A scientific approach to a better cat toy | Features | yoursun.com

In the basement of a ranch-style home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Allison Zank is hard at work in her laboratory.

Oils are being heated in a water bath. Botanical substances are awaiting extractions and infusions. There’s a white board diagramming the molecular makeup of pheromonal compounds such as actinidine and civetone.

Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

“It weighs the same as an average dead chipmunk. I had to google that one.” — Allison Zank, describing one of the toys

“I believe my products are different. They very carefully consider feline psychology.” — Allison Zank

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,racist or sexually-oriented language.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten. Threats of harming anotherperson will not be tolerated.Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyoneor anything.Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ismthat is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link oneach comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitnessaccounts, the history behind an article.

Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, e-edition, obituaries, boating, entertainment and more.

Please enable it in your browser settings.Keep it Clean.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten.Be Truthful.Be Nice.Be Proactive.Share with Us.