Recently in pet products Category

Despite the recession, we live in the land of plenty.

If you ever doubt this, take a look at the statistics about how many pet owners nowadays buy Christmas gifts for their critters (OK, so the gifts are really for us in a psychological sense).

So since you're going to buy something anyway, read about  some useful -- and funny -- pet toys and products you can pick up for your favorite furry friends this year.

There are dog and cat beds, organic treats and laser lights to drive them up the wall (literally). And be sure to check out the Crazy Cat Lady board game  from Archie McPhee for cat lovers on your list. There's also (yes, really) the Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure.

Santa holds Pug Fuch at the Robinson Town Center PetSmart in Robinson Township, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar,File) (GENE J. PUSKAR):

I confess that one of my worries about getting a cat was the whole scratching thing.

I've been through some destructive dogs in my time and the canines I have now are the easiest I've ever had when it comes to furniture. They have almost no interest in even lying on the sofa, let alone destroying it.

So after I dumped the last sofa -- which, through the years, had been meticulously destroyed by my crazy Austalian shepherd Pilgrim (now deceased) -- I bought a new sofa this past January. Not to sound too materialistic here, but I really do love this sofa. Really. It's the nicest sofa I've ever had.

So far, Annie Oakley the cat has stayed mostly on her scratching posts, although a couple times I've stopped her from clawing on the furniture. The color literally drains from my face when I catch her doing this. The sofa is now heavily covered in protective blankets, throws and more throws.

Too bad reporters don't make more money. If we did, I might be able to buy her some of this new cat-scratch furniture.

It comes from The Company of Pets. The pieces shown below were designed by Jeanne Byers and Rochelle Klein, partners in an advertising agency.

But for now, the cheap-o, ugly scratching posts will have to do around my place.

Since AnnieO has two of her own dogs, I suspect the "neo-pop" canine scratcher at the right might be her favorite style. If her owner could afford it. it costs a mere $1,200. The modernist French chair? $575. (This cat in the photos even looks a bit like my Annie Oakley. But clearly way more spoiled.)  

 HT: Paws 'n Claws

So it's come to this.

Now there's the Potty Patch, billed as a "revolutionary indoor bathroom for dogs."

Yikes.

I suppose this makes sense for those who live in climates where going outdoors can be a snowy, icy nightmare during some months of the year. Or maybe for those little purse dogs.

But really, I don't honestly want my border collies "going" in the house. I'm already concerned about bringing in a Christmas tree this year. Besides, the new cat's litter box is quite enough indoor bathroom going for me, thank you very much.

But the Potty Patch, if you're intested, is endorsed by the American Kennel Club and is useful also for puppy training. And it's now available at PetCo stores.

The patch consists of three tiers "perfect for patios and indoor use." From the press release:

The top portion is made out of a soft artificial grass specifically designed to let liquid flow through. The collection tray holds up to a gallon of liquid allowing multiple uses. The Potty Patch feels natural because of the synthetic grass and is a great solution when there is inclement weather or as emergency backup for dogs.

Where has this year gone?

It's time to check out some of the new  2010 Pet Calendars -- and with pets being still quite popular in our culture, there are more varieties than ever.

We have pets dressed as rock stars, pets doing yoga and cats sporting high fashion. Something for everyone.

I went to Calendars.com to see what was being offered in the border collie category and found several products, including the "Just Border Collies" 2010 wall calendar ($13.99):  

A Border Collies 2010 Pocket Planner ($5.99):

And this one, my favorite, that features wacky "fish-eye" photos ($14.99). This must be the view my cat has of Tess & Cowboy:

Here's a new gadget that claims to translate what your dog's barking, whining and growling really means.

Called the Bowlingual, the device was developed by a Japanese toymaker. It's strapped to your dog's collar so when your dog makes a noice, the Bowlingual analyzes whe he's trying to say via an LCD screen.

Oh, but here's the catch. It's all in Japanese.

Probably just as well.

Anyone out there use one of these leash couplers for walking two dogs at one time? I've seen them at the stores and would like to give it a try. Do they work?

Seems like I'm always in search of a good bag that's not too cumbersome to take to the dog park or for an especially long walk or trip somewhere.

Here's the latest entry in the dog walking gear: the Houndbag.

HT: Barkability

Our friends at the Baltimore Sun's Unleashed blog inform us that First Dog Bo Obama now has a very special "non-drool" bowl.

The non-spill water bowl comes from Road Refresher and claims to be especially handy when pets must travel.

Designer Natalie Ellis created the bowl, a replica of the White House with Bo's name in rhinestones. 

Here's a new canvas grocery tote designed to promote pet rescue and spread the word about the imporance of spaying and neutering your pets.

Put out by Viva la Revolucion, the tote can also go to the beach. A percentage of sales goes to pet rescue and you can even plug your favorite rescue group by having them imprint it on the bag.

Cost $8.50 (extra charges for personalization).

HT: Barkability

As last week's mini-heat wave reminded us all, summer is coming soon.

With that in mind, the Dog Dish Store offers a large dog pool for $89.99. A bit pricey, but it does look like it would keep a water-loving pooch pretty cool.

HT: Barkability