NEW! Custom Made Fabric:
Disco Party
My latest custom-made fabric is here! Introducing "Disco Party!"
Soda Pop
Can't have a disco party without the bubbles! Your neighbour's cat would be SO jealous. Who doesn't want a sodapop to go? Even the birds would look twice.
Jolt
When one is having a good time, it often means a Jolt of good vibes is spreading on the dance floor. It is so visually disruptive that no bird can miss it.
The CatSpotters Community
CatSpotters™* work with:
Birds' tetra-chromatic vision
Sees cats from afar via colour & UV reflection
Predator Live Traps
Differentiate between Pet Cats & Feral Cats
Road Kills
Increased visibility with Reflective Piping
*What is A CATSpotter?
A CatSpotter, formerly known as a Cat Collar Cover and Cat Scrunchie, is a brightly coloured, open-ended sheath of fabric that is designed to be worn in combination with a collar to increase visibility.
The idea is to utilize birds' tetra-chromatic vision to alert birds of cats' presence.
My cat collar covers have added reflective piping, which reflects UV light to birds and vehicles. This further increases your cats' visibility, and therefore their safety. Each one is handmade with love, and hope.
What is tetrachromatic vision?
Birds are highly sensitive to colour for survival.
Did you know they can see more colours than we do? Human eyes have 3 types of colour-detecting cells (called cones), while birds have 4, of which one detects UV light. This gives them their tetrachromatic vision: allowing them to see an expanded, richer spectrum of colours.
Many insects, plants, and fruits that are dangerous to birds reflect UV light, making them easily detectable and therefore helps them avoid potential dangers. Sprinka Joy CatSpotters are designed and created based on this knowledge so that birds can spot and detect nearby cats in time to escape.
You can find a more in-depth explanation about bird vision here.
About New Zealand Accessibility - Patented Designs
DISCLAIMER:
The information shared below is for educational and advocacy purposes. It is not intended to criticize any specific company or individual but for customer transparency and to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility in conservation efforts.
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I believe that protecting native birds is one of New Zealanders' top priorities as cat owners and bird lovers.
This is why such a simple and effective cat collar cover is created to help reduce bird predation.
Sprinkajoy started simply from a request by a nurse who runs a Bird Rescue Hospital here in NZ.
Unfortunately, an overseas patent has limited any tubular cover design to be created across the USA, Canada & Europe,
restricting individuals in these regions from making or selling these covers.
U.S. Patent No. D726,974 for “Cat collar cover with piping trim.”
U.S. Patent No. D691,332 for “Curvy Cat Collar Cover”
Canadian Industrial Design, for “Cat Collar Cover with Trim.” Registration number: 154371
Canadian Industrial Design, for “Curvy Cat Collar Cover.” Registration number: 154345
European Community Registered Designs, RCD # 002373548-0001 and 0002, for tubular cat collar cover with and without trim.
While this patent does not apply to New Zealand, I think it is worth asking:
Should life-saving tools be limited by patents?
I support the idea of accessibility and sharing of knowledge.
They are paramount to our success in protecting our wildlife as a nation.
Sprinkajoy is one of many handmade businesses that make cat collar covers.
Every cover we make is a step forward to saving more New Zealand birds, and that is our priority.
Supporting this page means you are part of creating a better future for New Zealand wildlife and advocating for open solutions that put conservation first.
Such a simple design and solution should never be restricted, but rather, be encouraged to be created and shared with the public.
Benefits of a CatSpotter
01
Protects our Cats, our
Birds & Reptiles
We take advantage of birds' tetra-chromatic vision to be aware of cats. A study has shown it may also protect reptiles from being hunted. Our reflective piping increases cats' visibility to road vehicles when they are outdoors during dawn, dusk and evening.
02
Differentiates
Pet Cat vs. Feral Cat
Live feral cat trapping has increased year by year under conservation efforts. Pet cats will easily be identified from afar if caught in any kill trap.
03
Scientifically Proven & Internationally Recognized
The effectiveness of colourful cat collar covers has been scientifically tested and studied for over 2 years amongst 114 cats in Western Australia. They are commonly used in Australia, Canada, Switzerland & England.
04
Super easy to use
Slide your existing cat collar through this cover and let your cat wear it as per usual. No need to remove GPS, bells or tags!
Support our Cause
All proceeds go to the following charities:
birdcareaotearoa.org.nz
A hospital & rehabilitation centre for all injured wild birds in New Zealand.
NZ Wildbird Hospital
World Wildlife Fund for Nature
wwf.org.nz
Looking after the ocean & its species, taking climate action, conserving and educating the public.
Project Jonah NZ
projectjonah.org.nz
NZ marine mammals - particularly whales & dolphin rescue, protection & education.
New Zealand Nature Fund
nznaturefund.org
Funds protection & restoration projects of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity
Customer Testimonials
Cat parent of
This One & That One
Haven't had a bird killed since put these on, they used to bring in at least one every week!"
Cat Parent of
Maple
When I first shared we were trying a new collar scrunchie for Maple (to stop her from catching birds), I had a few people message asking for feedback if it works - it has! Now she only brings us rubbish and steals the neighbour's socks/undies!"
Cat Parent
Annabelle-Joy
Keeps the birds aware, and makes me feel better about my little black cat being out in the evenings with the reflective piping!
Cat Parent
Winston
The cat collars are great for stopping them from killing birds.
Cat Parent of Poppy & Paua
Before getting the scrunchies, they were bringing in a bird every other day. Now they rarely do (maybe 1 per month), and often I can save the birds.