Cat tree
Cats love tall spaces, feeling like the kings of the world and seeing everything that’s happening around them. Besides the height, most cat trees come with scratching posts that help keep your cat’s nails healthy and prevent overgrowth. “They had their instinct to be on top, seeing the overview of their place,” said Rommel Mercado, owner of a little calico cat named Pukingkay.
Litter box
Cleaning your litter box regularly is one of the most important things you should do as a cat owner. A basic litter pan and scoop are all you really need, but if you want to upgrade, options like sifting or automatic litter boxes can make the process easier. “I would get one,” said Abdullah Elshazly, a 10-year cat owner. “If you have multiple cats… It’s a lot more manageable.”
Lint rollers
As a cat owner, cat hair just becomes part of everyday life. That’s why lint rollers are your best friends. There are many options, disposable, reusable, cheap, or high-end, but they all get the job done, including some that resemble a potato peeler. “You drag it along your couch or your carpet or whatever, and it just rips all the cat hair out,” Elshazly said.
Cat springs
You wouldn’t believe how much fun cats have when playing with these springs. According to Elshazly, they love “any object that’s small, and if they hit it and goes really far.”
Shallow plates and lots of them
It is important to use shallow dishes to avoid whisker fatigue. Washing them after each feeding is also key. “It’s probably good to have at the very least three. I have six because you always want to be interchanging your plates,” Elshazly said.
Tip: Put a little extra water into your cat’s food to improve their water intake.
Lots of cardboard boxes
Nothing pleases a cat more than a good cardboard box. “They have this weird obsession with biting them. They just love biting them. It’s so funny,” said Elshazly. All cat owners know that no toy in the world can replace the happiness a brand-new box can bring to your cat.
Water fountain
Felines are naturally drawn to running water because it’s usually cleaner and safer than stagnant water. Same principle applies at home; some cats are obsessed with an open tap. If you can invest in a water fountain, that could significantly improve your cat’s water intake.
Automatic feeders
Cats eat smaller meals throughout the day, so having an automatic feeder will control the quantity and the time of the day, giving you more flexibility and control over your cat’s diet. There are options for both dry and wet food; it all depends on your cat’s needs.
At the end of the day, the best ‘must-have’ isn’t just a product, it’s anything that keeps your cat happy, healthy, and entertained.