TICA Endorses Nekochan Cat Toys and Cat Beds

For Immediate Release
June 2015
TICA Endorses Nekochan Cat Toys and Cat Beds
Focus on Quality, Safety & Cat Psychology Earns Nekochan TICA Seal of Approval
By focusing on quality design and “swat” cats like, the Nekochan brand of interactive
wand toys and cat nappers has quickly gained accolades and awards from cat owners
and leading cat experts worldwide.
Now Nekochan’s focus on quality has earned the first-ever brand endorsement for cat
toys and cat beds from The International Cat Association (TICA). TICA is the worldleading authority and largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats, and largest registry of
household pet cats and kittens.
TICA Members Looking For Quality Recommendations
“This is the first branding agreement for cat toys and cat beds that TICA has ever
entered into and we made our choice carefully,” confirms Roeann Fulkerson, Director of
Marketing, TICA. “Our members have been asking us to recommend safe, quality cat
products that promote the physical and psychological well-being of cats. Nekochan
products were tested by TICA and advisory panels of our feline friends, representing a
wide variety of breeds with different play preferences,” explains Roeann. “We’re proud to
announce our partnership with Nekochan.”
Nekochan’s founder and chief creative officer Ellen Tsuyuki says TICA’s endorsement is
a dream come true for the Nekochan team. “I created Neko Flies because I could not
find safe, high quality products that my cats loved,” explains Ellen. “For Nekochan to be
recognized by TICA, the world’s leading authority on cats, is an amazing honor that sets
our brand apart,” says Ellen. “TICA’s endorsement validates the time and care we put
into designing and testing Neko Flies, Birbug interactive toys and our popular line-up of
Neko Nappers cat beds,” says Ellen.
TICA Confirms Prey Play Essential to Cat’s Health & Well-being
TICA recommends cat owners seek out products that stimulate their cat’s prey instinct
when it comes to play. “It’s important to enrich your cat’s life with prey play,” explains
Roeann. “Wand toys like Neko Birbug allow cats to use their natural quickness, agility
and hunting instincts. According to feline behavioral studies by Dr. Tony Buffington,
DVM, PhD, DACVN at The Ohio State University, “a few minutes of daily play helps to
keep your cat healthy and stress-free,” says Roeann, stressing that cats should only be
allowed to play with wand toys under human supervision.
Variety for All Breeds and Cat Play Prey Preferences
TICA experts say it’s important to determine if your cat prefers bird-like toys that fly
through the air, such as Nekochan’s bestselling Birbug; furry, mouse-like toys that scurry
on the ground like Neko Flies Kittenator, or lightening quick toys with lots of movement
like Neko Flies Katarantula.
Nekochan Earns TICA Brand Endorsement
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“Some cats will have definite preferences; others like more variety. Nekochan products
provide different options that appeal to a wide variety of cats and breeds,” confirms
Vickie Fisher, recent TICA past president.
“Equally important, Nekochan toys are very durable and that means they provide longlasting and safe play for all cats – from laid back breeds like Birmans and Ragdolls to
high-energy Savannahs and Bengal cats who love to leap, jump and play in a more
rough and tumble way,” says Vickie.
Neko Nappers Offer Safe Refuge for Sleepy Cats
In addition to playtime, cats also need safe, soft refuges for sleep and time out, says
Roeann. “Neko Nappers are thoughtfully designed to provide a refuge for cats when
they need a little privacy,” explains Roeann, adding that the soft, washable material used
in the cat bed stand out from traditional options on the market. “The beds are stylish and
neutral, so they fit into any décor and can be easily cleaned,” she says.
According to Ellen, Nekochan product packaging will begin bearing the TICA logo this
summer. “Retailers who have an inventory of existing products can contact our team to
receive store materials and stickers to help highlight the TICA endorsement in-store,”
she says, adding that the company’s website has also been updated.
“To be recognized by TICA is an incredible honor, and we want cat lovers to know that
Nekochan meets TICA’s exacting standards so they can feel good about treating their
cats to a new Nekochan toy or sleeper,” she says.
About TICA
TICA™, The International Cat Association™ is the world’s largest genetic registry of
pedigreed and household pet cats, the first and world’s largest–registry to allow
household cats of unknown ancestry to compete for the same titles and awards as
pedigreed cats. TICA is headquartered in Harlingen, Texas, and administers the rules
licensing hundreds of cat shows annually across the globe, in 104 countries. TICA and
its members work together to promote the preservation of pedigreed cats, the health and
welfare of ALL domestic cats by teaching responsible cat ownership, and enriching the
lives of all cats through its programs, events, and services. TICA currently recognizes 63
breeds of cats. To learn more about TICA visit www.tica.org. FaceBook:
www.facebook.com/TheInternationalCatAssociation
About Nekochan
Neckochan is dedicated to creating safe, durable and enduring products for cats. Neko
Birbug, Neko Flies and Neko Nappers are available at leading specialty retailers across
North America. To learn more and order products, visit www.nekoflies.com or call
1-866-699-6356 (NEKO)