required things I need; litter box, carrier, litter, scoop, and etc.  I'm sure she will need some toys to keep her occupied.  I'm holding off a bit on the toys. I want to get to know her a bit better so I have a better idea of what she might like.  But I'll purchase one of these immediately. My last cat loved it.

In my experience it seems that cats, much like dogs, do not develop problem behaviors if they have enough mental or physical stimulation.  Cat toys in addition to attention from their human will usually keep cats from clawing the furniture. 

I am so excited. I can't wait for Thursday to arrive and my kitten to come home. 

Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products