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    Cat Owners: These 34 Things Will Make *Your* Life Easier And *Their* Lives Happier

    Purrfect cohabitation.

    1. A Feliway multi-cat calming diffuser kit if you have cats who don't get along, whether one of them is new to the household or a life change has caused them to become aggressive. This plugs right into your wall and releases pheromones that mimic a nursing mother's, helping to not only calm cats down but also encourage social acceptance of each other.

    the feliway diffuser plugged into a wall
    a pair of cats lounging back to back on a bed

    This starter kit gets you the diffuser head and one vial of Feliway; refills are also available on Amazon. Keep in mind that if you're introducing a new cat, you should *still* take proper precautions like keeping them separate for a while, doing smell introductions first, etc. 

    Promising review: "I can’t express enough how much this has changed mine and my cats' lives. Merging two households wasn’t easy on the cats. One male cat had a hard time moving into a new house with new pets. He had terrible behavior problems and would cause us and the other cats a lot of stress. He would get into moods where he would chase and attack the others and would not let up. We tried everything the vet suggested to reduce theses incidences, but getting Feliway was the only thing that worked. He is a completely different cat now. He is calm and his outbursts rarely happen. He has become a couch cat and has turned into the sweetest boy. The other cats aren’t stressed anymore and neither are we. We couldn’t believe that this one product could fix everything, but it did. If he starts to act out again we check the diffusers, and sure enough, one of them will be out. If your cats are having any behavior problems or stress please try this!" —Kristine Spencer

    Get it from Amazon for $22.75

    2. A double-layered litter mat because of the sheer volume of litter being tracked out of your litter box(es) on a daily basis. It has a honeycomb design that catches and traps litter so it doesn't scatter across your floor. You can then press in on the sides to open up the mat and dump the trapped litter back into your litter box, or slide it into the trash can, whichever you prefer!

    A reviewer's photo of the trapper mat set up under their litter box on a carpet floor, with litter visible trapped in the honeycomb
    A close-up look at the litter trapped inside the mat's honeycomb design
    www.amazon.com, Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    I've been using this trapper mat for months now, and while it's pretty much impossible to eliminate all litter from your home if you own even one cat, let alone multiple, this mat has made keeping the floor of my litter box room MUCH more manageable. Unlike other mats, where the litter just kind of sits on top and eventually gets kicked elsewhere, this mat is designed so that the litter falls through the holes and stays inside the mat until you're ready to dump it. It's made out of an EVA material that's supposed to be gentle enough for cat paws, and my two kitties don't seem to have a problem walking on it. I *highly* recommend getting the larger 30-by-24-inch mat to extend the coverage area — I initially got the smaller one but went back for the larger size and it's perfect. Note that the mat will probably have a fold down the middle when it first arrives, but just give it some time and weigh it down with something if needed; it'll lay flat.

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors).

    3. And heavy-duty litter box liners to hold up against the amount of feverish digging and scratching happening inside those boxes. There's nothing worse than trying to take out a bag of litter when it's already half falling apart with litter (and waste) spilling out the side.

    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 have two indoor cats, and one indoor/outdoor cat split among three litter boxes. These liners hold up for several weeks without ripping, and are scooped daily. My cats love to pee in the corners, so I constantly have to scrub against the corners with the litter scooper and they have yet to rip. The other brands I tried, all eventually ripped." —Eric

    Get a pack of 15 from Amazon for $9.84 (also available in packs of five and seven).

    4. A pair of professional nail clippers if your kitties like to play a little too roughly sometimes — trimming their nails once they start to get sword-level sharp will prevent them from accidentally hurting each other (or you!). It'll also keep them from using those nails on your best furniture. 

    Reviewer photo of the clippers
    Reviewer photo of their cat's clipped claws

    Not to scare you, but I once had to take a cat to the vet because the other one accidentally scratched his ear while playing (unbeknownst to me) and it got infected. Now I make *extra* sure I trim those nails when they start to get extra sharp. If you're new to trimming your cats' nails, you can start with just one or two nails at a time to get them used to the process, and of course, be sure to give them a treat afterward. 😊

    Promising review: "These were way better than expected. Most of my life, I have used human nail clippers for cats. I have tried nail scissors unsuccessfully. We also tried another brand of cat claw trimmers that were guillotine style, but splintered their nails. These cut so smoothly, easily (without needing a lot of pressure), and so cleanly with no splintering at all. Just mad at myself I waited this long to get them. I truly didn’t expect such an affordable pair would perform this well." —interiorlulu

    Get them from Amazon for $7.68.

    5. A ChomChom pet hair roller that I will never stop writing about because it's the only thing that's saved my VELVET couch (bad idea, I know) from my two cats who just looove lounging there. It doesn't mess with sticky tapes or paper; instead, you get a reusable brush that grabs up every bit of hair and lint as you clean — just empty it out after, and you're good to go again!

    a blue velvet ottoman covered in cat hair, with an after photo of it 10 seconds later looking clean and hair-free after using the chomchom
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    The tens of thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews are reason enough to add the ChomChom to your cart immediately — but let me add my own personal review to the stack. I've been using the ChomChom for quite a while now, but I took the photos above literally just now to show just how quick, easy, and effective this roller is. It took 10 seconds to rid my velvet couch ottoman (yes, velvet...a terrible cat owner choice, I know) of the hair my two gray kitties are constantly leaving everywhere. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside, which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside. The ChomChom is best for large flat surfaces like couches and beds. 

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). 

    6. An Aspen self-warming bed if you're tired of buying cat beds that your kitty simply ✨ ignores ✨ — this bed broke that years-long cycle for me and I've now bought *two* of them so each of my cats can have their own. Aside from just being irresistibly cozy and the perfect shape, this smartly designed bed uses their own body heat and reflects it so they have a toasty place to nap at all times — including when you're not home to cuddle them.

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

    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 my older cat Sneaky is quite large 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 $19.74

    7. A cat tree so alllll your feline bbs can lounge, sleep, and play in the same spot together. Cats like to be up high so they can see everything that's going on, and this gives them another place to climb and scratch that's *not* your expensive furniture. Plus, the adorable view of them dozing on it day in and day out never gets old.

    a beige multi level cat tree with two cats on it
    a cat sleeping on a level of the cat tree and another sleeping in a basket
    www.amazon.com, Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    I've owned this exact cat tree for about a year and a half now and have to say, for the amount of use you (well, your cats) get out of it, it's a steal at this price. My cats (that's them on the right above) are on this thing EVERY day. There are sisal-covered posts along the entire height of it for your cats to scratch, and the rope is just now starting to come apart from the amount of feverish scratching my younger cat, Chicho, has done to it (which, for $70, I'm not mad about). Now, there are some parts of this tree my adult cats simple weren't interested in using: the hammock on the first level, the cubby hole on the second, and the tunnel on the third. Those are absolutely designed for kittens, making this a great tree for cats of all ages. My cats prefer the two top tiers of the tree and the side basket — which my very thick older cat, Sneaky, curls up in for his afternoon naps every single day. I appreciate that this cat tree doesn't take up a *ton* of space either and fits very well in my NYC apartment. If you've got a couple of kitties and haven't gotten them a dedicated cat tree yet, take this as your sign that it's worth it! 

    Get it from Amazon for $67.18+ (available in five colors). 

    8. An organic cat grass growing kit if they love to taste-test your indoor plants (some of which can be toxic!) or who struggle with hairballs. Give them a taste of the outdoors with this cat-safe, fiber-rich grass, which includes a healthy mix of wheat grass, oat, barley, and rye and helps digestion.

    Cat chewing on cat grass in a white mug
    a cat nuzzling the cat grass in a window

    Plus, it comes in an adorable cat face mug!

    The Cat Ladies is a family-owned, southern California-based small business founded in 2015 by a mother-daughter duo who wanted to create unique, organic, nontoxic products for other passionate cat owners.

    Promising review: "As far as the flavor goes; the kitties seem to find it top notch! Was tall enough after only five days; but we held off for day six to make sure 'little destroyer' didn't pull it out by the roots! The cup opening keeps the shoots tight together unlike some you buy in the pet store. We couldn't be more pleased. We ordered a refill at the same time and plan to order again just to have two cups so my kids don't fight for position. No mold problems if you follow watering directions." —Kathleen M.

    Get it from Amazon for $19.94.

    9. An interactive cat toy that can help picky eaters slow down as well as ~stimulate their brain~ as they try to solve the puzzle of getting treats or dry kibble out of the various-sized tubes in a natural pawing manner. For bored kitties who're always stealing household items (or sometimes literal trash) to play with, this'll provide some much-needed enrichment.

    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

    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!

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    10. A Litter Robot so you don't have to follow that rule of having a litter box for every cat you own *plus* one. That's because this splurge-worthy, high-tech litter box will clean up after them about 30 seconds after they finish doing their business and hop out, ensuring it's clean for the next cat and significantly cutting down on the effort you have to spend keeping it clean. 

    A gift of a Litter Robot mid-cycle
    A cat sitting in a white Litter Robot
    Litter Robot, Litter Robot

    When my mom first told me about this $500 automatic litter box she'd read about somewhere, my eyes just about popped out of my head thinking about spending that much on a thing that my cats poop in. But after thinking about it some more, I realized it's actually a pretty reasonable investment since I plan on owning cats forever but shamefully hate cleaning out their litter boxes as often as they really should be.

    I've been using the Litter Robot myself for almost a year now, and I'm pretty sure both me and my two cats are way happier for it. After a cat is done using it, the Litter Robot waits a set amount of time until the cat's presence is no longer detected, then begins to rotate, collecting the waste into a bag at the bottom while retaining the clean litter in the barrel. I usually don't detect a smell from it afterward, though once the bag starts to get really full, you might get a subtle reminder that you need to take it out. I only have to take out that bag about once a week, and a flashing light will let you know when it's full.

    Initially, the cats were a little spooked by the sound of the Litter Robot during a cycle, and for the first few weeks, they would just sit and stare at it, as if it would get up and run at them if they took their eyes off it. At this point, though, they've completely adjusted and accepted it as their way of life, making my life a heck of a lot easier while ensuring they always have a clean bed of litter. It's a pricey purchase, to be sure, but if cleaning out the litter box daily or even every other day is hard for you and you'd rather not think about it much at all, I say the Litter Robot is worth it. One thing to note: It's quite large, so make sure you have a dedicated space for it.

    Get it from Litter Robot for $549 (available in white or gray).

    Looking for a cheaper option? Here's another self-cleaning cat litter box from Amazon that reviewers like — it's smaller and utilizes disposable trays instead.

    11. Or a Litter Genie litter disposal system that's basically a half step between the Litter Robot and the type of scooping you're probably doing now. You still have to scoop the waste out of your litter box yourself, but you can then deposit it into this pail, which completely locks in odors and prevents you from having to put smelly bags of waste in the trash or carry it outside every day.

    the black and gray litter genie with a handle in the side for storing a cooper
    the inside of the litter genie, showing it's lined with a blue plastic liner

    For someone like me who lives in a fourth-floor walkup, cutting down on the number of trips spent taking litter bags outside is a *major* help. They say it can hold up to 14 days of cat litter for one cat, so you may fill it up quicker depending on how many kitties you have.

    Promising review: "This is an excellent product. I bought this to replace my previous one that I accidentally broke. The Genie keeps the bathroom litter box odor-free. I have three cats and one litter box and even with three, I only dump the bags every THREE WEEKS (or so) so it saves me having to make several trips to the outdoor garbage bins every single day. The only thing I don't like is that I can't find cheaper inserts for it any longer so I have to purchase the more expensive Genie ones but that's really my only complaint." —Coryelle

    Get it from Amazon for $27.99. Liner refills are also available from Amazon for $15.66 (about a six-month supply).

    12. A budget-friendly top-entry litter box discreet enough to place in multiple rooms if you have more than a few cats and really need to make sure they have ~options~. The grooved lid at the top helps remove leftover litter particles from your cat's paws as they climb out, and if you have a dog in the house who likes to go digging in litter boxes, this design can also keep them out of your cats' poop spots. 

    reviewer's cat on top of the top-entry litter box
    A photo of the grooved litter box lid and a cat inside of it

    Reviewers say it works for both small and bigger cats alike! One reviewer's tip: Make sure the side without the grooved lid is facing a wall so that cats can't jump out that way (the grooved side is what prevents litter tracking).

    Note that if you have a senior cat with limited mobility, you'd want to provide a litter box with low, easy access for that cat.

    Promising review: "We have three cats and have to manage a silly amount of cat politics. We've learned that having a higher number of litter boxes, and spread to multiple locations, cuts way down on bullying and helps cats to feel safe, [as they are] instinctively territorial about where they put their scent and feel vulnerable when they're 'in the act'. This cat box helps to be able to have boxes in rooms of the house where a cat box would feel garish, not to mention the litter mess. It took a little while for my cats to try it out but they're using it now and don't get to kick the gravel out everywhere (I swear they do it on purpose)." —Dism

    Get it from Amazon for $34.79+ (available in three colors).

    13. A UV black light flashlight that, uh, may give you some very gross info about where your cats have been having accidents. There's nothing worse than detecting the vague smell of pee or vomit and not knowing where it's coming from — and unfortunately, when you have multiple kitties, the chances of that happening while you're not in the room go up significantly.

    A carpet in a house
    A carpet shined with a UV black light

    Promising review: "OMG this is disgusting!!! I hope this isn't all just cat pee that shows up cause there is a lot! I bought this because I thought my cat was peeing in one room and couldn't find the exact spot so I bought this. Found the spot and more. Would recommend." —Momof3boys

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    14. And an odor-eliminating spray you should have on hand for when you locate that latest carpet accident. Not only does it lift away stains; it also releases enzymes that break down the deep and persistent odors left behind.

    editor holding bottle of rocco & roxie spray
    before/after of a puppy's accident on a woven wool rug, showing the stain completely disappeared in the after photo
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    Carpet messes are undoubtedly the worst to clean up — it's "funny" how they always choose to have their accident there — but you can also use this on clothes and other surfaces like concrete and hardwood. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully for non-carpet use.

    Rocco & Roxie is a family-owned small business named after the Magleby family's pets Rocco, a Labradoodle, and Roxie, a former shelter tabby cat. They make a variety of pet supplies, including cleaners, treats, grooming tools, accessories, and toys.

    When it comes to my own experience with Rocco & Roxie, well...let's just say we're no stranger to cat accidents 'round these parts, and I keep this stuff stocked at all times. Between my younger one's hairballs and my older one's vomiting, I've accidentally stepped in piles of yuck more times than I care to count, and this bottle is what I reach for whether the mess is on my hardwood floor or carpet. It always lifts the stain, without any detectable odor left behind. 

    Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in two sizes). 

    15. Grooming gloves for cats who shed huge wads of hair every time you go to pet them — at least now, your petting sessions can double as grooming time, and you can prevent some of that excess hair from ending up on your furniture. Plus, many cats really enjoy how this glove feels.

    a cat being groomed using the gloove
    the glove filled with cat fur

    Promising review: "WOW!!! I brushed the cat with our regular brush and got a bit of fur...then I used the glove and got enough fur off that cat to knit a wig for my bald head! AMAZING!!!! The cat purrs and seems to enjoy the process, or maybe she just likes all the new attention she gets from everyone wanting to see how much fur we can get off her..... poor cat looks like she's lost 10 pounds. The best part of this whole thing is that there aren't cat hairballs all over our hardwood floors. We can pick up the cat without a cloud of hair trailing behind us. This product is every bit as good as described." —GS

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four colors).

    16. A canister of creamy lickable cat treats that are high in moisture to help them stay properly hydrated — but more importantly, they're deliciously savory and irresistible to kitties. You just tear one open, and they can lick it directly from the tube like it's Go-Gurt for cats, or you can squeeze some out into a bowl or on top of their regular food.

    a cat putting their nose inside the container of lickable cat treats
    A grey and black cat licking cream out of a lickable treat packet

    These lickable cat treats are such a crowdpleaser — even Chicho, who generally turns his nose up at crunchy treats, loves to get in on the action whenever I offer him one of these lil' tubes. It's so easy to tear open a pack, and I love being able to feed the treat to them directly like Go-Gurt. They also came in clutch a while back when Sneaky (who was later diagnosed with a low-grade form of lymphoma) stopped eating and was throwing up from his stomach being so empty. The Churu lickable treats were the only thing I could coax him into eating — and while they're not a replacement for meals, they're high in moisture and were able to tide him over until his vet visit. And if you have to give your cats medications regularly, these can help disguise the flavor. 

    Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $34.49 (available in multiple flavors and packs).

    17. A dual-cabin pet carrier for when you need to take a pair of cats on the go, whether it's a planned vet trip or an emergency where you need to get them out of the building quickly and safely.

    a cat on each level of a dual pet carrier
    person wearing the dual pet carrier loaded up with cats on their back

    Promising review: "Like most reviewers here, I purchased after a bad experience with evacuating my two cats during a fire alarm. I needed something I could carry easily and get both of them in, bonus points if I could store it compactly. They are both 13–14 pounds and from nose to butt about 16 inches long. I took this bag for a test drive and yes they were pretty cramped but there’s really no way to make the bag larger and still be carried by a small person (as a small person it’s difficult not to tip over with it as is). Put this to the test with a fire alarm in my building this week. I laid the pack on its back so the two front windows were facing up, dragged the babies from their hiding places and dropped them right in. It was shockingly painless compared to getting them into hard plastic carriers (they usually grab onto the metal doors and resist going in but with this there was nothing to grab until they were in it, because of the flexible material). We were the first ones out of the building. Turned out it was a small, real fire in another unit this time and no one was hurt but now I feel 100% sure they will be safe. Bonus: None of the dozens of dogs also evacuated noticed them in backpack form and left them alone, and I got lots of compliments!" —Elizabeth Doughty

    Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes).

    18. A pair of food storage containers that'll thwart particularly smart kitties who will tear open their food bags if left out. These airtight bins keep your cat food fresh for longer and also make it easy to reach in and scoop out the amount you need.

    You get a large 33-quart bin and a smaller, stackable 12-quart bin, so if you have two different types of dry food you can store them separately, or just use the top bin to store supplies, treats, etc. You could also use the bottom bin for storing cat litter and the top bin for food — the options here are endless! The wheels on the bottom bin make it easy to roll around, a helpful feature for those with limited mobility or less arm strength. A scoop is included!

    Promising review: "These storage boxes are excellent for protecting pet food from bugs and mice. The smaller container can hold just under an 11-pound bag of cat food. The cat food we use has crunchy and soft morsels. The soft morsels stay soft and the scent from the food when opening the container is fresh and sustained. The bottom container holds up to 25-pound bag of dog food. It has the same results too. The wheels make it convenient to store in a pantry or closet and slide out when needed." —Shannon Campbell

    Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in six colors).

    19. An air purifier to help you manage indoor allergies from pet dander and those awful smells that waft around from the litter box — and if you've ever seen one of your cat's eyes watering, it's possible the poor thing could have allergies itself. This works quietly in the background to clean your air — all you have to do is replace the filter every six to eight months!

    The air purifier in white sitting next to a nightstand
    Reviewer photo of the filter showing how much dust it picked up

    It captures not only pet dander and odors but also dust, smoke, pollen, and other indoor irritants that you don't see but can be harmful for you and any children.

    Promising review: "I foster kittens for a rescue, and no matter how often I clean the boxes, I still have an odor in the room. I got this product out of desperation. It was a good size and weight for kitties bouncing around. I am truly shocked and enormously happy with how it works! My husband was at wits' end with his sensitive nose. He goes in there now and is astonished, no smell. We are getting another for the kitchen! The room is 10x10, and I use it on the 2 setting. I also enjoy the night light. Very helpful without disturbing sick sleepy babies recovering from illness." —Victoria Mohagen

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in black or white).

    20. Soft catnip-infused felt balls that come in a set so there's enough to go around. They come with a "charging tin" so that when your kitties start to lose interest, you can just put the balls back in for a few hours to absorb more catnip — that way, they'll be good as new for the next energetic play session.

    cat next to catnip balls
    various colors of the catnip balls arranged
    Simply B Vermont / Etsy

    Simply B Vermont is a small business located in, you guessed it, Vermont. They make all kinds of adorable pet accessories and toys for cats AND dogs.

    Promising review: "Fast shipping, seller was super thoughtful and attentive, and most important of all our kitties are obsessed with these balls! Even my shyer one is running around with these having an absolute blast even without my tossing them around. It’s also wearing her out which is quite hard to do. Highly recommend!" —Ketti Schulenberg

    Get a set from Simply B Vermont on Etsy for $15 (available in three styles and with refills).

    21. And a clear toy blocker to stop all their toys and balls from *immediately* ending up underneath the couch and other furniture, putting an end to one of the most annoying cat owner chores: going around and "rescuing" their toys for them. And because it's made of durable plastic, it's not something they'll be able to rip up and destroy either!

    It can also help discourage them from hiding under furniture!

    Promising reviews: "A must-have for ALL pet owners. This contraption is genius and will save cat (and dog) owners insane amounts of time and frustration retrieving toys. We used this beneath our oven and it works PERFECTLY. Cat can't destroy it (the way she shredded the foam insulation we had stuffed under there before) and we no longer have to get the yardstick out when literally all of her toys are 'gone.' Yes, this is a challenge to install, but 100% worth it. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat." —Allison Goldstein

    Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in three sizes).

    22. A standing scratching post your cat can let out all of their clawing urges on *instead* of your sofa, since the upright design lets them fully stretch out while they scratch. The wood base is super sturdy, and the neutral color helps it blend in well with your decor!

    cat scratching on the standing scratching post
    cat sitting on top of the post

    I've had this post for several years, and it gets plenty of use by my younger cat, Chicho, who looooves to fully stretch out while he scratches. The base really holds it down and doesn't wobble when in use, and it sits unobtrusively next to their cat tree — I honestly forget it's there until someone's scratching on it. All in all, a very solid option if you've yet to get your cat a scratching post, which is def an essential unless you like claw marks on your sofa and chairs. 

    Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in two colors). 

    23. A cozy window hammock so they can catch the sun's warm rays *and* have the best view for their daily window watching. It's extra sturdy with suction cups capable of holding over 40 pounds, enough to hold multiple cats, a bed, and toys.

    Check out an unboxing + setup on TikTok.

    Promising review: "Great hangout spot for cats, especially for sun-facing windows and if you don't have a lot of floor space. We got two, one for each of our cats, and they love hanging out and watching the birds. One of our cats uses the support strings to clean his teeth. Despite his best efforts, the strings remain intact after over a year of him strumming away at them like a one-string bass in a bluegrass band. Good work!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two colors).

    24. A pet gate to let cats through into areas where bigger animals may not be allowed (sorry, Fido!), also giving them a great escape route if your cats don't get along with a dog in the house. This is also great for safely introducing a new cat to the household!

    I've used this exact gate in the past and found it really easy to set up in my doorway, and it's *extremely* sturdy once you adjust the tension properly — I can't see any dogs being able to break through, and it's made of metal, which discourages chewing. I personally used it when I adopted my younger cat and needed to slowly introduce him to my older cat. The space between the bars were wide enough for them to see and sniff each other without any possibility of them fighting. I will say that once the younger cat got braver, he was able to leap over the top of it, but my older, bigger cat could not (which meant the younger cat always had a means of escape). So keep that in mind, depending on your use case. You can also install it a few inches above the ground to get some extra height.

    Promising review: "We just bought a second one of these as we recently opened up our spare room again. We have four cats and two dogs, and prefer to keep the dogs out of the carpeted rooms during the day, so these gates are a great solution to still allowing the cats free roam. They are very easy to set up (no tools needed unless you are mounting them to the wall — but I've found the regular setup is plenty sturdy without mounting). Many of the bad reviews come from people who simply didn't read the instructions and the big warning label explaining that it is designed to have a gap before setup in order for the pressure mounting to function properly." —Kira Goldfarb

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99.

    25. Or a clever Door Buddy latch that holds the door open just wide enough for a cat to slip through, but narrow enough to keep a dog out. It's perfect for blocking off a room with a litter box or cat food, or even for keeping the bedroom door a little propped open so the cat doesn't cry to be let out in the middle of the night. The strap is adjustable so you can find the gap size you need!

    Promising review: "We have a Boston terrier who LOVES cat food but it makes him extremely sick. We needed something to keep him out but let the cats in so we tried this. It works so well, we bought a second one for our bedroom so the cats at night can come and go as they please but it keeps the dog in our room and out of their hair if they choose to wonder the house! I’m not sure how I lived without it but I won’t be without it now!" —Mickey Bergman

    Get it from Amazon for $16.94.

    26. A self-grooming cat toy so your cats can get their neck and cheek scratching fix when you're not available (or capable) of showering them all with attention at once. 

    A reviewer's three-legged cat using the self-grooming cat toy to scratch his left cheek
    A gif of a reviewer's cat using the self-groomer cat brush to scratch its neck and cheek

    Promising review: "Our two cats love this — we have three in various rooms in the house. The scratcher really helps with our overly aggressive cats who like to 'nuzzle' our tv trays while we have coffee on them/almost tipping them over — we just pick them up, set the cat near one of the scratchers and re-direct them that way. We used those peel-and-stick velcro tabs to affix to the corner of the kitchen island and two hallway corners. They have been up for over 6 months at this point — no issue!" —wmchef

    Get it from Amazon for $7.19.

    27. A sleek, modern set of elevated bowls that'll make eating more comfortable on your cat thanks to the raised, tilted design that doesn't put as much strain on their neck. It can also help with digestion and reduce spilling!

    the gray set of elevated cat bowls filled with food next to a reviewer's cat
    the reviewer's cat eating food out of one of the elevated cat bowls

    The wide design of the bowl will also help prevent whisker fatigue, which is when their whiskers get irritated from being touched or stimulated too much.

    Promising review: "I have always had a problem with my one cat vomiting undigested food. My vet told me she was probably eating too fast. I stumbled upon an ad on Facebook stating the bowl position was the reason for cats vomiting; bowls resting on the floor put their neck at an odd angle and can cause acid reflux. I’ve used them for about two weeks and my cat has not vomited once! It was almost a daily occurrence prior to purchasing these! I did have to rest their old bowls inside these to get them to eat. But after a few days I could put the food directly into these bowls and they did not complain." —kindlefire09-8

    Get it from Amazon for $21.59.

    28. A ceramic cactus-style water fountain to ensure your cats *always* have access to fresh, bubbling water, because refilling multiple bowls on the daily quickly becomes a hassle. Cats prefer not to drink out of stale water in a bowl anyway — if you've ever seen them patting the water before drinking, that's partially why — so the gentle, quiet flow of this fountain actually encourages them to drink *more* water.

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

    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.

    I've been using this cactus water fountain for months now 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.

    Get it from Happy & Polly for $69.99.

    29. A tunnel bed that'll double as a play area for them to chase each other through, a private snooze spot, *and* a place for them to hide when there are guests or dogs around that they're scared of.

    three cats in the tunnel bed (two in tunnel, one in middle part)
    cat dozing in the tunnel bed

    The middle of the tube has a plush cat bed in it, so they can also take cat naps there if they prefer to use the tunnel for play. You could also lay a blanket in the tunnel for added comfort!

    Promising review: "My cats absolutely love this thing! When I was putting it together, my 20-pound tabby immediately went inside the tube, and did not come out for over an hour! It was easy to put together (even with a 20-pound cat inside lol). But, this entire thing set up is about 3 feet long. It is HUGE. Make sure you have room!! The material is surprisingly soft, outside and inside the tunnel. And the light coloring allows light to filter through, which my cats like (I had a black tunnel that neither of them would go into). My smaller 10-pound tabby (black nose) LOVES to run around the house, and now he has added running a few laps inside this tunnel to his run lol. Both cats play in this ALL THE TIME. Both on the inside chasing each other, or one on the inside and one outside batting at each other. They use the tunnel as a good napping spot, and also a spot to hide from the vacuum or guests they aren't sure of. This has gotten soooooo much use from both cats. I would highly recommend this!!" —Trebeca

    Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in four patterns).

    30. A little pom-pom–bedecked tent where your felines can hang out, nap, and pretend they're on a cats-only camping trip.

    a reviewer's multiple cats inside the tent
    reviewer's cat sitting near the tent

    It comes with a cotton canvas tent, pine wooden poles for setting it up, and pom-pom pad for them to lay on (though of course you could put your own bed on top of it). Reviewers say it's spacious enough for big cats too!

    Promising review: "This is hands-down the most adorable cat bed ever! They love it. They barely waited on me to finish before they crawled in. I'm in love! It easily fits my 20-pound girl PLUS two other normal-sized kitties inside." —Beevil

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two styles).

    31. A catnip alternative variety box that'll be like Christmas has come early for your feline bbs. If you have at least one cat who doesn't respond to the regular catnip at the store, this is a great way to figure out what gets them going and help encourage more play. 

    a box of catnip alternatives, including valerian, silvervine powder, matatabi sticks, home grown catnip, and a refillable toy
    cat chewing on a matatabi stick
    Meowy Janes / Etsy

    The box includes matatabi chew sticks, silvervine powder, valerian root, and an all-natural blend of catnip packed with the most potent part of the plant: its flowers. This'll help you figure out which of your cats have special preferences so they can enjoy an exciting new toy just like their catnip-loving siblings. The basic box comes with one refillable toy, but you can have more added too.

    Meowy Janes is a small New Jersey-based business that sells all natural catnip and alternatives such as whole silvervine fruit.

    Promising reviews: "I have three cats. One I knew would like everything, but the other two don't really go for catnip — until the Meowy Janes box showed up. They all *love* everything in the box, including the packaging lol, and I am kicking myself I didn't get more kick toys! Guess I'll be back for more! Thank you so much!!! Also, shipping was SO FAST." —Jocelyn Freeman

    Get it from Meowy Janes on Etsy for $35.50+ (available with up to four refillable toys) or from Amazon for $36.81. They sell everything separately in their shop too, so once you figure out what your cats like, you can always order more of that specific item!

    32. Or a catnip wall mount with four different flavored balls for multiple cats to play with and discover which is their favorite. No more vacuuming up loose catnip that's been strewn all over the floor. 

    chart showing what each of the different ball toys is flavored with
    a cat chewing on the wall mounted catnip

    It's flavored with cat sugar, catnip, silvervine, and gall fruit, respectively.

    Promising review: "My cats absolutely LOVE this toy! I really like that it adheres to wherever you want to put it, PLUS it is a no mess catnip/treat option for your furry babies! I bought two and WILL be getting more soon, I love them that much! HIGHLY recommend this product and this seller!!!!! Seller is also really sweet and is quick to respond to emails should you have any questions! You don't find customer service like this anymore, THE BEST!!!" —Pumphrey 

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (also available as standalones).

    33. cat door you can install in a sliding glass door or window to stop your cats from constantly begging to go outside...and then begging to come back in 10 minutes later. Especially when you have more than one, that starts to get old *real* fast.

    a cat going through the cat door
    the reviewer's installed cat door

    It has a slide-in closing panel with a lock so you can restrict access when you don't want your cats going out, and the whole thing is easily removed thanks to its spring-loaded frame that lets you lift it right out of the sliding door track.

    Promising review: "Our cats took right to it! I figured it was going to be a nightmare training them. One of them jumped through it as I was installing it, AND I even had the main door wide open. It was hilarious! Anyway, I wanted to say that the retractable top makes it so easy to install and remove at will! It wasn’t something I was looking for, but once I realized this awesome feature, I knew it was a bonus! So, I quit on installing it permanently with all the screws and went with it as is. Now, when we are going to be gone longer than a day, I can just simply pull the retractable top down a little and remove the door. I was a little bummed about the sealing, or lack thereof, where the door makes contact with the PetSafe insert. So, I just ran up to the store and grabbed a couple different weather strip seals and put one on the PetSafe insert and one on our sliding glass door, overlapping them so they seal each other as the door closes shut. We bought the medium-size pet door because we have 15- and 20-pound beast cats. Our biggest fits just fine. I also fashioned a bar to fit between the door to brace lock it when we are asleep or gone. Lastly, the weather stripping it came with for the back of the door is fantastic! Very simple, and the sticky stuff is great!" —Lookin4That1Thing

    Get it from Amazon for $164.95+ (available in two colors, five sizes, and two styles).

    34. And, finally, an outdoor catio, because your fur babes crave fresh air just as much as you do. It's quite an investment, but if you've got multiple kitties running around and available outdoor space, this playpen will let them take in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature and give them so many places to lounge and jump around.

    Psst — the cat door above would work well as an entrance to this. It's also worth noting you could set this up inside your home near a window as a big indoor play area, like some reviewers did! It has a 5.5-foot tall front door for humans to pass through for playing and cleaning.

    Promising review: "Our two cats love their catio! I installed it next to a window and modified the screen so they could move in and out when they wanted. They spend hours out there watching birds and enjoying the outdoors. Assembly was simple and the instructions were easy to understand. I did need some minor help from my wife for a few steps but otherwise it was a one-man job. It is sturdy and seems quite weatherproof. Good purchase." —Bart A.

    Get it from Amazon for $316.99 (be sure to apply the coupon for $30 off).

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.