Fundamentally Feline

Search Results for: foraging

Foraging Videos

The Gambling Tower by Trixie Pet

This is another “brains over brawn” food puzzle. The cones are pretty easy but learning to pull the string takes some patience and thinking. It is cool to see them work this out, the only bummer is once it is emptied, it is empty and does not last the way a rolling puzzle would.

A Food Puzzle Tutorial: How to get the most out of our food puzzles, their interconnecting qualities and how to combine with commercial toys for increased challenge!

This video details how to best utilize the foraging toys made here at Fundamentally Feline. We offer toys for beginners all the way to the master forager. Our toys also nicely compliment commercially available food puzzles and this video will show you how to do just that! Our toys can be purchased at https://www.fundamentallyfeline.com/s…

Push-N-Pop

This puzzle is not for the faint of heart. It could be scary for some cats. But if your cat is a master forager and does not mind some noise this is worth a shot. Much like the children’s vacuum or lawnmower toy that had the popping balls in it, this toy works on the […]

Buggin’ Out by Nina Ottosson

Another stationary foraging gem! This puzzle can be used for wet or dry food. There are essentially three levels of difficulty built into this toy. Stationary puzzles as a whole are easier for most cats but when there are multiple moving parts it has the potential to present a challenge.

Mousin’ Around by Petstages

These cute little mice are such great foraging toys! They are small, easily manipulated, offer appealing textures, and can be picked up and carried around the house just like real prey! They do not hold a lot of food so they are great for portion control as well. They really require some batting around to […]

Melon Madness by Nina Ottosson

This is an intermediate level stationary foraging toy for wet or dry food. The cat must learn to uncover the wells by moving the “seeds” or green pegs to uncover the snacks below.

Doc & Phoebe’s Wet Food Feeder

If your cats “scarf and barf” this food puzzle is for you! A cat’s stomach is quite small, about the size of a ping pong ball, so when they eat too quickly vomiting is often the result. Slow feeders like this one help make the meal last a little longer.

The Rainy Day puzzle by Nina Ottosson

This is a difficult, brains over brawn food puzzle that accommodates wet or dry food. It is challenging, easy to clean and promises to keep your cat busy and mentally stimulated.

Doc & Phoebe’s Hunting Feeder – New and Improved Version!

This food puzzle has been upgraded by adding an adjustable opening which allows for a variety of different dry foods of various sizes to be used as well as increasing the challenge. This foraging toy is unique as it is the only one to feature a “skin” allowing the cat to pick it up, toss […]

The Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze

This is a very complicated food puzzle. It is two sided, features a maze within the toy on both sides and requires the cats to wobble or flip the toy entirely to dispense food. As this video demonstrates, not all hunting expeditions are successful. She walks away without success but that is ok, intermittent reinforcement […]

Flower Tower by Trixie Pet

This is an intricate, brains over brawn, food puzzle originally designed for dogs, but that won’t stop us! This puzzle features four swiveling layers but access is only granted once the large base cones are removed. That is the challenge, the cat must do one section of the puzzle in efforts for the next to […]

The Snoop

Yet another toy designed and marketed for dogs that is great for cats as well. This toy can work for dry or wet food and can be manipulated to achieve different challenge levels, though as a whole it is a beginner toy.

The Bob-A-Lot

This is a weighted and challenging food puzzle designed originally for small to medium sized dogs, but is no match for an experienced foraging cat! Featuring an adjustable opening and a difficult to grip exterior, this toy is sure to slow down a cat that eats too quickly.

The Kong Wobbler for cats

This is a challenging, weighted and rather large foraging toy for cats. This puzzle is geared towards the experienced forager and cats that are very driven. The challenge can be increased if need be by placing various cat toys inside to occasionally obstruct the opening or by placing smaller food puzzles inside such as foraging […]

The Catit Play stationary foraging board

This stationary foraging board offers a myriad of different obstacles, can be used for wet or dry food and can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced foragers. Placing the food only in the center of the board increases the challenge and requires the cats to then extract food from a secondary puzzle at the […]

Cat Epic! by the creator of Cat Amazing!

Cat Epic! is brought to you by the maker of Cat Amazing. This is an intricate and difficult stationary food puzzle that offers three challenge levels. The pieces inside can be reconfigured to make it easier or harder based on the cat’s skill level.

The Catit Spinner

This is a beginner puzzle that surprisingly kept a few master foragers occupied for a minute! It spins and swirls like a top, dispensing food out of one of three openings. The inside has a maze that prevents the food from dispensing too easily. It is good to offer novel puzzles from time to time […]

The Doorway Dangli by Petsafe

In this clip, you will see how both a kitten and a handicapable senior cat interacts with essentially a foraging pinata. This toy can be adjusted to varying heights. If they have to reach up to bat at it that increases the difficulty.

The Barnacle by Petsafe

This is yet another dog toy that is great for cats too. It is a bit bulky and heavy, but if manipulated hard enough it will provide erratic movement. This toy is also great for cats that are chewers as it would be difficult to destroy. Some cats do like to gnaw on it.

The Peek – A – Prize Box by SmartCat

This is a versatile cat toy that can also be used as a food puzzle. This wooden box will hold the attention of young cats and kittens, but as cats get older they tend to lose interest, so re-purposing it as a food puzzle is a great way to rejuvenate interest!

Products

Our Products

At Fundamentally Feline we offer desperately needed products that are not readily available for cats, including a variety of feline foraging toys, (a.k.a food puzzles) offered in various difficulty levels.

We also make our own unique line of 100% sisal scratching products including scratching posts, scratch pads, scratch ramps and wall mounted scooped beds.

Since there are also precious few commercially available litter boxes that are of appropriate size we also offer the service of cutting and sanding the opening to our ideal litter boxes.

Shadow - Photo courtesy of <a href=jeffroffman.com" height="2000" width="3000" title="_MG_2459" itemprop="image" />
Shadow - Photo courtesy of jeffroffman.com

Foraging Toys (a.k.a. Food Puzzles)

Implementing Foraging As A Feeding Protocol

This video shows how to feed a multi-cat household via canned food and foraging and explains the importance of feeding cats this way. It also discusses how to stage the difficulty level, making your own toys and more!

 

How Do I get My Cat Started???

At first, foraging toys should be easy. Select clear toys, that roll easily with more than one hole so that the kibble spills out freely.

As your kitty learns this new behavior the toys can become more challenging:

  • Fewer holes for the food to fall out.
  • Opaque objects so they cannot see the food.
  • Unique shapes that do not roll easily.

Difficulty levels

Beginner-clear, rolls easily, multiple holes.
Intermediate-clear, erratic motion, one hole.
Kitty Einstein-opaque, difficult to roll, could also be a large and heavy object, one hole.

For more information visit Ingrid's companion website foodpuzzlesforcats.com




Return Policy

For the health and safety of your cat we cannot accept returns on our products. There is no way to ensure that the products have not been exposed to fleas, ringworm, and other transmissible diseases. We thank you for your understanding and hope that it comforts you, that your purchase is safe, brand new, and disease free! Purrs. 

Foraging Tip!

Cats are great observational learners! If you get one of your cats foraging, the others will often follow!

Foraging Tip!

Use a unique kibble and spike the toy with a few treats to get them started. Cats will rarely work for the same food you have been putting in their bowl. 

Foraging Tip!

Sprinkle some kibble around the toy so that they eat a few pieces to get them started!

Below are videos of cats using the foraging toys available above so you can see them in action!


Soren demonstrating the Foraging Cup

Some cats "nose" food puzzles while others use their paws to manipulate the toy. Here Soren is nosing the toy. Notice how he is only able to acquire one piece of food at a time. This limits the amount of food most cats would eat in one sitting which is why foraging can be useful to achieve weight loss in some cats.

A mini egg, ping-pong or both can be filled and placed inside for an increased challenge!

Willow demonstrates the Foraging Mini Egg

Foraging eggs are an awesome and versatile toy. They are opaque and provide erratic movement, keeping kitty entertained and on the move. The eggs can be filled and placed inside other foraging toys to increase the difficulty level for your master forager!

Peaches foraging from Long Gear toy

This video illustrates once again that even senior cats with medical problems and disabilities can be capable of the foraging behavior. Peaches is blind in this clip and in between splint changes for an injury she sustained to her hind legs. Foraging can be a great way to limit the amount of carbohydrates your cat takes in because they only get one piece of kibble at a time.

Foraging Wiffle Ball

This object is great for beginners and intermediate foragers. The many holes appeal to their sense of smell and they can even hook their nails into the holes and pick up the ball and shake it!

This ball can also be placed inside a larger object such as the Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble  for an increased challenge.

Foraging Cubes in action!

Foraging cubes are one of the most difficult food puzzles you can offer your cat. Most cats are initially pretty stumped by cubes but once they do get the hang of it they are unstoppable! Our foraging ping-pong balls can also be combined with these cubes to further increase the challenge. Simply fill ping-pong with dry food, place inside the cube and offer that to your cat. This way they have to accomplish acquiring food from two objects at once! A puzzle for the Kitty Einstein/Master Forager for sure!

Watch cats utilizing other foraging toys(opens in new tab)

Interactive Play

Some other design variations.
Some other design variations.

Some other design variations.
Some other design variations.


The Cat Fisher is a safe way to play the "string fun" game!

Soren is "cracking out" chasing and tugging on the yarn as it drapes over one of our scratching posts with a scooped bed. He loves this toy!

Climbing the post!

The Cat Fisher entertains even when you aren't doing much to make it move. Cats love string toys and with just the slightest movement the cats starts chasing and spazzing out all by themselves!

Parker and Davis with Cat Fisher

"No way! We were not playing with yarn unattended! Not us!"

Hitch bathing in yarn!

The Cat Fisher toy allows you to provide string/yarn to your cat in a safe manner but play should always be supervised. Some cats could care less about the toy at the end and just want to play and essentially "bathe on the yarn". Apparently, this is quite fun!

Cuddling with yarn

The beauty of this toy is that you can play from afar and while you are busy! The toy is great for when you are somewhat preoccupied on a phone call, working on the computer, watching TV, even laying in bed! Simply toss toy at the end and slowly wind yarn around spool. 

Or...you can wear it as a bracelet!

Scratching Posts, Pads & Ramps




Return Policy

For the health and safety of your cat we cannot accept returns on our products. There is no way to ensure that the products have not been exposed to fleas, ringworm, and other transmissible diseases. We thank you for your understanding and hope that it comforts you, that your purchase is safe, brand new, and disease free! Purrs. 

Scratch-tastic Facts!

Scratching is an innate feline behavior. 

Cats scratch in high traffic areas areas where you and they pass through each day. 

Prominent placement of the post is key to its use.

Asking a cat not to scratch is like asking a dog not to bark or a human not to speak. Scratching is "catspeak". 

Provide your cat with more than enough options that meet their needs and they will not destroy your furnishings. 

Qualities to look for in a good Scratching Post:

Height: The post should be tall so your cat can get a good stretch from the tips of their back toes to the front!

Material: Posts should be covered in an abrasive fabric that helps your cat to shed the outer sheths of their nails. Carpeted posts do not provide enough friction.

Weight: The post should be heavy so it does not topple over when your cat uses it. This can scare your cat and keep them from using an appropriate post in the future.

Location: Scratching posts should be placed in high traffic areas where both you and your cat frequent. That is where cats want to mark with the scent from their paw pads. This is why The Cat's Meow post is ideal, it is available in many colors and will look aesthetically pleasing in any home!

Products--element64

Come by Paws Whiskers and Claws to shop for your favorite color!

Scratching Post Testimonials

For the record, I have two of the scratching posts made by Ingrid at Fundamentally Feline, and they are excellent. Highly recommended!
Andy Kalat, Marietta, Ga.

We have six cats and three of these posts and our cats love them (even our adopted, already declawed cat). Love having beautiful mid-century modern furniture without a single scratch!
Jana Kato, Atlanta, Ga.

We have these scratching posts too...and they have lasted many years!
Ann Russell, Buford, Ga.

Products--element127It would be impossible to rave enough about Fundamentally Feline’s custom scratching posts. We have them strategically placed around the house so our cats have an alternative they prefer to sofas and chairs. I love that I can order them in colors to blend in from room to room. We own six of them now, two with a Dragonfly cat toy™ attached at the top with a nylon zip-tie. (You can see Sweet Maggie and Sunny Girl demonstrating in the photo.) These posts are heavy enough that they don’t tip over when my cats run to the top, and tall enough for my largest cat to fully stretch up the length. It cracks me up when they perch at the top with all four feet together. My first purchase has lasted more than 8 years, still well used in its fuzzy-sisal state. I vacuum empty claw sheaths from the base too, which must mean they save work for the cats too – lots of effort keeping up all that beauty. I have not been able to find a scratching post of comparable quality since I moved from Georgia; I’m so glad Fundamentally Feline ships!

Carol and JIm Armes
Queen Creek, AZ (formerly of Roswell, Ga.)

Products--element104Products--element102I (and my cats) can fully recommend a scratching post from Fundamentally Feline. The cats can get a real good stretch while using them as they are a good height; they are very sturdy and provide lots of entertainment for both cats and humans!! When Ingrid brought one into my home to show me, Cougar my Bengal immediately clung to it like a koala. We had to get one then!
Julie Dunn, Roswell, Ga.

Left and Right:
​Cougar Dunn, Bengal, loving post!

Litter Boxes Cutting Service

How do I get one???

If you are local just select the storage container that best fits into your space and bring it by Paws Whiskers and Claws. I provide the service of cutting and sanding the opening for a nominal fee of $15.

What should I look for when selecting a box of this type?

The box should be BIG, one and a half times the length of your cats body. It should be clear so they can feel safe. The bottom should be completely smooth so that it can be scooped effectively.

How many should I have?

You should offer one more litter box LOCATION than the number of cats in your home. For example, if you have 3 cats, offer 4 separate litter box locations. If you have all 4 boxes in one room, to your cat, that is just one box!

*NOTE: all litter boxes should be replaced at least every 2 years. Use a Sharpie to date the bottom of your box as a reminder!

The Best Litter Box

The Best Litter Box

This style of litter box provides the function of a hooded box without the hood. It is clear so that the cat can see who is approaching, but keeps the mess inside, making it easier maintenance for the humans! Most commercially available litter boxes are MUCH too small.

Cats do not eliminate in cave like environments. They are a species that is both predator and prey. Elimination is their most vulnerable moment and they must feel safe using their box or they will find another place to go that is safe!

************

I only offer the service of cutting and sanding the opening to these boxes. If you would like me to make you a litter box, simply drop your litter box off at Paws Whiskers and Claws, The Feline Hospital, and I will contact you when it is ready for pick up!

The Second Best Litter Box

A hooded box that is 100% clear.

This is the only hooded box we recommend here at Fundamentally Feline.  It is clear so that the cat can see who is approaching, but keeps the mess inside, making it easier maintenance for the humans! Most commercially available litter boxes are MUCH too small. If you can't live without the hood, this is the best box to have!

Cats do not eliminate in cave like environments. They are a species that is both predator and prey. Elimination is their most vulnerable moment and they must feel safe using their box or they will find another place to go that is safe!

************ 

I only offer the service of cutting and sanding the opening to these boxes. If you would like me to make you a litter box, simply drop your litter box off at Paws Whiskers and Claws, The Feline Hospital, and I will contact you when it is ready for pick up!

Services

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Peaches - Photo courtesy of jeffroffman.com

Ingrid offers cat behavior consultations to help owners who may be having problems with their feline’s finicky behavior. Ingrid is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, an organization dedicated to providing continuing education and resources to animal behavior professionals and clients alike. She specializes in environmental enrichment as well as cats with litter box avoidance, aggression (human and animal directed), and inappropriate scratching problems. While these concerns are the most common reasons clients seek her assistance, Ingrid is able to help with a whole spectrum of cat behavior problems. Due to her background in veterinary medicine, she is also able to work side by side with your veterinarian to simultaneously address medical and behavioral components of a cat's behavior challenges.

Home video tour submissions for all cat behavior consultations are paramount to success. Seeing the home environment makes all the difference as it is often difficult to assess the “little things” that may be triggers for a cat's behavior problem without seeing the environment first. Phone consultations are offered to clients worldwide and include two months of follow-up advice and support. Fees beyond this period are assessed on a case by case basis.

One of Ingrid’s specialties is environmental modification. Seeing the home allows her to help you make the home more appealing to your cat(s) and make things easier for the humans to manage, clean, maintain, etc. Additionally, Ingrid also provides consultations on feline friendly décor, or "catification", to meet your cat's needs with attractive interior design in mind. Custom built vertical space to attractively increase your feline’s usable territory is also available. Please come by Paws Whiskers and Claws to see her line of 100% sisal scratching posts, scratch ramps, scratch pads, balance beams and feline foraging toys (a.k.a. food puzzles) and custom made litter boxes. There you can get a view the hospital's vertical space that was installed for the clinic cats.

 

Behavior Consultation

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Wiccas - Photo courtesy of jeffroffman.com

Ingrid will view the video tour of your home to see where your cat’s basic needs are located and where any problems are taking place. If your cat is eliminating outside the litter box, inappropriately scratching, or having conflict, be sure to point out those areas.

Ingrid will direct you to visual aides to view while on the call to demonstrate how to successfully treat your cat's behavior problems. Often, you will be able to see immediate success! She will explain why the issues are occurring and will give you a behavior modification plan to solve the problem(s) as well as some literature about your cat’s specific issue. Your family is encouraged to ask questions and take notes, but the literature will act as a reminder of what you discuss during the consultation.

It’s important to note that you will only have success in treating your cat's behavior problem if your family is willing to implement the recommended plan and environmental changes. The more open-minded and willing to work on challenges you are, the more successful the behavior modification plan will be. The problem will rarely be solved by doing one lone task.

Creating a successful behavior modification plan involves assessing your cat’s physical and mental state as well as the home environment. Ingrid may recommend that your cat visit the vet prior to the cat behavior consultation.

 

Fill out the questionnaire
Learn more

Medicating Consultations

Freyja willing accepting medication via syringe!
Freyja willing accepting medication via syringe!
Medicating tools she'll show you to use, positively!
Medicating tools she'll show you to use, positively!

This service is for both seasoned cat parents and those new to the fantastic world of felines! In fact, one of the very best aspects of this service is that Ingrid will teach you to train your cats to willingly accept their medications before they even need any! Preventative medicating consults are a good idea. Regardless of your situation and skill level Ingrid will offer a myriad of solutions.

Ingrid has more than 25 years' experience medicating cats in both the home and vet clinic setting. She lectures on this topic teaching vets and technicians the same techniques she'll teach you. Whether it is oral medication you are struggling to administer, ointments, eye drops, SQ injections or you need to learn how to take your cat’s blood sugar (BG) reading or perhaps you would like to know how to more effectively give subcutaneous fluids, and learn to do so in less stressful manner, Ingrid is here to help!

Learn More(opens in new tab)
Fill out medicating questionnaire(opens in new tab)
Ingrid cradling her cat Simon while administering SQ fluids (he's purring).
Ingrid cradling her cat Simon while administering SQ fluids (he's purring).
Don't break bonds! Meds don't have to be stressful.
Don't break bonds! Meds don't have to be stressful.

Vertical Space

If you are interested in custom built vertical space for your felines or a home consultation on how to best "catify" your current space to meet your cats needs please contact Fundamentally Feline for a home evaluation. We offer design help worldwide, custom installations are reserved for the metro Atlanta area only.

The Master Bedroom Project

Five foot tall sisal poles balance each side, with a series of shelves leading up to the free floating scooped beds at the top.  

Living Room Catification

Maximize vertical space for your cats, without taking up square footage.  Our service is ideal for small spaces!

Catify your Windowsills

Expanded window perches for maximized bird and squirrel viewing.

Catify Your Den!

Six foot tall scratching posts leads to free floating scooped beds while horizontal shelves allow handicapped, declawed, or senior cats to access the entire installation all of the same.  

The Sunroom

The Stairwell Superhighway

The stairway can be a great place for vertical space. In a multiple cat household, the stairwell can sometimes be a point of conflict, the vertical pathways here allow for multiple cats to come and go without being forced to interact and potentially have an altercation. 

How About Catifying Your Screen Porch?

Screen porches are an excellent application for the type of service we provide. We can make it so that your cat can walk around your entire porch and never touch the floor!

Request Info
See more examples

Litter Box Cutting Service

Since there are precious few commercially available litter boxes that are of appropriate size we also offer the service of cutting and sanding the opening to our ideal litter boxes.

How do I get one?
A large box with two exit routes, out the front or jump out the top onto cat condo.

Foraging Toys (a.k.a. Food Puzzles)

Implementing Foraging As A Feeding Protocol

This video shows how to feed a multi-cat household via canned food and foraging and explains the importance of feeding cats this way. It also discusses how to stage the difficulty level, making your own toys and more!

See video below to learn how to get the most out of our foraging toys!

How Do I get My Cat Started???

At first, foraging toys should be easy. Select clear toys, that roll easily with more than one hole so that the kibble spills out freely.

As your kitty learns this new behavior the toys can become more challenging:

  • Fewer holes for the food to fall out.
  • Opaque objects so they cannot see the food.
  • Unique shapes that do not roll easily.

Difficulty levels

Beginner-clear, rolls easily, multiple holes.
Intermediate-clear, erratic motion, one hole.
Kitty Einstein-opaque, difficult to roll, could also be a large and heavy object, one hole.

For more information visit Ingrid's companion website foodpuzzlesforcats.com

Foraging Tip!

Cats are great observational learners! If you get one of your cats foraging, the others will often follow!

Foraging Tip!

Use a unique kibble and spike the toy with a few treats to get them started. Cats will rarely work for the same food you have been putting in their bowl. 

Foraging Tip!

Sprinkle some kibble around the toy so that they eat a few pieces to get them started!

A Food Puzzle Tutorial: How to get the most out of our food puzzles, their interconnecting qualities and how to combine with commercial toys for increased challenge!

This video provides a detailed explanation of the food puzzles you see for sale on this website, how they all work together and how they can compliment other commercially available foraging toys you may already have at home. Please watch and use this resource to help you be successful implementing foraging with your cats!

Below are videos of cats using the foraging toys available above so you can see them in action!

Soren demonstrating the Foraging Cup

Some cats "nose" food puzzles while others use their paws to manipulate the toy. Here Soren is nosing the toy. Notice how he is only able to acquire one piece of food at a time. This limits the amount of food most cats would eat in one sitting which is why foraging can be useful to achieve weight loss in some cats.

A mini egg, ping-pong or both can be filled and placed inside for an increased challenge!

Willow demonstrates the Foraging Mini Egg

Foraging eggs are an awesome and versatile toy. They are opaque and provide erratic movement, keeping kitty entertained and on the move. The eggs can be filled and placed inside other foraging toys to increase the difficulty level for your master forager!

Peaches foraging from Long Gear toy

This video illustrates once again that even senior cats with medical problems and disabilities can be capable of the foraging behavior. Peaches is blind in this clip and in between splint changes for an injury she sustained to her hind legs. Foraging can be a great way to limit the amount of carbohydrates your cat takes in because they only get one piece of kibble at a time.

Foraging Wiffle Ball

This object is great for beginners and intermediate foragers. The many holes appeal to their sense of smell and they can even hook their nails into the holes and pick up the ball and shake it!

This ball can also be placed inside a larger object such as the Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble  for an increased challenge.

Foraging Cubes in action!

Foraging cubes are one of the most difficult food puzzles you can offer your cat. Most cats are initially pretty stumped by cubes but once they do get the hang of it they are unstoppable! Our foraging ping-pong balls can also be combined with these cubes to further increase the challenge. Simply fill ping-pong with dry food, place inside the cube and offer that to your cat. This way they have to accomplish acquiring food from two objects at once! A puzzle for the Kitty Einstein/Master Forager for sure!

Watch cats utilizing other foraging toys(opens in new tab)

Return Policy

For the health and safety of your cat we cannot accept returns on our products. There is no way to ensure that the products have not been exposed to fleas, ringworm, and other transmissible diseases. We thank you for your understanding and hope that it comforts you, that your purchase is safe, brand new, and disease free! Purrs. 

Ingrid in the Media

TV - Cats 101

Ingrid was featured on Animal Planet's Cats101, the episode showcasing the Colorpoint Shorthair. The focus of the show was not only to highlight all of her beautiful rescued Colorpoint cats, but also to spotlight all of the feline friendly accomodations that she has made to her home. The episode discusses environmental enrichment, feline foraging toys, and the 100% sisal scratching posts made by her husband, Jake. 

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Web

Wonder why your cat is obsessed with cardboard boxes? This expert explains, April 2023, CNN

Ingrid is interviewed by CNN, about the curious phenomenon of why cats are obsessed with cardboard boxes and why dogs aren't as attracted to them.

Covetrus Compounding Personalized Care Pharmacy, January 2023

Ingrid was hired by Covetrus Compounding (a.k.a. Road Runner Compounding) to film a series of educational, how-to videos all about the various forms of compounded medications they offer for pets. Scroll down for all five videos.

National Animal Welfare Trust (UK) - Webinar

This one hour webinar features both the No Bowl feeding system and it's creator Dr. Liz Bales as well as Ingrid's enrichment expertise detailing a condensed version of her Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats lecture. Both presentations as as well as a Q and A session are available here.

What to do about Hairballs in cats, WebMD

Ingrid was asked to participate in some educational videos produced by the website WebMD. This video discusses the management, treatment and prevention of hairballs.

Prevent Litter Box Problems - WebMD

This clip is a MUST WATCH for every cat parent, it highlights proper litter box maintenance!

Safe outdoor exploration is an important part of feline welfare.
Safe outdoor exploration is an important part of feline welfare.

Radio & Podcasts

Cone of Shame Episode 25: Introducing a Dog into a Cat House, April, 2020, DrAndyRoark.com

You guessed it, we discussed how to introduce as well as how to ensure the feline needs are met in a multi-species household.

Cone of Shame Episode 20: My Cats are Fighting and Peeing Outside the Box, March 2020, DrAndyRoark.com

As you might imagine based on the title, intercat aggression and competition for resources was the focus of this podcast.

Cone of Shame Episode 10: There's A Cat Who Is Destroying The Furniture - HDYTT (How do you treat that)? January 2020, DrAndyRoark.com

In this interview we discuss normal scratching behaviors, how to deter unwanted scratching and encourage use of a post. The proper criteria for scratching posts and proper placement is also discussed.

Cone of Shame Episode 7: Scarf and Barf Cats (HDYTT), December 2019, DrAndyRoark.com

Ingrid is interviewed by Dr. Roark and discusses the common phenomenon of "scarf and barf", when cats eat too much, too quickly. She discusses how to address this, why it happens, as well as how to feed a multiple cat house hold and special needs cats all using food puzzles!

Interview with Cat Behaviorist Ingrid Johnson of Fundamentally Feline, April 2016, Floppycats.com

Ingrid is interviewed by Floppy Cats and tells of how she got her start, what she offers and how her services have grown over the years to include multiple different feline friendly offerings.

Entertain the Brain: Feline Enrichment

Ingrid brought her passion for environmental enrichment to the radio talk show scene when she was interviewed on Pet Life Radio with host and pet authority Amy Shojai.

Print

The Best Puzzles to Unleash Your Cat's Inner Einstein, May 2021, The Wildest.com

I answer a few questions about food puzzles, why they are important and how to get started and they even feature one of my handmade toys!

The time has come to start training the pets for your return to work, April 11, 2021, CNN.com

I offer helpful tips for cats coping with or rejoicing your return to the grind.

50 Of The Most Wholesome Cat Posts That Warmed Many People’s Hearts, January 2021, Bored Panda

I offer some thoughts on how cats affect our stress levels and why they do he things they do.

40 Wholesome Pics Of Senior Cats Doing Their Thing, October 2020, Bored Panda

A lighthearted article with a lot of cute pics, but I offer help and advice for senior cats and allowing them to age gracefully alongside their humans.

DIY Food Puzzles for Cats! Fall/Winter 2020, Moderncat Magazine

A colleague and I wrote this article all about food puzzles, how to get started and encourage use as well as how to make some yourself at home.

Your cats 'bad behavior' might mean they miss you, study says, April 15, 2020, CNN.com

In this interview I answer questions and offer insight about separation-related behavior in cats, commonly referred to as separation anxiety.

My Cat Started Biting and Clawing Me After My Husband Died, August 2019, Slate magazine

I offer some feline focused advice as to why this is actually occurring.

How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Crying All the Time? July 2019, Slate magazine

There are medical and behavioral reason for a cat to excessively vocalize. It usually does not occur for no reason at all. Read about some of the reasons for the behavior here.

My Violent Kitten Has Me Living in Terror, May 2019, Slate magazine

Single kittens tend to be a behavior problem and in this interview Ingrid explains why.

One of Our Old Cats Died. The Other One Is All Alone Now, May 2019, Slate magazine

Should you or should you not get another cat when one passes away? Thoughts, options, advice offered by Ingrid.

My Hungry Cat Is Ruining My Mornings, April 2019, Slate magazine

Hungry cats are frustrated and not afraid to tell you! Ingrid offers some advice to allow the humans to get some sleep.

Feline Feeding Toys, March 2019, Royal Canin's Vet Focus magazine

Ingrid wrote this article all about how to implement feeding cats via foraging toys as well as assist with roadblocks and trouble-shooting challenges.

My Cats Won't Stop Jumping Onto the Counters, February 2019, Slate magazine

I offer some insight as to why cats are attracted to the kitchen counters and how to deter them and encourage use of other, more appropriate outlets for vertical space.

My Deaf Cat Screams All Night, December 2018, Slate magazine

Ingrid offers some advice to curb this nuisance behavior, but also offers medical reasons that could explain why it is happening.

Why Does My Cat Pee on My Boyfriend's Laundry? November 2018, Slate magazine

Ingrid's brain was picked about why a cat would start this behavior and how to address and stop it from continuing.

Cobb County's Cat Behaviorist Ingrid Johnson, August 2018, Cobb County Courier

Our local Cobb County magazine featured Ingrid and her feline focused business highlighting the services and products Fundamentally Feline offers for Atlanta locals.

Why Do Cats 'Blep'? May 2018, Mental Floss

Ingrid offers insight on this endearing feline quality.

Five Ways to Improve Your Cat's Quality of Life, December 2017, Wide Open Pets online magazine

Ingrid offers suggestions for good feline husbandry.

Are There Actually Cats That Like Water? 2017, PetMD

Ingrid was interviewed for this piece and explains the origins of why or why not some cats like the wet stuff!

Six Summer Enrichment Ideas for Your Cat, August 2017, Pet Central - Chewy

Since enrichment is one of Ingrid's biggest loves, she is a great one to offer ideas for fun in the sun!

Five Ways to Win at Cat Parenting, August 2016, Pawculture.com

Enrichment and play ideas for a happier feline household.

We Solve the Top 10 Problems of Cat Parents: Part Two, May 2016, Catster magazine

Easy solutions to meet your cat’s needs so that everyone in the household is happy.

 

 

We Solve the Top 10 Problems of Cat Parents: Part One, May 2016, Catster Magazine

Easy solutions to meet your cat’s needs so that everyone in the household is happy.

The Litter Box Test: 4 Questions to Keep Your Cat Happy, May 2016, Catster Magazine

I offer suggestions on maximizing your litter box protocol.

Feline behavior Q&A: When peace turns to war in a multi-cat household, May 2016, DVM360 Magazine

Ingrid wrote this piece, "Environmental enrichment to decrease aggression in multi-cat households" to compliment the title article and this segment is inserted on page two.

Cat Headbutting: What Does It mean?, April 2016, Pet M.D.

Ingrid offered her thoughts on this affectionate feline behavior.

Feed Your Cats' Inner Carnivore With the Right Food - and Make Them Work for It, January 2016, Catster Magazine (formerly known as Cat Fancy)

Ingrid offers her expertise in the realm of feline foraging once again. This article discusses the importance of cats eating a carnivorous diet as well as working for their food via food puzzles.

How to Calm a Nervous Kitty, August 2012, Animal Planet Blog

Ingrid was interviewed for her expertise on how to help a shy cat feel more comfortable and come out of their shell.

Helping Clients Understand Feline Behaviors, June 2012, Techniques-Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians newsletter.

Ingrid wrote this article to help staff in the veterinary community better understand normal cat behavior so that technicians can more effectively educate pet owners about the behaviors their cats are engaging in.

Romancing the Cat, February 2012, Cat Fancy magazine

 

How to Live With Your Crepuscular Cat, 2009, www.TheDailyCat.com Blog

Ingrid suggested ideas for keeping your cat occupied so that sleep patterns, etc. are not disturbed.

Determine Your Cat’s Toy Preferences, 2009, www.TheDailyCat.com Blog

Ingrid offered advice on how to encourage cats to play and finding a toy they prefer.

Bored cat might need games, toys, changes, August 2008, The Atlanta Journal Constitution

This article highlighted Ingrid’s expertise in feline environmental enrichment.

Keep the Peace, February 2007, Cat Fancy magazine

This article discusses how to maintain harmony between cats in a multi-cat household.

Foraging Fun, January 2007, Cat Fancy magazine

Ingrid was interviewed for her expertise on her most passionate topic, foraging toys for cats.

Feline-Friendly Designs, May 2006, Cat Fancy magazine-the Home Issue

Ingrid’s home and cats were featured in this article highlighting all of the feline friendly accommodations she has made to her home. The focus was keeping one’s home décor fashionable while still appropriately providing for your cats’ needs. This is one of Ingrid’s niches.

Is Your Indoor Cat Bored Stiff? January/February 2006, Critter Chatter- a local Atlanta Publication

This article focused on environmental enrichment, the importance of vertical space and feline foraging toys. Ingrid’s home was once again the feature and all photos were taken in her home.

Is Your Indoor Cat Bored Stiff? August 2005, I Love Cats magazine

This article focused on environmental enrichment, the importance of vertical space and feline foraging toys. Ingrid’s home was once again the feature and all photos were taken in her home.

Fascinating Felines, Summer 2006, Paw Report newsletter

This article touched on some of the most basic behavior concerns the average cat parent encounters and how to address them.

Behavioral Medicines Help Troubled Cats Cope with Life, April 2002, The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Ingrid and her cat Mercury were featured in this article that discussed the need for behavioral modification medications to help improve a cats’ ability to cope with stress in the home.

Shop Our Products

At Fundamentally Feline we offer hand-made, feline focused products that quite sadly are still not readily available for cats, including a variety of feline foraging toys, (a.k.a food puzzles) offered in various difficulty levels.

We also make our own unique line of 100% sisal scratching products including scratching posts, scratching posts with a scooped bed on top, scratch pads, scratch ramps and even balance beams which are great for clicker training.

Our vertical space components include sisal runs, six foot tall scratch poles and wall mounted scooped beds so that you can easily design and install a vertical wonderland on your own. Vertical space is ideal for small spaces because no floor space is compromised as with traditional cat condos and our pieces offer a more artistic and contemporary aesthetic.

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Shadow - Photo courtesy of jeffroffman.com

Foraging Toys (a.k.a Food Puzzles)

Swag for Humans

Scratching Posts, Pads & Ramps

Gift Card

Vertical Space DIY Components

Videos

Ingrid has created an entire series of educational video material to help you and your cats. Everything from trimming your cat's nails, to foraging videos, examples of normal cat behavior and even some clicker training clips can all be viewed here.

How-To Videos

These How-To videos are available to help you better care for your cat. Need a tutorial on medicating, giving SQ fluids, not sure where to place your new scratching post, want to DIY the best litter box? It is all here in the How-To videos.

View How-To videos

Ingrid and Asia during the Cats 101 filming.
Ingrid and Asia during the Cats 101 filming.

Foraging (a.k.a. food puzzles) videos

This series of videos will illustrate a wide array of foraging toys for cats. You will get to see how the toys are utilized and manipulated so that you can get a better feel of what you should offer your cat based on their skill level.

Hopefully it becomes quite obvious how fun, challenging and enriching foraging can be for your cats. Ingrid recommends this feeding technique to many of her clients.

View foraging videos

Hitch and Willow taking a crack at the IKEA hack foraging toy Ingrid made.
Hitch and Willow taking a crack at the IKEA hack foraging toy Ingrid made.

Training Videos

Training a cat is possible! In fact, it's quite simple!

Teaching your cat to come when called or enter their cat carrier on command can literally be life saving!

Teaching basic commands and tricks such as sit, hi-five, shake hands, etc. can be enriching mental stimulation, a great way to strengthen your bond and a way for you both to simply understand each other better.

Training resources: The Trainable Cat and Naughty No More!

View training videos

Willow cruisin' on her skateboard. Ingrid has taught many cats to skate!
Willow cruisin' on her skateboard. Ingrid has taught many cats to skate!

Behavior & Enrichment Videos

This segment shows cats doing normal, everyday behaviors that are often misinterpreted by the untrained eye. We humans still have a lot to learn about cats and why and how they do certain behaviors. One common theme is normal cat play behavior being misconstrued as aggression.

There are also videos on fun and unique enrichment ideas to help you provide an ever changing and exciting world for your cats all while being safely indoors!

View behavior & enrichment videos

Soren and Willow in the midst of a wrestling match.
Soren and Willow in the midst of a wrestling match.

Foraging 101 Infographic FRENCH (12″x18″)

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Foraging 101 Infographic GERMAN (12″x18″)

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Wrapping paper sheets – foraging collection

Wrap your gifts in style with these premium wrapping paper sheets! Get three high-quality, matte-finished sheets and add a touch of elegance to birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

Each set of three contains TWO foraging image sheets and ONE Fundamentally Feline brand image sheet. The perfect addition to giving foraging toys for a gift!

• Size: 28.75″ × 19.75″ (73 × 50.2 cm)
• Thickness: 70# uncoated text
• Printing on one side
• White reverse side
• A set of 3 sheets
• Matte finish
• Blank product sourced from the United States