Abstract: A device for amusing a cat or other pet is provided that has a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, a motor disposed in the housing, a belt attached to the housing via an upper shaft and a lower shaft, a string having a first end attached to the belt and a second end extending freely from the belt, and means for activating the motor. In operation the motor rotates the belt causing the string to repeatedly fling outwardly from being hidden within the frame and amuse the cat. Methods for amusing a pet are also disclosed that comprise the steps of automating a string, whereby a free end of the string appears and disappears from view. These methods are preferably accomplished by attaching one end of the string to a rotating belt within a housing.

Abstract: A cat-pouch bed includes a top layer which may be at least partially elevated relative to a bottom layer to form an internal cavity for a pet. One or more supports may be disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer to maintain at least a portion of the top layer above the bottom layer in a variety of configurations. The top layer and bottom layer may be formed of foam and enclosed within fabric material.

Abstract: The present invention is constructed to specifically protect furniture and building corners from the scratching of cats and to be free standing. The vertical members can be fastened rigidly or hinged. Joining the vertical members with hinges allows for increased versatility, in that, the invention can be used in multiple phases of the cat's development. The present invention, when hinged, has two key positions: 1). upright and angular—which serves to protect the corner of a piece of furniture and 2). upright and monolithic, with the vertical panels back-to-back—which serves as an independent cat scratching post that can be positioned away from furniture.

Abstract: A cat scratching post that includes a plurality of supports between which an outer covering is disposed. The supports are coupled with at least one joint that can comprise a spline that can be ribbed and that can form part of an end cap. In another preferred embodiment, the supports engage each other and form a post assembly that can be hollow. One preferred joint comprises a tongue and groove coupling. One preferred coupling includes a snap received in a receiver. One preferred post assembly is formed of a pair of supports of substantially identical construction. Each support preferably comprises a spar formed from a common extrusion producing spars of substantially identical cross-section. In assembly, one of the spars is reversed relative to the other so they mirror one another before being engaged to one another using a plurality of spaced apart joints integrally formed of the spars.

Abstract: A cat scratching apparatus is disclosed. The cat scratching apparatus comprises a casing and first and second scratching surfaces. Each of the scratching surfaces is formed by superimposed edge portions of stacks of corrugated material. Further, each of the scratching surfaces is disposed within the casing such that each is opposing the other scratching surface. Additional scratching surfaces may also be added.

Abstract: A bird cage ladder equipped with a locking connection mechanism that is biased toward a closed position and is easy to install and remove from a bird cage. Particular embodiments of the present invention have the flexibility to connect with various shaped bird cages. Other embodiments provide additional ladder stability by limiting the range of movement of the ladder from side-to-side. Utilization of a locking connection mechanism as disclosed makes it very difficult for the ladder to disengage from the bird cage due to rocking cause by a bird. The locking connection mechanisms are releasably connected to the bird cage and bird cage ladder, allowing the bird cage ladder to be easily installed and removed from the bird cage.

Abstract: An enrichment article for animals. The article generally includes a platform that is suspended from the floor of a cage or other containment. The article may be a tray having a flange for suspension from the walls of a container. The platform bottom may have an opening for animal access. This article may be truncated so that is fits in one portion of the base, or may have separate compartments to accommodate not only animals, but food and or water.

Abstract: A pet shelter that is substantially smaller than a single family human residential structure includes an accessway, a platform that is located at a first level above the accessway, and a device configured to assist a pet in moving between the accessway and the platform.

Abstract: A bird perch assembly has a polygonal base that perpendicularly supports an upwardly projecting structure that resembles a tree canopy and provides a comfortable perch and play area for pets, preferably exotic birds. A vertically upright, supporting post supports upper and lower pairs of vertically inclined ladders that are secured at an angle by suitable support brackets mated to the post. The lower vertical ladders are longer than the upper vertical ladders, and the tops of vertical ladders form a level plane above the base. Horizontal platform ladders that extend between the tops of the vertical ladders define a flat perch plane. The upwardly divergent vertical ladders from a “V-shaped” tree canopy.

Abstract: Apparatus and assemblies for dulling animal claws using corrugated material and abrasive surfaces. An animal, such as cat, will instinctively claw at the corrugated material and contact the abrasive surfaces, thereby simultaneously dulling or trimming its claws. Methods are also provided to dull animal claws, including inducing the animal to claw at the corrugated material with an organic substance.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular play structure for animals including a base, a plurality of cylindrical support members, and one or more platforms to support an animal. The cylindrical support members are helically wrapped with a plurality of flexible line wrappings, allowing different colors and types of wrappings to be used in combination. Special access apertures and holes facilitate locking the line wrappings to the support members. One or more of the platforms or an upper portion of the structure may be rotated on a rotating connection. The structure may also include one or more play members held by an open spring or a soft flexible material playhouse for the entertainment of an animal.

Abstract: A cat toy apparatus for occupying a cat or functioning as a hunting decoy includes a support structure, a motor assembly on the support structure that includes a motor and an electronic circuit for powering the motor, an elongated member having a proximal end portion connected to the motor and a distal end portion disposed radially outwardly from the central axis, and an object connected to the distal end portion by a flexible line. The motor assembly is adapted to rotate the elongated member in order to thereby move the object about the central axis of the support structure for purposes of attracting the attention of an animal, preferably with haphazard, unpredictable movement that a cat finds enticing. The electronic circuit may include a sensor for detecting an animal in close proximity to the apparatus in order to automatically turn the electric motor on.

Abstract: A modular, multi-level pet housing that comprises a plurality of multi-sided boxes. A top and bottom is provided for each box. A plurality of tubular columns of a first length generally less than the height of the side walls and a plurality of tubular columns of a second length generally longer than the height of the side walls are provided. The tubular columns may be joined to each other by a coupling member. The top and bottom of each box is formed with a hole adjacent each corner that is sized to selectively permit one of the tubular members to fit therethrough, but to prevent an associated sleeve member from fitting therethrough.

Abstract: A bird cage ladder equipped with a locking connection mechanism that is biased toward a closed position and is easy to install and remove from a bird cage is disclosed herein. Particular embodiments of the present invention have the flexibility to connect with various shaped bird cages. Other embodiments provide additional ladder stability by limiting the range of movement of the ladder from side-to-side. Utilization of a locking connection mechanism as disclosed makes it very difficult for the ladder to disengage from the bird cage due to rocking caused by a bird. The locking connection mechanisms are releasably connected to the bird cage and bird cage ladder, allowing the bird cage ladder to be easily installed and removed from the bird cage.

Abstract: Habitats for housing and displaying animals having compartments stacked and/or side-by-side. Walls and doors can be plastic, acrylic, laminate, and glass. Doors walls, and floors can be see-through, and/or colored allow. Letters can spelling “CATS” can be mounted to walls form ledges, crevices, hiding spaces. Geometrical shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles are mounted and/or free-standing to allow changing, and/or cleaning. Side compartments allow animals to be hidden. Doors, and drawers can store food, blankets and toys. Gaps allow for ventilation and/or air exchange. Space under the shapes allow for cleaning and/or for using litter boxes.

Abstract: A bird activity center, for providing an instinctually safe playground for a domesticated bird, using a set of a plurality of tubes and T-connectors. The tubes are used to form vertical and horizontal members, which are interconnected using the T-connectors. Toys may be attached directly onto the horizontally members by extending the toy over the horizontal member before attaching into one of the T-connectors. The configuration of the vertical and horizontal members may be customized to meet the available space of the user, and the size of the bird.

Abstract: A scratching post assembly for household pets includes a decorative base, a post having a first end attached to the decorative base and a decorative top adapted to be removably attached to a second end of the post. The post is substantially covered with a removable cover made of scratchable material. The cover comprises a tube that is sized to fit around and be slipped over the post and to adapt to the post's geometric shape. The decorative base and decorative top are made of decorative materials including, wood, stone, glass, metal, ceramic, fabric, engineered versions thereof or combinations thereof. The decorative base and top may also include decorative finishes and designs, including sculptured surfaces, trim, engravings, paint, stain, beading and metals plates, among others. The invention provides an aesthetically pleasing scratching post that blends with designer style furniture and adapts to various fashions and trends in the furniture industry.

Abstract: A device to enable the escape of small animals, for placement at the perimeter of a swimming pool, which is comprised of a length of flexible netting suspended from and weighted by a flexible tube filled with water. The length of netting hangs into the water, floating slightly beneath the surface, enabling the escape or eventual rescue of an animal swimming the perimeter in search of a means of exit.

Abstract: A cat scratching post that incorporates a clamping mechanism for secure and stable attachment to a receiving object like a doorjamb. A resilient main superstructure has an adhesive interface securing a surface material that is appropriate for cats to scratch or climb. A user of the scratching post can pry open the superstructure and clamp it onto a receiving object. The device is an improvement over other scratching posts because of its space saving implications, as virtually no floor area is required. No base is required to stabilize the device; stability is derived from the receiving object combined with the clamping force the scratching post provides. A detachable base element may be incorporated for freestanding use. Perch elements and hanging toys can be attached providing climbing, perching, and playing opportunities. (Two units of the invention can be clamped end to end to make a climbing area twice as long.

Abstract: A dry particulate food dispenser provides food to pets in response to a scratching action upon a scratching surface. The scratching action operates an adjustable valve located inside a food hopper and limits the amount of food dropped into a supporting bowl. The adjustable valve allows the user to control the amount of food provided in each actuation of the valve and accommodates different shapes and sizes of dry food.

Abstract: A wall supported modular cat furniture structure is disclosed comprising a number of interconnecting components such as vertical posts, horizontal platforms, and base coupling which are press-fitted together to form an upright structure characterized by a central support post to which platforms connect and extend outward therefrom. The structure is positioned adjacent a flat wall or a corner wall surface and platform edges are securely attached to the supporting wall giving stability to the structure, added support to the platforms, and effectively restricting the movement of both. The structure, which satisfies the needs of cats to climb, scratch, and perch in elevated places, has carpet, sisal rope or other claw penetrable material covering exposed surfaces. Numerous other advantages are claimed herein including having lightweight, interchangeable components, a variety of height and configuration options, simple construction and assembly, vertical expandability and minimal space requirements for use.

Abstract: An electric feline play center having a tunnel, sized for a cat to fit through, a scratching post with a hanging chew toy and an electronic ball tube wherein a fan blows colored balls around within a mesh tube, devised to occupy one or more cats without need of the pet owner's direct presence.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular play structure for animals including a base, a plurality of cylindrical support members, and one or more platforms to support an animal. The cylindrical support members are helically wrapped with a plurality of flexible line wrappings, allowing different colors and types of wrappings to be used in combination. Special access apertures and holes facilitate locking the line wrappings to the support members. One or more of the platforms or an upper portion of the structure may be rotated on a rotating connection. The structure may also include one or more play members held by an open spring or a soft flexible material playhouse for the entertainment of an animal.

Abstract: A cat scratching apparatus includes a base and post and utilizes removable, cat scratching covers. A base anchor attaches to the base and supports the vertically extending post. A plug fits in a top of the post. A post cover wraps around sides of the post and has interfitting teeth and grooves for folding over the top of the post and covering the plug. A base cover folds over sides of the base and attaches to an underside of the base. The base cover also has a hole allowing the post to pass through. The covers are made of a cat-scratchable material, substantially cover the entire base and post, and are removed, discarded, and replaced at the end of their useful lives. The base and post are not discarded and are continually reused.

Abstract: A pet pool safety system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a platform which is fabricated of a water resistant material. The platform has a generally rectilinear configuration with a plurality of pin receivers, a plurality of struts and a plurality of U-shaped ladder clamps. The platform also has two buoy apertures. Next provided is a ramp which is fabricated of a water proof material. The ramp has a generally rectilinear configuration with a plurality of raised ridges and a pin passageway. Next provided is a ramp pin which is sized to be received by the pin receivers and the round pin passageway thereby rotatably coupling the ramp to the platform. Next provided is a plurality of float subassemblies with each having a rod with an upper stop and a float. Lastly there is provided a pool side ladder.

Abstract: A cat's toy has a housing with a plurality of ports through its side wall, the ports being preferably substantially equally displaced. Preferably the exterior of the housing is shaped, textured and colored to look like a cheese. A plurality of play objects, one for each of the ports, are supported on a linkage within the housing. Preferably, the objects look like mice. The linkage is adapted for sequential reciprocation of at least a portion of each of the objects through its respective port so that the “mice” emerge from and return into the “cheese” in a circular sequence that entices the cat. A plurality of sensors are provided within the housing, one proximate each of the ports. The housing is adapted to permit the sensors to detect motion proximate and exterior to the housing so that the presence of the cat in the vicinity of the toy triggers the appearance and disappearance of the “mice.

Abstract: A toy for a cat, which comprises a simulated mouse with a simulated cheese face, presents a continuous attraction for a cat because of the movable nature of the simulated mouse which is propelled during operation of the toy to appear in various locations relative to the simulated cheese face.

Abstract: A cat scratching post design that incorporates a clamping mechanism for secure and stable attachment to a receiving object like a doorjamb. A resilient main superstructure has an adhesive interface that provides a means for securing a surface material that is appropriate for cats to scratch or climb. A user of the scratching post can either pry open the superstructure and clamp it onto a receiving object, or use a mechanical clamping device that can be incorporated into the design to provide a secure and stable means of attachment. The device is an improvement over other scratching posts in terms of its space saving implications, as virtually no floor area is required for application. No base is required to stabilize the device; stability is derived from the receiving object combined with the clamping force provided by the scratching post itself. A detachable base element may be incorporated for freestanding use.

Abstract: A cat scratching apparatus includes a base and post and utilizes removable, cat scratching covers. A base anchor attaches to the base and supports the vertically extending post. A plug fits in a top of the post. A post cover wraps around sides of the post and has interfitting teeth and grooves for folding over the top of the post and covering the plug. A base cover folds over sides of the base and attaches to an underside of the base. The base cover also has a hole allowing the post to pass through. The covers are made of a cat-scratchable material, substantially cover the entire base and post, and are removed, discarded, and replaced at the end of their useful lives. The base and post are not discarded and are continually reused.

Abstract: A cat scratching system for providing a convenient location for cats to exert their scratching urges without damaging surrounding property. The cat scratching system includes a floor mat positionable upon a horizontal surface such as a floor, and a wall mat attachable to a vertical surface such as a wall. The floor mat includes a lower gripping surface for gripping the horizontal surface and a first engaging surface for engagement by the claws of the rear paws of the cat. The wall mat includes an adhesive for securing the wall mat to the vertical surface and a second engaging surface for engagement by the claws of the front paws of the cat. The wall mat may also be attached to the vertical surface with conventional fasteners independently or in conjunction with the adhesive.

Abstract: A trimmer device for animals and the like, particularly cats, comprises an outer enclosure, preferably including a back as well as a front cover member, with a fixed internal blade. The front cover member has a plurality of slots to receive the extended claws of animals, to trim them as the claws are raked over the device or the latter is moved with respect to the claws. The slots affording access to the cutting edge of the internal blade may be made with varying width and length configurations to accommodate various animals, and the internal blade may be made adjustable and/or replaceable. Preferably, the novel cutting device is used in combination with a scratching post or the like, and mounted directly on the latter so as to be automatically engaged by the claws of animals using the scratching post in the normal manner.

Abstract: A cat climbing and scratching device for providing a scratching and perching area for cats. The cat climbing and scratching device includes a base. A pole has a first end coupled to the base such that the pole extends upwardly from the base. The pole is generally centered on the top surface of the base. A top wall has a bottom surface and a top surface. A second end of the pole is attached to the bottom surface of the top wall. A substantially rigid helical member is positioned around the pole and has a first end positioned adjacent to the top surface of the base and a second end positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the top wall. Each of plurality of rods has a first end attached to the pole and a second end attached to the helical member. The rods are spaced from each other.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular play structure for animals including a base, a plurality of multiple cylindrical support members, and one or more platforms to support an animal. The cylindrical support members are helically wrapped with a plurality of flexible line wrappings, allowing different colors and types of wrappings to be used in combination. Special access apertures and holes facilitate locking the line wrappings to the support members. One or more of the platforms may be rotated on swivel bearings, or an upper portion of the structure may be swiveled on a rotating connection. The structure may also include one or more play members held by an open spring or a soft flexible material playhouse for the entertainment of an animal.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cat structure having a stored mode and a use mode includes a hollow base with a first opening in one of four side walls and a door movable between an open position for inserting and removing a litter box and a closed position in which the first opening is substantially closed. The hollow base has a second opening for the ingress and egress of a cat or the like. A pair of vertical walls are removably attached to an upper surface of the base and an enclosed sleeping/play area, with an ingress and egress opening, is removably attached to an upper edge of the vertical walls in the use mode. The vertical walls and enclosed sleeping/play area are designed to be stored in the hollow base during the stored mode.

Abstract: A separable cats tower having a footing, one or more pillars, several shelves, and a pair of struts. The footing and each shelf contain a beam. At installation assemblage the pillars are sequentially bolted one to another, the lowermost pillar is bolted to the beam of the footing, each shelf with its beam is bolted to one of the pillars, and each strut at its ends is bolted to the footing and to one of the pillars.

Abstract: A device for protecting furniture from pet damage for preventing pets from chewing on covered areas of the furniture covered by the panels of the invention. The device for protecting furniture from pet damage includes a plurality of protective panels comprising side edges, end edges, faces and a connector system; and an anchoring panel comprising an anchor edge and T-shaped protrusions.

Abstract: An attractive, kitty corner scratching apparatus that easily attaches to the outside corner of a wall and that enables the carpet to be easily replaced. The apparatus includes a rigid, V-shaped wall-mounting bracket over which a complimentary-shaped carpet support plate may be attached. The wall-mounting bracket has four screw holes for permanent attachment to the desired position on the outside corner of a wall. Adhesively attached to the outer surface of the carpet support plate is a piece of carpet. The carpet support plate is designed to slide longitudinally over the wall-mounting bracket and then be sufficiently locked in position to support a cat pulling on the carpet. The piece of carpet may be easily replaced when frayed.

Abstract: A combination scratching post with a touch activated component and motorized mechanism for domestic cats that moves a mouse toy in an irregular manner that is intended to attract cats for the purpose of using the scratching post for play and exercise as well as grooming in the form of cleaning and sharpening its claws on the scratching post. The mouse toy is constructed in such a way as to allow the inside to be filled and refilled with catnip, a substance which cats find attractive, each time being resealed by means of an enclosure at the base of the toy. The mouse toy is activated to move via a motor inside the scratching post by a two step procedure. First, the device is “turned on” by a switch at the base of the post. This action does not activate the motor.

Abstract: A wall mounted cat scratching post for providing a space efficient scratching post. The wall mounted cat scratching post includes three sides, each adapted for coupling to an exposed end of a wall section of a building, and having an exterior surface substantially covered by a textile material for facilitating the scratching function for the cat using the wall mounted cat scratching post; and a base member adapted for resting upon a horizontal supporting surface such as a floor, coupled to the vertical member, and used to inhibit the vertical member from moving away from the wall end section.

Abstract: An attractive, kitty corner scratching apparatus that easily attaches to the outside corner of a wall and that enables the carpet to be easily replaced. The apparatus includes a rigid, V-shaped wall-mounting bracket over which a complimentary-shaped carpet support plate may be attached. The wall-mounting bracket has four screw holes for permanent attachment to the desired position on the outside corner of a wall. Adhesively attached to the outer surface of the carpet support plate is a piece of carpet. The carpet support plate is designed to slide longitudinally over the wall-mounting bracket and then be sufficiently locked in position to support a cat pulling on the carpet. The piece of carpet may be easily replaced when frayed.

Abstract: An animal rescue device 10 for suspension from the exterior periphery 102 of the side 101 of a swimming pool 100 wherein the device 10 includes a collapsible framework member 20 adapted to be attached to the swimming pool 100 and having a cross-piece element 21 attached to the upper end 31 of a sheet of netting 30; wherein, the lower end 32 of the sheet of netting 30 is provided with a negative buoyancy unit 13 which maintains the sheet of netting 30 in a vertical orientation relative to the side 101 of the pool 100 to allow an animal to climb out of the pool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variety of pet novelties manufactured to limit or eradicate the proliferation of microbes upon their surfaces, in their interiors, or in their environment. A cooling garment for a pet includes a microbe-inhibiting agent or property on an outer textile casing or within an inner filling. A restraining article for a pet includes a microbe-inhibiting agent or property incorporated within the material comprising the restraining article. A climbing or claw-scratching device includes a microbe-inhibiting agent in the fibers of the material and comprising its exterior, or on a material laminated to the inner surface of the exterior cover. A flaccid, liner-type separator for a waste product collecting receiver for a domestic animal includes a microbe-inhibiting thin material impervious to moisture for collecting the waste.

Abstract: The pet entertainment apparatus comprises an open three dimensional framework which is covered with releasably secured material configured to provide a hammock within a top of the apparatus and an interior compartment covered by swingable flaps which depend from the top in areas between rope covered upstanding legs which elevate the top above a base of the apparatus.

Abstract: The basic apparatus includes an abrasive layer and a grid. The grid is installed over the abrasive layer, a shorter distance from it along one of its edges and a greater distance from it at the opposite edge. The shorter distance is about ⅛ inch and the longer distance ⅜ of an inch. One quarter inch hardware cloth is an acceptable grid material. Preferably the apparatus is mounted on a generally vertical surface near a litter box, such as on the inside of a wall of a covered litter box. The abrasive surface may be replaceable and faces the grid and cats use the abrasive surface and grid simultaneously.

Abstract: Portable steps for small pets that includes one or more step assemblies adapted to stack one on another to a desired height.

Abstract: A cat amusement device (10) has a base (12) which has at least one base side (12S), a base top (12T) and a base bottom (12B). The cat amusement device (10) further has at least one microchip (18) contained within the base (12) or post (14). The cat amusement device (10) further has a power means electrically connected to the at least one microchip (18). The cat amusement device (10) at least one microchip (18) is audio capable. The cat amusement device (10) further has at least one speaker (26) electrically connected to the at least one microchip (18) functioning to transmit preselected audio sounds from the at least one microchip (18). The cat amusement device (10) further has at least one arm (16) connected to the motor (22). The at least one arm (16) has an arm holder (16A) at a distal end connectable to a toy (32). The toy (32) is selected to be attractive to a cat. The toy (32) may be feathered to resemble a bird. The toy (32) further may be furry to represent an animal.

Abstract: An exercise device is designed for use by a cat and composed of a base which a machine body is mounted. The machine body is provided with two plates, a receiving space located between the two plates, and a track located between the edges of the two plates such that the track is in communication with the receiving space. A drive mechanism is disposed in the machine body and composed of a cycling unit having a drive wheel and a driven wheel which is linked with the drive wheel by a transmission belt. The cycling unit is driven by a drive device mounted on one of the two plates. A lure is attached to the transmission belt. A plurality of loading members are fastened with the two plates of the machine body.

Abstract: A cylindrical or conical rolling cat scratching device which provides a series of corrugated cardboard surfaces, to which catnip may be added.

Abstract: A removable structure which is placed on and in a car door on which to allow pets to place their paws in order to allow them to place their head outside an open car door window and which provides a support base which serves to support and restrain them during vehicle motion.