Cats are lovely, attention-grabbing, bizarre creatures. If you are fortunate sufficient to be beloved by one, it is your God-given duty to offer them a snug and enjoyable residence. Cats require a specific environment to play, scratch, and chill out. Based on years of testing with our pets, these are our favourite cat toys, litter packing containers, and different feline provides. Even if our cats rejected a selected product, we nonetheless examined total development, design, and worth to find out whether or not it might be helpful for different kitties. They might be finicky, so you’ll have to think about a number of to seek out the fitting match.
Check out our associated guides like Our Favorite Fancy Cat Furniture. More of a canine individual? We’ve bought you lined! See our Best Accessories and Tech Essentials for Your Dog information.
Updated April 2024: We’ve added new favorites, together with the Eufy 360 Pet Camera, Tuft and Paw Porto service, Ok&H Portable Car Seat Kennel, plus well being suggestions like Chewy’s free telehealth service and comfortable cone collars.
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Table of Contents
Basic Cat Rules and Tips
Don’t hearken to the cat haters: Cats do type a connection to their human homeowners. While they could be extra low-maintenance than canines, they require considerate care. Here are some primary dos and don’ts when proudly owning a cat.
Do: Separate meals and water. Use a number of litter packing containers for a number of cats. Give them methods to hunt their meals. Ensure they get train and playtime. Give them locations to cover and really feel protected. Regularly trim their nails. Give them love and affection!
Don’t: Declaw them. Leave them unattended round these toxic plants. Accidentally hurt them with widespread essential oils like eucalyptus. Feed them a vegan diet, milk (sure, actually), or these different toxic foods.
Best Litter Boxes
A litter field is important. What type you get will depend on your cat—not each cat likes enclosed packing containers, and others want excessive sides to protect your partitions from urine (typically they goal excessive!). An excellent rule of thumb is having one field per cat, and one on every ground should you dwell in a multilevel residence. You’ll discover low-cost, normal litter packing containers wherever you should purchase pet items, however we have now a number of suggestions we have examined.
Tuft and Paw’s merchandise are fashionable and lovely (and normally fairly costly). The Cove is easy however is elevated with removable sides and a spot to carry its scoop and small dustpan. If you forgo the edges, it prices $149. The newer Cubby ($69) is a simplified model for lower than half the value. It does not have the built-in holder for the inside track and duster however has the identical elegant look.
Any medium-size plastic storage bins (with out the lid) are low-cost and work nicely for litter packing containers. I sometimes get these from Target as an alternative of the multi-packs on Amazon. If you get a tall one, think about slicing out an entryway and sanding it down so your kitty can simply get in and out—I take advantage of a rotary cutter and sandpaper sheets to do that.
More Litter Boxes We Like
- The Smart Paws Extra Large Litter Box for $59 has been a fantastic funding. It’s massive however gentle, even with litter in it, and it dampens a few of the sound from my cat who likes to scratch the edges all evening.
- Good Pet Stuff’s Hidden Litter Planter for $67 properly blends into small areas with a intelligent plant disguise. My solely gripe is that it must be changed extra typically than different packing containers. It felt prefer it bought dirty rapidly, and no quantity of washing may minimize it. There’s a equally designed planter from ExquisiCat we’ve not tried.
- Can’t determine on a field? Kitty Poo Club for $16-$29 delivers disposable, recyclable packing containers to your door each month, with or with out litter. The cardboard has a skinny plastic coating inside, so it should not leak, so long as you are changing it. Standard-size boxes are $16 with out litter and go as much as $29 with litter, relying on which kind you need. XL boxes are $18 on their very own and $60 with litter.
Automatic Litter Boxes
Robotic litter packing containers are huge and costly, and specialists warn that not cleansing out a field day-after-day may imply lacking potential indicators of illness. But we tried two that modified our minds. Both are nonetheless massive and dear, however they’ve related apps to maintain observe of your cat’s toilet habits. You’ll know if one thing is up, however you’ll be able to nonetheless scoop much less.
Whisker’s Litter-Robot 4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is glossy and futuristic-looking, with a much bigger drum that can doubtless attraction to bigger cats. The cleansing cycle is fast and almost silent. It does a fantastic job of concealing odors too—the scent is stunning once you open that waste drawer. Read our overview for extra about our expertise utilizing it.
The Casa Leo (previously referred to as Smarty Pear) was the primary computerized litter field I attempted and it satisfied me they’re value it. Leo’s Loo Too (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a tad cheaper than the Litter-Robot and has the identical highly effective odor management. Both are loaded with security options to cease cleansing cycles ought to a cat leap in, however this one is extra delicate in case you have notably curious cats. I really like the pop of colour, however the drum has a smaller opening that some cats might not like. As somebody who desires of proudly owning a bar or espresso store referred to as Huxley’s House, I admire that it is named after the proprietor’s late cat Leo.
Litter Box Accessories
Litter field placement is difficult and most individuals do not wish to relinquish closet area or a bed room to a litter field. I (Louryn) examined and love this litter field enclosure. It conceals my cat’s packing containers from eyes and noses and it provides my kitties privateness. My cats took to it immediately and appear to be as relieved as I’m that we will not see each other whereas they do their enterprise. It seems like a small credenza or freestanding cabinet and the impartial colours work nicely in most rooms (you may also paint it). I do not suppose you could possibly guess it housed litter should you did not know. I sprinkle this deodorizer on the litter, however the enclosure does job of trapping odors by itself. This is my favourite piece of cat gear I’ve ever examined, and it is typically on sale.
Automatic litter packing containers now offer you well being insights, however you do not have to spend $700 to know precisely what’s occurring when Fluffy visits the commode. Purina’s Petivity (8/10, WIRED Recommends) sits beneath an ordinary litter field and, as soon as related to the app, tells you which ones cat visited the field at what time, how a lot they weigh, and in the event that they went primary or two. This has made my life a lot much less worrying as a result of now I do know precisely how a lot my cat Huxley, who has decrease urinary tract illness, is urinating. If one thing is off, I do know instantly and can get him to the vet.
Litter Genies allow you to scoop the field day-after-day with out a journey to the rubbish can. As with a Diaper Genie, you scoop clumps into the highest compartment and open a hatch that drops it to a backside compartment, the place it holds within the odors for as much as two weeks. When you’re able to empty it, there’s a helpful attachment that safely cuts the bag to tie it off and begin a brand new one. You’ll must commit to purchasing refills although. We tried the usual one however there are a number of measurement choices, together with a Plus, XL, and Easy Roll Genie, which says one refill pack can final six months and comes with perforated luggage as an alternative of the slicing mechanism. We’ll check that mannequin quickly.
More Litter Accessories We Like
- Don’t overlook a litter mat. Whether you utilize low-tracking litter, a field with steps, and even an enclosure, litter by some means will get in all places. A litter mat will assist maintain it below management and you should purchase these anywhere they promote litter packing containers. Just vacuum commonly and shake it out now and again.
- Cat not taking to their litter field? Sprinkle a bit little bit of this litter attractant after cleansing the field. It’ll assist them do their enterprise within the designated spot. It’s additionally useful for after a transfer.
Food and Water Bowls
Most vets and cat specialists let you know to make use of chrome steel or glass bowls for your pet’s meals and water. Plastic can get dingy and soiled quick, and it holds onto micro organism, which can lead to cat acne. If your cat likes the units of bowls that sit in a stand together, nice, however some like their water to be separate from their dry kibble.
It’s no secret that I (Medea) am obsessive about Owala. I drink from the model’s FreeSip water bottle and my cats drink from this bowl, as do some WIRED canines. It has a rubbery grip on the underside to cease it from slipping round, and the coating has held up after many dishwasher runs. It additionally is available in 48 ounces. We like Yeti’s stainless steel pet bowl too nevertheless it prices extra.
My (Louryn’s) neighborhood has an affectionate real-life squishmallow of an outside cat named Stokely. He’s the sweetest, greatest gravy boat conceivable, nevertheless it’s powerful to not really feel like an enabler when he comes round asking for dinner. A gradual feeder has helped curb his habits—possibly not his urge for food—however the mat slows him down. We tried a number of lick mats from Catflower, and there are dozens of similar options with suction cups to maintain them in place. Some evaluations point out that notably toothsome cats may chew on the mats to the purpose of degrading them. While I’ve not skilled this, it is all the time sensible to oversee your pet whereas they’re consuming.
Elevated feeders are nice for giving your cats a snug consuming posture and may even assist them to eat slower, hopefully stopping them from vomiting it proper up on the carpet. These bowls have some top to them and are available varied widths and sizes.
Other Elevated Bowls and Stands We Like
Water Fountains
Cats do not feel the necessity to drink water the best way people do. So in the event that they’re sad with their water state of affairs, it may result in dehydration and other serious issues like bladder stones and urethral blockages—some cats don’t love their water proper subsequent to their meals, which is why it is advisable to maintain them separate. Male cats are particularly susceptible to those points. Feeding them moist meals helps with their water consumption, however we wished a extra engaging means for our cats to drink water. Some cats want ingesting from fountains (or, as many cat homeowners have skilled, from the bathroom faucet). You’ll want to alter the filter about each month, and in some circumstances, it would have to be close to a wall outlet, nevertheless it’s value it in case your cat makes use of it.
We tried Catit’s plastic flower fountain and its stainless-steel-topped fountain. While chrome steel bowls are most popular, some cats might like the best way the water flows out of the flower in streams. Just clear it commonly, and ensure to replace the filter when wanted.
Uah’s fountain makes use of a chargeable pump so that you need not plug it in whereas utilizing it and the battery lasts a minimum of three months earlier than needing a cost in our testing. It’s all stainless so it is easy to wash—you’ll be able to put it within the dishwasher. It’s additionally almost silent and should you activate movement activation, it begins to run when a cat is close to it and turns off after they stroll away.
Catit’s Pixi sequence gives a sensible fountain and feeder managed by way of the Pixi app (out there on iOS and Android). The fountain’s pump has a small LED that shines by way of the clear cat nostril on the entrance, turning crimson when the water is low and blue if UV-C sterilization is on. It blinks blue when the filter must be modified, and the app can even warn you. For the feeder, you need to use the app to both pour meals remotely or on a day by day schedule. You also can press the cat’s nostril to pour or disable it in case your pets determine it out. The app will let you know when the reservoir is prepared for a refill. Plus, it features a spot for backup batteries in case the facility goes out when you’re away.
The Felaqua Connect (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is not a fountain, nevertheless it mechanically dispenses water into the bowl as your cat drinks. It connects to an app and, utilizing your cat’s microchip quantity, retains observe of when and how a lot every cat drinks. You want the Sure Petcare hub for the app connection, which is included for $199. If you do not care for app connectivity, you’ll be able to forgo it for $115 and solely get an computerized dispenser, however at that value, it is best to go together with a less expensive fountain.
Scratching Posts and Furniture
Cats have to scratch, and if you wish to forestall them from ripping up furnishings, you’ll want to present them with ample scratching posts. Declawing is just not the reply—it is like eradicating your fingers on the final knuckles—and can lead to problems.
Cats additionally like to leap and climb no matter they will, so a cat tree ought to assist maintain them occupied and off your mantle or breakable glassware. Cat timber are comprised of supplies that may be scratched up, and some embrace separate scratching posts. If you are not anxious about aesthetics, you may discover loads of good cat timber at pet shops, in addition to locations like Home Goods or the like.
PetFusion lounges are a long-lasting, but pricey favourite. They’re sturdy and look good, and as soon as the highest has been completely destroyed, you’ll be able to flip it over for a brand-new floor.
Pet beds are sometimes hit and miss with cats, however this cave has been an enormous hit in my home. Even my 20-pounder, Donny, will get in right here. There are a number of designs to select from and all are comprised of sturdy wool, which ought to maintain them heat and cozy and last more than fake fur.
Catit’s Vesper line has a pleasant fashionable really feel that is arduous to seek out in reasonably priced cat furnishings. The Small Vesper Box does not take up an excessive amount of area, nevertheless it’s the right top to get my cats proper at window stage. They can nap within the lined backside stage, scratch and play on the second stage, and sit on the comfortable fluffy pillow on prime for chicken watching. It was straightforward to place collectively, and the material pillows and pads are machine cleanable. The Vesper High Base is a taller choice, nice for multi-cat properties or for pets that do not essentially prefer to lounge collectively. The Vesper line contains many other sizes and colors.
When you reside in a small condominium, all the pieces you enhance with issues as a result of it is all on show—nothing will get hidden once you solely have one to 3 rooms. Some of us need our cat’s furnishings to match too. Mau’s Cat Tree is considered one of our favorites. If you’ll be able to afford it, your cats will thanks.
These window seats are a good way for cats to bask within the solar and maintain a watchful eye on the neighborhood whereas safely indoors. They’re straightforward to put in too, with sticky strips that connect to your window sill that may maintain as much as 40 kilos. You also can nail the bottom into the window body, and there are even heated seats for super-spoiled kitties. The covers are detachable and might be machine-washed. You’ll want a window sill a minimum of 2 inches deep to correctly assist it. If you do not have that, see the product beneath.
I (Medea) was scared to strive perches that connect with suction cups, out of worry they could instantly fall, however after some looking, I discovered the Kitty Cot perches. They stick extraordinarily nicely—Huxley’s 13-pound stomach did not budge the factor. The seat is product of nylon that ought to outlast even the sharpest claws. The firm used to have mats for the perches, however they have been unavailable for months, and your cat might want a blanket or mattress that they already like anyway.
More Furniture and Scratchers We Like
We have a full information on the fanciest cat furniture we’ve tried, however be ready to shell out some severe money. These are two of our favorites:
Pet Cameras
The means to sneak a peek at your cat once you’re out gives nervous pet homeowners (most of us) some peace of thoughts. Eufy’s digital camera is our favorite. It’s not low-cost, nevertheless it pans round and permits you to toss treats whereas away. An enormous plus is that you simply need not subscribe month-to-month to get video historical past. Most different cameras require you to make use of an SD card should you do not wish to pay.
You do not want a pet-specific digital camera except you need particular options like deal with tossing or meow alerts. A easy security camera works simply as nicely and they’re normally cheaper. This one from Wyze rotates 360 levels and has a privateness mode the place the lens faces down when you do not need it watching.
Cat Toys
If you’ve got a cat, you may know they sometimes need no matter piece of trash they discover reasonably than a pleasant toy you’ve got spent good cash on. That stated, these Cat Amazing puzzle toys have been well received. They maintain my kitties sharp by activating their searching abilities and making them use their brains. They nonetheless get a lot of treats, however they must work a bit tougher for them.
My cats additionally went nuts for this Ripple Rug. The backside piece stays in place whereas the highest might be configured into totally different shapes for enjoying (or searching), and you’ll be able to reshape it as typically as you would like. The materials seems like felt however is comprised of 24 post-consumer plastic bottles and can stand up to sharp claws.
If you’ll be able to’t determine which type of toy your cats will like, otherwise you simply need them to be refreshed now and again, Meowbox is a good subscription. You can select to get deliveries each one or two months, and they embrace extremely cute toys following an equally cute theme, and treats. Plus, for each field bought, the corporate provides meals to a shelter. You can see exactly where on its web site.
More Toys We Like
Cleaning Supplies
Cats puke and cough up hairballs, normally on no matter carpeted floor they will discover. They’ll additionally often get a bit piece of poop caught to their fluffy butt hair and drag it throughout the room in a determined try to flee its grips (possibly that is simply my cat). An excellent carpet cleaner shall be a lifesaver. We have a guide with several options, however I notably just like the Bissell Pet Stain Erase PowerBrush. It’s small and gentle however highly effective, cleansing even day-old stains, and there aren’t any lengthy hoses or tiny little components for particles to get caught in—any half that is going to get dirty from what you are cleansing might be rinsed out simply. It’s moveable too, so so long as it is charged you’ll be able to stroll round cleansing each floor conceivable with out being tethered to an outlet. I do not audibly groan once I spot a pile of puke anymore, and that is a giant deal.
If you’ve got lots of carpets, you might wish to get a big stand-up cleaner. Our favourite is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro. It’s a bit bit tougher to seek out now, nevertheless it’s nonetheless out there immediately from Bissell.
If your cats aren’t fearful of it, a robotic vac is likely to be a worthy funding. It will maintain the hair and litter at bay with as minimal effort from you as potential. We have a list of favorites, and this X8 is our choose for pets as a result of it makes use of twin generators to suck up twice as a lot dust in a single cross. We did not love its maps function, nevertheless. The X8 is costly, so if you need one thing to simply maintain shifting across the ground, get the iRobot Roomba 694. It’s typically discounted to below $200.
I additionally advocate investing in an air air purifier or two, particularly should you’re allergic to the cats you’re keen on a lot (responsible). We have a number of favorite options throughout various budgets, however this one is nice for rooms as much as 930 sq. toes.
More Cleaning Supplies We Like
- Unless your pet is hairless, their fur is probably going in all places on a regular basis. The silicone Fur Zapper for $13 is of course sticky, so hair clings to it within the laundry. Throw these within the washer and dryer, then simply rinse ’em off and use them once more.
- The Chom Chom Hair Remover for $28 makes it straightforward to de-fur the couch, ottoman, sneakers, and every other floor that will get lined of their hair. We use them each single day. It does not refill too rapidly, and emptying it takes all of three seconds. It works effectively and does not take too many passes to de-fur a complete sofa.
- Sprinkle & Sweep Messy Pet Accident Cleanup Aid for $45 makes cleanups barely much less disgusting (so long as your cat is puking on arduous surfaces). You want a bit greater than the bundle suggests, however as soon as the mess is roofed, you’ll be able to sweep it up. The perfume could be a little overwhelming, nevertheless it does not final, and it is actually higher than the scent of throw-up.
Cat Health
I really like Chewy for a number of causes—what different firm sends flowers if a pet passes away or randomly selects pets to have their portraits painted—nevertheless it notably gives a free telemedicine service (except you reside in Alaska, Hawaii, or Alabama). The licensed vets you discuss to will not have the ability to diagnose, however typically you simply want a bit peace of thoughts or have somebody affirm that it is best to make a vet name. If you wish to video chat as an alternative, that can price $20.
It’s useful to have a thermometer readily available in case you believe you studied your pet could also be operating a fever. I don’t learn about you, however I don’t suppose I may convey myself to make use of a rectal thermometer on my fur infants. Mella’s thermometer, then again, goes below their arm … er, leg … and connects to an app if you wish to observe and share outcomes. It’s step, but when there are different signs you might wish to go to the vet anyway.
Louryn’s drawback baby, Luna, has pores and skin points and a bent to over-groom. When a flare-up will get too unhealthy, a comfortable Elizabethan-style collar may also help give tender pores and skin an opportunity to heal (or, within the case of Luna’s stomach, an opportunity for the hair to develop again.) This cute, strawberry-shaped collar stays put and is simple to wash. We additionally tried this bread-shaped collar, which has usually constructive evaluations, although Luna rapidly found out the right way to take it off. Your cat’s mileage might differ. Remember that it is best to all the time seek the advice of a vet should you discover any accidents or modifications in your cat’s conduct.
Basepaws is thorough. After swabbing our cats’ cheeks and sending the samples again within the included envelope, we obtained PDFs of almost 70 pages detailing their breed percentages, a number of pages about all of the cat breeds, and how our infants stacked up in opposition to round 115 feline well being markers. The check tells you in case your cat is obvious, a service, in danger, or at excessive danger of quite a few metabolic, cardiovascular, eye, blood, endocrine, renal, autoimmune, pores and skin, musculoskeletal, and connective tissue issues, in addition to blood kind, transfusion danger, and different traits. Any cat can develop a illness or dental issues, however having a baseline can alleviate anxieties and can empower you to work together with your vet to make the very best life selections for your cat.
Cat Carriers
We love Tuft and Paw’s upscale design, however normally it is out of our value vary. The Porto cat service (8/10, WIRED Recommends), then again, in all fairness priced given the competitors. It seems incredible, and you’ll be able to unzip it in a wide range of methods. Lay it flat, open one finish, or open the complete facet. There are seat-belt straps and a baggage pass-through.
The Diggs Passenger Carrier elicits compliments each time we go to the vet. It’s sturdy and thoughtfully made, with security options like seat belt clips and a buckle strap. There are additionally 1,000,000 pockets, and the inside mattress simply suits a pee pad over it in case your pal is vulnerable to accidents (one pad is included to check out). There’s simply sufficient mesh to permit your cat to see exterior however not be overwhelmed.
I (Medea) just lately made a cross-country transfer for the second time with my cats. I wished them to be extra snug than final time, so I purchased this automotive seat cat kennel. The medium measurement suits each Huxley and Eely-Rue, plus the Friendsheep cave talked about above with room to spare. It did not budge within the automotive, due to a strap on the again for the seatbelt to cross by way of and a prime strap that buckles across the headrest. It folds flat once you aren’t utilizing it.
Roverlund’s service is the one one I’ve (Louryn) used that my cats will (type of) tolerate. I really feel higher not cramming them in opposition to arduous plastic or squinting by way of tiny holes to see them. They really feel higher with all-encompassing air flow and a completely unzipping prime as an alternative of a claustrophobic cage opening. It’s a win-win state of affairs that has drastically shortened the standoffs between me, my cats, and a looming vet appointment. (We additionally advocate this service in our dog gear buying guide; it is a WIRED Gear workforce fave.)
Cat Accessories
Unfortunately, I (Louryn) can converse firsthand to the devastation that comes with a lacking pet. There are some things you are able to do to stop it. Step one is to get your pets microchipped. Step two is to verify they’re carrying a collar with identification. ID tags are broadly out there, however ideally, the one you purchase shall be reflective and legible. Whether to listing your cat’s title is a private alternative, however the ID ought to embrace your cellphone quantity.
I ordered this collar for my cat after her brother went on an prolonged trip with out my permission. The clasp breaks away so the collar received’t trigger harm if it will get snagged. It has held up nicely over time, and it does not trouble my simply ruffled fur child. If it bothers yours, there are many others, a few of them high-tech (which I’ve but to strive). No matter which choice you select, guarantee that it is from a trusted model. The collar ought to be sturdy, extremely seen, and light-weight, with a breakaway clasp.
More Accessories We Like
