Rebecca Harris looked at some of the latest gizmos and gadgets for pets.

‘Chuck-it’ ($15-$30)
This simple tool has a flexible plastic stem with a little claw on the end. It works with a whipping action, which allows you to throw your dog’s ball much further. You can pick up the ball without touching it or bending down. Great for people with sore knees, as well as anyone who is offended by dog slobber!

Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap ($131.25)
The electromagnetic cat flap is operated by a small magnet attached to the cat's collar. This helps keep out stray cats or prowling Toms, unless they also have a magnet! It has four settings, so it can be locked or unlocked, or set to only allow movement in one direction or the other. The flap is powered by a 9V battery, and comes with two magnets. Larger models are available for dogs.

Polly's Twister (medium size, $48.50)
Pet birds spend their lives on their feet, so if all they have is a common round perch they can develop muscle and joint problems. Polly’s Twister is a perch designed to exercise the foot and leg muscles of medium to large birds. It provides a variety of contact points and also has a rough texture, which helps trim the bird's nails. The medium size is ideal for small Cockatoos, Lories and Indian Ringnecks. The large size is suitable for large Cockatoos, Galahs and Macaws. (Note: these perches shouldn't be seen as a substitute for natural perches like branches, which give birds added stimulation through chewing.)

Automatic Fish Feeder ($130.40)
Use this automatic fish feeder to make sure your fish don’t go hungry when you’re on holidays. It works off a digital timer, allowing for multiple, measured feeds.

Doggles ($30 - $50)
Doggles are great for dogs that love the wind in their faces. They keep debris out of the eyes and they act like sunglasses. The anti-fogging and shatterproof lenses offer 100% UV protection, and have adjustable elastic head and chin straps with a foam-cushioned frame. There are small, medium and large sizes, and they come in different colours and styles. (Tip: dogs travelling in cars should be restrained in a suitable harness.)

Sausage on a Rope ($8)
Young dogs love chewing, particularly when they’re teething. They can really sink their teeth into this string of ‘sausages’ made from non-toxic, durable vinyl.

Further information

Availability

Products are available through most pet stores or aquariums, or contact the distributor (see below) for your closest stockist.

'Chuck-it'
Distributed by Prestige Pets, Queensland
Phone: 1800 265 527

Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap
Distributed by Pets International, Sydney
Phone: (02) 8784 1200

Polly's Twister
Distributed by Prestige Pets, Queensland
Phone: 1800 265 527

Automatic Fish Feeder
Distributed by Aqacenta, Sydney
Phone: (02) 9758 2222

Doggles
Doggles Australia T/A Ventura International, Sydney
Phone: (02) 9692 0776
Website: www.doggles.com.au

Sausage on a Rope
Distributed by Pets International, Sydney
Phone: (02) 8784 1200

Copyright CTC Productions 2003