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    38 Products To Help You Achieve Your 2024 Goal Of Being A Better Pet Parent

    And the Pet Parent of the Year Award goes to...you, duh. 🏆

    1. "Did you feed the cat?" tracker that'll prevent your precious angel from tricking you into thinking they weren't fed. If there's any confusion in the household about when they were fed last, this will resolve it!

    Did You Feed The Dog? is a small business that makes various reminder signs for pet owners. They also make signs that remind you to brush your teeth and take your medicine!

    Promising review: "Simple and just what we needed to track the dogs' meals. My husband and I love this — we don't have to yell at each other from across the house to see if we fed the dogs or not. As for my dogs — they are not a fan of this product. They are upset that they are no longer being fed double meals because we couldn't remember if we fed them or not. Worth the $10!" —Megan

    Get it from Amazon for $12.95 (also available in a dog version).

    2. A self-groomer cat brush so your kitties can groom themselves and enjoy pets whenever they want — even if you're not around to provide them. You can even load it up with catnip if they need some convincing.

    Reviewer gif of a cat grooming themselves with the brush
    another reviewer's cat using self-groomer brush

    Promising review: "None of my cats like to play with toys and it was driving me [wild]! They have so much energy but would get bored with any toy within days. I tried rotating them and interactive toys, anything and everything for hours and at different times. There is nothing that has kept my cats busy like these grooming tools! I have literally never seen any of them sit and mess with something for more than a few minutes but my cats will rub on this for like 20 min at a time. 100% worth the money!" —Amazon Customer

    P.S. Don't forget to add some catnip to your cart so you can make your cat an offer they can't refuse!

    Get it from Amazon for $11.98.

    3. snuggle puppy stuffed toy because your pup could use some extra love, especially if they have separation anxiety when you leave. It has a "real feel" heartbeat, so you'll earn some major pet parent points for this one.

    reviewer's puppy asleep with the stuffed toy
    a larger dog draped in a blanket while cuddling brown Snuggle Puppy

    The "real feel" heartbeat has two modes: 24-hour continuous use or eight-hour use with automatic shut-off. It comes with AAA batteries and a one-time use heat pack.

    Snuggle Puppy was created in 1997 by a breeder who wanted to help a litter of puppies to transition to their new homes. It ended up being so effective that the line was eventually expanded to help other pets with stress and anxiety.

    Promising review: "I received a puppy approximately two months ago, and she carries it around all over! As a new puppy, she has many toys, but always leaves the others after five minutes of play time. This one she carries all over the place, even when the heart is not beating. The toy is very durable and soft. Well worth the money I paid for it!" —Sophie23

    Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in six colors).

    4. Or a purr pillow your kitty can cuddle up with for comfort when you're not around to provide the snuggles. The gentle purring sound is especially soothing for anxious cats!

    orange and white cat sleeping soundnly while cradling purple purr pillow
    reviewer's tabby cat with arm around the purr pillow

    The touch-activated purr pillow is available as a purple kitty or a blue sloth.  Petstages offers other soothing toys, including a glow-in-the-dark mouse that contains catnip.

    Promising review: "Our kitten, Spazz, LOVES the Purr Pillow!!! He loves to tackle and body slam the purple guy, as we call it, and grab it, bite it, and kick it with his hind legs! If there were ever a soft plush kitten/cat toy that can take extreme punishment, the Purr Pillow is it!!! He loves it so much, that when we give it to him, he'll run off with it in his mouth and put it in his special mini cardboard box. The Purr Pillow is more than worth its cost!!!" —Denice C.

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    5. A painfully cute ceramic water fountain if you know the struggle of fighting over the faucet...with a cat. They'll be ~pawsitiviely~ content with their own fountain. Plus, it's great for cats who don't drink enough water — this'll pique their interest.

    cat drinking out of a light green cactus water fountain
    Happy & Polly

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "I've been using this cactus water fountain for months and absolutely love it. I've used the cheap plastic kind in the past and noticed that 1) they get dirty fast and are annoying to clean, and 2) cats can knock them over or push them around. This ceramic fountain has solved all my problems, and the best part is that both of my cats actually love drinking out of it! It's hefty and doesn't shift around as they are trying to drink, and there's been no attempts to dismantle it either. It gives off a good flow from either side of the cactus in the middle, and my cats either like to nibble on that or drink around the hole the water flows into. This fountain is also super quiet, though you'll notice it making a bit of a noise when the water gets low (which helps remind you to clean it out and put in fresh water), and it shuts off entirely when out of water for safety. Ample hydration is *so* important for cats, especially if they're mostly on a dry food diet, so it's worth it to invest in a proper watering fountain that's built to last. And this one is."

    Happy & Polly is a small business with an incredible collection of cutesy cat and dog products, from carriers and scratching posts to water fountains and even apparel.

    Get it from Happy & Polly for $69.99 (originally $79.99).

    6. And a leakproof, portable dog water bottle to keep your pet hydrated while you're on the go. It's perfect for long days at the park and road trips! The water spout is also a mini dish for them to drink from so they'll never go thirsty.

    Promising reviews: "I saw this on a TikTok video and checked on Amazon and ordered it. My toy poodle loves it and drank out of it with no hesitation. With the heat wave we are having in California right now, I want to be sure she is well hydrated. Before I leave the house I fill the holder with ice and water, and I am set. Easy to clean and no spilled water in the car. Easy to throw in my purse and have it when we are out walking around." —Amazon Customer

    "This water bottle is truly a godsend! I cannot imagine using any other travel water bottle for my pups! It is slim, fits perfectly in a bottle slot in my travel bag; it is lightweight and has a loop to put around my wrist when I walk with my pups. It is extremely convenient on car rides, when my pup is thirsty and needs a quick pick-me-up! I especially love the fact that it sucks the water back in, so that I am not wasting unused water." —LV4NMLS

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three sizes and four colors). 

    7. An orthopedic pet bed so you can maximize their comfort, especially if they live for a relaxing afternoon snooze! The ergonomic design has a soft cushion that evenly distributes body weight while improving airflow.

    Reviewer photo of mixed breed on pet bed
    Reviewer photo of pug on pet bed

    Promising review: "I was looking for a new bed for my old man since he has been having trouble sleeping with arthritis. As soon as I got the bed delivered, I laid on it myself as a tester and I was pleasantly surprised at how much support it had! I knew my senior dog would love it. He’s a husky/pitbull mix and around 80 lbs. The jumbo is more than enough to stretch out on, maybe even fit two dogs :)" —Atang

    Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials).

    8. Or an Aspen self-warming bed for those hard-to-please kitties who turn their nose up at basically everything you buy for them — this may just win them over. It's unbelievably cozy *and* it uses heat-reflecting technology to keep it perfectly toasty with your pet's body heat!

    two cats in the red aspen self warming cat beds
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes swears by it: "This is THE cat bed, y'all. Neither of my cats have ever really taken to a cat bed and much preferred to doze on their cat tree or curl up on a regular blanket — until I finally caved in and bought the Aspen self-warming bed a while back. IMMEDIATELY upon placing it on my couch, one of my cats crawled into it and happily began napping. As soon as he moved away, my other cat jumped in to take it for a test run as well — and immediately curled up as well. After about a week of them taking turns using it (literally, the cat *not* in the bed would lay next to it waiting for the other to leave — my polite boys 🥹), I realized I needed to buy a second one. They immediately took to that one as well, and now, they both have access to their favorite bed whenever they like!

    Whenever I put my hand underneath them, I can definitely feel how warm they are underneath, so the bed's self-warming feature seems to work well. I think what they love most about it is the shape and how unbelievably cushy it is. And the sides of the bed are supportive enough for them to put their heads on, but still flexible enough for them to stretch out however they like. While the listing recommends this bed for cats under 10 pounds, larger cats will be just fine, as Sneaky is quite large (his affectionate nickname is "Chonky"), and he adores this bed. Most of all, I love knowing they won't be cold at night, especially when I'm away from home. Knowing I'll never have to waste money on another cat bed that sits unused is just the cherry on top. Highly recommend!!"

    Get it from Amazon for $23.88 (also available in other styles/sizes). 

    9. An enzymatic toothpaste because your pooch needs proper oral care, too! This will help you keep their pearly whites clean, freshen their breath, and prevent scary dental health issues. Who's the best pet parent of 2024? You are!

    Reviewer photo of their dog with plaque on his teeth before using the toothpaste and with clean teeth after using it
    A reviewer's dog licking the toothpaste off of the toothbrush

    Many reviewers used a soft-bristled finger brush to help them easily spread the toothpaste.

    It includes no foaming agents, so it's safe for your pet to swallow!

    Promising review: "For years I put off brushing my dog's teeth, thinking it was ridiculous. Then, after putting my dog through an anesthetized procedure to clean his teeth and being out several hundred dollars, only six months later the plaque was already building up to levels where the vet was saying his teeth needed to be cleaned again. I tried everything else hoping to spare him the stress of the anesthesia and my pocketbook the cost of the procedure. My vet recommended this product, and I figured, what do I have to lose? I started brushing his teeth daily and very quickly noticed an improvement. His teeth have been cleaner and cleaner the longer I use the product. I now use it every day. Along with an antler to chew on, his teeth are looking very clean and healthy and he got a good checkup from the vet at our last visit! My dog likes the flavor. He's not wild about the brushing but he puts up with it because he likes the taste. It takes less than 30 seconds a day." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $11.41 (available in three flavors).

    10. A pack of all-natural matabi chew sticks — not all cats are over the moon for catnip after all. If your fur baby is a bit of an oddball and loves chewing on furniture legs and charger cables, these may capture their attention!

    a BuzzFeed editor holding the meowy jane chew sticks
    a BuzzFeed editor's cat smelling the chew stick
    Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed

    Meowy Janes is a New Jersey-based small business that specializes in catnip alternatives. They work with sustainable, family-owned farms to source their natural products.

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart gave these to her kitties: "I recently tried some of these out with my cats and they were a hit! TBH they've never really been super into catnip — they'll play with it but they don't go wild — so I was excited to see they were into these. They bat them around, rub their faces all over them, and ultimately, when they're done, hide them under a chair or in their cat condo so they can come back to them later."

    Promising review: "I have two cats, one special needs almost blind kitty, and one very lovey-dovey, very vocal kitty. The special needs kitty has not warmed up to these yet, but she usually needs extra time with new things. But my talkative kitty just loves them! I scraped off some bark as instructed, and she gnawed, tossed, chased and altogether enjoyed them." —Grace Cook

    Get them from Meowy Janes on Etsy for $11.85 or Amazon for $11.21.

    11. Or mounted catnip balls to send even the chillest felines into a frenzy that's almost too fun to watch. Each ball has a different flavor so there's a good chance they'll like at least one of 'em: silvervine, gall fruit, catnip, and cat sugar.

    Promising review: "The cats are in love with this thing and it is so durable! They have been rubbing their faces against it as well as pulling on it with their paws and it has not fallen once. Great entertainment!" —Sky

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.98 (available connected or as stand-alone balls).

    12. grooming rake made for pets with SUPER thick undercoats — it's cute until it's not. This gently removes loose hair and eliminates tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt, which will *instantly* make you feel like a better pet parent.

    reviewer holding rake full of hair next to their German Shepherd dog
    another reviewer's ragdoll cat next to the blue grooming rake and a pile of hair

    Promising review: "I have a German shepherd affectionately known as a German 'Shedder.' All I do is chase this dog around the house with my Dyson, especially the two times a year she blows her coat. I had no expectations when I ordered the undercoat rake as nothing else has worked besides a spring shave, which looks ridiculous. By reading the other reviews, I utilized short strokes, one area at a time and literally the fur was flying. It's the first time I really felt like I could successfully get to and eliminate the undercoat shedding. So much was coming off of her, a neighbor walking by expressed her displeasure with the flying fur! I've used it several days in a row now and despite the fact she's not a fan of standing still that long I think it is fantastic." —MollsMav

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in eight colors).

    13. OR! A pair of pet grooming gloves so you can gently and effectively get rid of excess hair while giving them a nice massage. You'll be *shook* by how much hair these gloves can remove in just a few swipes.

    reviewer holding hand out in front of cats while wearing the blue glove full of hair
    another reviewer wearing the glove while massaging a dog's head who looks very happy

    Promising reviews: "I don't normally leave reviews, but I felt not doing so wouldn't do this product justice. I have two dogs, shorter hair, that I brush daily. I had NO idea how ineffective the brush I was using was, until I used these gloves!! My dogs love it and it removes so much hair and dandruff, you will never want to stop. Well worth the price and your dogs will love you even more!!" —Kristy Kaat

    "Well, these are by far the best grooming tools I've used to brush my cat. I'm shocked at the amount of hair these things remove. That being said, I've got enough hair off one grooming to make myself another whole cat. Definitely worth the money." —Mike Desroches

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five colors).

    14. An interactive treat puzzle when your doggo needs some mental stimulation, which will also serve as entertainment for you! They'll have to work a bit harder for their reward *and* it'll prevent them from gobbling up their treats in one fell swoop.

    Gif of reviewer's dog eating treats out of interactive tray
    Closeup shot of dog using interactive puzzle tray with treats inside

    You can hide their favorite treats inside the flip-top compartments and liftable dog-bone shapes, all of which have tiny air holes on top so your doggo can smell that something is hiding underneath. You might have to show them how to access the compartments the first time they use it, but reviewers say most dogs get the hang of it very quickly!

    Promising review: "My puppy Chabuddy loves this puzzle ... He uses his nose and paws to remove covers, flip open the lids, and slide the boxes to reveal more treats. I didn’t have to teach Chabuddy what to do with the puzzle. I just gave him a single peak under one lid to show him food was in fact accessible and his nose did the rest of the work." —Clementine

    Get it from Amazon for $8.87.

    15. Plus, this interactive cat toy that'll get your speedy eater to slow the heck down. It'll also provide them with mental stimulation! They'll have to work to get their food out of the tubes, so it'll help them take things a bit slower and deliver some great enrichment time.

    two cats playing with the interactive feeder
    gif of a cat digging dry food out of the cat toy and eating it
    www.amazon.com, Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes uses this toy: "I purchased this feeder back in January because Chicho is a little ball of energy and needs regular mental stimulation, or he'll whine and stare at me and whine some more (super fun while I'm trying to WFH). Thankfully, he LOVES this. I literally put his regular dry kibble in there, which he already has full access to in his food bowl in the kitchen, but for some reason, putting his paw in these tubes and digging them out one by one really does it for him. I only use it as a playtime toy when he needs attention and I can't give it to him, not as a regular feeding device, but plenty of reviewers said their kitties eat full meals from it (and finally *aren't* throwing up). If your cat is often bored and meowing for attention, I say give this a shot!"

    Promising review: "My cat is very food motivated and loves to grab at things with his little paws. This feeder is a huge hit at treat time. He makes quick work of the puzzle, and he seems to really enjoy it. I mix up the kinds of treats in each cup, and in the bigger cups, I hide catnip or treats under other toys for him to sniff out. This feeder keeps his little snoot and beans busy." —Raechel Canipe

    Get it from Amazon for $18.74.

    16. dog paw washer if your pup has a tendency to get down and dirty in the mud. You'll be thanking your lucky ~paws~ you bought this. Add water, insert their paw, and let the soft silicone bristles get the job done.

    reviewer holding boxer dog's paw into the green cleaning device
    another reviewer pouring out the dirty, muddy water from the paw cleaner

    Promising review: "A friend recommended this for our 60-lb Golden doodle that loves to run outside and gets muddy paws. We now use it almost daily and love it. I have since recommended it to my other friends who also love it. Well worth the price." —Amy Saehloff

    Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three sizes, eight colors, and two sizes with or without a lid).

    17. An allergy supplement to deliver a rich dose of probiotics and other nutrients to help your pup achieve healthier skin. Other bonuses: it can improve digestion and immune function. Your 2024 resolution of being the best parent is complete!

    reviewer holding the orange jar of allergy bites
    left: another reviewer photo with back and bottom missing tons of fur with redness and irritation / right: after taking the supplement, irritation is gone and the hair has grown back

    Promising review: "My dog was licking her legs a lot and scratching. After she's had these for about a month, there's been a 100% improvement! Don't even think about it, just get them for your pooch, they'll love them. Plus, my dog doesn't shed or scratch like she did and no more licking for hours." —Krys

    Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in five formulas and three sizes).

    18. Or, for picky eaters, an omega oil supplement for dogs you can sneakily add to their existing food for a punch of powerful ingredients known to help promote healthy skin and coat, including EPA, DHA, and vitamin E.

    the bottle of Native Pet omega oil outside on the grass
    Amazon

    It's made with USA-sourced, wild-caught salmon and pollock oil. The blend of fish oils, wheat germ oil, and biotin delivers an optimal blend of EPA, DHA, and  vitamin E that pets need to maintain healthy skin and coat. It also helps promote immunity and mobility health. It can also be used for cats with a serving size of just one pump per day!

    Native Pet is a small business founded by two childhood friends and dog lovers who wanted high-quality products for their own pets. 

    Promising reviews: "I was hesitant on if my dog would like this or not, but this is the first thing he licks up when he eats his food. He loves the taste of it, and on top of it, the shedding has cut down just after a week of using it and his coat is extra shiny. Always a plus it has extra vitamins in it as well!" —Rianah

    "I put one pump into each of my cats bowls. Both of them love it and have no issues eating it up on their dry food. It does have a fish odor but it does not linger in the air. My cats aren't exactly licking their bowls clean, so it's not a smell that sticks to the bowl, they are stainless steel bowls. I have seen an almost immediate change in both of their coats, the shorthair cat has not been shedding as much as before and they both feel much softer to the touch. I would recommend this for cats for sure." —Victoria 

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a larger size).

    19. A dog sling carrier for pet parents who refuse to go anywhere without their fur child. Now you don't have to leave your best buddy behind when you go on adventures! Pop 'em in the sling and be on your way.

    reviewer wearing the sling with their small maltese inside
    close up of another reviewer's pink sling with Yorkie inside

    I purchased this dog sling carrier in 2020 when I was preparing for a cross-country move with my older pup. The adjustable strap is *chef's kiss* amazinggg and prevents the dog from sitting too low on your waist. There's also a safety hook to keep your pet secure and an adjustable neck strap to keep them comfy.

    Promising review: "My 8-pound Yorkipoo is getting old and can no longer keep up with me on our long hikes. After purchasing this carrier, she now gets to ride in style after about a mile of walking. It's easy to set her inside it and it hooks securely to her harness to keep her from accidentally falling out. She seems very comfortable while in the carrier and she gets to look around and sniff the air while I get some exercise." —doughnut42

    Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in three sizes and 14 colors).

    20. Or a three-wheel pet stroller when your dog is a bit too heavy for a sling and they're not exactly a fan of walking. They'll be able to stick their nose out and enjoy the fresh air while you do all the hard work — now that's true love.

    a reviewer with their dog in the black stroller
    another reviewer's Frenchie in the purple stroller

    Promising review: "This stroller is perfect! My dog has cataracts and I wanted her to walk with me. But since she won’t be able to see the sidewalk or other dogs, I was afraid to take her if I wasn’t going to carry her the whole time. This stroller came with a soft blanket pad, shade cover, and the best part, a zipper front covering. It allows her to get air and enjoy a luxury ride. ☺️ She loves her stroller!" —sunniedey119

    Get it from Amazon for $32.98+ (available in five colors).

    21. An automatic cat feeder you *and* your kitto will benefit from. No more waking up at the crack of dawn to feed your hangry cat! This is also a lifesaver if you need help controlling their portions and getting them on a regular eating schedule.

    reviewer's cat standing in front of the white autoamtic feeder
    gif of BuzzFeeder's automatic cat feeder dispensing food
    www.amazon.com, Courtney Lynch / BuzzFeed

    Like many pet owners who venture into the world of automatic feeders, my cat was waking me up at the crack of dawn begging for food. She was also eating all her food in one sitting and constantly begging for more, which is another problem the auto feeder helped solve. You can set it to dispense up to six feedings per day and you're also able to control the portion size of each feeding. I did a LOT of research before landing on this feeder and these were two of the major selling points for me. There is also the option of dispensing manual feedings if necessary. 

    The twist-lock storage lid is a lifesaver if you have a curious cat who tries to get into everything. You can even record a 10-second message to call your kitty to come eat when the food dispenses! There's a sensor that lets you know when the food level is getting low (it lets you know WAY in advance of it actually running out, which is nice) or if food is stuck in the chute. The feeder plugs into the wall but you can also add three D-cell batteries, which ensures that the feeder will continue to run in the event of a power outage. My cat no longer wakes me up at ungodly hours crying for food. She has developed normal eating habits (no more gorging!) and is maintaining a healthy weight without any issues.

    Promising review: "Got this for my 9-lb cat who thinks breakfast should be promptly served at 5 am. It was easy to program, easy to clean, and I love that the top latches because my fur baby is known to pry into any food container she can. The portion sizes are small, three portions is 1/4 a cup using Blue Buffalo adult cat food, which is nice for making sure I don't overfeed my little girl. Overall very happy with my purchase." —Kat

    Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in three colors).

    22. An adjustable dog bowl if you're worried about your pet straining their neck to eat or drink. Whether you've got a small pooch or a huge one, this bowl will make mealtime even better.

    Promising review: "My senior dog is having a hard time standing and her back end was sinking while eating from a bowl on the ground. These raised bowls help her stability while eating. The stainless-steel bowls are lightweight but easy to remove and clean. I like how the stand will fold up if we ever need to take it anywhere for travel with her." —BB

    Get it from Amazon for $24.56.

    23. And a set of raised cat bowls with a tilted design that can help prevent whisker fatigue *and* result in less neck strain for your pet. Oh, and the inner lip keeps food and water inside of the bowl, so you'll be cleaning up fewer spills.

    Promising review: "I had been using some raised bowls with flat tops that worked well to prevent regurgitation, but the cats would push the food over the sides while they were eating. The tilted design of these bowls makes it so they can push the kibble against the back without making a mess. The food goes back down to the bottom so they don't look empty before they are. They are true ceramic and heavy weight so they can't knock them down easily and they look super cute. I would definitely not run these through the dishwasher due to the small firing hole in the base, but the glossy finish will make them easy to wipe clean." —Hanna B.

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $28.88.

    24. BPA-free airtight food container to ensure your pet's food stays fresh and free of germs. Not to mention that your lil' tyrant will no longer be able to help themselves to a snack whenever they feel like it. Being a strict pet parent is tough, but someone's gotta do it!

    a model pouring cat food from the container
    Amazon

    BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jessica Hall says: "This is such an essential pet purchase. It helps keep their food fresh and keeps any critters (including the cats) out. Be sure to wash it before you add new food, just to keep things extra fresh and clean. I love it and just added a little scoop inside so I don't have to try to pour and end up with a massive mess. Piper loves when it's time to refill the bucket because she gets to sneak a few pieces straight out of the container, idk why, but that truly brings her so much joy."

    Promising review: "These storage containers are fantastic! We have two and stack them in our pantry. They keep pet food fresh and are easy to scoop from. The stackable design saves space, and the airtight seal is perfect. Great solution for pet food storage. Highly recommend!" —Josie H.

    Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four sizes and three colors).

    25. A cardboard box with refill scratch pads so your cat becomes interested in destroying something other than your furniture. They'll be so enamored with their precious new box, they won't even realize it was mostly for your benefit.

    gif of BuzzFeeder's cat using the scratching pad
    BuzzFeeder's cat in the scratching box
    Courtney Lynch / BuzzFeed

    Listen up, people. If your cat loves to take their scratching habit out on your furniture, you absolutely *need* one of these in your home. They're especially great for kitties who automatically take up residence in any cardboard box you bring into the house 😆 (iykyk). These last a really long time, so you only need to buy 'em every few months — maybe more often in a multi-cat household. It comes with a box, three scratching pad refills, and three small bags of catnip. The scratching pads are reversible, so you can flip it over once the first side is destroyed and get more use out of it. I keep one of these in the living room and one in my bedroom and my cat has no interest in scratching anything else now. Also, she loves these so much that she'll often end up taking a little snooze inside of the box!

    Promising review: "I have a cat that only likes a few things, and she obsesses over those things. Cardboard scratchers are one of her favorite things. I love that this comes with three inserts that can be flipped over. Basically it's six scratchers. This will last her several months and we will be back for more when she goes through them all. Also, the price for this item was so much better than many others I see out there." —Samantha

    Get it from Amazon for $17.97.

    26. Or a wall-mounted scratching post when your vertical scratcher needs to be distracted from that very tempting couch arm they usually attack. This will take up less space than a regular scratching post *and* it'll look nice in your home.

    cat using wall-mounted scratching post
    Amazon

    This is made of sisal wood, which is stronger and sturdier than cardboard (the common material for scratching posts). 

    Promising review: "The average cat scratching post is a hideous blend of string and beige carpet that sucks the soul from any room in which it is placed. Not this one. This scratching post is sleek, well made and unassuming, blending easily into any room. It arrived well packaged and was easy to install with the hardware provided. Furthermore, it is robustly constructed and stands up to constant use by my cat." —D James

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

    27. An all-natural shampoo bar because some dogs experience unbearable itchiness and irritation. This will help nourish and moisturize their skin. It'll also get their coat ~so fresh and so clean clean~ without further irritating their skin.

    A person holding the shampoo bar in front of a dog in a basin
    Simply Sage Dog Treats / Etsy

    Simply Sage Dog Treats is a small biz in Norcross, Georgia, that makes all-natural paw balms, skin salves, and shampoos for pets with allergies or skin conditions. Not to mention that all of these products are lick-safe!

    Promising review: "I always use natural shampoos for my dogs, but my older one always seems to get itchy from all of them. Until now. This shampoo is amazing! Not only does it clean well and not cause itching after the bath, but it has also decreased her overall itchiness to almost nothing at all! AND her skin feels and looks so much healthier! Thank you so much for making such a wonderful product. ❤️ I will definitely be back for more! 😄" —Jennifer

    Get it from Simply Sage Dog Treats on Etsy for $9.50.

    28. An ear treatment that'll eliminate the gunk they've been dealing with for far too long. It also protects against fungal and bacterial infections, like yeast and staph infections so you'll def earn Pet Parent Of The Year for this one 🏆.

    Promising reviews: "Saved a ton of money for vet bills. This stuff works fantastic and my cat actually doesn't mind getting the drops. I followed the instructions and they did exactly as they said. After reading the reviews, I was sort of convinced but now I won't get anything else. Totally worth the money." —Debbie M

    "I bought this to help my dog’s ears and it’s the best on the market. Within days, her ears started clearing up and she stopped scratching her ears and shaking her head. Awesome product, well worth the money." —handheld

    Get it from Amazon for $23.79+ (also available in a larger size).

    29. Burt's Bees dander-reducing spray to help your kitty maintain a shiny coat during shedding season and beyond! Despite their meticulous cleaning habits, sometimes they need a lil' help. It uses aloe vera and oatmeal to condition dry skin, reduce redness, and remove dander.

    Promising review: "I spray this on my cats' brushes and they both love it. It really picks up the dander from my one cat and helps a lot with any hotspots he has. There's marked improvement in both of their coats, definitely worth the purchase. I’m glad I bought two bottles." —doink

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available as a two-pack).

    30. Or a pack of Burt's Bees dander-reducing cat wipes for those felines who run for the hills whenever they even hear the sound of a spray. This is a quick and simple way to reduce dander that won't terrify them.

    Promising review: "Our son was having a lot of dander on his back near the base of his tail. We kept up the brushing but it wasn't going away. Looking at the reviews I decided to go for the dander wipes. Well I have used it twice and was blown away. His dander is pretty much all gone now. Plus his hair seems shinier and silkier after his brushing and using the wipes. Not to mention our baby boy looks just like the cat on the packaging. All around I will continue to buy these and use once a week or twice every two weeks to keep up his beautiful orange coat. Thanks Burt's Bees!" —Tom Cincotta

    Get a pack from Amazon for $7.40 (available in four styles and in multipacks).

    31. A pack of grooming wipes so you can keep your pet's coat in check between grooming sessions. Reviewers use these on both dogs *and* cats and say they're great for reducing shedding and dander.

    person wiping a dogs paw
    Amazon

    Promising reviews: These are great wipes. I use them for my cat. She enjoys being wiped down with these. I use one in each hand and give her a massage every day using these wipes. They smell nice and are very moist, not dry at all. They are also nice and big and thick! These will be the only wipes I buy for her from now on. I’ve tried others and these are by far the best ones. So happy I finally found these for my cat. They help tremendously with her shedding and dander. Most importantly, she loves them. She purrs the whole time I use these on her. Great product!" —Online Shopping is My Middle Name!

    "I use these every day. After walks and at the end of the day. Helps keep my westie free from pollens that annoy him and me! These are not going to remove a ton of dirt but definitely enough to keep paws clean and coat free of pollen/light dirt." —kattigrr

    Get a pack of 100 wipes from Amazon for $12.34 (available in four sizes and in scented or unscented options).

    32. A cleansing wrinkle cream to wash away your pet's tear stains once and for all. It'll also help prevent moisture buildup in their skin folds. Pet parents of squish-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and Frenchies love this stuff!

    Before photo of a bulldog with red, irritated skin folds
    The same bulldog with skin that's much less red

    Squishface is a small biz established in 2017 that specializes in dog skin care products for wrinkly breeds.

    Promising review: "This is a necessity for my bulldog – face wrinkles get disgusting without it! I clean her face every day and then apply this cream. This saves us [from] having to deal with skin breakdown and smelly face issues. Prevents infections and a trip to the vet. Totally worth the money." —Lis

    Get it from Amazon for $18.70 (also available as a two-pack).

    33. A senior cat litter box that's easier for older kitties to use. The entrance is low enough that it won't be challenging to access, but the sides are high enough to keep litter inside and prevent those yucky accidents.

    Promising review: "I’m so glad I purchased this truly well-made litter box for my senior kitty Dublin. The entrance part is nice and low, but not too low that litter spills out. The sides are high enough to allow for an ample amount of litter. The material is sturdy and smooth without sharp edges and doesn’t bend or buckle. I’ve had cats most of my life and many litter boxes along the way, but this is definitely my favorite. I highly recommend buying this litter box!" —arissimo

    Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in various sizes and styles).

    34. And heavy-duty litter box liners because do you really want to find a pool of urine at the bottom of the box thanks to all the holes your cat made 🤢? These bags are strong enough to stand up against the most ferocious scratchers and diggers!

    Cats who like to tear big holes in litter box liners make them pretty much pointless to use, but reviewers say these heavy-duty liners are sturdy enough to withstand the shredding. These are jumbo-size too, so they'll fit most litter boxes. 

    Promising review: "I think these litter liners are by far the best on the market. They are very thick so when you're scooping, they don't rip or tear any holes that cause a big mess under the liner. They really last a long time! It's also handy that they have the pulls like garbage bags that make it very easy to grab and throw away." —Linda S.

    Get a 15-pack from Amazon for $10.29 (also available as a five-pack and in a scented version).

    35. A battery-powered nail grinder for making at-home dog grooming sessions less of a nightmare. This offers a quick and painless trim, which can be an excellent option for those who fear traditional clippers.

    Promising review: "My dog has what feels like hooves for toenails. I’ve been through three other grinders that take forever to do his nails, and he’s terrified of clippers. With grinders, I can judge better how short to go. I got this grinder after the last was taking nearly an hour to do his toesies. This one only took about 10 minutes, and it worked!! This is the shortest I was able to get his nails with no injury to him, and it was able to grind right down on his super thick nails. I’m so impressed!!! He’s a 60-lb dog, and I needed a strong grinder to get the job down, and this was worth every penny." —Chrissy G

    Get it from Amazon for $34.98.

    36. Or a pair of pet nail clippers so you can finally get your cat's killer claw under control. You'll be able to make fast and easy cuts that won't cause them any pain OR make them want to scratch your eyes out.

    BuzzFeed writer's cat getting her nails clipped
    The clippers slightly open laying on a BuzzFeed writer's table
    Jessica Hall / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeeder Jessica Hall had this to say: "I have been using these clippers for about four years now and they are definitely the best version of clippers I have tried. The blades are sharp enough that they can quickly and painlessly go through my cats' nails without causing any damage (other than the emotional damage my one cat seems to experience…). I think they are so good and easy to use I was able to convince my parents (who have had cats for 30+ years and never cut their nails) to get them and they *actually* use them. Highly recommend these if you need to cut your pets' nails, especially if you are debating between these and just using regular nail clippers for humans, please pick these. Using human nail clippers on your pet can cause pain or damage to their nails, and there's nothing worse than seeing your fur baby in pain!!"

    Promising review: "I love how easy these nail clippers are to maneuver. I had a different set for my cat before and they were way too bulky in my hands and difficult to use and I was worried about accidentally clipping too far due to lack of control. These clippers are lightweight and easy to use, and it is also easier to see what you are doing and give you more fine-tuned control as you clip your pet's nails. Highly recommend, I will be getting rid of my old clippers and using these exclusively." —Gretchen Gainor

    Get them from Amazon for $6.99.

    37. A dental care water additive if your pet needs all the help they can get when it comes to dental care. Brushing their teeth can be ~ruff~ but this will help maintain their oral hygiene between cleanings! Add it to their water and call it a day.

    Reviewer holding bottle of additive while feeling up bowl of water in sink
    Reviewer's dog with bright white teeth
    Reviewer holding dog's lips open to show clean teeth

    Oxyfresh is a small business based in Idaho that creates dental care products just for pets.

    Some reviewers noted that this product potentially gives sensitive pups some stomach issues, so it's recommended to work up from a half dose starting out and speak with a vet before use. 

    Promising reviews: "My littlest dog has (HAD) rancid breath. Rancid. He eats his poop and it's beyond disgusting. The vet has also stated that his teeth are not good. We've tried everything, natural things to other items, and decided to give this product a try. Every time I filled their my dogs' water dish, I would add a capful of this stuff, and lo and behold, I can't believe it worked. Neither of them tasted it or smelled it, or if they did it didn't bother them because they continue to drink their water like it's no big deal. I purchased another bottle. I'm able to get close to my dog again." —Munchkins Great Aunt

    Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in three sizes and as a two-pack).

    38. A calming diffuser kit that'll help settle the nerves of your perpetually stressed-out cat so you can both relax. Whether they have separation anxiety or they're adjusting to a new home, this can work wonders!

    Each kit comes with a diffuser and refill. This diffuser emits pheromones, which trigger a cat's endocrine system to release calming chemicals. Cats naturally produce these same pheromones, so you don't have to worry about your cat getting into potentially toxic ingredients.

    Promising review: "This diffuser is incredibly easy to use! You can turn it on and off which I really like! It smells amazing! At first, I didn’t think it was doing anything but I realized that my cats have been more playful and haven’t been scratching as much! Also, my dog who is scared of like everything seems to be more calm! She freaks out when it rains and this past time, she was not shaking uncontrollably as much as she usually does. I was actually able to calm her down easier! This is definitely worth it and I plan on getting more. So far I have used it for a few days since I can turn it off so I assume it will last a while which is great! I highly recommend this diffuser!!" —Shanon Kelly-Cortina

    Get it from Amazon for $15.90 (also available in larger kit sizes).

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.