Following on from my previous blog, today I am reviewing accessories for the SureFeed dispenser from a 3D printing company based in Germany named SLOFE3D. A while back I was looking for a slow feeder as Mica eats so quickly he sometimes makes himself sick. I got a silicone one that sticks into an existing bowl and despite checking the measurements, failed to consider the thickness. The lid of the SureFeed dispenser wouldn't fit over it! Luckily, SLOFE3D make slow feed bowls that fit the SureFeed dispenser. They also make those name labels I mentioned in my last blog, mats in other colours, lids, split bowls, adjustable stands and my personal favourite, a cover bar. I ordered a slow feed bowl, a cover bar and two lids. Everything feels good quality and substantial. I've been using the slow feed bowl since I got it and it really has slowed Mica down. He doesn't seem bothered that he can no longer scarf his food- he actually seems to appreciate the challenge. As you can imagin...

One of the first expensive purchases I had to make after getting Mica and Opal was the SureFeed food dispenser. Foolish me had never had more than one cat at a time before and was completely oblivious to the problems that can occur around feeding times. I soon found out that Mica is utterly obsessed with food. I assure you I am not starving him. He is, after all, a bit overweight. Whether I'm preparing cat food or eating my own dinner, he is there, screeching at me to give him the tasty things. So it probably won't come as much surprise that he scarfs his own food and then boots Opal away from her own bowl. Opal is also enthusiastic about food but not nearly as much as Mica. If you gave her a roast dinner then she would hiss and bat Mica away, but anything else she's usually less fussed about and she'll give in to him. I do wonder at times whether this may be the reason she's barely grown in comparison to Mica (no vet concerns mind you- she too has an overly large t...

Following on from last week's review, you already know we gave up on the cat fencing and got a catio instead. Installing the catio was only half the battle though. We then had to figure out a way of giving the cats independent access to it. Don't get me wrong- I think even a stand alone catio is a great idea. But we all know cats like to make their own decisions, and taking them in and out of the catio multiple times a day can be an added stress you don't need. We had several months of this and it was a two person job carrying them both with a constant worry that they'd run out whilst the catio door was open. I'd frequently be late getting them back in on a busy work day, and I felt awful about the times they were frightened inside the catio and had to wait for me to get them out (a sudden hail storm and the sounds of a nearby wood chipper respectively). If you're lucky, you can simply get a three sided catio and attach it to your back door. Unfortunately for us...