Wednesday, 29 April 2026

Doodlecat Harness Review

 

🐾 Doodlecat Harness Review: A Practical Choice for Everyday Adventures





I recently tried the Doodlecat harness with my cat Arwen and—like most first-time harness experiences—it started with a fair amount of resistance. The usual sequence: hesitation, a dramatic flop, and a look of deep betrayal.

That said, once we got past the initial adjustment period, the results were genuinely impressive.

Design & Appearance

The harness stands out immediately thanks to its bright, colourful design. It’s visually appealing without feeling gimmicky, and it’s nice to have something that looks as good as it functions. If you enjoy a bit of personality in your pet gear, this delivers. And competitively  priced too at £17




Fit & Comfort

This is where the harness performs best. The vest-style design offers a secure fit without restricting movement.

  • The material is soft and breathable
  • It distributes pressure evenly across the body
  • It allows natural movement—walking, crouching, and exploring

After a short adjustment period, my cat moved comfortably and no longer seemed overly aware of wearing it, which is often the biggest hurdle.

Security & Control

No cat harness is completely escape-proof, and it’s important to be realistic about that. However, the Doodlecat harness does a solid job.

  • Dual fastening (Velcro and buckle) adds security
  • The fit stays consistent during movement
  • The lead length offers a good balance of freedom and control

While I wouldn’t rely on it in high-stress or unpredictable environments, it feels dependable for supervised outdoor use.

Real-World Use

In a garden or quiet outdoor setting, this harness works very well. It gives enough freedom for natural behaviour—sniffing, exploring, and low-speed prowling—without sacrificing control.

The included leash is practical and well-matched to the harness, making it suitable for casual walks and outdoor enrichment.

Drawbacks

There are a few minor considerations:

  • The Velcro may lose strength over time with repeated use
  • Some cats will need a short adjustment period
  • Not the best option for highly escape-prone or particularly strong-willed cats

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Doodlecat harness strikes a strong balance between comfort, usability, and design. Most importantly, my cat tolerated it quickly and was able to move naturally while wearing it—arguably the most meaningful measure of success.

For everyday outdoor use in a controlled environment, it’s a reliable and well-designed option that should suit most cats and owners.




Friday, 24 April 2026

Adopting A Rescue Cat What To Consider

 With Jack Black the cat passing nearly a month ago we dived in with both feet to get a new cat, the new cat however was not a replacement for jack  but instead a new chapter in our cat owning lives. We decided to go with a rescue cat and looked round at various cat rescue places , we were paricualry taken with with British shorthair cat called Bob who was large ( part of his breed ) but unfortunately he had a flat face and an overbite. We felt that this was going to store up potential health problems in the future. I am sure Bob will find a loving home but you just know when a cat isn't right for you.

I spotted Arweb on another cat rescue site on Facebook  ( who ever said time was wasted on Facebook , well it isn't especially when it comes to cats. We went to see Arweb ( previous Tabby Tabitha , and we flat that Tabitha didn't suit her as it was too Enid Blyton )







There are many things to consider when you adopt a rescue cat as all cats have different personalities , Arwen's personalty is coming out. She is very friendly and chirps a lot and will come and sit on you sometimes or at least near you , she is very quick and energetic and we have been known to stick Squirrels on Youtube to calm her down of an evening. 


Be prepared to spend a lot of time adjusting to how they eat , how they play etc Arwen is very petit and eats like a bird ( bit not real birds ) . You may have to play the food dance of they absolutely loved the stuff the rescue centre was feeding them and when you get them home they hate it. 


The next step on the horizon will be letting Arwen go outside when we have a new cat flap put in but currently Arwen is adjusting to the house so going outside will wait till mid May.

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Are Collars Necessary For Cats ?





Are Collars Necessary for Cats? (The NinjaKillerCat Guide 🐾)

If you live with a cat, you already know you’re not the owner—you’re the assistant to a highly skilled, slightly chaotic ninja. Whether they’re silently stalking dust particles or launching surprise attacks at 3am, every NinjaKillerCat has one thing in common: they do what they want. So when it comes to collars, the question isn’t just “are they necessary?”—it’s “will your tiny assassin allow it?”

Let’s break it down.

🐱 Why Collars Can Be a Good Idea

For outdoor explorers and escape artists, collars can be incredibly useful.

First, there’s identification. While microchips are essential (and highly recommended), they only work if someone takes your cat to a vet or shelter to be scanned. A collar with an ID tag is instant—anyone who finds your cat can quickly see they have a home and contact you right away. Think of it as your ninja’s “return to base” button.

Collars also act as a visible signal of ownership. A well-fed cat roaming the streets might otherwise be mistaken for a stray. A collar tells people your cat is loved, claimed, and probably just out on a solo mission.

You can also include important medical information on the tag. If your cat has allergies or specific needs, this could be crucial in an emergency situation.

🐾 When Collars Might Not Be Necessary

Not every NinjaKillerCat needs to wear gear.

If your cat is strictly indoor-only, a collar becomes more optional—especially if they’re microchipped. Many indoor cats never come close to escaping, and for them, a collar might not add much benefit.

There’s also the personality factor. Some cats simply hate collars. If your cat freezes, flops dramatically, or spends hours trying to wriggle free, that’s a sign they’re not on board with the plan. Forcing it can cause stress, and a stressed ninja is not a happy ninja.

⚠️ Safety Rules Every Cat Owner Should Follow

If you decide your cat should wear a collar, safety is everything.

Always choose a breakaway collar. This type is designed to snap open if it gets caught on something, which is vital because cats climb, jump, and squeeze into places they definitely shouldn’t. A regular collar can be dangerous if it gets snagged.

Make sure the fit is just right. You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably underneath. Too tight is uncomfortable; too loose and it might slip off.

Finally, keep it lightweight. Large tags or constant jingling bells can irritate your cat—especially if they take their stealth missions seriously.

🐈 Final Verdict

So, are collars necessary?

  • For outdoor NinjaKillerCats: absolutely recommended.
  • For indoor stealth masters: optional, but still a helpful extra layer of protection.

At the end of the day, your cat doesn’t need a collar to be legendary. But if they venture beyond your walls—even occasionally—it can make all the difference in getting your fearless little ninja safely back home.

And let’s be honest: every NinjaKillerCat deserves a way to return to their kingdom (and their food bowl).

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Meet Arwen The Rescue Cat

We lost Jack Black last week. It was the kindest decision to let him go. He had been living with a large lump — one we had removed last year — but it had returned and was starting to affect his quality of life. Even the vet reassured us that it wasn’t the wrong choice.

Cats really do get under your skin, which is why we decided to look into adopting another not long after losing Jack. We took our time. First, we met Bob, who was lovely, but had a very flat face and an overbite due to his breed. He also looked like the sort of cat who’d need his own front door key rather than using the cat flap — and could easily moonlight as a nightclub bouncer.




In the end, we went to meet Arwen (formerly known as Tabitha, though “Tabitha” felt a bit too Enid Blyton). With her pointy ears, a Lord of the Rings name felt much more fitting — especially as our previous cats were called Bilbo and Frodo 











Friday, 13 March 2026

Plodding On In Life To Escape The Doomscrolling


 I don’t know if anyone is out there ? I don’t if anyone is reading this ? But you’re doing great I am doing great, I think of myself as a very much a free spirit and I will talk pretty much to anyone and anything ( cats 🐈‍⬛) . Though I will draw the exception if you look Moomins , I can not explain it but they squishy nothingness doesn’t float my boat.

But there’s always something you don’t like isn’t there, like maybe days with a y in them . I take myself to the gym and there’s one treadmill that is mine and I am lost if someone else uses it . I am a plodder and plodder gets me by just fine .

Recently I restricted my facebook usage to about an hour and it suits me fine, if I try and sneak back on it says like an angry parent “ you have had enough “


I don’t need the validation of the doom scroll. I am just a plodder and plodding keeps me calm.I am calmer than a squishy raspberry.