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
- 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 with silver, scale inhibitors, and activated carbon delivers fresh, clean water for up to 3 weeks. For optimal performance and your pet’s health, 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.
- CREATIVE FUNNY CAT FETCH TOY: This cat ball launcher cat toy is for your cats that is going absolutely crazy to chase a moving object. Use the cat ball launcher to launch the plush balls and you’ll see your cats desperate to catch it
- 31PCS CAT TOY PACK: Includes 30pcs plush cat balls (size 1.2 inches) and 1 plastic launcher gun, It’s a value interactive cat toy, no more worrying about losing balls
- SAFE AND DURABLE: The cat toy ball are made of safe and non-toxic materials, it’s very lightweight but durable, elastic also pretty silent on the floor, no noisy
- FUNNY CAT TOYS FOR INDOOR CATS: You can toss the cat ball toy for cats self play, or use the launcher for interactive playing or training. The ball gun can shoot the ball far for around 3.5 ~ 4.5 meter. This cats toys can be a good choice for a lazy owner
- BONDING THROUGH INTERACTIVE PLAY: When cats caught the interactive cat toy balls and you can compliment she / he is a good girl / good boy, they will be fulfilled and satisfied, trust me you will be their great friend
- MULTI-LEVEL CAT TREE TOWER: This cat tree offers perches, ladders, and a cozy cat condo, creating the ultimate playground where cats of all ages can climb, scratch, nap, and explore freely.
- STURDY CAT FURNITURE DESIGN: Crafted from high-quality materials, this cat tree offers durable cat furniture and secure cat accessories, ensuring stability, comfort, and daily relaxation.
- DURABLE CAT SCRATCHING POSTS: Wrapped in natural sisal, these scratching posts encourage healthy claw maintenance and function as durable cat scratchers for indoor cats while protecting furniture.
- COMFY CAT BEDS & HOUSES: With soft cat beds and spacious cat houses for indoor cats, this tower creates safe hideaways and cozy kitten bed options for rest during day or night.
- INTERACTIVE CAT TOYS INCLUDED: Built-in cat toys keep playtime exciting, while the hanging cat toy promotes exercise, mental stimulation, and provides hours of interactive fun daily.
- 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
- Warm Reminder: This is a randomly assembled product bundle. We will periodically update the toys included, so the styles and colors of the toys may differ from the pictures. It contains 20 different toys, including Cat wand toy, cat ball toys, catnip mice, rattle toys, feather toys, and more.
- Keep your cat busy when you are away.
- Give your cat a way to release his energy with this combo pack of entertaining toys. Featuring feathers, balls and catnip, mice and more this pack is the perfect choice for your furry friend.
- Contains small ball,Always supervise your pet when playing with toys.This toys is strong but not indestructible.Do not allow pets to play with broken or damaged toys!For play only. Not a child''s toy. Toy should be removed and replaced if excessive wear or damage occurs.
- Holiday, birthday or everyday, this cat treats/toys gift set is just what your kitty ordered.
- Ball Cat Toy: Multi-level cat toy with 3 tiers and 6 spinning balls—keeps indoor cats active, curious, and entertained
- Enrichment: Encourages batting, swatting, and chasing to satisfy natural hunting instincts and boost everyday enrichment
- Durable & Safe: Sturdy, non-slip base and a secure safety bar for hours of independent, worry-free play
- Feline Favorite: Designed for older kittens and adult cats alike; great for multi-cat homes or gifting; not recommended for kittens under 12 weeks
- Expandable: Enjoy on its own or pair with Catstages Topper Toys (sold separately) for even more interactive chaos
- 2x Warmer Self Heating Tech: No plugs or cords needed! Upgraded with carbon-infused cover, this self heating cat pad absorbs, holds and reflects pets body heat to provide naturally warmth. It effectively keeps your pets toasty warm in cold days
- Indoor Comfort & Outdoor Safety: Ideal for curled-up naps on sofa, floor, carrier, or window sill, yet cozy enough for outdoor cat shelter, garage and porches. Unlike electric pads, it provides a warm safe space for community cats and ferals during cold weather without electricity required
- Noiseless For Ultimate Comfort: The self warming cat mat is made from ultra-soft fluffy fabric that provides a snuggle surface for napping. It will not make crinkle sound by the completely noiseless Mylar film for enhanced sleeping comfort. Loved by anxious pets and multi-pet households alike
- Easy To Clean And Care: Designed with a removable zippered cover that is machine washable and dryer friendly for easy cleaning. The thermal cat mat is lightweight and portable, so you can give your pets a boost of warmth almost anywhere
- Snuggly Warmth For Every Pet: Available in two sizes 24 x 18 inch / 29.1 x 18.9 inch. The self heating pad is ideal for kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, aging, recovering and arthritic pets (up to 25 pounds)
- Teething Fun: Ideal for kittens and cats alike, these chew toys are an essential addition to your kitty’s dental care. With natural gall fruit and rope design, the toys are perfect for teething and teeth cleaning, they combat tartar and freshen breath, making dental hygiene a fun activity for your little one!
- Infused with Catnip Aroma: The included catnip bag emits a soothing aroma that's irresistible to felines, ensuring these toys are a calming and engaging presence for indoor play. Our cat toys provide the calming, meow-inducing fun every kitten craves, along with a funny and interactive experience.
- Energetic Exercise: Promote healthy exercise and self-play with our toys' appealing textures and tassels. They’re designed to entice your kitty to bite and play aggressively without harm, offering hours of exercise and self-amusement, keeping your cat active and happy.
- Quiet Play: These soft colorful ropes provide enriching quiet playtime without bothering cat owner's sleep or life. Your kitty will love the funny snake-like shapes, enhancing their playtime with every pounce and bite.
- Safe and Organic: These chew toys, handcrafted without any metal wire and using organic cotton rope, are safe for all cats. Paired with a reusable catnip bag, they’re an essential, eco-friendly addition to your cat’s enrichment collection.
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.