Fundamentally Feline

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="http://www.jeffroffman.com" target="_blank">jeffroffman.com</a>
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!

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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!

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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!