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CNN
4 days ago
- General
- CNN
The 38 best products we tried and loved in May
Somehow, the month of May has already come and gone, and it officially feels like summer. Last month, our editors starting prepping for the warmer weather by trying a variety of cooling products for the home, including Shark's newest TurboBlade fan that's taking over social media and a mix of SPF products we actually look forward to using. Below, check out what our team of product experts tried out last month and recommend adding to your cart, too. Litter Genie Style Pail The Diaper Genie in my daughter's nursery is a must-have on any new parent's registry, and not surprisingly, so is the litter disposal system by the same brand for cat children. After being completely *done* with the nauseating scent of my two cats' soiled litter over the last several years, I knew there had to be a better way. The odor-fighting Litter Genie is a genius tool for cat parents who want no trace of their pets' bathroom activity for a better smelling home. I'm not sure why it took me this long to make this small yet meaningful investment. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor Tulip Gem Natural Shade + Ceiling Mount Renters are likely well acquainted with the dreaded 'boob light' — the ubiquitous round light fixture favored by landlords — but now, finally, a company called Tulip is offering a solution. It invented a light shade that can be installed over the light fixture (no tools or holes in the ceiling required) to hide ugly fixtures and soften your overhead lighting. I tried out the sculptural Gem Natural; it took about 5 minutes to install and has completely elevated my space. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Thermacell E65 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller I just moved into an apartment with outdoor space, and I can't wait to enjoy some fresh air this summer. What I'm not so excited about? Bugs. Soon after moving in, I realized that mosquitos also happen to love my new backyard. Luckily, I have a trusty Thermacell set up to keep them at bay. So far, no bites! — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Simplehuman 55L Regular Step Can x Katie Merz Who says a trash can has to be boring? Simplehuman recently collaborated with artist Katie Merz on a limited-edition collection, and I instantly fell in love with the bold, fun designs. (Cute illustrations of garbage on a trash can? Yes, please!). But after actually using the trash can in my kitchen for a few weeks, I'm equally in love with Simplehuman's genius features, like the attached liner pocket/dispenser, an odor-absorbing pod and an inner rim that holds the liner in place. There's a reason this brand is so beloved. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Smell House Juice Hoax Candle As someone who loves their earthy-based, sandalwood and patchouli scents, I was blown away by this candle from Smell House that reminds me of a fresh produce department. Its clean aromatics immediately filled up the room without being overpowering, and it feels like the perfect scent for spring and summer. The brand has some of the most unique candle scents equipped with visually appealing packaging that make the perfect gift. — Molly Flores, photo editor Victorinox Swiss Classic Multicolored 3-Piece Paring Knife Set I cook often, but because I like to use tools like this viral veggie chopper, I never really put a whole lot of thought into the knives I'm using (even though I know that a good knife is a chef's most important tool). But when I got a set of Victorinox's paring knives in hand, something clicked. These knives are relatively inexpensive at under $20, but they require almost no effort to use, as they slice through everything from tough produce to a big crusty loaf of sourdough bread with almost unbelievable ease — like butter, some might say! Now, I find myself reaching for these knives even more often than my trusty veggie chopper. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Shark TurboBlade Fan Shark's recent TurboBlade fan immediately caught my eye back when it began shipping in March. I knew I had to have one and have been using it for the past few weeks. It has an adjustable design that allows you to pivot two vents to exactly where cool air is needed. In my case, it means my partner and I can sleep with varying degrees of direct air for nights when we can't quite agree on the right temperature. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor Buzzy Kid's Plastic Grow Pot Kit, Sunflower This tiny garden kit is meant for kids, but it's also great for rusty gardeners like myself. I planted the included seeds and dirt in a different pot than the provided planter and, to my surprise, the seeds began to sprout in a few days. I'm excited to see these sunflowers bloom in my apartment. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer Elevated Dog & Cat Feeder My cat's vet suggested getting her an elevated food bowl to help with digestion and overall health, so I set out to find her the best of the best. Most options I looked at seemed hard to clean, poorly designed and made with unsafe plastic or other materials. However, this sturdy trough-style feeder is perfect and can be thrown in the dishwasher. It also gets bonus points for being non-toxic and BPA-free. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D Pro Sandals I've long been a fan of Bedrock Sandals, but I just got a pair of the brand's Cairn Evo 3D Pros, and I'm falling in love all over again. They have the same design as the basic Cairn Evo 3D sandals I have, except with a Vibram Megagrip outsole. That means they have amazing traction, even in wet conditions, which is crucial for a water sandal. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Gola Elan Sneakers In case you missed it, colorful sneakers are having a moment. So, to jazz up my very bland sneaker collection, I was excited to step into these Gola kicks, which I'd been hearing a lot of lately. I love the more subtle Green Mist color that still works as an elevated neutral, and these shoes are a nice alternative to the Adidas Samba or other popular brands everyone else is wearing. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat This might be my new favorite summer hat. Is it the most fashionable? No. But I feel like I'm channeling my inner dad fashion whenever I have it on. It has a UPF 50+ rating, a wide brim and a neck flap to keep your face, ears and neck protected from the sun. I'll be wearing it whenever I know I'm going to spend a long time out under the hot summer sun. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Vivaia Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina) Quite truly my favorite pair of flats I've added to my rotation, these ballet-inspired sneakers toe the line between classic and trendy. It's been worn by the likes of Bella Hadid and Charli XCX after all. You can't go wrong with any of the five hues, but I love the black because it styles easily and shows less wear. I've worn them to dress up a pair of jorts and to peek out beneath full-length skirts. They feature two styles of laces — a stylish satin and a practical cord. Hailing from the comfortable flats brand Vivaia, these ones are less so than its other offerings, but they still build light padding into the sole. — Jacqueline Saguin, deals editor Laneige Lip Glowy Lightweight Hydration Balm in Matcha Bubble Tea I'm in a big matcha phase right now, so when Laneige dropped a matcha version of its bestselling lip balm, I knew I had to try it. This one doesn't have a strong scent since matcha is pretty subtle, so if you don't like overpowering products, this one is worth a try. The brand also dropped a Taro Bubble Tea scent that pairs nicely with the matcha. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Read our review DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum I have this irrational, yet very real fear of wearing perfume that I don't realize is off-putting. Well, I've finally laid that fear to rest with the universally-pleasing DedCool eau de parfum in Xtra Milk. It smells clean enough to pass off as fresh laundry but it still feels substantial enough to add intrigue with notes of bergamot, white musk and amber. With this genderless, non-toxic and vegan formula, I can finally stop overthinking my signature scent and start enjoying it — knowing others are probably enjoying it too. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor GrandeWRAP Tubing Mascara With ProVitamin B5 I'm always on the lookout for a new mascara, and when I saw this in my sister's makeup bag, I was instantly intrigued since I've used the brand's lash-enhancing serum in the past. This became an instant staple in my own cosmetic bag for a few reasons. My lashes looked so much longer after just one coat — and like all good tubing mascaras, it's very easy to take off at the end of the day. Plus, the applicator makes it easy to reach every lash, even the tiny ones in the corner of your eyes. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Merit The Uniform I use tinted SPF on my face every day, and Merit just released one of its own that I can't get enough of. The Uniform is so light, and it really sinks into your skin more like a moisturizer would, rather than a foundation. The tint is super sheer (which is what I like, especially in summer when I feel like I'm sweating off my makeup), but it still leaves my skin looking velvety. After just a couple days of use, it's really giving my longtime favorite from Tower 28 a run for its money. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director Patchology Skin Remedy Calm & Protect Mist I've been trying a lot of face mists lately to freshen up in the middle of the day, and my one complaint is that so many feel like you're getting hit in the face with harsh rain droplets. Patchology's newest version solves that problem thanks to its slow-release, ultra-fine mist, so the product absorbs evenly and quickly into the skin. It's like a little spa moment on demand. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor Bask Non-Aerosol Invisible Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 The branding alone of the Bask Non-Aerosol Spray was enough for me to want to try this sunscreen. After including it in our best sunscreen testing pool, I found it quickly became a favorite of mine. The scent is a subtle nod to summer, the formula sprays on clear and the UV protection lasted me over two hours. — Gareen Puglia, associate testing writer Qure Skincare Microinfusion Kit I'm obsessed with microneedling. Every time I get a facial, I always ask for a microneedling session so my skin glows from the inside out. The process uses tiny needles — no more than a pin prick — to penetrate deeper layers of your skin. But like anything good for your face, it's expensive and costs hundreds of dollars at the spa. Thanks to Qure, this at-home version delivers salon-quality results at a fraction of the cost, and it's so easy to use at home. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Coastal Chic Amber Fleur Hair & Body Mist Having a solid hair mist is essential for the summer. It's hard to find one that won't feel heavy on my hair, but this one is so light and has an amazing smell. I have gotten so many compliments since I've started wearing this and I can't leave the house now without it. It's a sweet woodsy scent, yet not too overpowering. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Skorr Cleanse A decade ago, Clarisonic had everyone convinced that a vibrating facial cleansing brush was the best way to wash your face. I clutched onto my Mia 2 as the brand shuttered in 2020, but eventually had to retire it. I've tried other sonic cleansing tools over the years, but none stuck in my routine — until now. Dermatologist-founded Skorr made an ultrasonic cleansing brush that is ergonomic, effective and has a dual-sided head that features thermal heating and gentle exfoliation. It's sleeker, more travel-friendly and cheaper than my old Clarisonic, and it really helps me get any gunk off my face at the end of the day. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor Tilt Beauty Lashscape Mascara Very few beauty brands keep accessibility and adaptiveness top of mind. Tilt is not only certified by the Arthritis Foundation but also approved by the National Psoriasis Foundation. This smudge-resistant black mascara lifts and lengthens in just one swipe and comes in an ergonomically refillable package that makes it easy to open, hold and apply. As someone with joint pain, it's great to see a brand thinking of everybody who loves makeup. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Each & Every This Love Deodorant Summer is coming, which means sweaty days are ahead. Since natural deodorants don't stop the perspiration, it's imperative for me to find one that stays smelling fresh all day. I usually alternate between a few pretty good ones, but I've been reaching for my Each & Every stick the most. It's not the perfect formula (I find that the product gets a little messy around the top) but the scent is amazing and it actually lasts. I caught a whiff of the floral rose notes of This Love five hours after applying it, and I was shocked that it was actually me that I was smelling. The deodorant comes in five other essential oil-infused scents, from tropical to earthy. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor Phlur Vanilla Smoke Body Mist After doing some research on hair perfume, I landed on this mist spray from Phlur. It's the perfect blend of masculine and feminine scents. It has those incense, woody and smoky undertones I typically look for in a perfume that is rounded out by sweet vanilla, and I play around and mix it with various perfumes to make a custom scent each time. The best part is that a couple sprays around my head keeps my curls smelling heavenly all day long. — Molly Flores, photo editor Backbone Pro I only just raved about the Backbone Xbox Edition in last month's roundup of Editor Recs, but it's already been replaced in my daily rotation. The new Backbone Pro takes my favorite mobile gaming controller and goes even bigger, with a more substantial and ergonomic design that feels nearly as good as a legit PlayStation or Xbox gamepad. Playing console-grade titles like NBA 2K25 and Street Fighter IV: Champion edition on this thing has been a delight, as has digging through a bunch of my retro favorites via the Delta emulator. The Pro can even function as a standalone wireless Bluetooth controller when your phone isn't attached, meaning you can pair it right to your TV, computer or iPad when it's time for some big-screen gaming. My only complaint is that the Pro makes it too easy to start gaming from just about anywhere; my productivity has definitely suffered since. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor Sony WH-1000XM6 The funny thing about being a tech reviewer is how often I test something that I can fully recommend, but still don't use as my personal device. Often, that's because I'm covering a tablet or laptop that doesn't fit easily into the Apple ecosystem, which practically has me locked in on every category Apple covers. That's where the Sony XM6 noise-canceling headphones are different, as they've ripped the pretty-good AirPods Max clean off my ears. They're so much better than Apple at both noise cancelation and comfort that I don't mind losing the auto-pairing convenience that Apple users get with all things AirPods. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone 16 Pro Case When I upgraded to an iPhone 16 several months ago, I bought a clear case because I wanted to show off my shiny teal phone. It wasn't comfortable to hold and got dirty easily, so testing this vegan leather option from OtterBox was my first attempt at a replacement. This case is superior in every way, with a large cutout for the camera button and a matching color scheme. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker My latest round of Bluetooth speaker testing has yielded plenty of standouts, but the JBL Charge 6 is the speaker I keep coming back to. This thing is just built like a tank; it still pumps out big, crisp audio even after I've soaked it in water multiple times, which has earned it a rightful place as my new shower speaker. It comes in some great color options (I love my blue unit), has a handy detachable carrying strap and is still pretty compact for something so loud and rugged. And true to its namesake, it packs the ever-handy ability to double as a power bank that can charge up your phone when you're out and about. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor Twelve South PowerCord All-in-One USB-C Fast Charger Twelve South is one of my favorite brands in the tech accessory space, and releases like its new PowerCord are exactly why. This novel new charger combines a braided nylon USB-C cable with a 30-watt wall adapter into a single product. The next time any of my friends or family members ask for advice on a new charger, I'll certainly be recommending this new charger for its convienece alone. — Rikka Altland, senior deals editor Anker Nano Power Bank One of my favorite things about product testing is when my favorite device retains its title in a new round of feverish competition. So when it came time to re-test the field to find the best portable charger, I've been happy to see the Anker Nano Power Bank stand strong amongst the field. Not only did it recharge an iPhone 16 just as well as every other device, but it also did well when recharging the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the iPad Pro M4 and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. But charging speeds aren't the only reason I love this pocket-sized power adapter: Its built-in USB-C cable doubles as a little strap that lets you hold the charger aloft while you're recharging your phone. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writerRead our review Ruth Lewandowski Wines 2023 Tatto Skin Contact White Blend I first tried this skin contact blend when I had a natural wine flight in Chicago and haven't stopped thinking about it since. Being out of town and knowing it's a tough job tracking down a wine, I sadly thought I'd never be able to indulge again. Luckily, Ruth Lewandowski, an American winemaker, has an online shop! I served this at a dinner party and my guests were blown away by this complex yet super drinkable dry wine with rich notes of floral, melon and everything spring. — Molly Flores, photo editor TushGuard Seat Cushion I recently bought a new desk chair and despite its steep price point, it is not comfortable to sit in for long periods. Yes, I realize I shouldn't sit all day and the discomfort is probably a nudge to stand up and stretch my legs. What can I say? I'm lazy. The TushGuard seat cushion allows me to indulge in that laziness by providing adequate softness and support with its memory foam cushion that can attach to your desk chair, car seat or even an airplane seat. The U-shape helps relieve hip pressure and provides superior comfort all day. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor Lunette The Sleep Kit I tried the Lunette Sleep Kit this month, and it's become a part of my nightly wind-down routine. From the calming scents it comes with to the thoughtful design, it's a small upgrade that's made a big difference in how I relax before bed. The best thing is you don't even need any screens or sounds to relax. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator Carpe Sweat-Absorbing Foot Lotion Listen, we all sweat, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I tend to get really sweaty feet in summer, and it can make wearing shoes unbearable. This lotion is easy to use and has done wonders for stopping the gross feeling of sweaty feet without feeling sticky or leaving residue. — Lindsey Smith, newsletter editor Original Duckhead Vases Compact Eco-Friendly Duck Umbrella May was a wet one, so I needed a reliable umbrella to keep me dry. The only problem is I tend to lose one every time I step out of the house. However, I learned that if you actually like and enjoy the appearance of your objects, you'll keep them around. The original Duckhead umbrella has a ton of stylish designs that ensure I keep an eye on mine while being compact enough that it's not an annoyance to carry around. — Molly Flores, photo editor Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler The worst thing about Yeti coolers is their size and weight. When they're fully loaded, they can be a real pain to carry around the campground. That's why I love the Roadie 48, which has big wheels and makes transport easy. It doesn't have the same ability to be bear-resistant like the Tundra or the Tundra Haul, but I love the wheels and size for beach days. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Igloo 20-Ounce Sport Sipper Bottle When you test as many water bottles as I do, the little things make newcomers stand out. Sure, this Igloo bottle is insulated like most of the competition, but my favorite feature is the silicone base. It doesn't clank every time I put it back on my desk after taking a sip. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, our team shared the latest products they've tried and can't get enough of.
Buzz Feed
24-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
36 Things That'll Really Come In Handy If You Live With Two Or More Cats
A hide-and-seek interactive cat toy if you have at least one super active kitty who wants to play right when you sit down to work every day (🙋♀️), or they're constantly egging on their older sibling who just isn't interested. Press a button to cycle through its settings, activating a fluttering butterfly at the top or a spinning feather toy underneath its removable cover — or have both of them running at once for max stimulation. A budget-friendly top-entry litter box discreet enough to place in different rooms if you have more than a few cats and really need to make sure they have ~options~. The grooved lid at the top helps remove leftover litter particles from your cat's paws as they climb out, and if you have a dog in the house who likes to go digging in litter boxes, this design can also keep them out of your cats' poop spots. A Litter Genie litter disposal system to make daily scooping much less of a pain. Keep this near your box, and you can simply deposit the waste directly into this pail, which completely locks in odors until you're ready to toss the bag. Or a pack of odor-sealing cat waste disposal bags so you don't have to choose between taking out the trash every single day or gagging every time you walk by the kitchen trash can (especially if you live in a walk-up apartment). These totally seal in those gross odors, so you can scoop, toss the bag in your can, and forget it's even in there. And a Rocco & Roxie litter deodorizer for ground zero itself, because at a certain point, no amount of scooping prevents that awful smell from permeating your entire home if you have multiple cats. This plant-based mix is made from highly absorbent corncob granules that wick away moisture and keep your litter box from smelling like a toxic waste zone. It also helps you use the same batch of litter for longer, saving some $$ in the long run. A Feliway multi-cat calming diffuser kit if you have cats who don't get along, whether one of them is new to the household or a life change has caused them to become aggressive. This plugs right into your wall and releases pheromones that mimic a nursing mother's, helping to not only calm cats down but also encourage social acceptance of each other. A double-layered litter mat because of the sheer volume of litter being tracked out of your litter box(es) on a daily basis. It has a honeycomb design that catches and traps litter so it doesn't scatter across your floor. You can then press in on the sides to open up the mat and dump the trapped litter back into your litter box, or slide it into the trash can, whichever you prefer! And heavy-duty litter box liners to hold up against the amount of feverish digging and scratching happening inside those boxes. There's nothing worse than trying to take out a bag of litter when it's already half falling apart with litter (and waste) spilling out the side. A pair of professional nail clippers if your kitties like to play a little too roughly sometimes — trimming their nails once they start to get sword-level sharp will prevent them from accidentally hurting each other (or you)! It'll also keep them from using those nails on your best furniture. A cat tree so alllll your feline bbs can lounge, sleep, and play in the same spot together. Cats like to be up high so they can see everything that's going on, and this gives them another place to climb and scratch that's *not* your expensive furniture. Plus, the adorable view of them dozing on it day in and day out never gets old. And a window seat capable of supporting up to 40 pounds of weight, held up on sturdy wooden bolsters (as opposed to flimsier versions that use suction cups). That way, your cats can share it and won't have to fight for the best view of the outside — and will have another place to doze that's not your furniture! A ChomChom pet hair roller that I will never stop writing about because it's the only thing that's saved my VELVET couch (bad idea, I know) from my two cats who just looove lounging there. It doesn't mess with sticky tapes or paper; instead, you get a reusable brush that grabs up every bit of hair and lint as you clean — just empty it out after, and you're good to go again! And a mini pet hair remover for tackling that *deeply* embedded fur in their cat beds, towers, sofa cushions, carpeted stairs, and anywhere else they spend a ton of time lounging. Each edge has a different teeth length + density, designed for different cleaning modes, like deep cleaning a spot vs. broad strokes across a wide area. It can help to work this over an area first before vacuuming if that fur is really stuck in there. A UV black light flashlight that, uh, may give you some very gross info about where your cats have been having accidents. There's nothing worse than detecting the vague smell of pee or vomit and not knowing where it's coming from — and unfortunately, when you have several kitties, the chances of that happening while you're not in the room go up significantly And a bottle of Rocco & Roxie stain and odor eliminator you should have on hand for when you locate that latest carpet accident. Not only does it lift away stains; it also releases enzymes that break down the deep and persistent odors left behind. Plus, a bottle of Angry Orange citrus deodorizer for those reeeally strong odors that make you gag and question why you ever thought adopting more than one cat was a good idea. It targets those awful pee smells and destroys them, leaving behind a heavenly citrusy scent that — bonus points — your cats will hate, so it may even encourage them to stop targeting a certain area. A whisker-friendly lick mat that'll slow down any fast eaters who gobble down their meals in a flash — and sometimes throw them up afterward. By prolonging their own meal, it can also keep them from chowing down on other cats' food! Or a truly game-changing microchip pet feeder designed to recognize your cat's microchip and open for them *only* — then close after they step away from eating. This is a lifesaver if you have several cats and want to keep them from eating each others' food, whether they're on different prescription diets or you need to count calories for an overeater. A dual-cabin pet carrier for when you need to take a pair of cats on the go, whether it's a planned vet trip or an emergency where you need to get them out of the building quickly and safely. A robotic vacuum that'll (literally) stay on top of the endless cat fur and litter (along with other dust and dirt) that builds up on your floor, freeing up some of your time for other things. Your cats will likely prefer it to the loud full-sized vacuum and might even have fun stalking it as it quietly moves around cleaning your floor. An air purifier to help you manage indoor allergies from pet dander and those awful smells that waft around from the litter box — and if you've ever seen one of your cat's eyes watering, it's possible the poor thing could have allergies itself. This works quietly in the background to clean your air — all you have to do is replace the filter every six to eight months! An automatic water fountain so you can be sure they *always* have access to fresh water (and not worry about that one rowdy kitty knocking the water bowls over when you're not around). Cats prefer to drink from running water, and this fountain maintains a steady stream that should actually encourage them to drink more water, a healthy habit that can help with kidney issues down the road. A pair of food storage containers because with several cats, you have to keep a lot more food on hand than the average pet owner, and this isn't just an easy way to store it in bulk — it'll also thwart particularly smart kitties who will tear open their food bags if left out. These airtight bins keep your cat food fresh for longer and also make it easy to reach in and scoop out the amount you need. A 40-pound bag of Dr. Elsey's cat litter to keep you stocked up for your felines' bathroom habits. It forms hard clumps that are easy to scoop, doesn't get tracked all over your house, and has a 99.9% dust-free, hypoallergenic formulation that's better for you and your cats. And a clear toy blocker to stop all their toys and balls from *immediately* ending up underneath the couch and other furniture, putting an end to one of the most annoying cat owner chores: going around and "rescuing" their toys for them. And because it's made of durable plastic, it's not something they'll be able to rip up and destroy either! A pet gate that'll let cats through into areas where bigger animals may not be allowed (sorry, Fido!), also giving them a great escape route if your cats don't get along with a dog in the house. This is also great for safely introducing a new cat to the household! A Bissell Little Green carpet and upholstery cleaner if cat stains and accidents are part of your daily life, and you've almost given up on that one rug they seem to have designated "the puke spot." This TikTok-beloved cleaner is a holy grail product for many pet parents, capable of sucking out stubborn stains as well as dust, dirt, and fur. It's *your* house, not the cats' — time to reclaim your furniture and floors. And — also from Bissell — a pack of Stomp 'N Go stain-removing pads you'll wanna keep on hand for tackling cat stains new and old in the easiest manner possible: Just lay one down, stomp to release the cleaning formula, and walk away while you let it work its magic. Reviewers say it's capable of lifting and removing stains from YEARS ago. A self-grooming cat toy so your cats can get all of the good neck and cheek scratches when you're not available (or capable) of showering them all with attention at once. A tunnel bed that'll double as a play area for them to chase each other through, a private snooze spot, *and* a place for them to hide when there are guests or dogs around that they're scared of. A set of transparent couch protectors when absolutely nothing else will distract them from the grand appeal of ripping your sofa to shreds (and when you're dealing with several sets of claws, that damage compounds FAST). You get 10 large self-adhesive pieces to apply around the spots they target the most, and eventually, your kitties will learn they have to scratch elsewhere. Or a carpet scratch stopper in case they have a fixation on the carpet under your door, which isn't just waking you up at night — it's causing damage that might force you to kiss your security deposit goodbye if you rent. It slides right underneath your door so that when they go to scratch, their claws won't find anything to grip onto, eliminating the habit for good. A palm tree–shaped scratching post if you're on a never-ending hunt for cat furniture that *isn't* a giant eyesore. It's leafy, so if you squint a little it basically looks like a real plant (one you don't have to water or worry about your kitties chewing on), and it can help provide a little distraction from furniture you *don't* want them clawing. Or a catnip wall mount with four different flavored balls for different cats to play with and discover which is their favorite. No more vacuuming up loose catnip that's been strewn all over the floor. A cat door you can install in a sliding glass door or window to stop your cats from constantly begging to go then begging to come back in 10 minutes later. Especially when you have more than one, that starts to get old *real* fast. And finally, an outdoor catio, because your fur babes crave fresh air just as much as you do. It's quite an investment, but if you've got several kitties running around and available outdoor space, this playpen will let them take in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature and give them so many places to lounge and jump around.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
If you're a cat owner, these 6 items are totally worth investing in — trust me, I have 3 cats
I have three cats, so I've purchased my fair share of cat-related goods over the years, with varying degrees of success. As a new pet owner, it can be difficult to suss out which tools or products you really need to care for your fuzzy friends and which can be skipped. So when a tiny kitten magically appeared on my friend's back step a few months ago and she decided to keep it, I immediately gave her a short list of items she should buy to make her life easier. From making clean up a breeze to containing litter box odours, here's what made the list. I was late to the Litter Genie hype — I should have purchased this four years ago when I first rescued my kittens. The beauty of this pail is that it saves you from daily trips to the garbage can and it keeps odours sealed in, similar to a diaper genie. I felt wasteful using a new compost bag every day, but this offers a solution: the refill bags are flexible, which means you can cut and tie off the bag anytime, then pop it in the trash. The pail holds up to 14 days of cat litter for one cat, and the refills last up to two months. Amazon reviewers repeatedly comment how effective the design is at "locking in smells" and I totally agree. Pro tip: buy the normal refills, not the eco-friendly ones. I found those are not as good at containing odours. My sister had this brush for her cat, and once I tried it, I ordered one for my cats as well. Unlike other brushes where you have to grab at the trapped hair with your hands, this one is designed with a button that pushes pet hair to the top, making it super easy to clean. This brush is backed by nearly 30,000 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4-stars. Personally, I like how easy it is to use, and my cats seem to like it, too. Amazon reviewers say the stainless steel bristles are "gentle yet effective," and I have to agree. It works on both my short and long-haired cats. I've had it for three years now, and it's still going strong. However, a few of the stainless steel bristles have bent. This brush is often featured in online videos, and for good reason. With more than 91,000 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.4 stars, this reusable pet hair collector does a much better job compared to single-use lint rollers. The roller runs on static electricity. A section of fleece attracts pet hair as you move the roller back and forth over a surface. Many reviewers note it's easier to use than a vacuum cleaner when it comes to picking up pet hair off of hard-to-reach areas, like the back of a couch. I find it incredibly useful for quickly removing excess cat hair from carpets, sofas, pillows, and blankets. After rolling back and forth, all the hair goes into an easy-to-empty receptacle. However, it doesn't work perfectly on every fabric type. I had trouble using it on my parents' velvet couch, for example. For those with allergies, an air purifier is a game changer. Air purifiers can help remove pet dander and allergens from the air and keep your house feeling fresh. It also improves the air quality and reduces pet odours, in my experience. I purchased this one from Levoit because it had more than 24,000 ratings on Amazon with an average rating of 4.6 stars. It was very easy to set up, and it comes equipped with a smart app that allows you to set timers, create schedules, and tool with settings. It's also compatible with Alexa, though I haven't used that feature. I keep this next to the litter boxes and I notice a difference when it comes to air quality and odours thanks to its HEPA filter, which traps pet dander and hair well. At just over seven pounds, I like that the compact design is easy to move around the house. The specs say it's good for up to 915 square feet. Reviewers note this air purifier is priced reasonably at $150 for an "effective and efficient" little machine. I have no regrets when it comes to this little machine — if anything, I should buy another! Cats are funny creatures, and it turns out they love drinking water from fountains. This is my second water fountain; the first one was made of plastic and I purchased this one as a backup. I noticed it is easier to clean than the plastic one, and I appreciate the stainless steel design and large 3.2-litre capacity. Amazon reviewers note that this water fountain is very quiet, and I agree. I've had it for almost a year now, and the only downside is that my cats have generally lost interest in it. However, some reviewers say they wish it had a window to see the water level in the basin. By the way, you'll need to buy the filters as well and swap them out every month or so. As a cat owner, I've purchased all kinds of fancy scratchers. But nothing got more use than these plain cardboard scratchers. It turns out, my cats prefer to scratch on horizontal surfaces rather than vertical — unless it's the couch, of course. Classic cat behaviour. These Mankaide scratchers are made from 100 per cent recycled corrugated cardboard, making them an eco-friendly option. The best part is that once one side is worn out, you can just flip it over for a fresh side, which means it's more like eight scratch pads. With an average rating of 4.4 stars on Amazon, reviewers genuinely rave about how often their cats use them and how instantly they took to them. I completely agree! However, some note that it is smaller than they imagined, so be sure to look at the photos before placing your order.
Buzz Feed
02-03-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
38 Things That'll Really Come In Handy If You Live With Two Or More Cats
1. A hide-and-seek interactive cat toy if you have at least one super active kitty who wants to play right when you sit down to work every day (🙋♀️), or they're constantly egging on their older sibling who just isn't interested. Press a button to cycle through its settings, activating a fluttering butterfly at the top or a spinning feather toy underneath its removable cover — or have both of them running at once for max stimulation. Both of my cats like this toy, but Chicho (my super active younger cat) goes wild for it every single time. He really likes batting at the butterfly (as shown above), whose erratic movements keep him totally engaged, but he also loves laying on his side trying to catch the feather that zooms left, right, and all around. The fact that most of the feather toy is hidden underneath the patterned cover (so they can't see what's controlling it) is a genius design, and I'll also mention that my cats haven't been able to destroy this toy yet either — though the brand does sell replacement parts thankfully. The battery lasts a long time, and it charges conveniently via USB-C, which I appreciate! Get it from Amazon for $24.98. 2. A budget-friendly top-entry litter box discreet enough to place in different rooms if you have more than a few cats and really need to make sure they have ~options~. The grooved lid at the top helps remove leftover litter particles from your cat's paws as they climb out, and if you have a dog in the house who likes to go digging in litter boxes, this design can also keep them out of your cats' poop spots. Reviewers say it works for both small and bigger cats alike! One reviewer's tip: Make sure the side without the grooved lid is facing a wall so that cats can't jump out that way (the grooved side is what prevents litter tracking). Note that if you have a senior cat with limited mobility, you'd want to provide a litter box with low, easy access for that cat. Promising review:"We have three cats and have to manage a silly amount of cat politics. We've learned that having a higher number of litter boxes, and spread to different locations, cuts way down on bullying and helps cats to feel safe, [as they are] instinctively territorial about where they put their scent and feel vulnerable when they're 'in the act'. This cat box helps to be able to have boxes in rooms of the house where a cat box would feel garish, not to mention the litter mess. It took a little while for my cats to try it out but they're using it now and don't get to kick the gravel out everywhere (I swear they do it on purpose)." — Dism Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four colors). 3. A Litter Genie litter disposal system to make daily scooping much less of a pain. Keep this near your box, and you can simply deposit the waste directly into this pail, which completely locks in odors until you're ready to toss the bag. For someone like me who lives in a fourth-floor walkup, cutting down on the number of trips spent taking litter bags outside is a *major* help. They say it can hold up to 14 days of cat litter for one cat, so you may fill it up quicker depending on how many kitties you have. Promising review: "This is an excellent product. I bought this to replace my previous one that I accidentally broke. The Genie keeps the bathroom litter box odor-free. I have three cats and one litter box and even with three, I only dump the bags every THREE WEEKS (or so) so it saves me having to make several trips to the outdoor garbage bins every single day. The only thing I don't like is that I can't find cheaper inserts for it any longer so I have to purchase the more expensive Genie ones but that's really my only complaint." — Coryelle Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (includes about 2.5 months worth of refills). Additional liner refills are also available from Amazon for $27.97 (about an 8-month supply). 4. Or a pack of odor-sealing cat waste disposal bags so you don't have to choose between taking out the trash every single day or gagging every time you walk by the kitchen trash can (especially if you live in a walk-up apartment). These totally seal in those gross odors, so you can scoop, toss the bag in your can, and forget it's even in there. Amazon I've been using these for ages now and totally swear by them for scooping my cats' litter! Truly, I've used other types of bags (like those green doggy waste bags) that ended up just making my kitchen trash can smell, so I can tell the difference with these. I personally take pride in the fact that my home *doesn't* smell like cats when you walk in, and these are an important tool in my efforts around that! Promising review: "I have three cats, two litter boxes, and scoop both once or twice a day depending on my schedule. I throw my bags away into my lidded kitchen garbage can and take my trash out to the dumpster (apartment living) every two days. In over a year of doing this, I've never noticed litter odor escaping from the poop bags and into the garbage can. Even when they'd be close to the top and I'd step on the pedal to toss something else away, I'd always get any food odor or cat food can stink, but never litter waste." — shadowbox86 Get a pack of 90 from Amazon for $16.10. 5. And a Rocco & Roxie litter deodorizer for ground zero itself, because at a certain point, no amount of scooping prevents that awful smell from permeating your entire home if you have multiple cats. This plant-based mix is made from highly absorbent corncob granules that wick away moisture and keep your litter box from smelling like a toxic waste zone. It also helps you use the same batch of litter for longer, saving some $$ in the long run. Amazon Promising review:"Having had cats my entire life, I have tried probably everything on the market that claims to eliminate cat litter smell and nothing ever has done what this does. I have a male and female cat and I cannot smell litter after using this. No smell! It's amazing!" — Meghan Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 6. A Feliway multi-cat calming diffuser kit if you have cats who don't get along, whether one of them is new to the household or a life change has caused them to become aggressive. This plugs right into your wall and releases pheromones that mimic a nursing mother's, helping to not only calm cats down but also encourage social acceptance of each other. This starter kit gets you the diffuser head and one vial of Feliway; refills are also available on Amazon. Keep in mind that if you're introducing a new cat, you should *still* take proper precautions like keeping them separate for a while, doing smell introductions first, etc. Promising review: " I can't express enough how much this has changed mine and my cats' lives. Merging two households wasn't easy on the cats. One male cat had a hard time moving into a new house with new pets. He had terrible behavior problems and would cause us and the other cats a lot of stress. His bullying led to the other two cats having health problems. He would get into moods where he would chase and attack the others and would not let up. We tried everything the vet suggested to reduce theses incidences, but getting Feliway was the only thing that worked. He is a completely different cat now. He is calm and his outbursts rarely happen. He has become a couch cat and has turned into the sweetest boy. The other cats aren't stressed anymore and neither are we. We have three diffusers in the three rooms we have had incidences in. It definitely has more of an affect on the male cats than the female. If you aren't noticing a difference with one diffuser I would suggest getting a second. We couldn't believe that this one product could fix everything, but it did. If he starts to act out again we check the diffusers, and sure enough, one of them will be out. If your cats are having any behavior problems or stress please try this!" — Kristine Spencer Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 7. A double-layered litter mat because of the sheer volume of litter being tracked out of your litter box(es) on a daily basis. It has a honeycomb design that catches and traps litter so it doesn't scatter across your floor. You can then press in on the sides to open up the mat and dump the trapped litter back into your litter box, or slide it into the trash can, whichever you prefer! I've been using this trapper mat for years now and while it's pretty much impossible to eliminate all litter from your home if you own even one cat, let alone a few, this mat has made keeping the floor of my litter box room MUCH more manageable. Unlike other mats, where the litter just kind of sits on top and eventually gets kicked elsewhere, this mat is designed so that the litter falls through the holes and stays inside the mat until you're ready to dump it. It's made out of an EVA material that's supposed to be gentle enough for cat paws, and my two kitties don't seem to have a problem walking on it. I *highly* recommend getting the larger 30-by-24-inch mat to extend the coverage area — I initially got the smaller one but went back for the larger size and it's perfect. Note that the mat will probably have a fold down the middle when it first arrives, but just give it some time and weigh it down with something if needed; it'll lay flat. Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 8. And heavy-duty litter box liners to hold up against the amount of feverish digging and scratching happening inside those boxes. There's nothing worse than trying to take out a bag of litter when it's already half falling apart with litter (and waste) spilling out the side. Cats who like to tear big holes in litter box liners make them pretty much pointless to use, but reviewers say these heavy-duty liners are sturdy enough to withstand the shredding. These are jumbo-size too, so they'll fit most litter boxes. Promising review: "I have two indoor cats, and one indoor/outdoor cat split among three litter boxes. These liners hold up for several weeks without ripping, and are scooped daily. My cats love to pee in the corners, so I constantly have to scrub against the corners with the litter scooper and they have yet to rip. The other brands I tried, all eventually ripped." — Eric Get a pack of 15 from Amazon for $10.99 (also available in smaller packs). 9. A pair of professional nail clippers if your kitties like to play a little too roughly sometimes — trimming their nails once they start to get sword-level sharp will prevent them from accidentally hurting each other (or you)! It'll also keep them from using those nails on your best furniture. Not to scare you, but I once had to take a cat to the vet because the other one accidentally scratched his ear while playing (unbeknownst to me) and it got infected. Now I make *extra* sure I trim those nails when they start to get extra sharp. If you're new to trimming your cats' nails, you can start with just one or two nails at a time to get them used to the process, and of course, be sure to give them a treat afterward. 😊 Promising review:"These were way better than expected. Most of my life, I have used human nail clippers for cats. I have tried nail scissors unsuccessfully. We also tried another brand of cat claw trimmers that were guillotine style, but splintered their nails. These cut so smoothly, easily (without needing a lot of pressure), and so cleanly with no splintering at all. Just mad at myself I waited this long to get them. I truly didn't expect such an affordable pair would perform this well." — interiorlulu Get them from Amazon for $6.99. 10. A cat tree so alllll your feline bbs can lounge, sleep, and play in the same spot together. Cats like to be up high so they can see everything that's going on, and this gives them another place to climb and scratch that's *not* your expensive furniture. Plus, the adorable view of them dozing on it day in and day out never gets old. I owned this exact cat tree for a few years (before finally upgrading to my Mau one), and I have to say, for the amount of use you (well, your cats) get out of it, it's a steal at this price. My cats were on this thing EVERY day. There are sisal-covered posts along the entire height of it for your cats to scratch — by the end, the rope was definitely starting to come apart from the amount of feverish scratching my younger cat, Chicho, did to it (which, for less than $100, I wasn't mad about). Now, there are some parts of this tree my adult cats simply weren't interested in using: the hammock on the first level, the cubby hole on the second, and the tunnel on the third. Those are absolutely designed for kittens, making this a great tree for cats of all ages. My cats preferred the two top tiers of the tree and the side basket — which my very thick older cat, Sneaky, curled up in for his afternoon naps every single day. I appreciated that this cat tree doesn't take up a *ton* of space either and fit very well in my NYC apartment. If you've got a couple of kitties and haven't gotten them a dedicated cat tree yet, take this as your sign that it's worth it! Get it from Amazon for $97.70+ (available in four colors). 11. And a window seat capable of supporting up to 40 pounds of weight, held up on sturdy wooden bolsters (as opposed to flimsier versions that use suction cups). That way, your cats can share it and won't have to fight for the best view of the outside — and will have another place to doze that's not your furniture! To install, just hook the cat perch into the rail of the window, push the brackets forward until they rest against the wall, then tighten the thumb screws. Check that your window matches the size requirements on the listing before buying! There's a helpful graphic (second photo on the listing) that shows the dimensions required. Promising review: "My cats are obsessed with these window beds. I have now ordered multiple of them to have in different rooms. Easy to put together and sturdy enough to hold multiple 12+ pound cats." — Laura Williams Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in four colors). 12. A ChomChom pet hair roller that I will never stop writing about because it's the only thing that's saved my VELVET couch (bad idea, I know) from my two cats who just looove lounging there. It doesn't mess with sticky tapes or paper; instead, you get a reusable brush that grabs up every bit of hair and lint as you clean — just empty it out after, and you're good to go again! The tens of thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews are reason enough to add the ChomChom to your cart immediately — but let me add my own personal review to the stack. I've been using the ChomChom for quite a while now, and I took the photos above to show just how quick, easy, and effective this roller is. It took 10 seconds to rid my velvet couch ottoman (yes, velvet...a terrible cat owner choice, I know) of the hair my two gray kitties are constantly leaving everywhere. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside, which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside. The ChomChom is best for large flat surfaces like couches and beds. Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles). 13. And a mini pet hair remover for tackling that *deeply* embedded fur in their cat beds, towers, sofa cushions, carpeted stairs, and anywhere else they spend a ton of time lounging. Each edge has a different teeth length + density, designed for different cleaning modes, like deep cleaning a spot vs. broad strokes across a wide area. It can help to work this over an area first before vacuuming if that fur is really stuck in there. See it in action on TikTok, where the reviewer uses it to clean dog fur off their car's upholstery. Promising review:"The best friend I ever bought!!?! I have two cats and two dogs and a lot of problems with pet hair. This MAGIC triangle is the best pet hair remover on the planet! I have tried combs, rollers, rakes, and vacuum cleaner attachments with marginal success. This tool 🔥 them all!!! Get this thing!!" — G. Gerard Get it from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in seven colors). 14. A UV black light flashlight that, uh, may give you some very gross info about where your cats have been having accidents. There's nothing worse than detecting the vague smell of pee or vomit and not knowing where it's coming from — and unfortunately, when you have several kitties, the chances of that happening while you're not in the room go up significantly Promising review:"OMG this is disgusting!!! I hope this isn't all just cat pee that shows up cause there is a lot! I bought this because I thought my cat was peeing in one room and couldn't find the exact spot so I bought this. Found the spot and more. Would recommend." — Momof3boys Get it from Amazon for $10.79. 15. And a bottle of Rocco & Roxie stain and odor eliminator you should have on hand for when you locate that latest carpet accident. Not only does it lift away stains; it also releases enzymes that break down the deep and persistent odors left behind. Carpet messes are undoubtedly the worst to clean up — it's "funny" how they always choose to have their accident there — but you can also use this on clothes and other surfaces like concrete and hardwood. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully for non-carpet use. Promising review:" I have six elderly cats, and a few of them oftentimes leave smelly pee puddles to register their disdain at whatever cats get 'peed off' about. It's not a litter box problem and, although I've caught one or two of them doing it, I can't blame them all. This product works great on fresh messes as well as dried ones. After blotting up fresh pee pods, I saturate the area with Rocco & Rossi's odor remover and let dry. For dried stinky stuff, I just saturate the area and let it dry. It has a pleasant odor and completely eliminates the ammonia odor. Believe me, I've tried all kinds of products, and this one works the best. I buy gallons now just to have on hand. It's better than smelling that awful pee!" — mona mia Get it from Amazon for $19.31+ (available in two sizes and two scents). 16. Plus, a bottle of Angry Orange citrus deodorizer for those reeeally strong odors that make you gag and question why you ever thought adopting more than one cat was a good idea. It targets those awful pee smells and destroys them, leaving behind a heavenly citrusy scent that — bonus points — your cats will hate, so it may even encourage them to stop targeting a certain area. Promising reviews:"We have three cats, two of which are Maine Coons, and one of our young female Maine Coon cats has been urinating on the rug in the bathroom. We bought this stuff, sprayed it on the rug, and she went in to investigate — smelled the rug, pretty much gagged, and hasn't been in the bathroom since. Highly recommend, this stuff smells great!" — TBOZ "I have been battling set in cat pee odors. Tried everything, baking soda, vinegar, enzymatic cleaners. Nothing touched it. One application of this stuff and it's neutralized. Bonus, I like the orange smell and the cat doesn't. Win, win." — sanch Get it from Amazon for $17.96+ (available in two sizes). 17. A whisker-friendly lick mat that'll slow down any fast eaters who gobble down their meals in a flash — and sometimes throw them up afterward. By prolonging their own meal, it can also keep them from chowing down on other cats' food! The grooves on this feeder also help add enrichment to the meal, so it can help with fussy eaters / kitties who need encouragement to eat more. Psst — Get a look at it on TikTok! Promising review: "We have three cats who are very fast eaters. One of them tends to snatch other cats' plates and gobble their food, we had another that ended up overeating to the point that she would vomit, and another who has cancer so when he gobbles his food quickly it makes him sick too. We felt bad for them until we found these. MIRACULOUS!!! These are simply amazing and we couldn't be happier! This has allowed us to feed the fast eaters and allow our other cats plenty of time to eat their food before the fast eaters come looking for more. This is a FABULOUS product! Thank you :)" — thomas moore Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.95 (also available in single packs, including three different colors). 18. Or a truly game-changing microchip pet feeder designed to recognize your cat's microchip and open for them *only* — then close after they step away from eating. This is a lifesaver if you have several cats and want to keep them from eating each others' food, whether they're on different prescription diets or you need to count calories for an overeater. I've had my microchip pet feeders from Sure Petcare for quite a while now, and while it was a pricey investment, it's been worth every single penny and has alleviated a ton of stress around my cat's meals. One of my cats, Sneaky, always wants to eat his brother's food and has a tendency to be overweight. Separating them for meals just wasn't working — they would whine at the door and simply not eat enough unless they could eat side by side and have free access to food throughout the day — but I also couldn't be sure that my younger (and much smaller) cat, Chicho, was eating enough with Sneaky gobbling up part of his meals, too. When my vet started throwing around the word "diabetes" as a very real concern if Sneaky didn't start sticking to controlled diet every day, I knew I needed to finally cough up the money for microchip feeders — I mean, it'd be a drop in the bucket compared to the longterm cost of cat insulin. The setup was ridiculously fast, the open-close function works beautifully, and my cats learned how to use these almost immediately. Finally, Sneaky can *only* eat what's in his feeder, which allows me to control his calorie intake and see exactly how much food he's eating daily — and I can be sure that Chicho is getting *enough* food, too. This is also a fantastic solution if you have cats on different diets due to health reasons, and if one of them starts eating way less for some reason, you'll know immediately and be able to report that to your vet. I also love that the feeder comes with both split and regular bowls — I use the split bowls to serve my cats both dry food and wet food at once! BTW, I have the basic microchip feeder (because it was the only option in stock at the time), but there's also a Wi-Fi-enabled option (also requires a Hub) that connects to the Sure Petcare app for monitoring eating habits, weighing food portions, and more. Get it from Amazon for $167.91 (feeder bowls available in four colors). 19. A dual-cabin pet carrier for when you need to take a pair of cats on the go, whether it's a planned vet trip or an emergency where you need to get them out of the building quickly and safely. Promising review: "Like most reviewers here, I purchased after a bad experience with evacuating my two cats during a fire alarm. I needed something I could carry easily and get both of them in, bonus points if I could store it compactly. They are both 13–14 pounds and from nose to butt about 16 inches long. I took this bag for a test drive and yes they were pretty cramped but there's really no way to make the bag larger and still be carried by a small person (as a small person it's difficult not to tip over with it as is). "Put this to the test with a fire alarm in my building this week. I laid the pack on its back so the two front windows were facing up, dragged the babies from their hiding places and dropped them right in. It was shockingly painless compared to getting them into hard plastic carriers (they usually grab onto the metal doors and resist going in but with this there was nothing to grab until they were in it, because of the flexible material). We were the first ones out of the building. Turned out it was a small, real fire in another unit this time and no one was hurt but now I feel 100% sure they will be safe. Bonus: None of the dozens of dogs also evacuated noticed them in backpack form and left them alone, and I got lots of compliments!" — Elizabeth Doughty Get it from Amazon for $58.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors). 20. A robotic vacuum that'll (literally) stay on top of the endless cat fur and litter (along with other dust and dirt) that builds up on your floor, freeing up some of your time for other things. Your cats will likely prefer it to the loud full-sized vacuum and might even have fun stalking it as it quietly moves around cleaning your floor. This robo vac can easily move between hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets/rugs and can pick up all the accumulated dust, dirt, and hair while you go about your day. It has an infrared sensor to avoid knocking into obstacles (like furniture and walls) and drop-sensing tech so it won't fall down stairs and off ledges. And if it starts to run low on battery, it'll just return to its base for a recharge! Reviewer do recommend keeping stray items like socks and cords off the floor before running this. Promising review:"This robo vacuum is incredible! I have three dogs and a cat; this vacuum is a time saver. I run it each day and it has done an incredible job of keeping pet hair, dirt and debris picked up in my home. Works well on carpet, hardwood, and tile floors. Wish I had purchased it sooner!" — t. hampton Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (also available in a model with home mapping). 21. An air purifier to help you manage indoor allergies from pet dander and those awful smells that waft around from the litter box — and if you've ever seen one of your cat's eyes watering, it's possible the poor thing could have allergies itself. This works quietly in the background to clean your air — all you have to do is replace the filter every six to eight months! It captures not only pet dander and odors but also dust, smoke, pollen, and other indoor irritants that you don't see but can be harmful for you and any children. Promising review:" I foster kittens for a rescue, and no matter how often I clean the boxes, I still have an odor in the room. I got this product out of desperation. It was a good size and weight for kitties bouncing around. I am truly shocked and enormously happy with how it works! My husband was at wits' end with his sensitive nose. He goes in there now and is astonished, no smell. We are getting another for the kitchen! The room is 10x10, and I use it on the 2 setting. I also enjoy the night light. Very helpful without disturbing sick sleepy babies recovering from illness." — Victoria Mohagen Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in black or white). 22. An automatic water fountain so you can be sure they *always* have access to fresh water (and not worry about that one rowdy kitty knocking the water bowls over when you're not around). Cats prefer to drink from running water, and this fountain maintains a steady stream that should actually encourage them to drink more water, a healthy habit that can help with kidney issues down the road. I used to have an old fountain from this brand but eventually upgraded to the stainless steel version since it's more hygienic. Both of my cats took to it immediately — I do feel like they drink *way* more water with it around, and I love not having to stress about refilling their water bowl every single day. It's super quiet with only the lightest trickling sound (which is honestly kind of relaxing), and it gets louder when the water gets low inside, signaling to you that it's time to refill. I always do a quick clean with soap and water at that point, too — it takes no more than a few minutes. Just be sure to do a deep clean of the filter every so often, too. It pops open really easily for cleaning! It comes with two filters and two sponges, and you can buy more as needed! Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 23. A pair of food storage containers because with several cats, you have to keep a lot more food on hand than the average pet owner, and this isn't just an easy way to store it in bulk — it'll also thwart particularly smart kitties who will tear open their food bags if left out. These airtight bins keep your cat food fresh for longer and also make it easy to reach in and scoop out the amount you need. You get a large 33-quart bin and a smaller, stackable 12-quart bin, so if you have two different types of dry food you can store them separately, or just use the top bin to store supplies, treats, etc. You could also use the bottom bin for storing cat litter and the top bin for food — the options here are endless! The wheels on the bottom bin make it easy to roll around, a helpful feature for those with limited mobility or less arm strength. A scoop is included! FYI, I use a similar bin from this brand for storing my cats' dry food and love it — especially the fact that their products are made of food-safe polypropylene, aka BPA-free. Promising review: "These storage boxes are excellent for protecting pet food from bugs and mice. The smaller container can hold just under an 11-pound bag of cat food. The cat food we use has crunchy and soft morsels. The soft morsels stay soft and the scent from the food when opening the container is fresh and sustained. The bottom container holds up to 25-pound bag of dog food. It has the same results too. The wheels make it convenient to store in a pantry or closet and slide out when needed." — Shannon Campbell Get it from Amazon for $29.06+ (available in five colors). 24. A 40-pound bag of Dr. Elsey's cat litter to keep you stocked up for your felines' bathroom habits. It forms hard clumps that are easy to scoop, doesn't get tracked all over your house, and has a 99.9% dust-free, hypoallergenic formulation that's better for you and your cats. According to Amazon, I have ordered this stuff 73 times going all the way back to 2017, and I swear by it. First of all, the convenience of having a 40-pound bag delivered straight to your door can't be overstated. As someone who lives in New York without a car, I don't really have another choice, but even if you can drive to the pet store and buy litter, this is way easier, especially when you're caring for a large number of cats. People have all sorts of opinions on the "best" type of litter to use with your cat, but a good clumping, low-dust, low-tracking formula is one you can't go wrong with, and Dr. Elsey's checks all those boxes. It does a solid job of covering the odor (as long as you're scooping regularly), and paired with a good trapper mat to catch what your cats track out as they exit, you won't end up with it all over your house. Promising review: "Several years ago I saw this litter in a review on a cat veterinarian's website. I had tried many different brands and types of cat litter — clay, paper, corn, etc. — because I wanted to find one with minimal dust. I ordered a bag and have never purchased another brand since. I have found this litter works for several cats equally as well. No perfume smell, little to no dust, reduced tracking, clumps well, longer time between changes, and has great odor control." — mydogtate Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (you can put it on Subscribe & Save for a slight discount). 25. Soft catnip-infused felt balls that come in a set so there's enough to go around. They come with a "charging tin" so that when your kitties start to lose interest, you can just put the balls back in for a few hours to absorb more catnip — that way, they'll be good as new for the next energetic play session. Simply B Vermont is a small business located in, you guessed it, Vermont. They make all kinds of adorable pet accessories and toys for cats AND dogs. I love these little felt ball toys! My cats are both suckers for balls that they can bat around, and the catnip only makes these all the more enticing. The refill tin is a genius design. I just recommend storing it out of reach of your babies, because one morning I woke up to catnip scattered all over my floor — Chicho had broken into the tin and ripped the bag. Pair this with a good toy stopper (more on that below) so they won't disappear underneath all your furniture, and you'll have a reliable (and pretty!) toy that should last a long time. Promising review:"Fast shipping, seller was super thoughtful and attentive, and most important of all our kitties are obsessed with these balls! Even my shyer one is running around with these having an absolute blast even without my tossing them around. It's also wearing her out which is quite hard to do. Highly recommend!" — Ketti Schulenberg Get a set from Simply B Vermont on Etsy for $16 (available in three color combos; refills also available). 26. And a clear toy blocker to stop all their toys and balls from *immediately* ending up underneath the couch and other furniture, putting an end to one of the most annoying cat owner chores: going around and "rescuing" their toys for them. And because it's made of durable plastic, it's not something they'll be able to rip up and destroy either! It can also help discourage them from hiding under furniture! Promising reviews: "A must-have for ALL pet owners. This contraption is genius and will save cat (and dog) owners insane amounts of time and frustration retrieving toys. We used this beneath our oven and it works PERFECTLY. Cat can't destroy it (the way she shredded the foam insulation we had stuffed under there before) and we no longer have to get the yardstick out when literally all of her toys are 'gone.' Yes, this is a challenge to install, but 100% worth it. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat." — Allison Goldstein Get it from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in two sizes and various pack sizes). 27. A pet gate that'll let cats through into areas where bigger animals may not be allowed (sorry, Fido!), also giving them a great escape route if your cats don't get along with a dog in the house. This is also great for safely introducing a new cat to the household! I've used this exact gate in the past and found it really easy to set up in my doorway, and it's *extremely* sturdy once you adjust the tension properly — I can't see any dogs being able to break through, and it's made of metal, which discourages chewing. I personally used it when I adopted my younger cat and needed to slowly introduce him to my older cat. The space between the bars were wide enough for them to see and sniff each other without any possibility of them fighting. I will say that once the younger cat got braver, he was able to leap over the top of it, but my older, bigger cat could not (which meant the younger cat always had a means of escape). So keep that in mind, depending on your use case. You can also install it a few inches above the ground to get some extra height. Promising review:"We just bought a second one of these as we recently opened up our spare room again. We have four cats and two dogs, and prefer to keep the dogs out of the carpeted rooms during the day, so these gates are a great solution to still allowing the cats free roam. They are very easy to set up (no tools needed unless you are mounting them to the wall — but I've found the regular setup is plenty sturdy without mounting). Many of the bad reviews come from people who simply didn't read the instructions and the big warning label explaining that it is designed to have a gap before setup in order for the pressure mounting to function properly." — Kira Goldfarb Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in two colors). 28. A Bissell Little Green carpet and upholstery cleaner if cat stains and accidents are part of your daily life, and you've almost given up on that one rug they seem to have designated "the puke spot." This TikTok-beloved cleaner is a holy grail product for many pet parents, capable of sucking out stubborn stains as well as dust, dirt, and fur. It's *your* house, not the cats' — time to reclaim your furniture and floors. Promising review: "I found the Little Green machine because of a TikTok video; someone was cleaning their car seats and the water was absolutely disgusting, so obviously I was like I HAVE TO TRY THIS. So I ordered one and it was everything I ever hoped and more! We have three cats in the house whose favorite pastimes are puking, peeing, and occasionally stepping in their own poop and running across the only carpeted room in the entire house, you know how cats are. Anyway, this thing works SO well it tackles all of that and every other mess I've made to date! It's small enough it doesn't feel like a huge hassle to store it or pull it out, but also holds enough water I don't have to constantly run to refill it. I think it might be magic and I have a slightly unhealthy attachment to it at this point. I'm not sure if its always the case, but the box came with a coupon for two containers of the cleaner through Bissell too, which was a huge bonus!" — Stephani Get it from Amazon for $99.98. BTW, this tool comes with small bottles of ready-to-use cleaning formula, but if you need more, grab a bigger bottle for $9.99! 29. And — also from Bissell — a pack of Stomp 'N Go stain-removing pads you'll wanna keep on hand for tackling cat stains new and old in the easiest manner possible: Just lay one down, stomp to release the cleaning formula, and walk away while you let it work its magic. Reviewers say it's capable of lifting and removing stains from YEARS ago. See them in action on TikTok! Promising review:" A must-have for older cats. I got one of these as a sample pack when I ordered carpet spray for cleaning up accidents. I thought it was a gimmick and no real value and threw it in a drawer. Then my cat had diarrhea and no amount of scrubbing would get the stain out. I tried it as a last resort and was blown away at how fast and easy it was. Seriously you wipe up the initial mess and sometimes think 'OK, I got it all.' Then you throw one of these down and stomp on it and the amount of ick that comes out of the carpet is astounding. Amazed at how well these work and ordered a ton for the future." — Ryan Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $27.48. 30. A self-grooming cat toy so your cats can get all of the good neck and cheek scratches when you're not available (or capable) of showering them all with attention at once. Promising review: "Our two cats love this — we have three in various rooms in the house. The scratcher really helps with our overly aggressive cats who like to 'nuzzle' our tv trays while we have coffee on them/almost tipping them over — we just pick them up, set the cat near one of the scratchers and re-direct them that way. We used those peel-and-stick velcro tabs to affix to the corner of the kitchen island and two hallway corners. They have been up for over 6 months at this point — no issue!" — wmchef Get it from Amazon for $5.50. 31. A tunnel bed that'll double as a play area for them to chase each other through, a private snooze spot, *and* a place for them to hide when there are guests or dogs around that they're scared of. The middle of the tube has a plush cat bed in it, so they can also take cat naps there if they prefer to use the tunnel for play. You could also lay a blanket in the tunnel for added comfort! Promising review: "My cats absolutely love this thing! When I was putting it together, my 20-pound tabby immediately went inside the tube, and did not come out for over an hour! It was easy to put together (even with a 20-pound cat inside lol). But, this entire thing set up is about 3 feet long. It is HUGE. Make sure you have room!! The material is surprisingly soft, outside and inside the tunnel. And the light coloring allows light to filter through, which my cats like (I had a black tunnel that neither of them would go into). My smaller 10-pound tabby (black nose) LOVES to run around the house, and now he has added running a few laps inside this tunnel to his run lol. Both cats play in this ALL THE TIME. Both on the inside chasing each other, or one on the inside and one outside batting at each other. They use the tunnel as a good napping spot, and also a spot to hide from the vacuum or guests they aren't sure of. This has gotten soooooo much use from both cats. I would highly recommend this!!" — Trebeca Get it from Amazon for $25.18+ (available in four colors). 32. A set of transparent couch protectors when absolutely nothing else will distract them from the grand appeal of ripping your sofa to shreds (and when you're dealing with several sets of claws, that damage compounds FAST). You get 10 large self-adhesive pieces to apply around the spots they target the most, and eventually, your kitties will learn they have to scratch elsewhere. Promising review:"My friend/roommate bought some new couches, and I have four cats. You can do the math on that. We purchased couch covers that partially cover and we use this for the trouble spots they like to scratch on. I believe this has truly deterred them because of the sensation because I've noticed them not trying to scratch on the couches lately. It's still helpful for when they are sprinting with the zoomies (they sprint with claws out). They stick well and also have pins. I ended up trying some without the pins and they're still there. I bought a second pack because these did so well and would purchase again." — Chrys B. Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in other packs). 33. Or a carpet scratch stopper in case they have a fixation on the carpet under your door, which isn't just waking you up at night — it's causing damage that might force you to kiss your security deposit goodbye if you rent. It slides right underneath your door so that when they go to scratch, their claws won't find anything to grip onto, eliminating the habit for good. Amazon Check out how easy it is to set up in this TikTok! KittySmart is a small business that invented the CarPet Scratch Stopper so scratched carpet would never be a concern, hoping to reduce declawing in cats. Promising review: "If you have a cat tearing up your carpet under your door, GET THIS MAT! My door hangs very low to the ground — it almost scrapes the floor when I close it — and the mat still doesn't catch it or slide. My three cats have stopped clawing at the carpet under my door completely. I procrastinated on getting this for far too long. I love it. My only regret was not getting it sooner. (Definitely read the measuring directions and measure your door before you buy.)" — Brandy Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in four sizes). 34. A palm tree–shaped scratching post if you're on a never-ending hunt for cat furniture that *isn't* a giant eyesore. It's leafy, so if you squint a little it basically looks like a real plant (one you don't have to water or worry about your kitties chewing on), and it can help provide a little distraction from furniture you *don't* want them clawing. Try putting this next to the area where they've been scratching as an alternative! I have a different scratching post right next to my couch, and one of my cats stops to use it almost every time he walks by. (The other cat ignores it, but hey, better than nothing.) Promising review: "It is very durable and sturdy. It is made of layered wood, natural sisal rope, and carpet material. It does not look cheap, and well worth the money. The palm tree fits well in our warm climate home and is a nice addition to our tropical decor. The best part is it keeps our cats from scratching up our furniture! We all love it." — shuai wang Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four styles). 35. A catnip alternative variety box that'll be like Christmas has come early for your feline bbs. If you have at least one cat who doesn't respond to the regular catnip at the store, this is a great way to figure out what gets them going and help encourage more play. Meowy Janes / Etsy The box includes matatabi chew sticks, silvervine powder, valerian root, and an all-natural blend of catnip packed with the most potent part of the plant: its flowers. This'll help you figure out which of your cats have special preferences so they can enjoy an exciting new toy just like their catnip-loving siblings. The basic box comes with one refillable toy, but you can have more added too. Meowy Janes is a small New Jersey-based business that sells all natural catnip and alternatives such as whole silvervine fruit. Promising review:"I have three cats. One I knew would like everything, but the other two don't really go for catnip — until the Meowy Janes box showed up. They all *love* everything in the box, including the packaging lol, and I am kicking myself I didn't get more kick toys! Guess I'll be back for more! Thank you so much!!! Also, shipping was SO FAST." — Jocelyn Freeman Get it from Meowy Janes on Etsy for $44+ (available with up to four refillable toys) or from Amazon for $45.99. They sell everything separately in their shop too, so once you figure out what your cats like, you can always order more of that specific item! 36. Or a catnip wall mount with four different flavored balls for different cats to play with and discover which is their favorite. No more vacuuming up loose catnip that's been strewn all over the floor. Amazon, It's flavored with cat sugar, catnip, silvervine, and gall fruit, respectively. Promising review:"My cats absolutely LOVE this toy! I really like that it adheres to wherever you want to put it, PLUS it is a no mess catnip/treat option for your furry babies! I bought two and WILL be getting more soon, I love them that much! HIGHLY recommend this product and this seller!!!!! Seller is also really sweet and is quick to respond to emails should you have any questions! You don't find customer service like this anymore, THE BEST!!!" — Pumphrey Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available as a board or standalones). 37. A cat door you can install in a sliding glass door or window to stop your cats from constantly begging to go then begging to come back in 10 minutes later. Especially when you have more than one, that starts to get old *real* fast. It has a slide-in closing panel with a lock so you can restrict access when you don't want your cats going out, and the whole thing is easily removed thanks to its spring-loaded frame that lets you lift it right out of the sliding door track. Promising review:"Our cats took right to it! I figured it was going to be a nightmare training them. One of them jumped through it as I was installing it, AND I even had the main door wide open. It was hilarious! Anyway, I wanted to say that the retractable top makes it so easy to install and remove at will! It wasn't something I was looking for, but once I realized this awesome feature, I knew it was a bonus! So, I quit on installing it permanently with all the screws and went with it as is. Now, when we are going to be gone longer than a day, I can just simply pull the retractable top down a little and remove the door. "I was a little bummed about the sealing, or lack thereof, where the door makes contact with the PetSafe insert. So, I just ran up to the store and grabbed a couple of different weather strip seals and put one on the PetSafe insert and one on our sliding glass door, overlapping them so they seal each other as the door closes shut. We bought the medium-size pet door because we have 15- and 20-pound beast cats. Our biggest fits just fine. I also fashioned a bar to fit between the door to brace lock it when we are asleep or gone. Lastly, the weather stripping it came with for the back of the door is fantastic! Very simple, and the sticky stuff is great!" — Lookin4That1Thing Get it from Amazon for $179.95+ (available in three colors, five sizes, and two styles). 38. And finally, an outdoor catio, because your fur babes crave fresh air just as much as you do. It's quite an investment, but if you've got several kitties running around and available outdoor space, this playpen will let them take in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature and give them so many places to lounge and jump around. Psst — the cat door above would work well as an entrance to this, as would any window! It has a front door for humans to pass through for playing and cleaning and six large platforms cats can lounge on, and the roof is covered with asphalt for weather protection. Promising review: "Once I rescued my fourth cat, I realized I had become a cat lady, so I figured I'd just roll with it and buy the cats their own patio. They absolutely love their extra freedom to come and go. They watch the lizards sunbathe in the morning and spend hours out there during the night. We have the cat door in the window so just like my human kids, they are constantly in and out. No issues with packaging, parts or assembly." — Momma Get it from Amazon for $259.99+ (available in three colors). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
