Monday, February 21, 2011

"Sunny Seat " ("As Seen On TV), Sunny-Side Up? Or Down...

I was thrilled when I was presented with the opportunity of reviewing the "amazing" Sunny Seat. I had wanted to have something like this for Cody for quite some time, mostly because he is strictly an indoor cat and I wanted to add some visual stimulation and a new perch  to enrich his day.

In theory, Sunny Seat is fabulous:




My Experience:

The Sunny Seat kept falling off of the window, not once, twice, three or even four times, but NUMEROUS times.

I tried to get the Sunny Seat to adhere to the window a multitude of times because I really wanted Cody to enjoy this seat. Each time I washed and dried the window thoroughly. Sometimes I used window cleaner, other times gentle soap and some water. I also cleaned and dried the suction cups. The longest the seat stayed put was approximately two hours. Cody did get to sit on it, but not for long.

Cody tries out the Sunny Seat


My Thoughts:

I am greatly disappointed. I really was looking forward to Cody enjoying the Sunny Seat.  I am  going to keep trying to see if I can get it to function properly.
The first window I tried.
 there are two connecting windows with a bar
 so maybe this was not the best idea
I  originally chose to put the Sunny Seat in the above window because I didn't want Dakota to go nuts when he sees Cody on a seat higher up in a window. The window the Sunny Seat was originally adhered to was in a room that Dakota does not have access to.

Desperately wanting this product to function as promised, I moved it to a larger window in the living room (after once again cleaning the window a few times, as well as the "industrial strength" suction cups)

So far...


So good....but noticeably missing a cat

"And they all fall down!!"
 After about 15 minutes, thankfully, without Cody sitting on it.


Some Final Questions:

It is still cold and cloudy more days than not here in Michigan. Is the Sunny Seat less functional in cold temperatures and does it only perform as promised in a window that has been warmed by the sun? (I am not trying to be funny I am serious). Do warm temps make it adhere to the window better?

Does anyone currently own the Sunny Seat? I am eager to hear your experiences and any suggestions you may have that I could implement with the anticipated result of this product functioning in the manner that I had originally  expected  it to.


**I was not compensated for this review. I was given this product to test and report my findings. As much as I prefer to do a positive review on products that I test, I must be honest when presenting the findings from this product (from my personal experience) to my  readers. Maybe your experience will produce different results.

78 comments:

  1. Well, he looked pretty happy for the little bit he did get to sit on it! :) I think you have a good point about it working better in warmer weather..Good luck!

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  2. Aunty Caren,
    I hate anything with suction cups. It doesn't work most of the time, whether in cold or hot weather. Maybe the manufacturer should have changed it to hooks or something. Mama bought me a table that gets hooked onto the balcony with a G-clamp. Oh, the thingy should also indicate the maximum weight it can hold. You know....some of us are...ehem....hefty. purrr....meow!

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  3. MOL...For the last photo !
    I'm sorry Caren but That's what I thought in the first seen the industrial-Strength Suction Cup ! for me it look like normal suction cup.

    But I'm so glad to see you did test first. So my buddy Cody is safe : ) and I think safe for Dakota as well. Not hit Dakota's head : )

    Mom's opinion, she think Suction Cup is something to do with air pressure. And she found " How the suction Cup work " for you.

    She think you might want to have a look. please click the link from here : Physics Suction Cup

    xxxx
    Puddy

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  4. I think the suction caps don't look at all safe or are of industrial strength size!! I hope you get others with experiences of this seat - it's a very interesting concept though - shame it doesn't seem to be living up to their ad!!!

    Take care and thanks for sharing this review
    x

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  5. Hmmmm! Shame it didn't work :( Interested to know if others have had the same experience?

    Austin has no need for a Sunny Seat, as there are so many places he can go to sit in the sun (when it's out!) lol

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  6. I just saw a post about this on another blog. I want to say within the past week, but I just can't recall whose blog or when, not with the hellish week we've all had here with Annie's passing.

    Their cat was using it -- but I have no idea if the suction cups held over a few hours.

    It's a nice idea, but I don't see how those cups really could hold up a 15 or 20 pound cat.

    What about one of those window seats that you screw into the wall, for Cody?

    -Mom Kim

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  7. Oh that stinks, the Sunny Seat is such a great concept. I hope they are able to get the sticky party worked out. Safety is important. Thanks for the right up!!

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  8. The Sunny Seat seems a very cool and innovative design if it could be more solid and safer. Sorry that I can't help. I could only think of hammering nails onto the walls and place it there but it serves no purpose as a sunny seat anymore. Hope someone can come out with some better ideas so Cody can enjoy the sunshine and the outdoor views too!
    Good luck!!!

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  9. Looks like it has way to disastrous results for me! Imagine your kitty sitting peacefully on it and then WHAMMO! Your poor kitty goes for a skydive without a parachute! I would not put Moby in it.

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  10. That's disappointing! It is a cool idea for a seat, though. I do wonder about the temps. During Halloween I have a hard time hanging things with suction cups on the windows -- I always assumed it was because it was chilly and moist sometimes. I don't know...

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  11. I tested the Sunny Seat with an 18-pound bag of cat litter (since Allegra, for some reason, did not show any interest in it whatsoever), and it held up without any problems. It did come off initially because I ignored the directions that said you have to start with a clean window. Once I cleaned the window, it worked beautifully. Here's the link to my full review (and I'm also giving one away): http://consciouscat.net/2011/02/18/product-review-and-giveaway-sunny-seat-cat-bed/

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  12. @Ingrid I am very glad that you had excellent results! Question, what was the outdoor temp when it worked and how "sunny" is the window that you have it in? Yes I did read the directions which is why I cleaned the window (and the suction cups, which it says to do) a multitude of times. I may be bad mechanically but I know how to clean windows! lol. I even used plain vinegar and water at one point to clean the windows because that cleans even better than window cleaner. I am super glad it worked for you but it sure didn't for me!

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  13. @Angie I truly think you are on to something. I have experienced the same thing with other things that require the use of suction cups. I am seriously wondering if the cold has something to do with it. I definitely holding on to the seat and will test it again when the weather warms up and we get more sun.

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  14. Have visions of my four all climbing onto the sunny seat and it then collapsing and fur flying everywhere :-)

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  15. @AlittleSprite I am sorry but the way you worded that was funny! I didn't put it high up for the very same reason once I saw that it could fall. When Cody was sitting in it I actually had put him in it. He really wasn't interested in it.

    @Priscilla you are exactly right. It is meant for a window so nails wouldn't be the answer. I still think it is a fabulous idea but the manner that they use to have it adhere to the window should be revisited.

    @Abigail, Madison and Lisa, I also think it is a fabulous concept, if it worked! :) I hope they get the sticky part worked out too!

    @Kea have been thinking of you and am flattered that you even stopped by at all with all you have been going through ((((hugs)))) I am happy to see you! Hopefully the person that wrote the blog you are speaking of will stop by and give their assessment. I saw the same review. Cody does sit on the window ledge or on top of his kitty condo in another room. I will try this out in warmer temps and hopefully it will have better results.

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  16. @Carolyn "when it's out" seems to be the operative phrase here too. We just got 9 more inches of snow yesterday and last night :(

    @Old Kitty I LOVE the concept! I am interested in hearing what others have to say as well! Thanks so much!

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  17. @Mr.Puddy of course you are a genius as always! I just read the valuable information that you linked in your comment and I appreciate it! It is interesting that they said in what you sent to "wet the edges"....if I am not mistaken in the directions that I received it said to clean and dry the window and suction cups thoroughly. I didn't try them with the edges wet....that will probably be the next thing that I try thanks to your suggestion, but I am going to wait til it is warmer out and sunnier because I still think that may have something to do with it as well.

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  18. Uh oh. Thankfully Cody wasn't on the seat when it fell! My cat growing up, Earl, used to have a window seat that clipped on to the bottom of the window and it was very soft and plush. This seat doesn't look very comfy for dear Cody!

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  19. @Cat in Sydney, I agree about not being certain that a suction cup would hold securely to begin with. Actually Cody's weight shouldn't be a problem. He is a small boned cat so he looks larger than what he really is, he is only 12 lbs and the seat kept falling down thankfully when he wasn't on it.

    @Catsparella I think Cody DID enjoy it while he got to sit there. Can't begin to tell you how many times we tried it...will try again when the weather gets warmer.

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  20. I think the suction cups are a bad idea. They would have done better with the heavy duty magnets that attach on the inside and outside of the window. (There are wreath holders made like this). All it would take is falling once and mine would reject it forever!

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  21. Mario's mom here - I don't have a sunny seat, but past experience here with even hanging cute little sun catchers on the windows with suction cups has not been positive. I think the cold windows might have something to do with it too. Save the seats and try in the summer. They look like a good idea - I was tempted, until I read yours fall down. WI isn't any warmer then MI.

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  22. I can understand your disappointment. I bet Cody was disappointed as well. I remember I had a cat that just loved to sit on the window sill and look out the window. I am glad though that Cody wasn't sitting on it when it fell down.

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  23. @Link you have piqued my interest. Do you remember what type of seat that was that you said "clipped" beneath the window? You said it was when Earl was growing up so I am wondering if it was a long time ago? That sounds interesting.

    @Denise G. I really don't think Cody was too disappointed because he sits in the rocking chair by that window anyway or on top of his condo. I am glad he wasn't sitting on it when it fell either!

    @"M" (Mario's Mom)...you just made me remember hanging sun catchers and you are right. It is similar to what Angie said about hanging Halloween decorations. I agree about the cold window. I am for sure saving the seat and when the Spring comes (if it ever does lol) and the temps are warmer and the sun stays out longer I will try again. I still think they are a great idea. If you are interested Ingrid King posted a link to her blog today (it is in her comment) where she ironically reviewed the seat on the same day and she is having a give-away if you want to try and win it.

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  24. @Kelly I have never seen magnets like that. Are they super large? How do they go inside and outside the window? (I am Jewish so that is probably why I have never seen them on a wreath holder because I don't purchase wreaths) but the concept is very interesting.

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  25. Hello!
    Thank You very much for this post!
    I have not seen before it!
    Good!

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  26. I really hope a solution is found because it looks great - something I believe a cat truly could love. But not much good if it falls down even without a cat in it!!
    Have a lovely day!

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  27. @Amin Hi! Hope you are well! Glad you liked it!

    @Gods Little People I am definitely going to try it again when the weather gets warmer (if it ever does lol), if my findings are different then I will definitely re-blog about it. You have a lovely day too! About to go out now and dig my car out of 9 inches of snow!

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  28. Goodness, who knew suction cups were so complicated...LOL!

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  29. @CatsRUs how did I miss your hilarious comment? I hope that wouldn't happen! lol

    @Katnip Lounge really!!! lol. I lost one follower I noticed...maybe they loved suction cups and got upset lol

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  30. Have you tried spraying rubbing alcohol on the window? To get things to adhere to the glazed brick walls in my classroom, that's what I used. Try it, it might work! Happy week to you and Cody.
    My visit with Biscuit, my grand-kitty, is almost over. People are looking for a cat for me.

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  31. I hate when stuff doesn't work! Sorry you were so disappointed!

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  32. @Scrappy Grams, now that is one thing that I HAVEN'T tried and I just might have to do that! Thanks!
    Happy week to you too! Awww I am sorry your visit with Biscuit is almost over. Glad to hear that people are looking for a cat for you! Can't wait! There are sooooo many in need of good homes that I am sure you will be able to find one!

    @houndstooth, yes I am disappointed but will try it again when the weather is warmer.

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  33. I can totally see how the suction cups wouldn't hold -- the weight of the cat is bound to loosen them. Heck, I can't even get suction cup decorations to stay put on my windows! I hope he wasn't sitting on it when it crashed -- poor kitty would get the ride (and fright) of his life!

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  34. We had thought about getting one for Scylla as she mostly stays inside and she is too big for the window ledges, but we are afraid it would fall with her. She weighs more then Cody.

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  35. When I first saw that video you pposted I got all excited...that would really be cool, especially multiples to climb on. Oh well, looks like the only way those suction cups are going to work is with a little super glue!

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  36. I've seen this on tv....the suction cups had me a little leery on trying it. And Bazinga is getting big :-)

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  37. I bet Lily would love that seat. She is half kitty kat
    Benny (& Lily)

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  38. I am reviewing it too and since it kept falling I emailed the pr person back asking for tips to make it stick and to see if she wanted me to post the review but she hasn't responded to any of my emails. I think maybe the cold has something to do with it and was going to try again when if is warmer.

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  39. It's so sad that they advertise something that will never work . It disappoints the cats for certain and the cat moms as well. You did a service telling us.
    xox

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  40. Oh my, I am so glad Cody was not on the seat when it fell! Looks like it would have been a winner if the manufacturer could design a better way for it to adhere to the window.

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  41. Thanks for such an accurate review, Caren. I'm not surprised at all with the suction cup problem. I've never been satisfied with any product that has suction cups.

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  42. It's a shame it didn't work out, it seems like such a good idea in theory.

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  43. That is a neat seat ;)
    Have you tried "Vasoline" (petroleum jelly) ?
    We used it to put Christmas lights up on inside windows. The nights here get mighty cold,but the lights & suction cups worked.Mind, they were not subjected to kitty power!! heehee
    Purrs Mickey,Georgia & Tillie

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  44. Oooh, too bad 'cause that looks like an awesome idea. My Human is not much of a believer in suction cups though. They never seem to work long with my toys nor for things that are 'spozed to stay on the glass shower door.

    A big thumbs down! I'll just stay at the tippy top of my tower. I don't want to test that whole landing-on-your-feet thing.

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  45. Like it. I want one ....for me.

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  46. Thanks for an honest review! It does look like a cool concept, but too bad it keeps falling down :(

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  47. @Julia Williams, I have to agree. No thankfully Cody wasn't on it when it happened.

    @nick...well...unless you are a cat, good luck...if it can't hold a cat it most certainly won't hold YOU lol.

    @Spitty the idea IS awesome. I am not a believer in suction cups either and you are right that eventually they do come down.

    @Mickey...Vasoline? Interesting idea....maybe I will give that one a try. Thanks!

    @Julia Writer it IS a good idea in theory, a great idea! Now, Ingrid King above said she had superior results with it...but...I think it is warmer in Virginia than in Michigan and I am seriously wondering if that has something to do with it. I cleaned the window(s) multiple times as I had mentioned so it isn't as if I didn't read the directions.

    @Dawn thank you! I am usually not a big fan of suction cups either and really wanted it to work. When I retest when the weather gets warmer if things change I will certainly post it. Thanks!

    @Shawn I am glad Cody wasn't on it as well! One other issue..they should have included a pad or something because to me it doesn't look particularly comfy.

    @Admiral Hestorb...well it DID work for Ingrid King above....I did the exact same thing. I can only go by my own experience and I thank you for appreciating my assessment of what I experienced

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  48. @Diane did you experience it falling as well or are you referring to when it kept falling for me? Funny you mentioned that she didn't respond (unless she is on vacation or was off for President's Day) I had emailed her when it arrived, thanking her and didn't hear back (which was unusual)....I am thinking maybe she is on vacation or something. I am interested to know if it was falling down for you as well.

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  49. @Benny & Lily wait to try it! A cat will land on their feet if they fall, not sure about a doggie! xoxoxo

    @Chocolateangel, I haven't seen it advertised yet on TV at all and I understand this month it was supposed to be on. I am glad to hear that you saw it there. Once again, maybe it will work for you better than it did for me.

    @Brian "SUPER GLUE!!" You are a GENIUS!! That is what I should try!!!! lol THAT would stick!

    @AF well Ingrid above said she put 18 lbs or something on hers and it stayed up. You are in a warmer climate right? Maybe you would have better luck!

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  50. @Natalie you are welcome and thank you!! Yep I think it is a great concept too and I will still try again in warmer temps!

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  51. Yikes! The Sunny Seat looks dangerous. We think the Window Perch would a much safer option.

    ~Slash & Bronzy

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  52. @Slash & Bronzy, I saw a Window Perch online today that I really liked that attaches to the bottom of the window with screws or something. I have to agree! (at least at this point!)

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  53. Paws up for this amazing sunny seat!
    I love it!
    purrs
    Luna

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  54. @Fin, yes...it was!

    @Luna so glad that you love it! Do you have one? Please share your experiences with us!

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  55. Awww... nice little place, if only it stayed in its place longer.

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  56. Caren, I had the Sunny Seat mounted on two different windows - one shady, one sunny. I can't recall what the outdoor temps were - we've had quite a range over the past week, ranging from 30s to 70s.

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  57. @Indrani agreed!

    @Ingrid thanks for the info! I am super glad that it worked for you! I will still try it again when it gets warmer (we have been mostly in the deep freeze other than one 50 degree day last week)...I cleaned and cleaned the windows, can only go by my experience but I am very glad it worked for you! xoxo

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  58. What a story....Sunny Seat sounds like it could be a death-trap for a cat. Unbelievable....poor Cody

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  59. Hello!
    It is very interesting experience.
    Thanks!

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  60. I don't own a Sunny Seat, and from the looks of what you went through, I never will.

    Two of my kitties are much heavier than the norm and I wouldn't want them to fall unaware.

    It sure doesn't look like it attaches very securely. I've never been a fan of those suction cups -- they never stick for long.

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  61. I've also had troubles w/anything attching to windows via suction cups, one day modern science will find a cure, meanwhile thanks for the honest appraisal, very rare to find!! Ms. Z.

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  62. @Diane, I don't think a cat would die from falling if it fell but it certainly would make the cat less inclined to sit on it! :)

    @Ms.Z yep me too. I hope "modern science" finds a cure soon! You are welcome and thanks so much! Wasn't my intent to offend anyone, I just have to be honest and say what my experience was. Thank you!

    @CCL Wendy I wonder about much heavier cats as well. From my experience (even prior to this), suction cups never stick long

    @Amin, thank you!

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  63. Still a cool idea for a product! I have found that getting suction cups a little wet helps them to stay stuck to windows etc. better and for longer. I have a thing in my shower that is held by suction cups and every once in a while they come unstuck so I just get the backs of them wet and they stick again!

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  64. @Stacey and Ellie yes I agree it is a cool idea and I WILL try again and I will use your suggestions as well! Thanks so much!

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  65. Mom and Dad have wanted to try some sort of window seat for me that did not require screws and permanent attachment but they conclude that it would likely require something that had brackets and actually screwed into the wall would be the most secure.

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  66. Oh darn! We had high hopes for theese one because we've always wanted a window seat at my house...

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  67. I don't think suctioncup is a good idea,it will let goof its hold eventually.
    I thought Cody looked like he enjoyed it (in the 1st picture).
    But...I think it's a goodidea to hang something by the window, I want to make my own for my turtle...but has to be more permanent.

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  68. @Simba I second your Mom and Dad's conclusion!

    @Cloon we had high hopes for it too. Will try it again when the weather warms up.

    @Novroz I agree about the suction cups (unless they are giant sized!) Awwww a turtle on a window seat? Too cute!

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  69. I hope your cat is okay & not spooked by this seat! I have not had luck with super suction cups even holding up a small suncatcher... 2 that cracked :( my brother had a window seat that grabbed onto the bottom of the window & leaned against the wall under neath some how, very good luck with that one, kept Bella off the kitchen table too. I wonder if you use cup hooks & attach the chains to the hooks? good luck.

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  70. @GrammyMouseTails ohhh Cody is fine thank you! Thankfully the seat fell without his being on it. I am like you where I haven't had luck either. A few on here have but it seems the vast majority haven't. Thanks for the idea! Also thanks for visiting!

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  71. Hi, I am writing a review on it tonight, as well, however I did not have problems with it... Granted, My cat only used for a few hours, but it didn't get anywhere near collapsing. The suction cups didn't get any air inside at all. My cat is 12.5lbs. I am not keeping as I live in the 1st floor and there are privacy issues with keeping the windows open... but if not for that, I'd love to!
    Anyways, In looking closely at your pictures, I noticed your cables were not completely straight. That is essential in keeping the suction in the cups. Remember, when you want to loosen it up and detach them, you pull the sides, right? When your cables are not not 100% straight, you are essentially doing that, but constantly. It is kind of a pain to get it right, but make sure that everywhere you look has a 90 degree angle (aside from when you look at the cable from the sides, of course). That will make the Suction cups hold much stronger.
    I would push them in a couple of times a day too, just for good measure...
    Good luck!

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    1. Thanks so much for the tips and I am sorry it took me YEARS to see these!

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  72. Thanks for posting. I need something to get my cats higher, because of my dog.
    Any other suggestions? not liking this one .
    Probably will build onto the walls something.

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    1. We reviewed the book Catify to Satisfy on our blog....check it out....get the book, you should be able to get some great ideas!

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  73. My 13 lbs. cat loves her sunny seat!!! Clean the cups and window with rubbing alcohol & place in a window that gets some sun. My cat spends most her time between the two. Every once in a while one cup may come loose but the whole thing does not tumble down! And yes, it happens on cold days, but not very often. Mine were in the window all winter, even during a blizzard! It helps if the window does get some sun - one gets morning sun, the other afternoon sun. I am so glad I purchased these, they are worth the hassle and patience!!!
    LOL, while I was writing this my cat left me and jumped into her Sunny Seat.
    P.S. Don't buy the knock offs get the real thing. Walmart sells them online.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that! I am glad that someone had success with it! Good to hear!!

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  74. If you love your pet cat that much then you probably are looking ways for it to feel at home at your very own house. You might as well would like to search for the right gift that you can give your cat in exchange for those years that it has been keeping you company. A cat window perch may be one of the greatest gifts you can give your pet feline.


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