Cats are stunning, fascinating, bizarre creatures. Should you’re fortunate sufficient to be beloved by one, it is your God-given accountability to provide them a cushty and enjoyable residence. Cats require a specific environment to play, scratch, and calm down. Primarily based on years of testing with our pets, these are our favourite cat toys, litter containers, and different feline provides. Even when our cats rejected a specific product, we nonetheless examined general building, design, and worth to find out whether or not it might be helpful for different kitties. They are often finicky, so you will have to think about a couple of to seek out the correct match.
Take a look at our associated guides like Our Favorite Fancy Cat Furniture. Extra of a canine individual? We have you lined! 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 provider, Okay&H Transportable Automotive Seat Kennel, plus well being suggestions like Chewy’s free telehealth service and comfortable cone collars.
Particular provide for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This consists of limitless entry to WIRED.com, full Gear protection, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions assist fund the work we do daily.
Desk of Contents
Primary Cat Guidelines and Ideas
Do not hearken to the cat haters: Cats do kind a connection to their human house owners. Whereas they could be extra low-maintenance than canine, they require considerate care. Listed below are some primary dos and don’ts when proudly owning a cat.
Do: Separate meals and water. Use a number of litter containers 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 protected. Commonly trim their nails. Give them love and affection!
Do not: Declaw them. Depart them unattended round these toxic plants. By chance hurt them with frequent essential oils like eucalyptus. Feed them a vegan diet, milk (sure, actually), or these different toxic foods.
Greatest Litter Packing containers
A litter field is crucial. What variety you get is dependent upon your cat—not each cat likes enclosed containers, and others want excessive sides to defend your partitions from urine (typically they purpose excessive!). An excellent rule of thumb is having one field per cat, and one on every ground should you stay in a multilevel residence. You may discover low-cost, customary litter containers wherever you should purchase pet items, however we have now a couple of suggestions we have examined.
Tuft and Paw’s merchandise are trendy and exquisite (and often fairly costly). The Cove is straightforward however is elevated with removable sides and a spot to carry its scoop and small dustpan. Should you forgo the edges, it prices $149. The newer Cubby ($69) is a simplified model for lower than half the worth. 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 effectively for litter containers. I sometimes get these from Goal as a substitute of the multi-packs on Amazon. Should you get a tall one, take into account chopping out an entryway and sanding it down so your kitty can simply get out and in—I exploit a rotary cutter and sandpaper sheets to do that.
Extra Litter Packing containers We Like
- The Smart Paws Extra Large Litter Box for $59 has been an excellent funding. It is giant however mild, even with litter in it, and it dampens a few of the sound from my cat who likes to scratch the edges all night time.
- 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 usually than different containers. It felt prefer it obtained dirty rapidly, and no quantity of washing might minimize it. There is a equally designed planter from ExquisiCat we’ve not tried.
- Cannot determine on a field? Kitty Poo Club for $16-$29 delivers disposable, recyclable 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 sort you need. XL boxes are $18 on their very own and $60 with litter.
Automated Litter Packing containers
Robotic litter containers are large and costly, and specialists warn that not cleansing out a field daily might imply lacking potential indicators of illness. However we tried two that modified our minds. Each are nonetheless giant and dear, however they’ve related apps to maintain monitor of your cat’s toilet habits. You may know if one thing is up, however you may nonetheless scoop much less.
Whisker’s Litter-Robotic 4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is smooth and futuristic-looking, with a much bigger drum that may doubtless attraction to bigger cats. The cleansing cycle is fast and almost silent. It does an excellent job of concealing odors too—the odor is surprising while you open that waste drawer. Learn our evaluate for extra about our expertise utilizing it.
The Casa Leo (previously known as Smarty Pear) was the primary automated litter field I attempted and it satisfied me they’re value 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 soar in, however this one is extra delicate when you’ve got notably curious cats. I like the pop of coloration, however the drum has a smaller opening that some cats could not like. As somebody who goals of proudly owning a bar or espresso store known as Huxley’s Home, I recognize that it is named after the proprietor’s late cat Leo.
Litter Field Equipment
Litter field placement is difficult and most of the people do not wish 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 containers 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 effectively in most rooms (you may as well paint it). I do not assume you would 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. That is my favourite piece of cat gear I’ve ever examined, and it is usually on sale.
Automated litter containers now provide you with 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 a normal 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 demanding 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 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. If 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 may need to 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 baggage as a substitute of the chopping mechanism. We’ll check that mannequin quickly.
Extra Litter Equipment We Like
- Remember a litter mat. Whether or not you employ low-tracking litter, a field with steps, and even an enclosure, litter by some means will get all over the place. A litter mat will assist maintain it below management and you should purchase these anywhere they promote litter containers. Simply vacuum often and shake it out sometimes.
- Cat not taking to their litter field? Sprinkle somewhat 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 specialists inform you to make use of stainless-steel or glass bowls in 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 canine. 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 out of doors cat named Stokely. He’s the sweetest, greatest gravy boat possible, but it surely’s robust to not really feel like an enabler when he comes round asking for dinner. A sluggish feeder has helped curb his habits—possibly not his urge for food—however the mat slows him down. We tried a couple 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 would possibly chew on the mats to the purpose of degrading them. Whereas 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 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 peak to them and are available in 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 state of affairs, it might 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 really useful 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 favor consuming from fountains (or, as many cat house owners have skilled, from the bathroom faucet). You may want to alter the filter about each month, and in some instances, it is going to have to be close to a wall outlet, but it surely’s value 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 could like the best way the water flows out of the flower in streams. Simply clear it often, and ensure to replace the filter when wanted.
Uah’s fountain makes use of a chargeable pump so that you needn’t plug it in whereas utilizing it and the battery lasts not less than three months earlier than needing a cost in our testing. It is all stainless so it is easy to wash—you may put it within the dishwasher. It is also 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 through the Pixi app (out there on iOS and Android). The fountain’s pump has a small LED that shines via the clear cat nostril on the entrance, turning purple 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 provide you with a warning. For the feeder, you need to use the app to both pour meals remotely or on a every day schedule. You may as well press the cat’s nostril to pour or disable it in case your pets determine it out. The app will inform you when the reservoir is prepared for a refill. Plus, it features a spot for backup batteries in case the facility goes out whilst you’re away.
The Felaqua Join (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is not a fountain, but it surely routinely 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 Positive Petcare hub for the app connection, which is included for $199. Should you do not take care of app connectivity, you may forgo it for $115 and solely get an automated dispenser, however at that value, it is best to go together with a less expensive fountain.
Scratching Posts and Furnishings
Cats have to 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 will, so a cat tree ought to assist maintain them occupied and off your mantle or breakable glassware. Cat bushes are made out of supplies that may be scratched up, and a few embrace separate scratching posts. Should you aren’t fearful about aesthetics, you may discover loads of good cat bushes at pet shops, in addition to locations like House 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 totally destroyed, you may 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 couple of designs to select from and all are made out of sturdy wool, which ought to maintain them heat and comfy and last more than fake fur.
Catit’s Vesper line has a pleasant trendy really feel that is exhausting to seek out in reasonably priced cat furnishings. The Small Vesper Field does not take up an excessive amount of house, but it surely’s the right peak to get my cats proper at window degree. They will nap within the lined backside degree, scratch and play on the second degree, and sit on the comfortable fluffy pillow on prime for hen watching. It was straightforward to place collectively, and the fabric pillows and pads are mechanically cleanable. The Vesper High Base is a taller possibility, nice for multi-cat houses or for pets that do not essentially wish to lounge collectively. The Vesper line consists of many other sizes and colors.
If you stay in a small residence, every thing you embellish with issues as a result of it is all on show—nothing will get hidden while 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 one in all our favorites. Should you can afford it, your cats will thanks.
These window seats are an effective 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 may as well nail the bottom into the window body, and there are even heated seats for super-spoiled kitties. The covers are detachable and may be machine-washed. You may want a window sill not less than 2 inches deep to correctly help it. If you do not have that, see the product under.
I (Medea) was scared to strive perches that connect with suction cups, out of concern they could all of a sudden fall, however after some looking, I discovered the Kitty Cot perches. They stick extraordinarily effectively—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 corporate used to have mats for the perches, however they have been unavailable for months, and your cat could favor 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 critical money. These are two of our favorites:
Pet Cameras
The flexibility to sneak a peek at your cat while you’re out gives nervous pet house owners (most of us) some peace of thoughts. Eufy’s digicam is our favorite. It isn’t low-cost, but it surely pans round and permits you to toss treats whereas away. An enormous plus is that you simply needn’t 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 digicam except you need particular options like deal with tossing or meow alerts. A easy security camera works simply as effectively and so they’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
You probably have 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 mentioned, these Cat Superb puzzle toys have been well received. They maintain 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 somewhat tougher for them.
My cats additionally went nuts for this Ripple Rug. The underside piece stays in place whereas the highest may be configured into completely different shapes for taking part in (or searching), and you may reshape it as usually as you would like. The fabric appears like felt however is made out of 24 post-consumer plastic bottles and may stand up to sharp claws.
If you cannot determine which form of toy your cats will like, otherwise you simply need them to be refreshed sometimes, Meowbox is a good subscription. You may select to get deliveries each one or two months, and so they embrace extremely cute toys following an equally cute theme, and treats. Plus, for each field bought, the corporate offers meals to a shelter. You may see exactly where on its web site.
Extra Toys We Like
Cleansing Provides
Cats puke and cough up hairballs, often on no matter carpeted floor they will discover. They will additionally often get somewhat 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). An excellent carpet cleaner will likely 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 light-weight 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 may be rinsed out simply. It is moveable too, so so long as it is charged you may 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.
You probably have a variety of carpets, you might wish to get a big stand-up cleaner. Our favourite is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro. It is somewhat bit tougher to seek out now, but it surely’s nonetheless out there instantly from Bissell.
In case your cats aren’t fearful of it, a robotic vac is likely to be a worthy funding. It’ll maintain the hair and litter at bay with as minimal effort from you as attainable. Now 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 filth in a single go. We did not love its maps function, nevertheless. The X8 is costly, so in order for you one thing to simply maintain transferring across the ground, get the iRobot Roomba 694. It is usually discounted to below $200.
I additionally advocate investing in an air air purifier or two, particularly should you’re allergic to the cats you like a lot (responsible). Now we have a couple of favorite options throughout various budgets, however this one is nice for rooms as much as 930 sq. ft.
Extra Cleansing Provides We Like
- Except your pet is hairless, their fur is probably going all over the place 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 replenish too rapidly, and emptying it takes all of three seconds. It really 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 exhausting surfaces). You want a bit greater than the bundle suggests, however as soon as the mess is roofed, you may sweep it up. The perfume generally is a little overwhelming, but it surely does not final, and it is definitely higher than the odor of throw-up.
Cat Well being
I 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 (except you reside in Alaska, Hawaii, or Alabama). The licensed vets you speak to will not have the ability to diagnose, however typically you simply want somewhat peace of thoughts or have somebody verify that it is best to make a vet name. If you wish to video chat as a substitute, that may price $20.
It’s useful to have a thermometer readily available in case you believe you studied your pet could also be working a fever. I don’t find out about you, however I don’t assume I might convey myself to make use of a rectal thermometer on my fur infants. Mella’s thermometer, alternatively, goes below their arm … er, leg … and connects to an app if you wish to monitor and share outcomes. It’s step, but when there are different signs you might wish to go to the vet anyway.
Louryn’s drawback youngster, Luna, has pores and skin points and an inclination to over-groom. When a flare-up will get too dangerous, a comfortable Elizabethan-style collar might 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 straightforward to wash. We additionally tried this bread-shaped collar, which has usually optimistic critiques, although Luna rapidly found out easy methods to take it off. Your cat’s mileage could differ. Keep in mind that it is best to all the time seek the advice of a vet should you discover any accidents or adjustments in your cat’s conduct.
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 check tells you in case your cat is evident, a provider, 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 kind, 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 together with your vet to make the very best life decisions in your cat.
Cat Carriers
We love Tuft and Paw’s upscale design, however often it is out of our value vary. The Porto cat provider (8/10, WIRED Recommends), alternatively, in all fairness priced given the competitors. It seems incredible, and you may unzip it in quite a lot of methods. Lay it flat, open one finish, or open your entire facet. 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 matches 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 outdoors however not be overwhelmed.
I (Medea) just lately made a cross-country transfer for the second time with my cats. I needed them to be extra snug than final time, so I purchased this automotive seat cat kennel. The medium measurement matches 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 go via and a prime strap that buckles across the headrest. It folds flat while you aren’t utilizing it.
Roverlund’s provider is the one one I’ve (Louryn) used that my cats will (form of) tolerate. I really feel higher not cramming them towards exhausting plastic or squinting via 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 state of affairs that has drastically shortened the standoffs between me, my cats, and a looming vet appointment. (We additionally advocate this provider in our dog gear buying guide; it is a WIRED Gear staff 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 stop 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 will likely be reflective and legible. Whether or not 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 gained’t trigger harm if it will get snagged. It has held up effectively over time, and it does not hassle 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). Irrespective of which possibility you select, ensure that it is from a trusted model. The collar must be sturdy, extremely seen, and light-weight, with a breakaway clasp.
Extra Equipment We Like
