Cats are stunning, attention-grabbing, bizarre creatures. When you’re fortunate sufficient to be cherished by one, it is your God-given duty to offer them a cushty and enjoyable house. Cats require a specific environment to play, scratch, and loosen up. Based mostly on years of testing with our pets, these are our favourite cat toys, litter bins, and different feline provides. Even when our cats rejected a specific product, we nonetheless examined general development, design, and worth to find out whether or not it could be helpful for different kitties. They are often finicky, so you’ll have to contemplate a number of to seek out the proper match.
Take a look at our associated guides like Our Favorite Fancy Cat Furniture. Extra of a canine individual? We have you coated! See our Best Accessories and Tech Essentials for Your Dog information.
Up to date April 2024: We have added new favorites, together with the Eufy 360 Pet Digicam, Tuft and Paw Porto service, Ok&H Moveable Automotive Seat Kennel, plus well being suggestions like Chewy’s free telehealth service and gentle cone collars.
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Desk of Contents
Primary Cat Guidelines and Suggestions
Do not take heed to the cat haters: Cats do kind a connection to their human house owners. Whereas they could be extra low-maintenance than canines, they require considerate care. Listed here are some fundamental dos and don’ts when proudly owning a cat.
Do: Separate meals and water. Use a number of litter bins for a number of cats. Give them methods to hunt their meals. Guarantee they get train and playtime. Give them locations to cover and really feel secure. Usually trim their nails. Give them love and affection!
Do not: Declaw them. Depart them unattended round these toxic plants. By accident hurt them with widespread essential oils like eucalyptus. Feed them a vegan diet, milk (sure, actually), or these different toxic foods.
Greatest Litter Bins
A litter field is important. What type you get is dependent upon your cat—not each cat likes enclosed bins, and others want excessive sides to defend your partitions from urine (typically they intention excessive!). A very good rule of thumb is having one field per cat, and one on every flooring in case you dwell in a multilevel house. You will discover low-cost, normal litter bins wherever you should purchase pet items, however we’ve a number of suggestions we have examined.
Tuft and Paw’s merchandise are fashionable and delightful (and often fairly costly). The Cove is easy however is elevated with removable sides and a spot to carry its scoop and small dustpan. When you forgo the perimeters, it prices $149. The newer Cubby ($69) is a simplified model for lower than half the value. It would 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 properly for litter bins. I usually get these from Goal as a substitute of the multi-packs on Amazon. When you get a tall one, contemplate chopping out an entryway and sanding it down so your kitty can simply get out and in—I take advantage of a rotary cutter and sandpaper sheets to do that.
Extra Litter Bins We Like
- Smart Paws Extra Large Litter Box for $59: To this point this has been an incredible funding. It is giant however gentle, even with litter in it, and it dampens among the sound from my cat who likes to scratch the perimeters all evening.
- Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Planter for $67: This field properly blends into small areas with a intelligent plant disguise. My solely gripe is that it must be changed extra usually than different bins. It felt prefer it bought dirty rapidly, and no quantity of washing may minimize it. There is a equally designed planter from ExquisiCat we have not tried.
- Kitty Poo Club Disposable Boxes for $16-$29: Cannot determine on a field? Kitty Poo Membership delivers disposable, recyclable bins 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 sort you need. XL boxes are $18 on their very own and $60 with litter.
Computerized Litter Bins
Robotic litter bins are large and costly, and consultants warn that not cleansing out a field daily may imply lacking potential indicators of illness. However we tried two that modified our minds. Each are nonetheless giant and expensive, however they’ve linked apps to maintain monitor of your cat’s toilet habits. You will know if one thing is up, however you’ll be able to nonetheless scoop much less.
Whisker’s Litter-Robotic 4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is modern and futuristic-looking, with an even bigger drum that can probably enchantment to bigger cats. The cleansing cycle is fast and almost silent. It does an incredible job of concealing odors too—the odor is surprising once you open that waste drawer. Learn our assessment 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 price it. Leo’s Bathroom Too (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a tad cheaper than the Litter-Robotic and has the identical highly effective odor management. Each are loaded with security options to cease cleansing cycles ought to a cat bounce in, however this one is extra delicate if 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 goals of proudly owning a bar or espresso store referred to as Huxley’s Home, I recognize that it is named after the proprietor’s late cat Leo.
Litter Field Equipment
Litter field placement is tough and most of the people do not need to relinquish closet house or a bed room to a litter field. I (Louryn) examined and love this litter field enclosure. It conceals my cat’s bins from eyes and noses and it offers my kitties privateness. My cats took to it immediately and appear to be as relieved as I’m that we won’t see each other whereas they do their enterprise. It seems like a small credenza or freestanding cabinet and the impartial colours work properly in most rooms (you too can paint it). I do not assume you would guess it housed litter in case you did not know. I sprinkle this deodorizer on the litter, however the enclosure does a great job of trapping odors by itself. That is my favourite piece of cat gear I’ve ever examined, and it is usually on sale.
Computerized litter bins now offer you well being insights, however you do not have to spend $700 to know precisely what’s taking place when Fluffy visits the commode. Purina’s Petivity (8/10, WIRED Recommends) sits beneath a regular litter field and, as soon as linked 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 nerve-racking 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 may get him to the vet.
Litter Genies allow you to scoop the field daily and not using 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. While 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 will need to commit to purchasing refills although. We tried the usual one however there are a number of dimension choices, together with a Plus, XL, and Easy Roll Genie, which says one refill pack can final six months and comes with perforated baggage as a substitute of the chopping mechanism. We’ll take a look at that mannequin quickly.
Extra Litter Equipment We Like
- Do not forget a litter mat. Whether or not you utilize low-tracking litter, a field with steps, and even an enclosure, litter someway will get in every single place. A litter mat will assist preserve it underneath management and you should purchase these anywhere they promote litter bins. Simply vacuum repeatedly and shake it out now and again.
- Cat not taking to their litter field? Sprinkle a bit of little bit of this litter attractant after cleansing the field. It will assist them do their enterprise within the designated spot. It is also useful for after a transfer.
Meals and Water Bowls
Most vets and cat consultants let you know to make use of stainless-steel or glass bowls on 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. In case 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 is 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 but it surely prices extra.
My (Louryn’s) neighborhood has an affectionate real-life squishmallow of an outside cat named Stokely. He’s the sweetest, largest gravy boat possible, but it surely’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 critiques point out that notably toothsome cats may chew on the mats to the purpose of degrading them. Whereas I’ve not skilled this, it is at all times good to oversee your pet whereas they’re consuming.
Elevated feeders are nice for giving your cats a cushty 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 numerous widths and sizes.
Different 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 scenario, it may result in dehydration and other serious issues like bladder stones and urethral blockages—some cats do not like their water proper subsequent to their meals, which is why it is really helpful to maintain them separate. Male cats are particularly inclined to those points. Feeding them moist meals helps with their water consumption, however we needed a extra engaging manner for our cats to drink water. Some cats desire consuming from fountains (or, as many cat house owners have skilled, from the bathroom faucet). You will want to vary the filter about each month, and in some circumstances, it is going to have to be close to a wall outlet, but it surely’s price it in case your cat makes use of it.
We tried Catit’s plastic flower fountain and its stainless-steel-topped fountain. Whereas stainless-steel bowls are most popular, some cats might like the best way the water flows out of the flower in streams. Simply clear it repeatedly, 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 no less than three months earlier than needing a cost in our testing. It is all stainless so it is simple to scrub—you’ll be able to put it within the dishwasher. It is also almost silent and in case 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 collection gives a wise fountain and feeder managed through 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 pink 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 will even warn you. For the feeder, you should use the app to both pour meals remotely or on a every day schedule. You may also 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 Join (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is not a fountain, but it surely mechanically dispenses water into the bowl as your cat drinks. It connects to an app and, utilizing your cat’s microchip quantity, retains monitor of when and the way a lot every cat drinks. You want the Certain Petcare hub for the app connection, which is included for $199. When you do not take care of app connectivity, you’ll be able to forgo it for $115 and solely get an computerized dispenser, however at that value, you must go together with a less expensive fountain.
Scratching Posts and Furnishings
Cats must scratch, and if you wish to forestall them from ripping up furnishings, you want to present them with ample scratching posts. Declawing will not be 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’ll, so a cat tree ought to assist preserve them occupied and off your mantle or breakable glassware. Cat timber are created from supplies that may be scratched up, and a few embody separate scratching posts. When you aren’t frightened about aesthetics, you will discover loads of good cat timber at pet shops, in addition to locations like Dwelling Items 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 created from sturdy wool, which ought to preserve them heat and comfortable and last more than fake fur.
Catit’s Vesper line has a pleasant fashionable really feel that is laborious to seek out in reasonably priced cat furnishings. The Small Vesper Field would not take up an excessive amount of house, but it surely’s the proper top to get my cats proper at window degree. They’ll nap within the coated backside degree, scratch and play on the second degree, and sit on the gentle fluffy pillow on prime for fowl watching. It was simple to place collectively, and the material pillows and pads are mechanically 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 consists of many other sizes and colors.
While you dwell in a small condo, every part you enhance with issues as a result of it is all on show—nothing will get hidden once you solely have one to a few rooms. A few of us need our cat’s furnishings to match too. Mau’s Cat Tree is certainly one of our favorites. When you can afford it, your cats will thanks.
These window seats are an effective way for cats to bask within the solar and preserve a watchful eye on the neighborhood whereas safely indoors. They’re simple to put in too, with sticky strips that connect to your window sill that may maintain as much as 40 kilos. You may also 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 will want a window sill no less than 2 inches deep to correctly help it. If you do not have that, see the product beneath.
I (Medea) was scared to attempt perches that connect with suction cups, out of concern they could all of the sudden fall, however after some looking out, I discovered the Kitty Cot perches. They stick extraordinarily properly—Huxley’s 13-pound stomach did not budge the factor. The seat is made from nylon that ought to outlast even the sharpest claws. The corporate used to have mats for the perches, however they have been unavailable for months, and your cat might desire a blanket or mattress that they already like anyway.
Extra Furnishings and Scratchers We Like
Now 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 flexibility to sneak a peek at your cat once you’re out gives nervous pet house owners (most of us) some peace of thoughts. Eufy’s digital camera is our favorite. It is not low-cost, but it surely 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 in case you do not need to pay.
You do not want a pet-specific digital camera until you need particular options like deal with tossing or meow alerts. A easy security camera works simply as properly they usually’re often 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
When you’ve got a cat, you will know they usually need no matter piece of trash they discover slightly than a pleasant toy you have spent good cash on. That mentioned, these Cat Wonderful puzzle toys have been well received. They preserve my kitties sharp by activating their searching expertise and making them use their brains. They nonetheless get a lot of treats, however they need to work a bit of tougher for them.
My cats additionally went nuts for this Ripple Rug. The underside piece stays in place whereas the highest might be configured into totally different shapes for enjoying (or searching), and you may reshape it as usually as you want. The fabric looks like felt however is created from 24 post-consumer plastic bottles and may face up to sharp claws.
If you cannot 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 possibly can select to get deliveries each one or two months, they usually embody extremely cute toys following an equally cute theme, and treats. Plus, for each field bought, the corporate offers meals to a shelter. You possibly can see exactly where on its web site.
Extra Toys We Like
- Cat Person Toys for $7: Along with the Mesa Bowl we talked about earlier, Cat Particular person makes different nice merchandise, like these cute catnip toys. Bonus: The packaging turns into cardboard cat homes.
- Yeowww! Banana Catnip Toy for $9: I am unsure a single toy has appealed extra to my cats than this rattling banana.
- Friendsheep Wool Toys: These toys are cute and our cats love taking part in soccer with the wool balls or bees. In case your cat would not take to them, you should use important oils to make use of them as air fresheners. (However do not use oils on them in case your cat does play with them! That may very well be poisonous.)
- Catnip Spray for $10: Most cats love catnip. Ours have responded properly to Pet Craft Supply Co’s for $8 and Yeowww for $9, however I like this spray for days after I do not need to get flakes throughout.
Cleansing Provides
Cats puke and cough up hairballs, often on no matter carpeted floor they’ll discover. They’re going to additionally often get a bit of piece of poop caught to their fluffy butt hair and drag it throughout the room in a determined try and flee its grips (possibly that is simply my cat). A very good carpet cleaner shall be a lifesaver. Now we have a guide with several options, however I notably just like the Bissell Pet Stain Erase PowerBrush. It is small and lightweight however highly effective, cleansing even day-old stains, and there are not any lengthy hoses or tiny little elements 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 is transportable too, so so long as it is charged you’ll be able to stroll round cleansing each floor possible with out being tethered to an outlet. I do not audibly groan after I spot a pile of puke anymore, and that is a giant deal.
When you’ve got a variety of carpets, it’s possible you’ll need to get a big stand-up cleaner. Our favourite is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro. It is a bit of bit tougher to seek out now, but it surely’s nonetheless out there straight from Bissell.
In case your cats aren’t fearful of it, a robotic vac is perhaps a worthy funding. It can preserve the hair and litter at bay with as minimal effort from you as doable. Now we have a list of favorites, and this X8 is our decide for pets as a result of it makes use of twin generators to suck up twice as a lot grime in a single cross. We did not love its maps characteristic, nevertheless. The X8 is costly, so if you need one thing to simply preserve transferring across the flooring, get the iRobot Roomba 694. It is usually discounted to underneath $200.
I additionally advocate investing in an air air purifier or two, particularly in case you’re allergic to the cats you’re keen on a lot (responsible). Now we have a number of favorite options throughout various budgets, however this one is nice for rooms as much as 930 sq. ft.
Extra Cleansing Provides We Like
- Fur Zapper for $13: Except your pet is hairless, their fur is probably going in every single place on a regular basis. The silicone Fur Zapper 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.
- Chom Chom Hair Remover for $28: Our cats are arguably too fluffy. This instrument makes it simple to de-fur the couch, ottoman, footwear, and every other floor that will get coated of their hair. We use them each single day. It would not replenish too rapidly, and emptying it takes all of three seconds. It really works effectively and would not take too many passes to de-fur a whole sofa.
- Sprinkle & Sweep Messy Pet Accident Cleanup Aid for $45: This powder makes cleanups barely much less disgusting (so long as your cat is puking on laborious 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 generally is a little overwhelming, but it surely would not final, and it is actually higher than the odor of throw-up.
Cat Well being
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—but it surely notably gives a free telemedicine service (until you reside in Alaska, Hawaii, or Alabama). The licensed vets you speak to will not be capable of diagnose, however typically you simply want a bit of peace of thoughts or have somebody affirm that you must make a vet name. If you wish to video chat as a substitute, that can price $20.
It’s useful to have a thermometer available in case you think your pet could also be operating a fever. I don’t learn about you, however I don’t assume I may convey myself to make use of a rectal thermometer on my fur infants. Mella’s thermometer, alternatively, goes underneath their arm … er, leg … and connects to an app if you wish to monitor and share outcomes. It’s a great step, but when there are different signs it’s possible you’ll need to go to the vet anyway.
Louryn’s downside little one, Luna, has pores and skin points and an inclination to over-groom. When a flare-up will get too unhealthy, a gentle Elizabethan-style collar can assist 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 lovely, strawberry-shaped collar stays put and is simple to scrub. We additionally tried this bread-shaped collar, which has usually optimistic critiques, although Luna rapidly found out the way to take it off. Your cat’s mileage might fluctuate. Keep in mind that you must at all times seek the advice of a vet in case you discover any accidents or modifications in your cat’s habits.
Basepaws is thorough. After swabbing our cats’ cheeks and sending the samples again within the included envelope, we acquired PDFs of almost 70 pages detailing their breed percentages, a number of pages about all of the cat breeds, and the way our infants stacked up towards round 115 feline well being markers. The take a look at tells you in case your cat is evident, a service, in danger, or at excessive threat of quite a few metabolic, cardiovascular, eye, blood, endocrine, renal, autoimmune, pores and skin, musculoskeletal, and connective tissue issues, in addition to blood sort, transfusion threat, and different traits. Any cat can develop a illness or dental issues, however having a baseline can alleviate anxieties and may empower you to work along with your vet to make the most effective life decisions on your cat.
Cat Carriers
We love Tuft and Paw’s upscale design, however often it is out of our value vary. The Porto cat service (8/10, WIRED Recommends), alternatively, is fairly priced given the competitors. It seems incredible, and you may unzip it in a wide range of methods. Lay it flat, open one finish, or open your entire aspect. There are seat-belt straps and a baggage pass-through.
The Diggs Passenger Service elicits compliments each time we go to the vet. It is 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 susceptible 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) lately made a cross-country transfer for the second time with my cats. I needed them to be extra comfy than final time, so I purchased this automobile seat cat kennel. The medium dimension suits each Huxley and Eely-Rue, plus the Friendsheep cave talked about above with room to spare. It did not budge within the automobile, because of 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 towards laborious plastic or squinting by way of tiny holes to see them. They really feel higher with all-encompassing air flow and a totally unzipping prime as a substitute of a claustrophobic cage opening. It is a win-win scenario 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 crew fave.)
Cat Equipment
Sadly, I (Louryn) can converse firsthand to the devastation that comes with a lacking pet. There are some things you are able to do to forestall it. The first step is to get your pets microchipped. Step two is to ensure 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 or not to record your cat’s title is a private alternative, however the ID ought to embody your telephone 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 damage if it will get snagged. It has held up properly over time, and it would 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 attempt). Regardless of which choice you select, be sure that it is from a trusted model. The collar ought to be sturdy, extremely seen, and light-weight, with a breakaway clasp.
Extra Equipment We Like
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