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Tried-and-true favorites to reduce mess, odors, and boredom — all for less than $40.
No matter how quickly you bond with your furry friend, there are always unforeseen challenges like picky eating, stubborn bathroom habits, and shedding. Fortunately, if you’re a cat owner, Amazon is filled with clever cat products that make your life so much easier, and they’ve got thousands of reviews to back them up. Cat parents sweat by this list of editor and reviewer favorites that minimize mess, odors, and boredom — they’re all under $40, too.
1A Secure Perch For Your Favorite Sunbather
“These are my favorite window perches I’ve ever purchased. I now have two in my home and the cats love them,” says one Amazon reviewer. This perch has four suction cups to suction to the wall of a window and provide your furry friend with a spot to sunbathe, relax, or size up their nemeses, the birds. The exterior of the perch is covered in a soft faux fur fabric that is plush and comfy to lay on, and the cover easily zips off when you want to clean it.
2These Sisal Mats That Protect Your Sofa Arms
“My beautiful cats were shredding my sofas to pieces,” one reviewer wrote. “I bought the plastic and it did not work, I bought the double-sided sticky protector, it did not work.” This scratch mat sofa protector, on the other hand — “they claw at it with all their might but it does not affect my couch." It’s made from natural sisal and the fabric straps adapt to most couches, especially since it comes in both right- and left-hand designs.
- Available styles: 3
3A Rechargeable Bird Toy That Makes Realistic Chirps
This flapping bird toy has three modes so that your pet doesn’t get tired of the same old movement. Its wings can flap at different speeds, all of which can be activated by touch. It’s also completely bite resistant and washable.
4These U-Shaped Pillows That Encourage Relaxation
"I purchased this on impulse because it said it helps cats with getting needles,” one reviewer wrote. Their cat Jazzy had become skittish due to daily ear pricks from diabetes. Within two days of purchasing these half-moon pet pillows, however, “she went from being upset, running, and hiding as soon as I released her to relaxing and taking a snooze after her meds. Her last visit to the vet, I put another sprayed pillow in the carrier, she was calm during the trip and relaxed on her pillow during the examination.”
- Available styles: 8
5This Scratcher Mat That Can Also Be Mounted On The Wall
This sisal scratcher mat will keep your furry friend entertained while keeping them away from your upholstery. Your couches will be safe from their nails since the piece comes with Velcro tape and can be attached firmly to the floor, wall, furniture, or door.
6This Sifting Litter Box That Works With Almost Any Litter
Whether you use clumping, crystal, or pine litter, this sifting litter box can seriously cut down on scooping. As one shopper wrote: “Saves me so much time scooping litter (we use pine). It used to take 30-45 minutes to finish both litter boxes, now it takes 5-10 minutes.” Microban technology is built into the recycled plastic to help with odor control, and with more than 40,000 five-star ratings for the line, you know it’s cat parent approved.
7Dishwasher-Safe Lick Mats That Forces Your Cat To Slow Down While Eating
If your cat is prone to the scarf and barf, hundreds swear by this feeding mat that works with most raw, wet, and even chunky foods. “I really didn’t think there was anything out there that would not only entertain my oldest cat (7.5 years old) but would actually completely stop him from scarfing and barfing. He’s done it for as long as I have had him. I would hand feed him, hold his bowl so he would take breaks and actually chew his food, give him smaller servings, literally did it all; this adorable little mat now does all the work for me, and my cat can eat comfortably without vomiting,” one shopper wrote.
8These Silicone Can Covers To Keep Unused Food Fresh
“My cat eats half a can of food in the morning and the other half at night, and silicone can covers are so handy for keeping his food fresh in the fridge,” wrote BDG associate commerce editor Cristina Sanza. These covers are stretchy and have three rows of ridges to fit most cans between 2.5 and 3.3 inches in diameter. They’re also BPA-free, food-safe, and dishwasher-safe — not to mention much more eco-friendly than single-use foil and plastic wrap.
9This Treat Dispenser Toy That’s Great For Solo Play
This treat-dispensing toy is good for both your cat’s physical and mental well-being. It has four modules that require different skills so that they’ll never get bored — especially since the hidden treats activate their natural hunting instincts. It’s a great way to keep them occupied when you’ve gone out for the day.
10Some Silvervine Powder That Works Better Than Catnip, According To Science
One reviewer's cats are “ho-hum about catnip,” but “they scratch, lick, and roll around in” this Meowy Janes catnip alternative. It’s made from natural silvervine, which elicits a more intense reaction from 80% of cats, according to a study. (Additionally, one out of three cats don’t respond to catnip.) As a result, this powder may help to keep them relaxed, happy, and playful instead of bored or anxious.
11This Pop-Up Tent So Your Cat Can Safely Hang Out Outside
“My cat gets very jealous when his dog pal gets to go outside,” one reviewer wrote, so he “whines, scratches at the window [and] door, [and] even tries to escape.” This cat tent fixed all of that. It gives them a roomy spot to hang out in and allows for 360-degree views of the yard, but the metal frame and mesh fabric keep them safe and contained. You can also purchases tubes and extensions for even more activities, and other reviewers say it’s portable and easy to set up.
- Available styles: 11
12This Litter-Trapping Mat That’s So Easy To Empty
“I have purchased many, many litter mats. None of them ever did a very good job,” one reviewer wrote, but this cat litter mat is the exception. “Not only does it trap most of the tracked litter, but it then allows it to be reused by just pouring it back into the litter box!" The litter falls through the honeycomb holes and onto the waterproof bottom layer, so you can just tip and pour. It’s also easy to vacuum and hose off when needed.
- Available sizes: 24x15 inch — 30x24 inch
- Available styles: 3
13This Drinking Fountain That Filters Water & Prevents Splashing
“My cat’s favorite activity for years was splashing the water out of his bowl, and I’d often wake up to a river of gross cat water in my kitchen,” wrote Carolyn Menyes, BDG associate commerce editor. “I was surprised how simple of a solution this pet water fountain is. It’s whisper quiet, filters the water so I know my fur baby is getting clean drinks, and the tank is large enough that I can fill it up and know my cat will stay hydrated over a long weekend if I’m away. It sounds cliche, but the only thing I don’t like about this fountain is that I didn’t get it sooner.”
- Available styles: 5
14Or This Stimulating Dispensing Ball For Dry Food
Thousands of reviewers switched to this food-dispensing ball to help their cats eat slower and stay entertained. “It keeps his food intake in check; he will kick the ball around the house until he is sated, but the extra work needed to get a bite of kibble stops him from eating when he’s not actually hungry,” one reviewer wrote. It comes in four colors, holds up to 85 grams of dry food, and has adjustable openings to you can customize the difficulty level. It’s also dishwasher-safe on the top rack.
- Available styles: 4
15A Popular De-Shedding Tool That’s Self-Cleaning
This deshedding tool has more than 68,000 five-star reviews raving about its round bristles that won’t scratch sensitive skin. A few swipes will remove knots, tangles, and dirt while also reducing shedding in the future. It’s easy to clean, too: simply use the button to retract the bristles, allowing you to tap the gathered fur into the trash. The results can be seen in their smooth and shiny coat afterwards.
16This Comfy Bed With A Built-In Scratcher
This cat bed will make your pet feel like royalty. They can relax on the top deck or cozy up inside on the ground floor of their palace. It’s made with a soft lambswool fabric and has toys (a hanging ball and scratch pad) built right in. And it folds up for storage.
17An Elegant Window Perch That Supports Up To 40 Pounds
This window ledge perch with a comfy bed is “very easy to put together, take on and off your window, and doesn't have adhesive. My cat spends almost all of his time in this perch and it even keeps him patient (sometimes) while he waits for me to wake up in the morning,” according to one shopper who also wrote: “Buy this for a happy cat.” With four neutral color schemes to choose from (including dark wood options) there’s sure to be one that’ll look great in your space.
18These Pheromone Collars That Help To Calm Your Cat
"These calming collars are my go-to, especially when I know that a stressful situation may be coming up for my cat — like, having houseguests over or going to the vet,” wrote BDG associate commerce editor Karen Belz. “They've made her a lot happier, and they're fairly easy to slip on, especially after your cat gets used to wearing them." They’re infused with pet-safe essential oils that mimic the pheromones released by mother cats, and since the collars themselves are made from TPE, they’re durable and waterproof.
19This Extra-Fluffy, Self-Heating Mat With 2,000+ 5-Star Reviews
"My vet suggested a heating pad for my 17 year old cat who was recently diagnosed with arthritis. I did not want to leave a heating pad plugged in when no one was home so I recently purchased this product. Best purchase ever! My 17 year old older cat (on the right) loves this pad and got on it the minute I unpacked it and put it on the bed. My 5 year old younger cat (on the left) also uses it. It is soft, comfortable and truly reflects body heat so it stays warm to keep them comfortable," one Amazon shopper wrote, sharing a picture of their cats. In fact, it’s so cozy, some reviewers with barn cats even chimed in to sing its praises. No wonder it has gotten more than 2,000 five-star reviews.
- Available sizes: 22.0 x 17.0 x 1.5 inches, 27.5 x 18.5 x 1.5 inches
20This Adorable Cat Hammock With A Built-In Scratching Mat
According to one reviewer, this cat hammock serves two purposes: It keeps your cat entertained with a built-in scratching mat and pompom toy, and it spoils them with a cozy lounging spot that’s all their own. “Our cat is not declawed and has not ruined anything in our home since the day we adopted her. She loves her cat hammock and spends a lot of time just basking in her joy daily! Thank you!” The solid wood frame and non-slip feet can support up to 20 pounds. Oh, and it’s really, really cute.
- Available styles: 2
21This Enzyme Spray That Removes Stains & Odors At The Source
“I rely on this spray to neutralize odors when I’m cleaning the litter box,” wrote Sanza, “and it’s also great for cleaning up pet accidents around the house.” For cats who re-mark the same spots, this Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor spray does more than simply cover up the scent. Instead, the formula contains natural enzymes that feed on ammonia crystals and organic molecules until they’re entirely gone, so even your pet’s sensitive nose can’t detect them.
22This Laser Toy That Engages Your Cats With Minimal Effort
“I don't have much time to play with my adult cat and two kittens,” wrote one reviewer who works full-time at an office. This automatic laser toy keeps all three cats “entertained while we're not home, and then those moments when we are home but don't have the energy." It has three different speed options as well as different angle ranges for various room sizes, and it can be placed on a flat surface or adhered to a window using the suction cup. Best of all, it’s USB-rechargeable and automatically turns on when your cat is within range.
23These Raised Cat Bowls For A More Ergonomic Eating Posture
One reviewer loves these raised cat food bowls because they’re “so easy to clean” due to their dishwasher-safe plastic construction. They also prevent their cats from getting sick after feeding time, granted the raised design promotes a more ergonomic posture while eating. Last but not least, they come in two color combinations and have a sleek, modern design.
- Available styles: 2
24This Silicone Feeding Mat That Comes In Tons Of Colors & Sizes
It’s inevitable that water drops and kibble crumbs will end up all around their eating station, so put down this silicone food mat to keep your floors spotless. It has raised edges that will keep everything contained and is easy to wipe clean afterwards because of its lightweight and smooth material. You can also choose between 28 different colors and several sizes in the listing.
25An Easy-To-Clean Massage Brush Both Pets & Owners Love
"I have been using the wire type of brush,” but “after a couple of minutes my cat starts biting,” one reviewer wrote. “This one, he just lays back and purrs. I love it and so does he." The Bonza massage brush has soft silicone bristles that (per its name) feel like a massage for your cat or dog. That said, the ergonomic grip and large teeth are designed to remove hair to minimize shedding — and the silicone screen even pulls out to clean all the bristles at once.
26A Reusable Roller That Picks Up Every Hair Using Static Electricity
"I've tried many different rollers, brushes, and vacuums over the years,” one reviewer wrote, but this pet hair remover was the only thing that actually picked up the fur from their white cat. “The static electricity generated picks up every single hair and piece of lint, and fast.” It’s also reusable since it holds ample fur in its large but easy-to-empty waste compartment.
27This Well-Made Cat Toy That Works Like A Fishing Rod
One reviewer wrote that this fishing pole toy is “probably the most fun I’ve ever had with a cat toy” — and “my cat is absolutely obsessed with it also.” It has 80 feet of line that retracts into the reel, and two different teaser toys that you can swap out to keep your cat stimulated. Reviewers have given it an average of 4.2 stars for durability, and a 4.4-star rating overall.
28This Kit That Helps You Grow Nutritious Grass For Your Cat
"This was a lifesaver for my 5 [year] old cat who was starting to develop stomach issues,” one reviewer wrote about this cat grass-growing kit. “He was throwing up everywhere and now not at all." It comes with everything you need (including seeds, soil discs, and BPA-free grow trays) to produce a nutrient-dense blend of oat, barley, rye, and wheat grass. It also deters your cats from eating household plants, and it may help with hairballs.
29These Nonslip Nail Scissors With An Angled Blade
These nail scissors are made with an angled blade that makes it easy to groom even the tiniest paws. The sharp stainless steel blade will never cut unevenly and the nonslip handle will give you a comfortable grip as you get the job done.
30This Interactive Digging Toy That Slows Eating
One reviewer has a cat who has “thwarted every. Single. Attempt. To slow his eating,” which resulted in a lot of throwing up with every other slow feeder they’d tried. However, the Catit Senses 2.0 Digger is the exception. “For the first time ever (I think) I've heard this cat chew his food. He gets one or two pieces at a time. He can ‘graze’ throughout the day, and it's a rewarding activity.” Put kibble or dry treats in the BPA-free cups, which stimulate a natural pawing behavior to get the food out — slowly. This interactive cat toy is also tip-resistant and easy to clean.
31This Puzzle Toy That’s Engaging Enough For Easily Bored Cats
"My cat was a rescue who'd lived outside for most of his life catching mice and birds. Once he ‘retired’ to being an inside cat, it was pretty clear that no matter how many wands, balls, or one-on-one toys we bought him, he was still bored,” one reviewer wrote. Since this Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play toy incorporates treats and a game of hide and seek to stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instincts, reviewers write that it’s much more engaging than your average toy: “He solves the whole thing twice a day (once while we're at work, and once while we're asleep). He's definitely a happier kitty, and it's so nice not to be woken up by his zoomies during the wee hours."
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