Ever look at your feline friend and wonder if you’re truly giving them the best life possible? Those little purrs and head-butts certainly make you want to spoil them rotten! But then you walk into a pet store, or browse online, and suddenly you’re swimming in a sea of cat toys, beds, food bowls, and scratching posts. It’s overwhelming! Figuring out which “cat things” are actually worth your money and will make your kitty happy can feel like a full-time job.
You want to bring joy to your cat, but you don’t want to waste money on things they’ll ignore after five minutes. That’s where the struggle is real! We’ve all been there, buying the latest gadget only to watch our cat prefer the cardboard box it came in. This post cuts through the noise.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear idea of the must-have cat essentials and the fun extras that truly make a difference for your furry companion. We will break down the best options so you can shop confidently. Get ready to discover the cat things that will have your pet purring with approval!
Top Cat Things Recommendations
- Mr. Pen cat nail clipper designs to optimize comfort and control while grooming your furry friend
- Sharp, long-lasting cutting edge helps trim nails cleanly and quickly.
- Soft grip technology features non-slip grips and an ergonomically designed handle made to fit the natural curvature of your hand
- Helps make the nail trimming process easier for you and less stressful for your pet.
- Suitable for all cat breeds and sizes
- Award-Winning Product. Veken is proud to be a 2024 Category Winner of the Pet Innovation Awards, an honor given to only the most forward-thinking products within the rapidly expanding Pet industry.
- Upgraded Stainless Steel. Opt for a stronger, more hygienic version of our best selling pet fountain. Easy to clean, with all water-contact parts BPA-free, our stainless steel design offers the elevated and modern look you want with additional benefits.
- Large Capacity Water Tank. Worry less about your furry friend running out of water. Our pet fountain features a generously sized water reserve tank to help you avoid frequent refilling, ensuring your pets are healthy, hydrated, and happy.
- Advanced 5-Stage Filtration. Our upgraded system combines multi-layer filter media, activated carbon, and a composite scale inhibitor to help reduce impurities and improve water taste. For best results, we recommend using softened or filtered water.
- LED Light Feature. Illuminate your pet’s favorite drinking spot with our optional on/off light feature. Designed for assisted visibility of water level and fountain location, our gentle light is perfect for avoiding spills and easy refilling.
- Multifunctional Design: Overall size 16.93"L x 13"W x 17.7"H. This cat cat tree is not only a climbing device, but also a comfortable sleeping platform, entertainment and play area, and a claw grinding board. Meet the various needs of cats
- Endless Fun with Spring&Hanging Balls: Watch your kitties go wild with excitement! The cat tree comes with various types of hanging balls and spring balls that provide endless fun and entertainment,keeping your cats engaged and happy for hours
- Cat Scratching Board to Save Furniture: The cat scratching board is covered by natural sisal material which is harmless and also durable, not only satisfies the scratching instincts of felines but also protects the expensive furniture from sharpening claws
- Cozy Top Platform for Relaxation: Our cat tree features a soft and comfortable top platform that provides the perfect spot for your cats to relax and catch some Z's.They'll adore lounging on thiscozy platform day and night
- Easy Assembly & Easy to move on: Easy to assemble, with detailed instructions and tools.Get it done in a few minutes, saving time and effort. And it's lightweight and easy to move.You can effortlessly move it to any corner of your home, ensuring your furry friends always have a new favorite spot
- 100% Natural and Non-toxic: the catnip balls are made of pure natural plant extracts, no chemical additives contained. Rest assured this toy is no harm to your favorite kitty. Includes 4 different flavors: “catnip”, “silvervine”, “fruit of silvervine” and "cat energy ball" that conspire to arouse your cat’s interest to lick and play
- Practical Design: the cat toy can easily stick to the wall or other surfaces with strong viscous force, no falling off when your kitten licks and plays. The 4 balls are 360° rotatable when being licked
- Keep Cats Entertained: Catmint and silvervine are effective attractants to get lounging cats up and moving. The extra cat energy ball promotes cat's metabolism and stimulates growth
- Teeth Cleaning: catnip could effectively reduce cat’s dental plaque and tartar, freshen breath and improve oral health for your kittens
- We stand behind each product we sell. If any issue, please contact our customer service and we'll do anything possible to fix it.
- Best Ways to Play: Our cat tunnel with 3 spacious tunnels, peephole & ball toy, this popular cat toy gives your kitty more ways to have fun. Provides hours of exercise & self-amusement. This cat tunnel is more suitable for kittens and is made of polyester material.
- Durable Construction: This cat tunnels for indoor cats use polyester fabric material design, not easy to scratch, sturdy spring steel frame, with protective end, Can play hide and seek game.
- Collapsible & portable: Our cat tunnel folds down small in seconds for easy travel and storage. Each tube is about 10 inches tall and 17 inches deep.Take the entertainment with you anywhere, so your pet is never bored!
- Keep Your Pet Active: Compared to cat tents, scratch posts, mouse toys etc, our kitty tunnel offers the most interactive fun with the dangling ball on the exits, truly a great way to encourage daily exercise and keep your pet active.
- Buy With Confidence! "A perfect cat toy, My cat plays for hours." if you (or your pet) aren't thrilled with our cat tunnel, simply let us know for a full and prompt replacement or refund. There's no risk to buy now.
- FREEZE-DRIED RAW MINNOWS CAT TREAT: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats pack more protein than industry standard into every bite to deliver the peak vitality your dog deserves. Our natural freeze-dried raw cat treats are made from responsibly sourced premium minnows.
- BETTER PROTEIN = BETTER BENEFITS: The best freeze dried cat treats on the market use premium butcher cut raw protein to unlock the benefits of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in raw muscle and organs, because pets deserve the energetic playtimes, healthy skin, shiny coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health that a high-protein diet delivers.
- PROUDLY AMERICAN CRAFTED: All our cat treats and food are responsibly sourced and humanely harvested to ensure the quality of our proteins. We go above industry standards to preserve flavor and ensure the highest quality of protein and nutrients in every Vital Essentials product.
- MADE WITHOUT: Cat treat additives, fillers, dyes, flavorings, artificial preservatives, grains, or rendered by-products. Vital Essentials also offers the widest variety of single-protein raw cat food and treats on the market—great for picky eaters and cats with allergies!
- RAW CAT TREATS FREEZE DRIED FOR PEAK FRESHNESS: Our protein is frozen within 45-minutes of harvesting to lock in peak nutrients, flavor, and freshness. A slow-freeze-dry ensures minimal processing, while preserving the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, the way nature intended.
- Cat Toy: Pickle-shaped plush with crinkly sounds that awaken your cat’s natural chase, pounce, and play instincts
- Kicker Fun: Long, soft body is perfect for bunny kicking, batting, and all-out solo play energy
- Catnip Infused: Filled with premium catnip to spark joyful zoomies, swats, tosses, and chase-me chaos
- Dental Support: Textured mesh helps gently clean teeth and massage gums while your cat chews and chomps
- Easy to Carry: Pawfectly sized at 6.5", so your cat can proudly parade it from bed to scratcher to play zone
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Things
Choosing the right items for your feline friend can make a big difference in their happiness and your home’s tidiness. This guide helps you navigate the world of cat products.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for cat supplies, certain features really stand out. Think about what your cat needs most. Do they love to climb? Do they need a comfy nap spot? Do they like to play rough?
- Durability: How long will the item last? Strong stitching on toys or sturdy construction on cat trees means fewer replacements.
- Size Appropriateness: A tiny kitten needs different things than a large, older cat. Make sure beds and scratching posts fit their size.
- Ease of Cleaning: Messes happen! Look for removable, machine-washable covers on beds or smooth, wipeable surfaces on litter boxes.
- Safety Certifications: Ensure toys do not have small, easily detached pieces that a cat could swallow.
2. Important Materials Matter
The material directly affects comfort, safety, and lifespan. Always check the label!
For Comfort and Rest:
Cats love natural textures. Look for soft faux fur, durable canvas, or breathable cotton for beds. Avoid materials that trap heat too much, especially in warmer climates.
For Play and Scratching:
Sisal rope is the gold standard for scratching posts because it mimics tree bark and satisfies their natural urge to shred. Cardboard scratchers are great for temporary fun. For toys, durable rubber or tough nylon holds up best against sharp claws and teeth.
For Health and Hygiene:
Litter boxes should usually be made of smooth, non-porous plastic so they are easy to disinfect. Food and water bowls should ideally be ceramic or stainless steel; some plastics can harbor bacteria or cause chin irritation.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all products are made equal. A few simple checks can tell you a lot about the item’s expected lifespan.
Quality Boosters:
- Weight and Sturdiness: A heavy cat tree is less likely to tip over when your energetic cat leaps onto the top perch.
- Reinforced Seams: High-quality toys often have double stitching.
- Non-Toxic Glues/Paints: Ensure any wood or decoration is finished safely.
Quality Reducers:
- Lightweight Plastic: Very light plastic feeders often slide around the floor, annoying the cat.
- Shedding Fabric: If the fabric sheds excessively when you first touch it, your cat will end up eating the fluff.
- Flimsy Assembly: If a cat tree wobbles when you press on it in the store, it will definitely wobble when your cat uses it.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you and your cat will actually use the item every day.
Enrichment and Play:
Interactive toys, like wand toys, offer excellent bonding time. Puzzle feeders increase mental stimulation, which is great for indoor cats who get bored easily. Use these daily to burn off excess energy.
Litter Management:
Consider your space. A covered litter box offers privacy but needs more frequent deep cleaning. A self-cleaning box saves you scooping time, though the initial investment is higher. The location matters too; place boxes where your cat feels safe, not in busy hallways.
Resting Spots:
Cats often prefer high places. If you buy a cat tree, ensure it has a stable base and multiple levels. If you buy a cave bed, make sure the entrance is wide enough for easy access.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Cat Things
Q: How tall should a scratching post be?
A: A good scratching post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out completely while scratching, usually at least 30 inches high for an average adult cat.
Q: Are electronic toys safe for cats?
A: Yes, many are safe, but always supervise your cat during play. Remove toys with small batteries or moving parts when you are not around to ensure safety.
Q: Which material is best for cat bedding?
A: Durable, washable materials like fleece or canvas are excellent. The best material often depends on the season; cooler surfaces are better in summer.
Q: Should I buy a covered or open litter box?
A: This depends on your cat. Some cats like the privacy of a covered box, but others feel trapped. Open boxes are easier to clean and monitor.
Q: When should I replace my cat’s food and water bowls?
A: Replace plastic bowls every year or two, or immediately if you notice scratches. Ceramic and stainless steel bowls can last much longer if washed regularly.
Q: What makes a cat toy high quality?
A: High-quality toys use durable stitching, sturdy materials like felt or tough fabric, and do not easily break into small, swallowable pieces.
Q: Do I need a cat tree if I have a scratching post?
A: Yes. A scratching post satisfies the need to scratch vertically, but a cat tree provides climbing, perching (high vantage points), and resting areas, which are vital for their well-being.
Q: How do I know if a cat bed is too small?
A: If your cat curls up tightly and looks squished, or if they cannot fully stretch out when lying down, the bed is too small.
Q: Are water fountains better than regular bowls?
A: Many cats prefer moving water, so fountains often encourage them to drink more, which is good for their kidneys. Look for fountains with easy-to-change filters.
Q: What is the main benefit of puzzle feeders?
A: Puzzle feeders make your cat “work” for their food, slowing down fast eaters and providing important mental stimulation that mimics hunting behavior.