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Best cell phones for probation compliance
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Advice from Cat Fam to Human Fam
Twilight and Bandit Grey have a family member they love who has been arrested in the past and dealt with very strict probation. It happens. Especially with the criminalization of mental health and poverty. Our loved ones get arrested. We do anything to support them in their journey. Communication is key. Knowing how to get them compliant cell phones for communication is of utmost importance.
Homey Dont Play Around
If you or a loved one is ever on probation, strict adherence is mandatory. No social media. No basic internet. Just calls, texts, some apps. Doesn’t leave many options outside of a basic flip phone or phone with no keyboard. Its super confusing and frusterting. Unfortunately, its not something you can get wrong. Getting it wrong can mean a probation violation and/or worse… jail time.
Smart Link / Free “Obama” Phones
You can’t get the free Android with the Obama phone. It has internet. There are no non-Android phones available with the program. You can find and buy a non-Android phone to use it with the free program. But its almost impossible to find them.
Must Have a Keyboard and Music!!
Texting without a keyboard is pretty impossible and frustrating. Its even more arduous to find a cell phone with a keyboard and not internet. Luckily, there are a few brands advertised for kids that work for probation. Most probation departments actually recomend these companies. Problem is they are not free or cheap. And they typically will not work with other providers. However, it is worth the cost.
****Of course always check with the assigned Probation Department ****
Basic Flip Phones
Basic flip phones work but only if they do not have internet. They must be talk and text only. That is it. They also market a lot of “no interest” phones for seniors. Here are a couple examples.
Nokia 2780 Flip | Unlocked | Universally Compatible with All Mobile Carriers | Black https://amzn.to/3BF5H2n
Senior Phone
C1+4G LTE T-Mobile Cell Phone for Seniors and Kids丨Big Button Unlocked Phones丨SOS Button丨One-touch Time Reporting丨Basic Phone丨Speed Dial丨Alarm Clock丨Torch丨Charging Dock丨1800mAh Battery – Black https://amzn.to/41JqjkA
Overall Top Picks Pinwheel or GABB
Pinwheel is top pick. It has the best app access for music and uber or Amazon. Gabb is great as well. Just less apps than Pinwheel.
Pinwheel Plus 4 Kids Smartphone (Age 8-18) | Built-in Parent Management System | 1,200+ Vetted Apps with Child Safety Ratings | No Social Media | Unlocked for Any Cell Carrier | No Activation fees https://amzn.to/3VVw4YF
Gabb Phone 4 Pro: Phone for Kids & Teens – GPS Tracker for Kids, No Social Media, No Internet Browsers, Parental Controls, Talk & Text, Safe Messaging App for Kids, Safe Video Calls, 30 Activation Fee https://amzn.to/3ZTZwzo
Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Essential Tips for Senior and Lazy Fat Cat Owners: Litter Box Challenges
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Captain Obvious
Im a total cat nerd. Obviously. My brother used to tease me and ask what was more important. My cats or (insert bs family of origin drama). The answer is and will always be my cats. They don’t call and write doctors notes for “Emotional Support Brother”. They are ESAs or my Emotional Support Animals. My chosen family. Sorry. But I can’t live without my cats. I tolerate the brother. (joke)
Cat Lives Matter
My cats live very long and pampered lives. Typically to around 20. They are exclusively indoor. I usually have two cats at a time. To keep each other company. Cuddle buddies.
Cat Box From Hell
This brings me to the most unsexy part of being a cat mom. The liter box. Never a great look or smell. Vets reccomend keeping at least one litter box per cat. So for two cats, I usually keep three to four litter boxes. They typically use mainly one of them. But better safe than sorry.
Amazon Pets
Just a quick note to sign up for Amazon Pets. There are always bonus events happening and other great benefits. I appreciate the ease with Amazon here. Lots of additional perks from joining the program. Not only is everything mailed to your door, you can easily shop for all your bestie’s needs. From food, to litter, to toys, trees and yes, litterboxes. Make sure you sign up for Amazon Pets here. https://amzn.to/3VMz2hV
Spraying and Kicking Outside the Box
Cats are a$$holes. Facts. You clean up, they mess it up. Rinse and repeat. They will always kick litter everywhere. They will always get finicky about dirty litter boxes. You can’t fix this behavior. Only adapt. Us adapt. Buy boxes with covers or super tall sides. Use shields. Buy cat mats. Extra large boxes. Trust me, you don’t want to go cheap here.
Senior Cats and Chubby Lazy Cats
When needing a big litter box with extra extra tall sides, the problem often arises with entry. You need your beloved feline to be able to get in and out of the litter box without problem. All the way in the box. Especially, and most important, the butt and the tail. My cat Twilight had the bad habit of walking halfway in the litter box with her tail and butt outside the box. Yikes. Eeegads!! Huge problem. She ended up spraying everywhere. There was pee outside the box. On the Matt. On the floor. It was non stop. I tried everything to the point of insanity. More litter boxes. Puppy pads outside the litter box. Screaming. Crying. Budhist chants. Nothing worked.
Large Litter box with Extra Large Entry
Finally we found a solution. And yes, it works. The extra tall litter box with senior entry. A low entry. And then a shape where she is forced to go inside and turn around. No room for her to stand in partially with her tail outside. We need her all the way in the box and turning around with her tail inside. Well Dyno-Myte!!! It worked. Well worth the investment. I’ll include links to various boxes. Key is big with low entry walkway.
Other Essentials.
Equally important is a litter matt. They will track litter from their feet upon exit. I prefer the type that trap the litter and you can poor out the excess into the garbage.
Cat Litter
Also crucial is a good cat litter. The crystals seem to be healthier. At least for me, I know I use my inhaler less afterwards. Less dust. There are various brands of litter that can even monitor your cats health. Love this.
Steel Litter box Hype
Everyone is upgrading from plastic to stainless steel. They don’t trap odors like plastic. They look sheik. Plastic is so 1980 anyway. Though many companies use BPA free materials. (Apparently, BPA is the “bad” stuff in plastic)
Vacuum
You must also have a good vacuum. Or vacuum sweeper. Preferably handheld. This must be done daily. Just a cat mom thing. Just like changing water. Which is an entire separate post. Luckily, vacuums are pretty affordable these days. Trust me here, it makes life easier.
Cat Models Know How to Work it!!
While I was writing this, Twilight graciously modeled her pink litter box. Cats know things. I swear. Notice the detail and consideration Twilight provided for us. The tail was right in there. Thank you Miss Twilight for letting us invade your privacy.
Here is a link to an article from my favorite Cat Behaviorist Jackson Galaxy on cats peeing outside the litter box . https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blogs/news/you-re-setting-up-your-litter-box-all-wrong
Ill also include some Amazon links to a few pertinent Jackson Galaxy products.
Amazon Links to products mentioned below:
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
(***Im working on learning how to blog again after close to 20 years. My links don’t look great yet. They work. I’ll get better. A bit of a GenX learning curve happening.)
PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box XL in Salmon Pink
https://amzn.to/3Paq9uW
Richell – PAW TRAX High Wall Cat Litter Box (RCL60001) Regular
Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box with Lid
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CSXW77QB?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=e2fe0d4012abbed5d6e7165fbf3a5152&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box- XL Extra Large Metal Cat Litter Box with High Sides
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D942V4X2?psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk&linkCode=ll1&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=1f84fc7bcbae6a41f58eb5f25bc63180&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box with Lid,Metal Litter Box for Big Cats,Extra Large Enclosed Metal Litter Box,Metal Litter Pan Tray with High Wall Sides
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFPQW1KT?psc=1&pf_rd_p=c4606765-78ec-444e-9319-716ceb6c5a61&pf_rd_r=Z336TP8TE5KMM2BD6P0Z&pd_rd_wg=N825u&pd_rd_w=aXBzJ&content-id=amzn1.sym.c4606765-78ec-444e-9319-716ceb6c5a61&pd_rd_r=30f168d2-0c28-48ed-b35e-992d17e381f2&s=pet-supplies&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&linkCode=ll1&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=c2307ebfa21046b1bae0e0c7619c5e99&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Pieviev 2 Packs Cat Litter Mat Double Layer Waterproof Urine Proof Trapping Mat
https://www.amazon.com/Pieviev-Litter-Double-Waterproof-Trapping/dp/B0BBR3CJ8J?content-id=amzn1.sym.843f49c0-56cf-4eaf-befd-f10ff009777d%3Aamzn1.sym.843f49c0-56cf-4eaf-befd-f10ff009777d&crid=1HQJ2QCMPKPL4&cv_ct_cx=cat%2Blitter%2Bmat%2Bxl&keywords=cat%2Blitter%2Bmat%2Bxl&pd_rd_i=B0BBR3CJ8J&pd_rd_r=1b41894b-fac0-4c0b-8a64-88f536135b4c&pd_rd_w=p7kxE&pd_rd_wg=n0Czg&pf_rd_p=843f49c0-56cf-4eaf-befd-f10ff009777d&pf_rd_r=44YVSMRSH72CZ684EVX4&qid=1734820569&s=pet-supplies&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=cat%2Blitter%2Bmat%2Cpets%2C209&sr=1-2-9428117c-b940-4daa-97e9-ad363ada7940-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=4de7599bb82cdb669ef94060cfb1c1df&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Genius Litter Health Indicating Cat Litter with Non-Clumping Lightweight Color Changing Silica Gel Crystal
https://amzn.to/4gt3g1T
Shark 12″ Cordless Rechargeable Floor Carpet Sweeper Multi-Surface Stick Vacuums Cleaning 2 Speed Settings
Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 450W 40KPA 55 Mins Runtime Stick Vacuum Cordless with Rechargeable Wall Mount, Vacuum Cleaner with Touch Display for Home Pet Hair Carpet Hard Floor
Jackson Galaxy: Bully Solution (2 oz.) – Pet Solution – Promotes Relaxation and Calmness
https://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Galaxy-Relaxation-Dominance-All-Natural/dp/B0048Z4W4S?crid=1AZOO5DN6RDWY&dib
Jackson Galaxy: Stain & Odor Remover – Pet Urine Remover
https://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Galaxy-Stain-Eliminator-Fizzion/dp/B019YO7Y4M?crid=1AZOO5DN6RDWY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4gPnOR86U8p0xi4ZL_jwOm1DRgYd0LSFAMhVjmZcXFdpP-fcboU_qqCYlJ3TNg81J_e0_ejVkAkRE65s-X8yHLtlDiq7qo58JzeXn7yBNmhzouM-eKkvRwaUqbid5TH2tOEYNj5b6YFSfFqFvFzuj7BSfjoBmMgpVr0bWfrIYC9NrWvniwh5rBkP0FXoed5_ydWh-0yYYMh-abNKbju0Cok-cuKzXPxm9c24aEbI5JagUt4uR2OZbwZELC1n3uO4e6peE6SFrHOQgQh6uM35lzcnXV7RU_Y7R3d84VzbOs34tXj01_1llViluMrGEJKy7DGBX1BDZWcEVdNaxgMCaZuo0IuESb8FE98jJ5TvDAA._ZgzDrA65ZqeGseAyOqqlzxROyZ-HEd02Qs5Px_r8HQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=jackson+galaxy&qid=1734820796&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=jackson+%2Cpets%2C186&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=a5723da9b8cb9306486c8599cef0e741&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Your Cat Backpack Carrier Bag – Jackson Galaxy Airline Approved Cat Carrier with Space Capsule Bubble
https://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Galaxy-Cat-Backpack-Carrier/dp/B07WF9LXCK?crid=1AZOO5DN6RDWY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4gPnOR86U8p0xi4ZL_jwOm1DRgYd0LSFAMhVjmZcXFdpP-fcboU_qqCYlJ3TNg81J_e0_ejVkAkRE65s-X8yHLtlDiq7qo58JzeXn7yBNmhzouM-eKkvRwaUqbid5TH2tOEYNj5b6YFSfFqFvFzuj7BSfjoBmMgpVr0bWfrIYC9NrWvniwh5rBkP0FXoed5_ydWh-0yYYMh-abNKbju0Cok-cuKzXPxm9c24aEbI5JagUt4uR2OZbwZELC1n3uO4e6peE6SFrHOQgQh6uM35lzJlncn6QxwuL6tWCwQVphU.mjdjamA0IiZNQQYi6hCfbbBjNds1mQ_HN9fTaLjCtw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=jackson+galaxy&qid=1734820796&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=jackson+%2Cpets%2C186&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=56c5292c4d22ed9190b43c6fd0636ac4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Gifts for Aging Parents
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Engage like Picard
It is hard to get our beloved Boomer fam and Silent Gen fam to embrace technology. Its hard for any generation honestly, including mine, Gene, who might as well be Boomers. Anyway… my point is if we can gift them tech it could easily save and prolong their lives. Many wearables include fall detection. Car crash detection. As well as heart monitoring features with the ability to take en ECG.
Peace of Mind
Our parents don’t live forever. Nor do we. Our friends. Anyone we care about. Many older folks insist on living alone. Refusing to leave the family home, even when they are struggling. Falls happen and with our aging loved ones, a fall often can be deadly.
Personal Backstory
During my mothers battle with cancer, she took a fall in the bathroom and this spiraled into her passing. We hear stories all the time of folks passing home alone, and only being found by the delivery driver.
Stubborn
We can’t always get them to wear the watch. Even if its bling. We can try. Its great because the watch will work with most phone providers. I know in my experience, every time I use the bathroom my phone rings. Im able to answer right from the watch. Its great. My watch also monitors my sleep.
Help, Ive fallen and I can’t get up
Remember the commercial from the 80’s? “Ive fallen and I can’t get up” went viral before we knew what viral meant. We want to protect our most vulnerable. Even ourselves. Falling is no joke. Living alone is brutal. If we can’t be with them in person, we can use technology to “be with them virtually”. Getting our people hooked into technology helps us all rest easier knowing they are protected.
Take the time to assist in Set Up
Below are Amazon links to various products that would make amazing Xmas gifts. Bonus points if we hang out with them and help them instal any app and work all the features. If we can’t do that in person, we can utilize zoom. It usually takes the older generation a minute to acclimate to the new technology. But once they familiarize themselves, they soon become Jedi master!!!
Apple Vs Android
Apple Watch. My top choice. Only because Im am an iPhone person. My boyfriend Zachery is Android however, but he uses an Apple Watch. It works great for him.
Alexa
The Alexa Echo provides another level of security. You can command Alexa to make phone calls, lists, remiders, play games, even comfort the dog. There is also a motion detector. This is a great device for the bathroom. Not only for the music feature, but the ability to use Alexa for emergency response. Since so many accidents happen in the bathroom. A time when we take off most wearables to bathe. Echo in the bathroom could be life saving.
Ill include links to helpful products below. These all would make great gifts. For the holidays. For any time. I wish we had them for my mother. Radical acceptance there. But I can advise others on how to prevent such a tragedy.
Here are links to wearables, Amazon Echos, old school life alerts and even the safety grab bars that I use. Very affordable. They work amazing. I wish to God we had them in my mothers bathroom. Sorry to be negative. Just know these little things can literally save our parents. Make sure at least you have your parents use the safety rails in the bathroom and shower. Or try. Like Yoda said “Do or Do Not”. Safety Dance. Thats our theme song today.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band – M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Michael Kors Men’s or Women’s Gen 6 44mm Touchscreen Smart Watch with Alexa Built-In, Fitness Tracker, Sleep Tracker, GPS, Music Control, Smartphone Notifications (Model: MKT5134V)
WHOOP 4.0 with 12 Month Subscription – Wearable Health, Fitness & Activity Tracker – Continuous Monitoring, Performance Optimization, Heart Rate Tracking – Improve Sleep, Strain, Recovery, Wellness
Fitbit Versa 2 Special Edition Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate, Music, Alexa Built-In, Sleep and Swim Tracking, Smoke Woven/Mist Grey, One Size (S and L Bands Included)
All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) + Alexa Emergency Monthly (auto-renewal)
Blink Video Doorbell (newest model), Two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts and Alexa enabled — wired or wire-free (Black)
Amazon Echo (newest model), With premium sound, smart home hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
Wall Mount Holder for Dot 4th/5th Generation, Outlet Hanger for Dot 4th/5th Gen, Smart Speaker Stand, Space-Saving Accessories, Built-in Cable Management Shelf, White
NL’AAHCÉ Grab Bars for Shower Heavy-Duty (2Pack)12-Inch ADA Compliant Shower Grab Bar for Seniors Shower Handles for Elderly Suction Handicap Safety Handrail for Bathroom Bathtubs Showers Toilet Black
Freedom Alert, Landline Personal Emergency Device, 2-Way Call with Family and Police for Home Safety, Device for Seniors and The Elderly
Safety+ 4G Medical Alert System: Fall Detection, GPS Location, 24/7 Monitoring, Mobile Caregiver App, Small, Lightweight-Call to Activate Wireless Call Button, Personal Safety, Wearable Panic Button
Medical Alert Womens Mens Necklace with Pendant – Custom Engraving for Diabetes Warfarin Dialysis Stroke Pacemakers
Fall Detection & Activity Sensor, Privacy-Preserving Videoless Stick Figure View, Action Statistics, Medical Alert
Can’t Contain the Cute
I can’t stop. Too cute. I can’t unsee the kitty pics. Must share….
From Docs to Crocs… Best Mary Jane Ever
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
I love Mary Jane Doc Martins. Ive worn them since college. Wear them with everything. Especially dresses. Love that look. However, with age its harder to wear the clunky boots. I hate the feeling of any type of heal rubbing on the back of my feet. With these crocs however, no blistering heal.
Same stylish look. No… signature look.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
love love love
Charcoal Protein Noodles
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Being a vegan living with a carnivore (plural including the felines), I love finding easy to make high protein food. These noodles are relatively low(er) in carbs. Come in multiple flavors. You can use your own sauce as well. Or no sauce (I guess). I throw in my own spices and diced shallots. Yum.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Custom T-shirt 5x
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
I made Zack Cat Dad custom T-shirts using my iPhone photography. Love that the shirts come in extra large sizes. Great colors. And it was made fast. Thanks Amazon!!!!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Sköld Legacy Creative – Rise to the Ashes 