50 Weird Things You Didn't Know About That Make Having A Cat So Much Easier

If your cat scratches the side of your sofa or chair, this washable armrest cover offers a protective, tempting alternative. It has a velvet texture on the top and a non-slip silica gel on the back. Plus, it comes in six color options and 11 sizes to suit most furniture.

• Available styles: 6

With its touch-activated purring sound and plush texture that mimics mother’s fur, this calming cat toy is designed to reduce anxiety from separation or stressful environments. The purring mechanism lasts for two minutes and comes out so you can machine-wash the shell, and you can get it in several adorable designs, including a sloth, unicorn, mouse, or kitty.

• Available styles: 5

Suitable for both dogs and cats, these ear wipes slip over your finger for comfortable control while cleaning out your pet’s ears. They’re textured to grip wax, oil, and residue. They’re also infused with ingredients that hydrate dry skin, prevent infections, and neutralize unwanted odors.

These Shameless cat treats are made with real, whole-food ingredients sourced from US farms, like tuna and sweet potato. They also offer digestive support with prebiotics and probiotics, and the catnip flavor makes them virtually irresistible to the pickiest of cats: “These are the only treats my picky eater will eat,” one reviewer wrote.

• Available styles: 9

This hilarious cat scratcher comes in several designs that mimic famous paintings, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Mona Lisa, Scream, and Starry Night. It’s made from durable sisal fibers with non-toxic paint, and it comes with both velcro and adhesive so you can stick it to the side of your furniture or mount it to your wall. You can also prop it up on a cat-sized easel, sold separately.

• Available styles: 8

Cats groom themselves to keep their coats clean and hydrated, but this conditioning spray keeps their fur extra fresh and moisturized. According to the brand, its vet-approved ingredients are pH-balanced, free from harsh chemicals, and safe for both cats and dogs. The spray also comes in several scents, from cucumber melon to Japanese cherry blossom.

• Available styles: 6

“Absolutely life-changing for litter control!” wrote one reviewer who called this double-layer litter mat “genius” and “worth every penny.” The honeycomb top layer gathers litter and residue from your cat’s paws as they exit the litter box, while the base layer is solid and waterproof to contain messes and moisture. It’s also super easy to empty, vacuum, and rinse clean.

• Available styles: 3

Get this pet feeding mat in five sizes and tons of cute patterns. Its three-layer construction catches spills, absorbs moisture in seconds, and doesn’t slip across the floor, all while resisting dust and pet hair. It’s also easy to rinse clean and has a thick rubber backing for padding and durability.

• Available styles: 20

Packed with collagen protein to support their digestion, the immune system, joints, skin, and coat, these meal toppers are made with chicken shreds and slow-simmered bone broth. Suitable for cats at any life stage, they don’t have any corn, soy, wheat, or artificial preservatives, and they’re easy to serve on top of kibble or as lickable treat pouches.

• Available styles: 3

When your cat needs a spot to lounge, play, or hide, this pop-up tunnel is over 2.5 feet long with plush edges, a peek-a-boo hole, and a hanging toy. When playtime’s over, its collapsible design folds flat into a compact ring for easy storage or travel. You can also build onto it with additional modular pieces to create an entire play system.

• Available styles: 4

This self-grooming brush mounts to a wall corner and has soft bristles, so when your cat rubs up against it, they get a satisfying scratch and a quick grooming session. Its included base comes with both adhesive strips and screws, and it has built-in slots you can fill with catnip to attract your kitty and encourage use.

Made from cotton and infused with catnip, these chew rope toys clean your cat’s teeth as they chomp and play. They come in a set of three with intriguing tassels on either end and a gall fruit bead, which aims to help digestion and improve their mood — and the set includes a catnip pouch to re-infuse the ropes with scent once it wears off.

“I’m so impressed with this little device,” one reviewer wrote about this cordless trimmer. Even though their cat’s hair is “very thick and fluffy,” it “works great on their paws and around their little pads and toes,” plus it’s “great for their face and private area.” It’s also rechargeable for wireless use, comes with a brush tool for cleaning, and has a quiet motor to avoid scaring skittish pets.

• Available styles: 2

Cut these anti-scratch shields to size and stick them to your furniture using the self-adhesive backing or the included twist pins. They’re totally transparent, so your guests will hardly notice them, but the slippery texture discourages your cat from scratching up your upholstery, redirecting them to a nearby scratching post instead.

It turns out that some cats love pillows as much as humans do: “She adores this thing,” wrote one reviewer whose cat uses this C-shaped neck pillow in her carrier and her heated bed. Filled with supportive cotton and covered in a fluffy embroidered fabric, the whole thing is machine-washable and dryer-safe.

• Available styles: 4

Hot spots, allergies, flea bites, dry skin — this relief spray is designed to soothe all of the aforementioned for both cats and dogs over 12 weeks old. Using a medicated veterinary formula, it’s offered thousands of pets relief without a trip to the vet: “MIRACLE,” one reviewer wrote. “My dang cat would not stop licking/itching himself in one spot and kept getting terrible scabbing. A few sprays of this and he barely itched at the spot anymore.”

• Available styles: 7

Forget expensive batteries, this laser pointer toy is rechargeable with its attached USB plug, so you can charge it up between play sessions. It also has seven modes designed to engage cats, including three color options (white, purple, and red) and multiple pointer shapes, like mice and butterflies — plus you can use it as a flashlight or blacklight.

This door strap may seem simple, but it's a customizable solution that’s earned an average 4.5-star rating from almost 15,000 Amazon reviewers. Using a durable, adjustable strap between two adhesive anchors, it keeps dogs and toddlers out while letting cats access their food and litter boxes. The installation is tool-free, and it’s easy to unclip when you need to get in.

Using a combination of corn cob granules and pet-safe essential oils, this litter additive is designed to absorb urine and neutralize unwanted odors, leaving the area smelling fresh. “I am shocked by how well this stuff works, I can’t even smell the litter box,” wrote one reviewer with a particularly sensitive nose. You can also add it to kennels, pet carriers, trash compactors, and garbage cans.

When cats are stressed, they may spray, scratch, over-groom, or hide. This pheromone diffuser aims to reduce signs of stress with its calming, non-sedative scent. Plug it into an open outlet, and it’ll release pheromones for 30 days. “Really made a difference,” one reviewer wrote. “My cat seemed less anxious and more relaxed within a few days of plugging it in.”

A bestseller with over 18,000 reviews, this two-level cat house has plenty of room for lounging. It also has a pass-through hole for exploring, two hanging pom-pom toys for entertainment, and a scratch pad to groom their nails. Available in your choice of 11 colors, the whole thing is covered in a linen-like fabric that looks stylish in your home.

• Available styles: 11

Working from home? Give your cutest coworker the most coveted spot in the office. This cat nest bed clamps to the side of your desk and has a 16-inch pole that holds the included bed and foam mat. It’s height-adjustable and rotates 360 degrees, plus it’s made from sturdy metal to support up to 20 pounds.

• Available styles: 2

Put this slow feeder in your cat’s food bowl or use it as a bowl on its own. Either way, its raised, maze-like design slows down eating to prevent choking, extend mealtime, minimize vomiting, and aid digestion. It’s made from food-safe silicone that holds up to 1.4 cups of food and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

• Available styles: 12

If your cat gets bored easily, this interactive toy is designed to keep them entertained for way longer. Using a rolling ball, intriguing noises, and a long tail, it engages their hunting instincts and keeps their attention anchored. It’s also rechargeable, turns on automatically at your cat’s touch, and enters standby mode after five minutes of stillness.

• Available styles: 3

Free up floor space while giving your cat a constructive spot to scratch. This wall-mounted scratching post is wrapped in natural sisal fibers with sturdy aluminum brackets that screw into drywall, and the hardware is included. “Easy to mount, saves space, and easy to acclimate your cat to it,” wrote one reviewer.

Some cats refuse to drink stagnant water, but this stainless steel cat fountain has an automatic motion-sensing pump and a four-level filtration system to keep the water clean. You can also plug it in or use it wirelessly with the rechargeable battery. “I’ve tried a few pet fountains before, but this one is by far the best,” one reviewer wrote. “The water flow is quiet but keeps moving enough to attract my cats and encourage them to drink more.”

Made from easy-to-clean, BPA-free materials, this puzzle toy hides treats under its sliding pegs and swiveling leaves, engaging your cat’s mind, stimulating their hunting instincts, slowing down feeding time, and keeping them entertained for longer. It’s earned almost 8,000 five-star ratings, and one reviewer wrote, “My cats are rarely interested in a toy, but this one is a success.”

• Available styles: 3

This isn’t your grandmother’s couch cover. Made from soft fleece fabric with a stylish checkered pattern, it comes in eight size options and drapes over the back, arms, and seat cushions to offer all-over protection from stains, scratching, and accidents. It’s also machine-washable with textured dots on the back to prevent slipping.

• Available styles: 4

For cats who don’t love brushing, these grooming gloves make the process feel like they’re being pampered with pets. The palms and fingers are covered with rubber bristles that massage the skin, detangle knots, and de-shed extra fur. You can also use them in the bath, and the adjustable wrist strap makes for a secure fit on most hands.

Turn your fur baby into a prehistoric cutie with this dinosaur cat hoodie, which comes in seven sizes and 13 color options. Made from cozy, stretchy fabric, it has soft spikes from head to tail and elastic cuffs around the arms and torso for a secure fit. According to the reviewers, owners love it and cats tolerate it.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — XX-Large
• Available styles: 13

“This is the cutest door ever,” one reviewer raved about this interior cat door, which fits breeds up to 20 pounds and creates an adorable portal to your cat’s private space. Available in six colors, its flap-free construction won’t trap your kitty’s paws and features the same intricate design on both sides. It’s also easy to install in three simple steps, even if you’re not too comfortable with DIY projects.

• Available styles: 6

This waterproof pet blanket is designed to protect your bedding and furniture from scratches, stains, accidents, and pet hair. That said, to your cat, it won’t feel like a compromise because it’s double-sided with plush fleece on one side and cozy sherpa on the other. “When my cat peed on top of my bed with the pet blanket on top of the bed, it didn’t go through at all,” one reviewer wrote.

• Available sizes: Small — King
• Available styles: 14

Be warned: Once you use these blacklight flashlights around your home, you won’t be able to unsee the mess — but you will be able to find the source of germs and unwanted odors. The UV light illuminates pee, vomit, poop, and food stains on your rugs, upholstery, and clothing, so you can finally treat them. They’re made from waterproof, impact-resistant aluminum in a pocket-sized design, and the batteries are included.

Designed for pets who tend to overheat or have long fur, this cooling mat is covered in a special fabric that wicks body heat to lower your pet’s temperature. It’s also reversible, durable, and machine-washable, doubling as a protective mat for your furniture. Get it in four colors and three sizes.

• Available sizes: Small — Large
• Available styles: 4

Take the stress and guesswork out of mealtime for both you and your cat. This automatic feeder holds up to 3 liters of dry food and has programmable settings that allow you to choose the feeding time and the portion size for up to six meals a day. That way, you can feed your cat when you’re not home or without having to get out of bed.

• Available styles: 3

Raised feeders can help neck strain, aid digestion, and minimize regurgitation — but what if you have an automatic feeder? This elevated stand is compatible with most automatic feeders, raising them 2.5 inches off the ground with its sleek acrylic design. It also has non-slip legs and a foam mat that cushions the feeder and absorbs spills.

• Available styles: 2

One reviewer with a cat who hates being groomed called this massage brush “a miracle. It's amazing how much hair it releases, [and my cat] will purr and groom himself while I brush him, so I know he loves it.” Since it’s made entirely from soft rubber, it grips hair, is gentle on a cat’s skin, and is easy to rinse clean when you’re done.

• Available styles: 3

Sometimes your cat just needs to touch grass — or eat it. These cat grass grow kits come with three BPA-free grow bags, three soil disks, and locally sourced seeds to grow a combination of wheat grass, rye, oat, and barley in less than a week (even if you don’t have a green thumb). They promote healthy digestion and deter your cats from digging up or eating your other houseplants.

This cat perch has earned an overall 4.7-star rating after more than 3,000 reviews because it’s sturdy and stylish. “Well-made and doesn't look cheap, like the others I have purchased,” one reviewer wrote. Its wooden frame clips onto most window sills, while its removable and washable bed offers a cozy spot for your cat to lounge and birdwatch.

• Available styles: 4

“All three cats and my dog are obsessed with this bed. I want one that’s human-sized,” one reviewer raved about this pet couch. It’s filled with a combination of foam and plush filling for support, has a back rest and arms for cozy structure, and looks like a stylish sofa with its corduroy-fleece upholstery. It also has a non-slip bottom, and the cover comes off for machine-washing.

• Available styles: 7

Fill this strategy game with kibble or treats to reduce boredom and slow eating. Three rocking tubes stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts, while the mini maze below creates an extra level of difficulty to keep your cat entertained for longer. It also comes with two sets of lids to increase or decrease the challenge.

Whether your cat eats too fast or gets bored with their toys, this treat-dispensing tweet ball aims to solve both issues. Made from food-grade materials, it wobbles and chirps while dropping treats or dry kibble as they play. You can also adjust the size of the dispensing hole to customize the difficulty level.

If your cat loves playing in cardboard boxes, this easy-to-assemble cat condo offers a cuter alternative that you won’t mind keeping out. It’s still made from cardboard, but it’s high-density and non-toxic with pass-through holes and multiple scratch mats. Get it in your choice of three designs: a coffee house, a tea house, or an Izakaya bar.

• Available styles: 3

Use this portable playpen indoors or out to keep your cat safely contained with everything they need. Its two-compartment design has plenty of room for their litter box, toys, and food, while its trapezoid shape prevents tipping and escaping. It also has strong mesh windows for visibility and multiple zippered panels for easy access.

Cats can be picky about their water (everything from its temperature to its freshness), and especially cold water may deter them from drinking. This heated pet bowl automatically turns on and off to keep the water at a comfortable drinking temperature. You can also use it outdoors to stop water from freezing, especially since it has a double-walled design with a chew-resistant power cord.

Entertaining for them, terrifyingly hilarious for you; these knife-shaped cat toys are great for Halloween, horror fans, or anyone with a dark sense of humor. While they look pretty realistic (blood and all), they’re soft, safe, crinkly, and filled with catnip and silvervine to keep your cat engaged.

Available in right- or left-oriented designs, the Kitty Korner turns almost any interior door corner into a cat door with its swinging hinge design. That way, you can close the door to the litter box while still allowing your cat access, or you can keep the dog contained while the cat roams free. “Easy project for someone with minimal skills” and “solved all our problems,” one reviewer wrote.

• Available styles: 2

“My cats are obsessed [... even the one who’s] been apathetic with most interactive toys,” one reviewer wrote — and judging by its overall 4.7-star rating, this interactive cat toy had the same effect on other people’s fur babies. The touch-activated sensor automatically kicks on when your cat approaches, prompting the mouse noises and moving feather to create an enticing game of hide-and-seek. It’s also rechargeable with a standby mode to preserve battery power.

“Super soft, very warm, not too snug, and good knit,” wrote one reviewer who called this pet pullover the “perfect kitty sweater.” It has a fold-over turtleneck, stretchy arm holes, and a high-cut belly for using the bathroom. In addition to the strawberry design, you can also get it in jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween or snowmen for the holidays.

• Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
• Available styles: 5

With its wider-set metal wires, this litter scoop makes removing poop faster and without needing to shake. It’s designed to work with almost all litter types including clumping and silica. Plus, it comes with a holder to keep things tidy.