Latest news with #LizPrice
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
Manage Pet Chaos With These 27 Chewy Essentials
A stain-and-odor remover, because if there's one thing all animals, from canary to cat and dog to Gila monster, have in common, it's mess. Whether it's spills your pet causes in your home, or things that spill from your pet into your dwelling, this bio-enzymatic formula can break down even the most distressing substances and is graded to handle even the nastiest messes. Promising review: "We have a dog and three cats. The dog sleeps in the front hallway, and the cats romp up and down the stairs to the second floor. Recently, one of the cats (none of them will admit guilt or accuse one of the others) peed on the stair carpeting and left a terrible smell behind. We tried the usual cleaning tricks, and nothing worked. We finally had to rip up the whole carpet (it was really old anyway) and found that the urine had seeped into the hardwood underneath. Tried cleaning with wood soap, vinegar, and the stinky. Bought this, sprayed it once, and the smell is gone. Even the grownup kids, who, tbh, are kind of judgmental about cat pee smells in our house, came over for dinner last week and said they couldn't smell ANYTHING anymore. Total victory." —CarlaPrice: $17.94 (originally $19.99) A water fountain that can hold over 2 gallons (!!) of water clean and clear for days. Adequate hydration is a key factor in making sure every fur baby in your family doesn't get thirsty – and this bowl can keep an entire house-full of animals moisturized, in their element, and thriving. Promising review: "This fountain holds a large amount of water, so I don't have to fill it up constantly. Both dogs and all four cats love it! The filter does an amazing job of keeping it clean and fresh. When it does need cleaning, it is simple to dismantle and quick to clean. The circulating water is gentle enough that it does not intimidate even the cats. I hope this one lasts forever or stays in production in case I need another one in the future." —AmyPrice: $59.99 A self-cleaning litter box since, let's be real, is your litter box clean right now? Probably not. It's ok – it's a hard chore to get excited about – but luckily enough there's a way to be luxe and scoop way less poop with one of these Jetson's-level devices. Simply load the device, set it up, and enjoy a moment of rare but well-earned dignity in cat ownership. Promising review: "This was expensive but completely worth it. I love how easy it is to set up. You simply take it out of the box, plug it in, add litter and a liner, and you are good to go. I also love the app and all the data I get about my cats. I like that I can remotely control the Litter Robot, too. I also like how easy it is to clean. You can remove the inner part completely and wash it with soap and water. Most importantly, the cats always have a clean bed of litter every time they go potty. If you hate scooping the litter box, hate having smells, or just hate dealing with a litter box, this is a must-buy." —LizPrice: $699 (available in two colors) A reusable lint roller in case you ever wondered *exactly* how much pet hair has made its way into your cushions. The answer to that question is, inevitably, oh my good news is this internet-famous roller is able to pull mountains of pet hair out of nearly any surface, and without nearly the mess and fuss of either wet or dry vacuuming. Promising review: "This lint roller is on par with my Dyson vacuum for best cleaning tool. I've used a large lint roller designed for pet hair that requires disposable sticky sheets. It was a great tool, but I got really tired of the waste and how expensive it was to constantly be buying refills. A friend told me about the ChomChom roller, and I am a true believer! Works better than the sticky lint roller sheets or a vacuum for pet hair on blankets, the couch, pillows, sheets, etc!" —AlexisPrice: $24.99+ (originally $31.95; available in three styles) A food storage container complete with casters so you can keep your household-turned-zoo well stocked with kibble. Nothing is worse than having to lug a steadily degrading food bag out whenever it's dinner time. And with a snap-lock lid, it'll keep food fresher and more tasty than rolling up the end of the bag a little bit ever could – and also nobody will be able to pilfer some off-menu kibble! Promising reviews: "These containers hold a boatload of cat and bird food. The containers keep the food fresh and easy to get to. I even built my pet food station around them." —James"I can't lift as much as I used to, so being able to roll this to the front porch for a cat litter refill and roll it back into the cat room makes things so much easier. I often prefer to purchase the larger size of products as the price is usually better. It was literally a snap to attach the wheels. Life is so much easier! No more litter bags or boxes cluttering up my house." —PalaPrice: $24.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors) A hand vacuum because, yes, your animals require a power tool to keep clean. Complete with an extra-long crevice tool and anti-tangle rubber bristles, this little package brings a lot of power to the table. Promising review: "Have had this for years for my two indoor cats. I vacuum, among other things, my bedsheets before washing to cut down on hairballs. I bought one for my son who has two dogs, and he loves it. Dual filters are washable, making it environmentally friendly. Have not had to replace the inner filter yet; I just keep washing it with mild detergent. Very durable." —JanicePrice: $79.99 (originally $99.99) A clinically tested dental powder for cats and dogs because, for a multi-pet household, brushing each and every tooth in the house is an exercise in futility. Heck, I'm not sure if *I* get every tooth when I brush my own! A fairy-dusting of this powder over their food helps prevent plaque, gives their gums some love, and curbs bad breath – all without the look of betrayal in their tiny little eyes when you start approaching with the toothbrush. Promising review: "My vet recommended this at her last appointment because she was starting to show symptoms of gum disease from plaque on her back teeth, which the other dental products weren't getting to. My dog is picky, and I wasn't sure she'd take to it, but I got it anyway. Now, she won't eat her food without it, and her mouth is healthier (and fresher) than ever." —SabrinaPrice: $23 (originally $26.99) An auto-close dog gate if there are dog zones and, more importantly, NO-dog zones in you household. If you have one pooch who needs a bit of corralling, or if you just need to spare your aging cat from dog interaction for a few hours a day, this pressure-mounted gate goes up in a flash and closes automatically unless you push it past 90 degrees. Promising review: "This was exactly what I was looking for. I'd been using a pet gate that you had to step over and after tripping one too many times, I needed something with a door. These keep my dog out of my kitchen and away from the cat." —ShannonPrice: $39.99 (available in three colors) A smart cat feeder to make sure that your grazing cats can get their fill before the gobblers run roughshod during mealtime. The feeders stay sealed unless approached by a cat with a matching collar tag, and kibble is dispensed by weight at times you select via a very capable app. Perfect for pets who have specific dietary needs or medicine/supplements added to their food. Promising review: "We bought this about nine months ago for our older cat who was losing weight. She wasn't able to eat fast enough to avoid having her food stolen by the other cats. This has changed her entire life. She gets enough food now, has gained back a decent amount of weight, and looks so much healthier. We can see how much she's eating in the app, so we can tell if something is wrong. Absolutely love it and will be buying another for our other cat who needs to go on special food." —BridgetPrice: $149.99 A snuffle mat so Fido can eat slowly enough so that, A. the other pets can eat in peace, and, B. so that the food they eat stays down. Unlike some slow-feeders, these mats are maintenance, and turn mealtime into a scavenger hunt amongst little fronds of shag. Promising review: "This is a good little snuffle mat for my Chihuahua Pug. I have tried two others that were not as good. The first one was made of felt and, no matter how much I washed it, I could not get it clean. The second was like a bath mat, and the dogs would walk on it as they ate, and it was hard to store. This one is good. They like the green color of the snuffle mushroom. The mushroom case and chord are sturdy, so it's easy to hang up and store. I ended up buying another one so both of my dogs could have one. They both like them." —Chihuahua MomPrice: $16.99 (available in three colors) A truly massive cat tree complete with all the nooks, crannies, and perches even a multi-cat household could need to keep kitty happy. All the covers are removable and washable, and the tree boasts all the tried and true cat tree features like sisal clawing surfaces, hanging balls, and hammocks galore. Promising review: "I have been looking for a cat tree that is sturdy and will stand up to the craziness of my four cats, one of which is a kitten. All my girls love it. They all take turns playing and laying on it. The kitten spends all her time on it, sleeping and playing. It is, by far, the best purchase we have made for them." —StephaniePrice: $144 (available in two colors) A bottle of aquarium conditioner to get the composition of your tapwater *just* right so all your little fishy friends can vibe accordingly. A bottle of this magical stuff will go a long way to making refills more convenient and your fish nice and healthy. It contains aloe vera to help reduce stress and protect your fishy's slime review: "Good for starting off new fish in your new or old aquarium/tank." —EsmeraldaPrice: $2.29+ (originally $3.28+; available in seven sizes) A Lamb Chop toy because, first of all, you can have a Lamb Chop toy by proxy. Second of all, your doggo will ADORE this cute toy! Even timid/less-playful dogs seem to love this thing. Promising review: "I love giving gifts, especially when they're unexpected. This toy — no matter what size I've gifted — has been absolutely priceless to my heart. It's been welcomed by elderly dogs who use it as a pillow, and it's become the 'keep away' toy during group play sessions. Sometimes it can be a pricey gift, especially when I go for the largest size I can find. But no matter the size of the dog or pup, I've had the best experiences giving these as gifts. It's adorable to see a toy breed make a bed out of the largest Lamb Chop, or a mastiff keeping guard over it during a group snooze with little dogs." —GrAnnieSmith03Price: $3.99+ (originally $5.39+; available in three sizes) An orthopedic bed to give the pets of your household accommodations rivaling a 5-star resort. The added plush helps senior pets lie without stressing their joints, and — if you're worried about a squabble breaking out — it's wide, ergonomic shape makes it highly shareable. You may even find pets who historically want nothing to do with each other laying together like lions and lambs. Promising review: "I have a Doberman and a Terrier mix. Both of them love this bed and can fit on the Jumbo size together. I love that the cover is removable for washing and is easy to take on and off. This is the second one I've purchased because I loved the first one so much." —MaryannPrice: $33.99+ (originally $40.99+; available in five sizes and three colors) A pet corrector that can quickly defuse even the nastiest, snappiest run-ins before things turn bad. And by bad, we pretty much mean yippy. The can makes a high-pitched hiss, which stops chaos in its tracks and gives everyone a second to breathe. If you've ever felt flustered, trying to get your dog's attention when they're sure it's "go-time," this stuff is like magic in a can. Promising review: "As a dog trainer, I carry this everywhere with me. It has helped me in a lot of situations with off-leash dogs running up to my dogs or my clients' dogs. I have gifted this to my clients, and I recommend it to them to help keep their dogs safe." —SamanthaPrice: $11.99+ (available in three sizes and four pack sizes) A pet door since I'm guessing your house has plenty of human doors already. Why not add one for your furry friends, especially if most days feel like a never-ending pilgrimage to and from the door to let needy pets in/out. Promising review: "This PetSafe doggy door is a game-changer for us. My husband installed it in the garage door, and now our newly adopted 11-year-old Husky can easily come into the garage if she's too cold (rarely) or too hot (all summer long). We are comforted that she has the freedom, and we don't have to worry if she wants in or out." —MarilynPrice: $114.95+ (originally $124.99+; available in three sizes) A Furminator brush in case you ever wanted to see if you could assemble a life-sized dog from the combed out undercoat/fur of your current dog. Turns out, absolutely: yes. The good news is now that fur statue won't be defused throughout your home/bedding, and now your pupper is feeling so fresh. Promising review: "This just arrived in the mail and oh my goodness we are in LOVE! My pup is a mutt, mostly German shepherd, Australian shepherd, and husky, so you can imagine the hair on this one! I started brushing and I was absolutely AMAZED at the amount that came off, and how easy it was! Seriously, so easy, and he loved it SO much. It must have felt so good! He has an undercoat, and his fur is super shiny and soft. I was worried that it might pull and tug his hair, or not get all the way to the undercoat, and I was wrong! This doesn't pull or scratch, but it gets the job done! I absolutely recommend it to anyone, even if you don't think your dog is a shedder! Much easier than all of the other brushes I've used as well. I was not happy about the price tag, but the very first use paid for itself!" —LaurenPrice: $31.85+ (originally $37.49+, available in three sizes and colors) A 30-pack of toys for when all – and I mean all – the toys have gotten a little too grody. This pack has it all: from crinkle balls to tunnels and teasing wands to jingle bells. If you have a household full of under-stimulated animals, there's sure something in this pack for everyone! Promising review: "This was a great assortment of toys for some kittens I was fostering. The crinkle toys, fish, and feather wand were definitely the biggest hits. The tunnel looks huge in the photo, but it's actually a standard size — still a favorite, probably because the fabric is slightly translucent, which made it extra fun for sneak attacks. The only surprise was the three sticks — I didn't realize at first that they were silvervine!" —SusanPrice: $17.99 A pair of cat grooming gloves for any pets who quake in fear when you approach grooming comb in-hand. This genius workaround gives them the opportunity to get the regular petting love they yearn for, while also surreptitiously grooming your pet. A sliding puzzle in case you have that one pet who's just a little too smart to not find something to destroy. Remember, most of the animals we keep as pets started out as hunters, meaning they need stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If your pets seem intent on getting into things, this cute sushi-themed sliding puzzle will be about as close to a Rubik's Cube (or NYT crossword puzzle) as you can get for them. Promising review: "The sushi tray is well-made, easy to use, and my cats have fun looking under the little sliding trays for their treats." —ColleenPrice: $16.95 A wash station if the only thing more nightmarish than corralling all your creatures when it's time to go to the groomers (scratch marks much?) is the price at the checkout counter. This genius bath solution elevates your pets – aka helps you prevent back pain – and comes with a tether to keep Fido/Mittens secure during the process. Promising review: "I've only used this once so far, but I love it! It fits in the bathtub, so you don't have to get down on your knees and bend over the side in order to bathe your fur babies. It's very well-made and holds your dog in place so they can't jump out. I love tools that help you to perform tedious tasks, and this is one of mine." —PamelaPrice: $129.98 (available in three colors) An activity playmat to turn your living room into a full-on cat-carnival: both for them, as the maze of holes and scratchable surfaces provides hours of stimulation/play, and for you, as watching your cats tear around this customizable play pit will keep you entertained all night. And as a bonus, it's totally machine washable! Promising review: "This is our second one because the first was so well-loved and used, it eventually lost its stiffness. But it lasted years — we bought it in November 2022, and it's now April 2025! They play in it, on it, sleep in it, and get excited every time I rearrange it. They seriously LOVE it. Our littlest one especially enjoys hiding inside. Once I set up the new one, I decided to keep the old one too — it now extends the play area and sits underneath. I cleaned the top of the old one, so it's not pictured here, but if you look closely, you might spot our tiny one peeking out!" —RobynPrice: $46 (available in two colors) A silent exercise wheel if you have a mammal on the smaller side who likes to get their steps in while the rest of the house is trying to sleep. This wheel sports dual ball bearings (aka it's super quiet) and is made of durable plastic that will sustain many a hamster marathon. Promising review: "I am so happy I got this for my new hamster Rusty; this is his first wheel (the pet store I got him from didn't even have a wheel for him); ever since I put the wheel in his tank, he's been running for literally HOURS! He'll stop for about 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and then he'll go back to running! I'm so happy he's finally exercising and getting his energy out! He loves his wheel so much that when I woke up this morning, he was sleeping BEHIND his wheel! (He usually sleeps in his hide or burrow) and I can watch him run all day!" —DaJahPrice: $19.99+ (originally $26.99+; available in three sizes and four colors) A cuddle cave for the cats that seem to love holing up in closets or under furniture. If you've ever watched My Cat From Hell, you'll remember Mr. Galaxy's aphorism: some cats are tree climbers and some cats are bush dwellers. If that rings true for one of your kitties, you might get one or two of these plush little numbers and give your cats a little private, cozy nook to cuddle up in. Promising review: "Years ago, I got one of these. My cats loved it enough that one day, I discovered all three of them stuffed inside, much to everyone's chagrin. So I got a second one, hoping they'd trade out. The two youngest have gotten bigger since they could (even somewhat unreasonably) fit inside a single pod together, and then I got a fourth cat. Lately, I'm noticing that the third and fourth cats on the scene are often looking forlornly at the occupied pods, so I've finally given in and purchased enough that every cat can have their own at all times, plus an extra for when one finally fails because despite several machine washings, neither one is showing any wear yet!" —ReneePrice: $37.54+ (originally $44.99+; available in three colors) A 40-pound bag of kitty litter because, if you happen to live in a multi-cat house, you're moving through a lot of litter. We're talking bulk purchasing, here. But this litter isn't your usual chalky powdered who-knows-what; this litter boasts probiotic magic that stops odors at the source. Less mess, less stress, and no more "what's that smell..." moments. Promising review: "My partner and I use a Petsnowy for our lovely kittos, and while we love the machine and not having to scoop, we weren't loving the strong ammonia smell from our previous litter (Dr. Elsey's). After doing a lot of research, we decided to give this one a try — and while it's a bit pricier, IT WORKS. We're so grateful to have a smell-free NYC apartment again! Our fuzzy ladies haven't had any issues with it and seem to like it just fine. There's a bit of tracking, but no more than we had with Dr. Elsey's, and honestly, we'll gladly take that over the odor." —DominiquePrice: $38.99 (originally $50.39; also available in two smaller-size bags) A paw cleaner so that your pup and your floors/furniture can live all of their best lives. Our puppers sure know how to find the muddiest puddles outside on a post-rain bathroom stroll, and this nifty little device helps you clean them up nice and quick before letting them back indoors. Promising review: "This MudBuster is phenomenal! Highly recommend to all my dog lovers. Mud season is upon us here in WI, and it is in full force with my 9-month-old yellow Lab! He loves to be outside no matter the weather. We bought the medium and it is just the right size for our pup. He doesn't seem to mind it either, we just have him give us a shake and praise him the whole time we're cleaning his paws with the MudBuster. Warm water and the tiniest amount of Dawn dish soap is all we use." —mudbusterPrice: $15.50+ (available in three sizes and three colors) An antimicrobial wound and skincare spray if some of your, ahem, spicier pets is quick to swipe/nip when they don't get their way. This little first aid kit in a bottle helps heal all manner of superficial animal injury. This spray is graded for almost any household creature, and kicks germs to the curb without pain or sad droopy pet eyes. Promising review: "This is not my first rodeo. Vetericyn is a true miracle in a bottle, and every pet owner should always have that and/or the hydrogel version on hand for minor lacerations and skin irritations; I've seen improvement in 24 hours on minor wounds. It is also GREAT because it is perfectly safe if the pet licks the liquid or gel. That is incredible." —PeterPrice: $15.99+ (available in three sizes)
The Guardian
17-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
From Thermos flasks to wooden brushes: everything that helps you use less plastic
When we asked readers of the Filter to tell us how they use less plastic, it's fair to say few were quite as dedicated as Helen Mann. 'I only buy Clipper teabags [which are plastic-free],' she told us, 'and I grow my own nettles, nasturtiums, dandelions and mint, then dehydrate them and use the leaves in organic cotton teabags. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. 'I have replaced plastic soap dispensers with glass ones, and other household items such as clothes horses with wooden ones. My washing-up bowl is stainless steel. I buy bamboo dish cloths and use wooden brushes to wash up. I use aluminium-free bicarbonate of soda and distilled vinegar to clean the house; fresh lemon juice and bicarb for the floors. 'I garden organically, and buy grains and lentils in bulk, most of which come in sustainable packaging. I make my own bread and all my meals from scratch. The only processed things I eat are biscuits and the odd chocolate bar to give my body something to do!' It's inspiring. Plastic waste is a huge, and growing, problem. Plastic bottles from Russia are washing up on Guernsey beaches; the health impacts of microplastics – from premature births to breast cancer – are coming into sharper focus; they're also damaging plants' ability to photosynthesise, according to a new study, and contaminating our bodies. Trying to reduce your plastic usage isn't easy. But when we asked friends, colleagues and readers for all the ways they've reduced their plastic use, we felt unexpectedly hopeful. Whether it's a water carbonator that saved on buying fizzy water or period pants that actually work (and save on sanitary products), we hope these ideas inspire you, too. But reader Liz Price has been doing all this for years. 'It's difficult to cut down any more as I started the anti-plastic trend long before it was fashionable,' she wrote to us. 'Supermarket cashiers gave me strange looks when I took my own bags 40 years ago and avoided the dozens of plastic bags they'd put on the checkout for me. 'I took a Thermos to work. I've never bought a 'coffee to go' and always avoided places that didn't serve coffee in proper cups. My tea strainer is 54 years old this year (a wedding present!) and is in daily use at home as I always make proper tea with loose leaves. So I feel I've been doing my bit for a very long time.' Hats off to you, Liz. And everyone else, do let us know other ways you're using less plastic by getting in touch through the email below. 'It just wasn't very buttery': the best (and worst) unsalted butter, tasted and rated The best steam cleaners and mops for a sparkling home, tested Everything you need to make great sourdough – and the kit you can do without A century of chic: the best Chanel-style jackets to rival the real thing The best rice cookers for gloriously fluffy grains at home: nine tried and tested favourites If you've been trying to cut down on plastic, you may have noticed how much is wasted by your beauty products, whether it's shampoo bottles or empty mascara. But with plenty of great refillables now available, you can make your routine more sustainable with very little effort. Beauty journalist and broadcaster Anita Bhagwandas has rounded up her favourite refillable products, from a cult-favourite shower oil to a natural deodorant that actually works. Monica HorridgeDeputy editor, the Filter When we asked chefs about their favourite kitchen gadgets, we were half expecting a list of unaffordable sous-vide machines and dehydrators. But while not all of their favourites were cheap – Tom Kerridge swears by HexClad's 'mega' salt and pepper grinder set for £199 – most were great-quality basics that most of us could afford. We've all been buying Georgina Hayden's favourite tomato knife – a kitchen 'gamechanger' for less than £6. Have you ever been surprised by a brand or retailer going above and beyond on customer service? Maybe they repaired an ancient raincoat for free or brought a much-loved kitchen appliance back to life with a new part. If so, let us know by replying to this newsletter, or emailing us at thefilter@
