lifestyle

Making (Furry) Headlines: Our Feature in Australian Cat Lover Magazine

/ Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello everyone!

I hope your week has been going well and that you’re ready for some cozy weekend fun. It’s been soooo hot here in Finland lately – I’m definitely looking forward to cooler weather.

Here in Finland, most homes and apartments don’t have air conditioning (unless you’re lucky enough to own a house and install it, which is still pretty uncommon). So when temps climb up to 30°C (86°F) and your apartment faces south… Let’s just say it’s great for natural light in winter, but pretty rough during a heatwave!

Last summer, people were even advised to go cool down at shopping centers because they were the only places with AC. Wild, right?

Anyway – this post isn’t about the weather (though I hope it’s pleasant wherever you are!). Today, I have something very special to share.

My Shop Was Featured in Australian Cat Lover Magazine!

You know where it’s definitely cooler right now? Beautiful Australia! And I’m so excited to say that my shop, PurringPyjamas, was featured in the newly launched Australian Cat Lover Magazine.

I was contacted by the lovely Agnes, who invited me to be part of their very first Lifestyle feature. Naturally, I said yes right away! I submitted some photos of one of my sweaters, wrote a little description, and voilà – it was published alongside 9 other beautiful finds for feline friends.

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When it came time to choose which design to feature, I knew immediately that I wanted to highlight the “Buttons Up!” sweater. It was the very first design I added to my shop back in February 2015, and honestly? I still love it just as much as I did on day one.

For the article, I did a little photoshoot with one of my friend’s beautiful kitties, Bacha – she always makes the most wonderful model. 💛

Bacha

Bacha

I’m so happy with how both the photos and the feature turned out! You can check out the original piece here:

10 winter warmers for your cats in 2019

Have a great weekend, and talk to you soon!

Follow PurringPyjamas on social media to keep up with the newest releases, discounts, and never-ending Sphynx cuteness!
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Shop: purringpyjamas.etsy.com

 

Review: Catit Flower Fountain – Did It Work for My Friend’s Cats?

/ Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

It’s Wednesday again, which means it’s time for a new blog post. Today, we’re talking about a cat product that truly stole the show in one household – the Catit Flower Fountain. It quickly became a favorite for one of my friend’s Sphynx cats, and honestly, I can see why!

But what about the other cats in the household? Let’s take a look. First, a little technical overview…

Fountain

Catit Flower Fountain, third flow option

About the Fountain

The Catit Flower Fountain holds up to 3 liters of water (about 100 fl oz / 6 pints) and includes a triple-action filter, which:

  • Removes magnesium and calcium (minerals that can contribute to urinary issues)
  • Reduces odors caused by bacteria and chlorine in tap water
  • Traps hairs and debris

Replacement filters are available (a 2-pack goes for €12.99 here in Finland at Musti ja Mirri). The fountain is plastic, but Catit’s official site states that it’s BPA-free, which is reassuring given BPA’s known health risks.

Fountain

All parts of Catit Flower Fountain

Fountain

Catit Flower Fountain, third flow option

Fountain

Catit Flower Fountain, third flow option

The fountain comes with three flow settings. In this case, the cats strongly preferred the third option: “calm streams.” It was very easy to assemble, and just as easy to clean – rinsing and drying everything takes under five minutes.

The Price

Here in Finland, the Catit Flower Fountain retails for about €39.99. This particular unit was purchased secondhand (barely used – the previous cat didn’t like it) for €25. After nearly two months of daily use, it was still going strong and working beautifully.

Bacha

Bacha trying to play with running water. 🙂

Aether

Aether is looking suspicious of the fountain.

Aether

Trying out the running water.

Aether

Finally getting it!

The Cats’ Reactions

The household had three Sphynx cats at the time:

  • Aether absolutely loved the fountain. He was a bit hesitant at first, but within minutes, he was happily drinking from it.
  • Bacha initially tried to play with the water, but quickly came around to enjoying it as a fresh source of hydration.
  • Beliza, on the other hand, wasn’t interested. Some cats are just creatures of habit, and she preferred her regular water bowl.

Still, the fountain made a big difference – especially during a hot summer – encouraging two out of the three cats to drink more water. If you’re looking for ways to help your cat stay hydrated, a fountain like this could be just the thing.

And as a bonus: the sound of gently running water made for a very calming background while working.

Aether

Can’t stop drinking!

Aether

Got distracted for a bit, but still not going away!

Bacha and Aether

After nearly two months of use, the verdict was in: still loving it!

Thanks so much for stopping by – wishing you and your feline friends a calm, cool, and hydrated week ahead!

Follow PurringPyjamas on social media to keep up with the newest releases, discounts, never-ending Sphynx cuteness, and more!
Instagram: instagram.com/purringpyjamas
Facebook: facebook.com/purringpyjamas
Shop: purringpyjamas.etsy.com

Purring wishes, Asta signature

Silver Vine for Cats: My Review + What You Should Know

/ Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

Today I’m revisiting a post I originally wrote almost a decade ago (yes, all the way back in 2017 – and now here we are in 2025!), back when I stumbled across something intriguing while shopping online – Silver Vine sticks.

As someone who loves discovering new enrichment tools for my cats, I was curious (and admittedly a bit skeptical) about Silver Vine and whether it was safe or effective. Since that time, I’ve grown quite a bit – I’m now studying feline nutrition and behavior – and I wanted to update this post to reflect what I’ve since learned.

What Is Silver Vine?

Silver Vine (Actinidia polygama) is a plant native to parts of Asia, often described as a stronger alternative to catnip. It contains compounds like actinidine and nepetalactol, which can trigger playful or euphoric behavior in many cats – even those who don’t react to catnip.

Unlike catnip, Silver Vine activates different pathways in a cat’s brain, and can even repel mosquitoes when cats rub it on their fur (source).

My Cats’ Reaction

Years ago, I found Silver Vine sticks on eBay and decided to give them a try. I paid about £5 for a pack (plus shipping) from a UK-based seller, assuming the quality would be better than buying from an Asian store. But the sticks arrived in generic Asian packaging – exactly the same as those sold directly by Asian sellers at a much lower price.

Lesson learned: Check the source, read reviews, and don’t assume local equals higher quality.

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The sticks came in two sizes and were about 12.5 cm (5 inches) long. My cats loved them! They chewed, batted, rubbed, and carried them around the house. After a few months, they were still in decent shape, just a bit frayed.

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Did they improve dental health? Honestly, I’m not sure. Chewing can help with oral hygiene, but silver vine sticks aren’t a substitute for proper dental care. Still, they’re a fun and affordable enrichment item!

Benefits of Silver Vine

  • High response rate – Up to 80% of cats respond
  • Natural enrichment – Promotes healthy play and stress relief
  • Stimulates the brain – Engages the reward system safely
  • Physical activity – Encourages movement and exercise
  • Safe and non-toxic – When used responsibly
  • Bonus: Potential mosquito-repelling benefits (source)

Safety & How to Use Silver Vine

  • Start with a small amount and observe your cat
  • Supervise during chew-stick play
  • Use 2–3 times per week max
  • Avoid giving to kittens under 6 months
  • Consult your vet if your cat is elderly, on medication, or has health issues

Most cats tolerate Silver Vine well, but it’s still a good idea to be cautious with any new enrichment item.

Where to Buy

Look for organic or clearly labeled Silver Vine products from trusted sellers. Avoid overpriced repackaged versions – you can often find high-quality sticks or powder from Asian sellers with excellent reviews and transparency.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend Silver Vine? Absolutely – when used mindfully.

My cats enjoyed it, and I’ve since come to appreciate how useful it can be as a safe, natural way to engage their senses. As always, what works for one cat might not work for another, so go slow and stay observant!

I hope you found this review helpful! Wishing you and your cats a playful, purring-filled week. 🐾

Follow PurringPyjamas on social media to keep up with the newest releases, discounts, and never-ending Sphynx cuteness!
Instagram: instagram.com/purringpyjamas
Facebook: facebook.com/purringpyjamas
Shop: purringpyjamas.etsy.com

Disclaimer:
This post is based on personal experience as a cat owner and student of feline nutrition and behavior. It is not veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian before introducing new substances – including Silver Vine – into your cat’s environment.

DIY Cat Treats: Easy, Quick & Yummy

/ Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

As a crazy cat lady, I always looks for something new for my cats. New toys, new scratching posts, new blankets, new beds… You name it, I got it. 😀 I also have quite a few books about cats, and I finally decided to get it together and make some use out of them. I flipped through one of the books I bought back in December of 2016 – it’s called “Treats for your cat”. Basically, there you can find a lot of DIY toys, pet carriers, etc. There’s also quite a few recipes with different meals you can prepare for your cats, and one of them caught my eye – it’s simple, quick and doesn’t require 15 weird and fancy products. It’s called “Christmas Cookies”, but believe me – your cat(s) will love these treats all year ’round.

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These cat treats have fish in them, and I know that there has been a little bit of a fuss about giving fish to your cat. Generally, moderate amounts of fish will provide your cat nutrients, however, it’s best to serve it cooked as raw fish contains thiaminase. It’s OK to give it to your cat as a treat sometimes, but it shouldn’t be a big part of your cat’s daily diet. With that little bit out of the way, let’s get into the recipe!

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So, I tweaked the recipe a bit to suit my cats’ wishes, so I am sure that there will be no harm if you use something different too. The basic recipe for these treats is:
-225 g/8 oz plain wholemeal flour
-1 x 200 g/7 oz can pressed cods roe (I used tuna fish instead)
-90 g/2 oz vegetable fat
-1 egg

I think that unless you have 10+ cats, you should split all the amounts in half – I have 3 cats, made half of the amount written and there will easily be enough treats for quite a few days. These treats are yummy and cats love them, but they’re also very filling and your cat probably won’t be able to eat more than 2-3 treats at once (all depends on the size of treats of course).

So, you have the recipe, what do you do next? Well, firstly, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the baking tray with a parchment paper (baking sheet). While the oven is heating, make the treats: mix together flour, your fish of choice, vegetable fat and egg. You can add a little bit of water if the mixture is too stiff. And here comes in the creative part of this process: you can choose what shape treats you want to make. I simply took little balls, pressed them a bit and made little button like treats, but you can do something more creative! In the book, it suggests to roll out the dough and cut out the treats with a cookie cutter. Put the treats on the baking sheet, and once the treats are all made and the oven is heated, put them to bake until golden and crisp. I baked them for about 15-20 minutes.

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Once the treats are done, take them out of the oven and leave to cool down. Then give them to your cats and see if they like it! I am sure they will, because my Sphynxes generally don’t eat fish, but this time they made an exception!

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I store the treats in these little glass jars.

pp12

If you have any questions regarding the recipe, please leave them down in the comments and I will get back to you! I hope you all have a wonderful day. 🙂

Follow PurringPyjamas on social media to keep up with the newest releases, discounts, never ending Sphynx cuteness and more!
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Shop: purringpyjamas.etsy.com

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Custom Order: Mommy & Kitty Matching Sweaters to Spice Up the Autumn

/ Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Back in the autumn of 2015, I was contacted by a kind lady who had the sweetest request: she wanted matching sweaters for herself and her cat, Gwennie.

At first, I’ll admit I was a little cautious. I hadn’t made clothing for humans in a long time – and my shop has always been focused on feline fashion. I explained that to her honestly, but she still encouraged me to give it a try.

She wasn’t in a rush, and we agreed to reconnect once I was feeling better (I was recovering from a cold at the time) and had more time to plan.

Designing the Sweater Duo

Fast forward to spring of 2016 – we began brainstorming!

She browsed my sweater designs and chose one as inspiration:

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For the color, she loved the mustard yellow yarn available in my shop – a warm, cozy shade that’s perfect for autumn.

Once we finalized the design and color, she sent over her measurements, along with some preferences on sleeve length, fit, and overall shape.

From Sweater to Sweater-Dress

Originally, the idea was to create a sweater – but she later decided she’d love a sweater-dress instead. Something soft, comfy, and easy to wear with leggings. That meant adjusting the shape and structure to suit her vision – and that’s when my knitting needles really got to work!

It took a bit of trial and error, but eventually, I finished the piece and sent her photos of the final product.

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done1

Waiting Game… and a Happy Ending

Even though she said she was happy with the photos, I couldn’t fully relax until she had the sweater in hand. I kept wondering:

  • What if it doesn’t fit perfectly?

  • What if the real-life version disappoints her?

Luckily, a few weeks later, the package arrived – and I received these reviews:

lou ann

Cue my huge sigh of relief! I was thrilled that she was happy – both with her sweater-dress and the matching look for her kitty.

Lessons Learned (and Loved!)

Honestly, I thought creating a human sweater-dress would be much more difficult than it turned out to be. Cat clothing and human clothing are totally different in structure and construction – but in the end, I learned so much from the process. And that’s the part I love most.

There’s a saying in my country:
“You won’t carry the weight of knowledge on your shoulders.”
Meaning – whatever you learn will never be a burden. And in this case, it brought me more confidence and a happy customer.

Wishing you all a beautiful day, and a cozy, creative week ahead!
Thanks for reading my little throwback to one of my favorite custom projects. 💛

Follow PurringPyjamas on social media to keep up with the newest releases, discounts, never-ending Sphynx cuteness, and more!
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Shop: purringpyjamas.etsy.com

Purring wishes, Asta signature

Review: Zooplus Advent Calendar For Cats

/ Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Even though I don’t have an Advent calendar for myself, as soon as I saw this on Zooplus website while buying cat food, I knew I needed it in my life. You know how they say that many toys for kids are actually made for their parents to attract them? I’m telling you: that’s the case with me. Just my kids are my cats.

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Yes, I know I’m a bit late here, but I just received it yesterday! Finnish post offices were on strike for a week, so yeah… Everything got kind of stuck somewhere. But regardless of the fact that it’s already December, let’s see what this calendar has to offer!

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The calendar has 24 days in total (needed to clear that out, because apparently there exist calendars with fewer days). And can we just appreciate all this beautiful-crazy-cat-lady-like art on the cover? I mean, come on, even the snowman is actually a snowcat! It’s just so adorable.

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The back side of Advent Calendar.

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Beautiful little text.

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Types of snacks and ingredients.

Calendar has 4 different types of snacks: chicken, beef, duck and tuna. Everything is freezer dried and super healthy for your pet – I mean, what could be healthier than 100% meat treats with no additives? Each day you get different treats. For example, on December 1st we got a pack of 2 beef treats, while today (December 2nd) there were 4 small pieces of tuna treats. I wonder what tomorrow holds. 🙂

You might ask: OK, you like it, but what about your cats? Well, firstly, let me tell you, that Beliza doesn’t eat meat, so I knew immediately she won’t like this calendar. And yes, she doesn’t. Bacha eats meat sometimes, especially if it’s treats. Meanwhile Coco absolutely loves everything meat related. So yesterday she was the one to finish up both beef treats and then she thanked me by rubbing against me and purring as loud as she could. She is just so sweet ❤ Anyway, today there were tuna treats, so both Bacha and Coco enjoyed them. Overall, I think it’s a great thing to have – this calendar is fun and if your cat loves healthy meat treats, he/she will be beyond happy to get something like this. The price of the calendar won’t empty your pocket either – I paid for it around €5-€6.

beliza

Sleepy Beliza.

If you’d like to get an Advent calendar like this one, simply go to Google and type in “Zooplus”. I advice to do it that way, because Zooplus has different websites for specific countries, so there would be no use if I gave you the Finnish version of it. But if you’d like to take a look at it and read more, here is link to the English website: Advent Calendar For Cats.

Let’s share the beauty of December with our purring friends too. 😉

P.S. Christmas giveaway is still up on Facebook! You can participate right over here: Christmas giveaway.

Follow PurringPyjamas on social media to keep up with the newest releases, discounts, never ending Sphynx cuteness and more!
Instagram: instagram.com/purringpyjamas
Facebook: facebook.com/purringpyjamas
Shop: purringpyjamas.etsy.com

asta