Cat Products
A look at the best products for cats
Along with owning a cat comes the necessity of having a broad selection of cat products to keep your pet happy, safe and entertained. Since it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the dizzying range of cat products available on the market, you should assess what will work for your pet by considering its disposition and energy level. Older, less active cats often need little more than a scratching post in terms of cat toys, while younger and more energetic animals are happiest when they have a broader selection of playthings to occupy their attention.
Cat Toys to Offer Your Pet
If you’re looking for something more elaborate than the conventional ball of yarn, you’re in luck. Manufacturers of cat toys offer all sorts of fun products that help your pet stay active and engaged. Keep in mind that cat toys aren’t strictly luxuries; they prevent your cat from engaging in undesirable or destructive behaviors, like clawing your sofa to bits, by giving them a means to work off their excess energy.
Cat teasers are popular toys. These stick-like contraptions let you playfully prod and jab your pet, and it will put up its dukes and fight back. Cats have a natural inclination to bat things around and pounce, so straw balls are also excellent cat toys. Plastic mice, feather rings and string cat toys are also common, and keep in mind that it’s wisest to purchase cat toys that are specially made for safety. A real ball of yarn, for example, makes a poor choice because cats often chew on the loose ends, and they can choke on the fabric very easily.
Catnip is a cat product that many adult cats, but not very young or very old cats, respond to well. It produces a temporary euphoria and increased energy level in felines, though not all cats are sensitive to catnip. Responsiveness is thought to have a hereditary component, and animals bred from closed-off gene pools may not experience its euphoric effects. Trial and error is the only way to know for sure.
Practical Cat Products for Your Pet’s Comfort and Safety
Choosing the right cat bed involves much more than picking the right size sleeper for your feline. You should compare and contrast a variety of factors, including:
- Durability and manufacturer warranties/guarantees
- Materials and fabrics
- Size
- Placement indications (floor, window, etc.)
- Washability and dryability
- Portability
You should also think about conditions in your house: Is there climate control? Does it get cold during the winter? Hot during the summer? If so, you might want to consider cat beds with temperature controls, so your kitty can stay cozy and warm during winter without overheating in summer.
Cat carriers are an essential accessory if you and your pet do a lot of traveling. While cats are notorious for being difficult when it comes time to pack them up, you can reduce their discomfort by choosing spacious, comfortable cat carriers with plenty of ventilation and padded surfaces. Remember, too, that these cat products provide both you and your pet with safety and security; the last thing you’ll want on a long car trip is a frustrated cat leaping about unchecked in the interior of your vehicle.
