Recently in pet products Category

If you haven't already spent enough money on your dog or cat, there's a nice new line of pet accessories from Crate and Barrel.

I like this cat food mat at the far right:

Other stuff:

The 21st annual America's Family Pet Expo, held earlier this month in Costa Mesa, drew a crowd of more than 37,000 people and set a new record for the number of animals adopted into new homes, it was reported today:

The show featured more than 1,000 animals, shopping, pet experts and entertainment ... Throughout the three-day event, America's Family Pet Expo was responsible for the adoption of 668 animals from local animal shelters, which broke the show's previous adoption record of 560 animals. Adoption numbers inclulded 538 dogs, 105 cats, one rooster, 21 rats, one mouse and two rabbits placed into new homes.

Among the more popular booths was one for the Long Beach volunteer organization BARK (Beach Animals Reading With Kids), a group that has noticed an increase in volunteers and website visits -- www.ReadingDog.org -- after the past couple of expos.

It's that time again. One of the largest pet vendor events will be presented this weekend (April 16-18) at the Orange County Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

If you've never been to America's Family Pet Expo -- and you love pets -- it's worth your while. But be prepared: There are more demonstrations, equine events, shows, and booths than you'll probably be able to get to in a single day.

There are rescue groups; demonstrations from Splash dogs to K-9 units; educational seminars; a cat show; free samples; and hundreds of new products to check out.

Among this year's is the Wisdom Panel Do-it-Yourself Doggie DNA Test; handmade and eco-friendly collars and accessories by Daisy Couture; and the Drinkwell 360 Fountain for pets (shown below):

Hours for the expo are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (April 16); 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (April 17); and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday (April 18).

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (those 60 and older), $6 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under.

You can get $2 off the admission price at Ticketmaster.

No pets are allowed at the expo (aside from those participating in the event).

But just think of how happy they'll be when you come home with a bag full of goodies for them.

With the arrival of spring, how about a new, warm-weather T-shirt?

A woman in my dog training class was sporting this one the other day. "You had me at woof."

Made by Planet Dog.

So how about a warm and stylish winter scarf for your dog?

Very sporty.

It comes in two sizes (small/medium, 15"; and large/X-L, 18"). $24

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.