These gifts for cats are the key to your feline friend’s heart
April 11 is National Pet Day, so it’s the perfect time to spoil your companion animal. If your feline is your number one, there are plenty of great pet gifts you can buy, from the practical to the frivolous.
You could use science to find out if your cat loves you, or you could just buy gifts to sweeten the deal and win its affection. From cat toys to covered beds, we rounded up the best cat products to treat your feline friend for National Pet Day. Don’t miss our testing insights on the Litter-Robot 4, a top-selling and innovative self-cleaning litter box.
Shop this article: Go Pet Club Cat Tree, Yeowww Yellow Banana Catnip Toy and Whole Life Pet Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats
What to consider when buying gifts for pets
- Functionality: Choose products that serve a purpose and meet your cat’s needs. For example, you could buy a scratching post for cats who like to scratch or a water fountain for cats who prefer to drink running water.
- Living space: The size of your living space also impacts the products you buy. If you live in a small apartment, you may need to choose a more compact cat tree or litter box.
- Age: Cats’ ages can influence the types of products they need. For example, kittens require different food, toys and accessories than senior cats.
- Health: You should also consider your cat’s health when purchasing products. If your cat has a sensitive stomach or food allergies, you may need to buy special food or treats.
- Activity level: Think about your cat’s energy and activity level. High-energy cats are likely to enjoy more interactive toys or larger scratching posts.
- Personality: Each cat has a unique personality, so it’s important to consider your cat’s likes and dislikes. For example, some cats prefer toys that make noise, while others prefer toys they can chase.
Best cat products for National Pet Day
Best cat trees
If you have the space to spare, this cat tree is the perfect gift to spoil your kitty. It has six platforms, including two covered house areas. It also features integrated scratching posts to keep claws in check. You can choose from blue, beige and leopard-print versions.
Cat owners looking for something more compact will appreciate this option. Your cat can lounge in the bed on top, in the cave below, in the basket on the side or on the two platforms. They’ll enjoy the built-in scratcher too. It’s also available as a medium-sized version.
Best cat caves
This comfy indoor cat house is the perfect alternative to a standard cat bed for felines who like to hide away to snooze. However, it also features an open cat bed up top that’s great for napping or lounging.
Trixie Miguel Fold and Store Cat Hammock
Not only does this function as a hammock for your cat to lounge on, but it also features dangling toys, a scratching area and a covered bed. Moreover, it folds flat when not in use, which is perfect for small spaces or transporting it when you travel with your cat.
Nervous cats who like their privacy can hide away in this covered cat bed. It’s available in corduroy, faux suede or linen — all durable enough to withstand busy claws.
Best cat toys
Yeowww Yellow Banana Catnip Toy
This big yellow banana kicker cat toy is big enough for cats to wrestle with. It’s made from sturdy cotton twill with an interesting texture that cats like to get their claws into. It’s filled with organic catnip, which some cats go wild for, adding to the interest.
Earthtone Solutions Wool Felt Ball Toys for Cats
Cats who love to chase and bat small items will love playing with these felt cat balls. The wool felt is durable and dyed in striking rainbow hues. They measure around 1.5 inches across, which is perfect for most cats.
Friends Forever Interactive Laser Cat Toy
For active cats, this laser pointer offers hours of fun. The beam rotates automatically as cats chase after it, triggering their hunting instinct. There are three speed settings on this toy, which doesn’t require any effort on your part.
Best cat treats
Whole Life Pet Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat Treats
Pampered cats expect the best, and these freeze-dried cat treats deliver. They’re made from nothing but chicken, so if you have a fussy feline, they might be impressed by these treats. You can choose from three packet sizes containing 1, 4 or 9 ounces.
Purina DentaLife Cat Dental Treats
Being a good pet parent includes prioritizing your cat’s dental health. These dental cat treats are proven to reduce tartar buildup and fight bad breath. You can get them in tasty chicken and salmon flavors.
Best cat harness
The Fat Cat Travel Cat Harness and Leash Set
If your cat never likes to miss out on the action, they might enjoy joining you on walks wearing this cat harness. It’s particularly enriching for indoor kitties. While not all cats take to harnesses, some are happy to wander and sniff around outdoors on the end of a leash.
Best cat water fountain
PetSafe Butterfly Cat Water Fountain
Some cats hate drinking still water and will often drink from dripping taps. A cat water fountain is a much better solution, such as this one from PetSafe. It filters water as it circulates through the fountain, keeping it fresh and hygienic.
Best automatic cat feeder
This National Pet Day, give your cat the gift of never having to wait for a meal again. This pet feeder automatically dispenses dry food at set times, so your cat gets the punctual meals it deserves. Although listed as a dog feeder, it works just as well as an automatic cat feeder.
Best cat scratchers
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
Part cat scratcher, part bed, this is the perfect spot for cats to lounge while also being able to get their claws into it. The durable cardboard lasts longer than many similar options, and it’s reversible, so cats get twice the use out of it.
MeCool Tall Cat Scratching Post
This cat scratching post doubles as a play center, with three built-in toys; two that dangle and a spring-based one. It’s made of durable sisal hemp that’ll stand up to your cat’s claws.
Best cat cameras
Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera
This affordable cat camera lets you check up on your pet while you’re not around. With two-way audio, you can hear and speak to your fur baby, and they can reply too. It has 1080p HD resolution, night vision, a 160-degree wide-angle lens and up to 8x magnification for close-up viewing. Its technology detects motion and sounds, and you’ll receive notifications of any activity on your phone. This cat camera is Alexa-compatible, with a laser toy you can control from your phone or set to autoplay mode.
If you’re looking for more advanced features in a cat camera, get the Furbo 360. Its technology tracks your cat around the room and the 360-degree rotating camera gives you visibility at any angle. The camera features 1080p resolution, 4x magnification and color night vision. You can interact with your cat using two-way audio, including engaging the attached wand toy and rewarding your cat with treats using the built-in feeder. The basic camera option only includes meowing alerts, but if you sign up for a Furbo Cat Nanny subscription, you’ll get real-time activity, crying, vomiting and other alerts, as well as access to video history.
Best cat bowls
If you’re looking to upgrade your cat bowls, these are an attractive option. These raised bowls are ergonomically designed to reduce strain on your cat’s neck while they eat and reduce the risk of vomiting. The durable ceramic is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The pretty geometric design comes in white, green, pink and black.
Fukumaru Elevated Cat Ceramic Bowls
These raised cat bowls come with a sleek bamboo stand to hold them, preventing cats from sliding the bowls around or tipping them over. They’re made of microwave- and dishwasher-safe ceramic.
Best cat brush
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush
This grooming brush will keep your cat’s fur and skin healthy while minimizing fur balls and pet hair on the furniture. The bristles are gentle yet effective. With a self-cleaning design, pressing a button separates the comb from the fur for easy cleanup.
Best cat litter boxes and enclosures
Pet owners looking to splurge on a top-of-the-line self-cleaning litter box will love the Litter-Robot 4. In the Testing Lab, we were impressed by how effectively it controls odors with the included carbon filter, sensor and litter-sifting technology. The climb-in design prevents messes and keeps the area around it clean. Suitable for multiple cats, this smart litter box lets you track your cat’s weight, track their bathroom habits and receive waste level alerts through the Whisker app. The sleek design comes in eight styles, including marble and woodgrain finishes. It’s pricey, but well worth the investment.
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Pro Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
If the Litter-Robot 4 is beyond your budget, you can get this self-cleaning model for less than a third of the price. It comes in covered or uncovered styles. Special crystal litter provides odor control and keeps your floors clean with dust-free tracking. A health counter display and motion sensors track how often your cat uses the litter box. The automatic litter box comes with a disposable inner tray that must be replaced every few weeks. You’ll need PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Litter Tray Refills.
Good Pet Stuff The Original Hidden Litter Box
Rather than deal with an unsightly litter box, get this enclosure that doubles as an artificial planter. It’s vented with an odor filter to minimize unpleasant smells. It’s both stylish and easy to clean, available in neutral black, brown, gray and white.
Sweet Barks X-Large Designer Cat Litter Box Enclosure
This hidden litter box furniture works as a nightstand, end table, coffee table or bench. There are openings on both sides for your cat to enter, and enough space to store litter, a scoop and other supplies along with the litter box. Crafted from wood, it comes in black or white.
Best cat backpack
A backpack carrier lets you tote around your cat around hands-free. Whether you’re taking them on a flight, to the vet or on a hike, they’ll stay cozy inside the padded interior. The expandable design and breathable mesh enhance comfort for your pet, while the padded shoulder straps and widened design make it comfortable for you too. It’s made of durable, waterproof Oxford fabric that comes in seven colors, with convenient pockets for storing cat items.
Best dewormer for cats
While it might not be the most exciting of cat products, National Pet Day is the perfect time to remember your feline friend’s health needs with a dewormer for cats. This formula treats tapeworms and comes in a pack of three tablets.
Worth checking out
- The Cat Dancer Products Rainbow Cat Charmer is an excellent choice for active cats, especially if you want to play with your cat.
- If you want to help keep your outdoor cat safe and keep wildlife safe from your outdoor cat, consider the Bemix Pets Reflective Cat Collar with Bell.
- Cats who love to scratch, climb and lounge will be thrilled with the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Climbing Tower and Activity Tree.
- The Petstages Crunchy Pickle Kicker Dental Catnip Cat Toy is stuffed with catnip and is large enough for cats to wrestle and kick.
- If your cat needs to perfect spot to do their business, the Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box offers your cat privacy and helps keep your home free from tracked litter.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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