Happy Caturday Everyone!

Ok, that phrase was used what?? In the 2006’s? Anyhow, welcome back to a new year and a new collection tech related reviews!

There’s no doubt that there are a plethora of cat toys and trinkets at ThinkGeek.com . From automatic cat feeders and automatic lazer toys, to treat mazes and wearable digital cameras, there is a company that stands out above the rest. The “Catit Senses” brand offers a variety of linkable feline fun that will get your little kitty purring in no time.

Here is the finished product. Very sturdy and simple.
Here is the finished product. Very sturdy and simple.

I recently received the “ Catit Senses Massage Center” to review. The box was very simple and all of the information was on the outside. It has a gum stimulator on the top that the cats can chew on (instead of your computer wires and cables) and some ridges on the outside for them to rub against and scratch themselves. I was kind of surprised there wasn’t a scratching post part which would’ve fit nicely at the base, but they added comb-like brushes there instead.

It was very simple to put together, just a matter of snapping the top onto the white base, and setting the rubber no-skid mat on the bottom. It came with a small cup of catnip to sprinkle on it as well. Now to get the cat to check it out!

I set the Catit Senses Massage Center out in the walking path of El Capḯtan Negro, our feline friend, to see what he would do. At first he circled it a few times just checking things out. I thought about the catnip aspect, so I added some to the gum stimulator cup and around the base to see if that would get him to explore. He immediately went for the gum stimulator and chewed it a couple gnaws and that was the extent of that. He walked over to the counter where the box was ant began rubbing his cheeks onto the corner of the box! I immediately thought of my grandmother “ Those kids would rather play with the package than the expensive toy inside!” she used to say when we were young geeks.

The next day, I relocated the Catit Senses Massage Center to the floor figuring maybe location change would suffice. I also added the rest of the catnip around the massage center thinking that more is better. He walked over to it after a while, rubbed his cheek on the nubs at the top, then walked away and I’m sad to report has not played with it since. “How in the world am I going to review a product that my cat isn’t interested in?”, I thought.

El Capitan Negro testing out the gum stimulator feature

A few hours later, I put it outside thinking that the playful stray cats outside would enjoy the feeling of a massage. Nothing… not a one of them even sniffed at it. I don’t know if it were because it scared them or they just plain weren’t interested. I figured if any of them would play with it would’ve been the smaller stray cats because they always play with leaves, sticks, etc. Nope.

So basically, my review is this: it was not effective with my cat nor stray cats. The product, however seemed to me very well made and user friendly. I wish I would’ve got El Capitan to use it more. Maybe in the future I will have an update. Let us know if you have tried other cat toys like this and what worked for you. Happy Caturday!

Carry C3PO on your Back!

Andy Taylor from TechtalkRadio talked with PR manager Shane Peterman of  the website ThinkGeek.Com  about a couple of new products which are based on items with the Star Wars Empire Strikes Back theme. Fully Licensed and guaranteed to get some laughs, Shoppers at Think Geek can choose from a Wampa Rug or a C3PO Backpack.

The Wampa Rug can provide a large area to rest and stay warm inside next to a fireplace after a cold day on the Ice Planet of Hoth. In one of the press photos for the Wampa Rug, a model in a Leia looking Metal Bikini was seen lounging on the rug. It looks a lot better then lounging around on Jabba’s Gut. The Rug itself measures 62″ and 32″ wide. The Site, which is in tune with Geeks wants and Tech Needs is quick to add on the item description

“Important Note:
Unfortunately you only get the Wampa rug. Slave Leia is NOT included and we double-dare you to make any comments about how she isn’t featured until the next movie.  “

A Smart note considering the passion for accuracy from Star Wars “Experts.” 

 

A Photo of the C3PO Backpack
C3PO BackPack from ThinkGeek

Andy Taylor also talked with Shane about the C3PO Backpack which can be worn and used to carry netbooks, iPads and other Mobile Devices. The scene is reminiscent of Star Wars Empire Strikes Back when C3PO is found by Chewbacca before the golden droid hits the trash compactor. Chewbacca straps the Droid to his back and hilarity ensues!  Andy Taylor commented that “George Lucas is a marketing genius, but I don’t even think he imagined this as a backpack!” Fans of C3PO will be happy to know that when you’re not strapping him to your back, you can even reassemble the plush leatherette droid and sit him up to watch reruns of the Star Wars series on Cable!

Shane Peterman of ThinkGeek shared some information on the process from Thought to Sale and what some of the most recent biggest sellers have been. The question is also answered – Star Wars or Star Trek!? Listen in at http://www.techtalkradio.com/internet/thinkgeek.html