I’ve been a cat dad for 17 years. My oldest cat, Hobbes, is starting to go deaf but is still the friendliest goober in the world. My other cat Nugget is a cat’s cat, more decoration than companion, and likes to be JUST an arm’s length away at all times. Someone once said Hobbes is my pet, and Nugget is Hobbes’ pet.
I was raised with dogs, cats…chickens and goats. Oh, and alligators. I grew up on a 14 acre hobby farm and my mom owned a pet shop for over a decade.
So I know something about what cats like (and don’t like). These are all products that I can promise they love.
Best Automatic, Self-Cleaning Litter Box – Whisker Litter-Robot
Honestly, this space-age contraption changed my life. It’s expensive, I know… but it’s SO GOOD. Even with two cats, all I have to do is empty a drawer every few days and put a new liner in. I don’t even use their expensive liners, a kitchen garbage bag works great and I already have them. I upgraded to the 4th Generation and it’s even better than the last version. But, if you just can’t swallow the price then the 3rd Generation is available, cheaper…AND STILL WORTH IT. They’re both quiet (this is important to your cat), cleanly designed, and come with an app that tells you when the need to be emptied. I guarantee you will love these. And so does Amazon (or they will give you your money back).
Here are some others that are more affordable but also highly recommended if you are in a multi-cat household and want more than one automatic litter box. (I am big on redundancy not just on litter boxes but also on cats.)
RUNNER UP: The bestselling automatic litter box on Amazon
BEST HIGH MID-RANGE: Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter Box
BEST BUDGET OPTION: PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
A Couch for Your Cat
This is the only cat bed I’ve ever bought that was a hit. Nugget literally wouldn’t get out of it for four hours. Right after I opened it, he got in and didn’t get out. This is a cat that has never shown interest in anything except for food for his entire life.
Then of course they fought over it, so I needed to buy another one.
I find it hilarious to have this couch on a couch. 10/10, will probably buy a third one.
RUNNER UP: Rabbitgoo Fuzzy Cat Bed
Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
A couple years ago, Hobbes was diagnosed with stage four kidney disease, so I needed to make sure he stayed hydrated even more than normal. I tried a bunch, and this fountain was by far the best. Super easy to clean, has a built-in filter, and there’s a porthole to see how much water is left.
It has a large capacity and you only have to fill it once or twice a week. Both of my cats prefer this method of the water flowing out versus the larger stream type. After he got this, it substantially reduced how much he was begging for sink water. He still does that sometimes, and who am I to say no?
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
This is my (er, my cats’) favorite scratcher by far. I have one in at least three different rooms. Both cats lounge on them even when they’re not actively scratching it, and you can flip it over for a new side once it gets overused. But don’t worry — it’s large and lasts a long time. Also, it doesn’t move around when they scratch it. It really is the perfect scratcher. They just seriously love it. I put them next to all my couches so that the cats sharpen their claws on this instead of the fabric and leather.
RUNNER UP: L shaped cat scratcher
CAT TREE: Cat scratcher condo
CAT POST: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Battery-Operated Cat Water Fountain
The main disadvantage to the stainless steel water fountain that I mentioned above is you have to plug it in and then deal with a cord when cleaning it. I also don’t love how it has to be by an outlet. Well, thanks to Modern Technology, you can Have It All.
This fountain is cordless because it’s powered by Science…I mean batteries. And a rechargeable one, too.
It has two clever features — it only turns on when it senses a pet is near, and it also has another mode which will turn it on once an hour even if they’re not right there, to encourage more drinking. Plus, it’s barely audible. At 23dB, it’s literally quieter than a whisper. And it looks really sleek.
The #1 Flea & Tick Treatment: Advantage II
If your cats ever go outside (or you have dogs that like to bring the outside inside), then this is the best flea and tick prevention. Hobbes lived as a pretend barn cat for a couple years and I used this and it worked great.
Before this he’d bring the Florida fleas and ticks into bed at night, and then neither of us were happy. It’s a very easy application — no pill to swallow, just a tube of some gel that you dab on the back of their necks, and you’re done.
RUNNER UP: Frontline Plus for Cats
Seresto Cat Flea & Tick Prevention Collar for Cats
This collar is second best for flea & tick prevention. It’s cheaper than Advantage II and lasts for 8 months instead of just one. But some reviewers say it can cause a bit of hair loss right around it, which some people complain about.
It’s scratch resistant. From what I’ve heard it works better for short haired cats than long haired ones, probably because it doesn’t really touch the skin on long-haired cats and so isn’t as effective.
The Ultimate FURminator (Upgraded)
I can’t stand cat hair everywhere in the house or especially on my face. When I feel it on my face, I want to rage scream. Sometimes I do, but quietly, and mostly to myself. The only way I found to keep this down is by brushing the cats regularly. The FURminator (I really love this name) really does de-fur my orange boys. Works great on short hair or long hair. It comes off like a farmer with a scythe in a field of fur.
RUNNER UP: These deshedding gloves are comfy and my cats like them, but it takes a long time and the hair gets into the air. So I use this more because they like the feeling, not because it’s super effective. Probably don’t get these, because what if your cat like it too and then you’ll be doing this every day, listening to an audiobook, wondering why this is your existence.
Chom Chom Reuseable Roller for Pet Hair
Did I mention I hate cat hair? This is a great reusable tool to get it off furniture. You just roll it back and forth and the hair is all gone, using static electricity. Do you think static electricity will ever power my car? Well, in the meantime, it powers this. I do not recommend it for faces, I tried it, don’t ask.
Microchip Automatic Pet Feeder
I use this feeder to make sure Hobbes gets his special diet and that Nugget doesn’t try to eat it all. It’s worked great for years, very reliable, batteries last a long time. There’s lots of advance features if you want it as well, like adding multiple cats And a mode to keep it closed for certain other cats. Even works with both dry and wet food. The same company has a microchip cat door flap.
QUIRKY RUNNER UP: Oneisall Automatic Cat Feeder for 2 Cats
Cordless Cat Window Perch
Both my cats are obsessed with looking out windows, and a window perch like this is perfect. It lets them sunbathe and watch things at the same time. If you really want to make their year, put a birdfeeder outside the window!
A CUTER VERSION: Solid wood seat + rope
TOP RATED + FLUFFIER: 4.8 stars and double the support
WEIRD PICK: Foldable and can mount on the wall
INABA Churu Irresistible Cat Treats
Okay, I don’t know what’s in this (actually I do and it’s healthy) but my cats LOVE these as a treat. You can also use it as a food topper or to sneak them pills or just to make their day. Basically everyone in the reviews say that their cats love it. Some say it’s a bit smelly but…uhhh…yeah. That’s why cats like it!
Outdoor “Catio” Cat Enclosure
This is a legit outdoor space for the cats, and I can’t believe you can just hit a button on Amazon and have it delivered to your house. It’s HUGE (almost 6″ high!) and you can connect it to a window or a cat flap. Let your indoor cat smell the air and chatter at some birds in pure catio luxury.
RUNNER UP: A smaller mesh catio
Rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Cat Harness
Yeah, I take my cats on walks. Do the neighbors think I’m weird? Maybe. I don’t ask. My cats beg to go out, and we have a whole routine where they get up on the bench by the door as I put on this harness. It really made a big difference in their happiness.
DON’T FORGET: Tangle-free retractable leash
A Pet-Mess Friendly Cleaning Solution
This Angry Orange stain remover is a powerful cleaner that effectively eliminates dog and cat urine, stains, and odors. With a refreshing citrus scent, it’s an Amazon top seller with thousands of happy shoppers.
No-Brushing Tartar & Plaque Water Additive
I didn’t find this until recently, and I wish I knew about it sooner. You just add a cap full of this into the water, and it helps with your cats dental health. Also, it freshens their breath, so you don’t have to keep calling them Stinky Face or Tuna Breath or whatever pet names have emerged from the depths of their fishy-face-ness.
Disposable Teeth Cleaning Wipes
Dental issues are not only expensive, but painful for your cats. If I could go back in time I’d use these teeth cleaning dental wipes. I tried the toothbrush but wasn’t consistent with it, so I’ve gone to these wipes and it’s super easy.
RUNNER UP: Cat toothbrush + toothpaste
DENTAL TREATS: Greenies Dental Treats
UNIQUE PICK: Catnip Chew Toys for Cats
Litter Genie XL+ Cat Litter Disposal System
Back when I had a normal litter box, this litter disposal system was great at keeping the smells at bay with daily cleaning. It has a sliding lever that locks away odors. It holds weeks of waste but you’d never know it since it doesn’t smell bad. I still think an automatic litter box is better, but I digress…
Scotch-Brite Lint Roller Value Pack
It seems like there should be a better option than these but…these lint rollers are really the best. I keep these in basically every room and in the car. Perhaps the world’s best invention. After penicillin. It removes cat hair from basically anything, yes, including faces. I can’t say it feels GOOD on my face, but it works in a pinch.
These are cheap enough, so don’t go with the super cheapies. They’ll take you a century to get each sheet off and then they’ll tear and it’ll make you want to throw it out a window. Go with the name-brand for these. They’re easy to get off and don’t make strange squeaky sounds every time you use them.
Addictive Spiral Spring Toys for Cats
These springs are a hit with every cat I’ve ever played with. Both my cats love them, they bat them around endlessly and always lose them somewhere. They’re super cheap, like really so crazy cheap you’re basically losing money if you don’t buy them.