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50 Weird Things For Your Cat That Are Actually Life-Changing

Less effort, more joy.

by Maria Cassano
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

After fostering a cat, I learned two things about felines: Their quirkiness makes them infinitely lovable, and the stranger the object, the happier they are. While they may seem weird at first glance, these genius things for your cat are actually life-changing. They keep your furry friend clean, comfortable, nourished, and entertained, all while simplifying your job as a pet parent. However, if you have any questions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian.

1A Litter Trapper Mat With Thousands Of 5-Star Ratings

Using a dual-layer design with large holes on top and a solid mat on the bottom, this litter trapper catches residue from your cat’s paws so it doesn’t end up all over your floor. It’s also waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. “I can't believe how great this cat litter trapper works!” wrote one reviewer who has three cats. “Wish I'd gotten it a long time ago.” Judging by its average 4.6-star rating from over 7,600 reviewers, others agree, too.

2A Catnip-Coated Chew Toy That Cleans Teeth

Soft, chewy, and textured, this dental teether is a must for cats who chew on things they shouldn’t. The fluffy green feather catches their attention, the strawberry-shaped chew toy helps to clean teeth and massage gums, and the catnip-oil coating keeps them happy and engaged. One reviewer wrote that it’s “been a major help” with their teething kitten because it’s a much “better alternative than [their] computer cables!”

3A Removable Grooming Brush That Mounts To Corners

If rubbing up against corners is one of your cat’s favorite pastimes, you can make the most of it with this corner grooming brush, which has soft bristles that remove excess fur and feel like a massage. It comes with both mounting screws and double-sided tape, making it easy to install on wall corners, cabinet edges, and table legs. It also slips off the base for cleaning and has two channels you can fill with catnip.

4Picky-Cat-Approved Treats That Support Digestion

With more than 5,000 five-star ratings, these crunchy cat treats are difficult to ignore. They’re suitable for all life stages and made from real ingredients, including chicken, farm-fresh catnip, and sweet potatoes. They also have prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health. “I’ve also noticed fewer tummy issues since adding these into the rotation, which is a nice bonus. The catnip definitely helps with interest — even my picky one eats them without hesitation,” one shopper wrote.

5A Deodorizer Jar That Neutralizes Litter Box Smells

Unscrew the lid and place this Litter Box Magic deodorizer jar within 3 feet of your cat’s litter box to keep the space smelling pleasant. Its gel formula traps and neutralizes unwanted odor molecules for up to 30 days — and it replaces them with a light, fresh scent.

6Clear Tape That Discourages Scratching

Cats typically don’t like sticky textures, so this double-sided tape teaches them where not to scratch. Stick it to your upholstery, curtains, rugs, walls, cabinets, furniture, and doors. It’s safe on most fabrics and hard surfaces (excluding leather), and it’s clear, so you’ll hardly notice it. “I put it on the edge of my desk and it was immediate,” wrote one reviewer whose cat “backed up and hasn't tried it again.”

7A Feeding Mat That Absorbs Water In Seconds

It comes in over a dozen colors with adorable kitty designs, but this feeding mat is as practical as it is stylish. Made from soft diatomaceous earth, it quickly absorbs water spills, which evaporate in record time to keep your floor dry, clean, and safe. It also wipes free of food and has a thick rubber backing to prevent slipping and scratches.

  • Available styles: 13

8A Purring Plush To Soothe Anxious Cats

“Great investment,” wrote one reviewer whose anxious cat “instantly fell in love” with this soothing toy. “Whenever she looks anxious I just turn it on and she starts to relax and snuggle next to it.” It’s made from plush material and has a touch-activated purring noise that lasts two minutes, encouraging cats to knead, relax, and snuggle. You can also remove the sound mechanism and throw it in the washing machine.

  • Available styles: 3

9Soothing Ear Wipes That Fit Over Your Finger

Slip one of these ear wipes over your finger to clean your pet’s ears without them freaking out. The textured fabric removes wax, dirt, and residue, while the vet-approved formula contains soothing, moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and floral extracts. Each jar contains 50 wipes, and they’re suitable for cats, dogs, and other small pets.

10A Spray That Breaks Down Cat Pee At A Molecular Level

Using bio-based enzymes, this Urine Destroyer spray breaks down cat messes at a molecular level after soaking the stain for just 15 minutes. That way, your home smells fresh and clean, and cats won’t be encouraged to mark the area again. It has an average 4.5-star rating from over 5,000 reviewers, and you can use it on carpets, tile, hardwood, furniture, fabrics, and more.

11A Steel-Wire Litter Scoop For Super-Fast Sifting

“I never thought a cat litter scoop could make a difference,” one reviewer wrote, but the Speed Sifter is “amazing” because it “works great and saves time.” It has a deep, wide shovel made entirely from stainless steel wires, so it glides through all types of litter while quickly removing clumps and poop. It’s also easy to clean and has a wooden handle with an included docking stand.

12A Rinse-Free Shampoo That Freshens Without Water

Give your cat a refresh without braving the bathtub. This waterless shampoo has a rinse-free formula that freshens up their fur and moisturizes their skin with shea butter and honey. It’s also pH-balanced with over 99% natural ingredients and no sulfates, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin.

13Cotton Rope Toys With A Catnip Alternative

Your cat will love these flexible chew ropes because of their eye-catching colors, enticing tassels, and irresistible aroma. You’ll love them because they’re quiet and handmade from safe, natural materials, like cotton rope and dried silvervine gall fruit, which supports digestion and creates a euphoric state similar to catnip.

14An Itch-Relieving Hot Spot Spray That’s “A Miracle”

“My senior cat had been scratching his head bald for 5 or 6 months,” wrote one reviewer who “tried so many other remedies” — but this hot spot spray worked like “a miracle.” Its medicated formula aims to soothe sensitive skin, stop licking, and relieve itching from allergies and bug bites. It also contains vet-approved ingredients to moisturize the coats of both cats and dogs.

15A Pheromone Diffuser Designed To Reduce Stress For 2 Months

This calming gel diffuser disperses a blend of catnip and pheromones into the air, aiming to relax anxious cats around the clock. Many reviewers saw a reduction in stress behaviors, like scratching, yowling, spraying, or fighting. Each jar lasts for up to two months and covers 750 square feet of space, no batteries or electricity required.

16Shallow Dishwasher-Safe Food Bowls That Don’t Irritate Cats’ Whiskers

Cats' whiskers can be extremely sensitive, so these shallow food bowls minimize overstimulation while they’re eating. Wide with slightly curved edges to contain both wet food and kibble, they’re made from food-grade stainless steel, so they’re non-porous and easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. This set includes eight dishes, but you can also choose a two-, four-, or six-piece set.

17A Tasty Malt Paste That Prevents Hairballs

For an anti-hairball remedy your cat will actually want to take, here we are. Squeeze a bit of this stuff into your cat’s food, or have them lick it off your finger. Its malt and taurine formula helps to dislodge blockages and prevent the formation of hairballs in your cat’s digestive tract. It’s suitable for both short- and long-haired breeds, and according to one reviewer, “it really works” and “my cat loves the taste.”

18A Swaddle That Calms Your Cat During Grooming

Wrap your cat up in this grooming burrito to prevent them from biting, scratching, or escaping while you’re trimming their nails, brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, or administering medication. The fabric is soft, yet gently sticks to itself to create a secure, calming swaddle. You can choose between two sizes and three patterns.

19A Self-Cleaning Brush With A Cool Steam Feature

This USB-powered steam brush removes excess fur from the coat, gives your pet a soothing massage with its rounded bristles, and minimizes static, flyaways, and dryness with its steam feature. It only produces cool mist to prevent burns, and it comes with rinse-free shampoo that’s infused with aloe, honeysuckle, and chamomile. Last but not least, the brush has a button that ejects the hair from the paddle.

20Drawstring Litter Box Liners You Can Lift, Tie & Toss

Compatible with most traditional and standard-sized automatic litter boxes, these convenient litter bags have built-in drawstring edges that let you lift, collect, tie, and toss the mess in one swift motion. They’re made from extra-thick material to resist tears, leaks, and unwanted odors, even when you’re scooping for multiple cats.

21An Interactive Toy That’s Great For Solo Play

According to reviewers, this interactive hide-and-seek toy engages even the most apathetic cats. The moving feather intermittently pokes out from the fabric, tapping into their natural hunting instincts. It also has a flashing light and a squeaking mouse sound, plus it’s rechargeable for cordless use and touch-activated so your cats can turn it on themselves making it great for solo play.

22A Plush Pet Blanket With A Waterproof Interior

“I am obsessed!” wrote one reviewer who loves how this pet blanket looks, feels, and washes. Best of all, it does “not have a crinkly inner liner,” but it’s been “completely waterproof when the puppy has had accidents.” While it has soft, plush flannel on either side, the interior membrane is fully leakproof to protect your furniture against moisture, mud, and stains. It comes in multiple sizes and colors to suit your pet and your space.

23Clear Furniture Shields That Discourage Scratching

They’re transparent to blend in with any color, so you or your guests will hardly notice these furniture shields — but your cats will. The slippery plastic covers fabric upholstery, discouraging your cats from scratching the fibers. They work with just about any material (excluding real or faux leather), and you can secure them in place with the adhesive backing and the included twist pins.

24A Water Additive That Supports Dental Health

Most cats simply won’t tolerate a toothbrush. This water additive offers a brush-free alternative for improved dental health. When added to their drinking bowl, its oxygen- and zinc-powered formula is designed to prevent plaque, fight tartar buildup, neutralize stinky breath, clean teeth, and soothe irritated gums. You can use it for both cats and dogs.

25A 3-Tier Puzzle Bowl That Slows Down Eating

An enriching toy and a slow feeder in one, this puzzle bowl has three spinning tiers with small compartments that you can fill with wet food, dry food, or treats. Cats use their foraging instincts to hunt for their meals — but the challenge also stops them from scarfing down their food, which can prevent choking, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues. The bowl is non-slip and comes apart for cleaning.

26An Easy Way To Encourage Cats To Use The Litter Box

If you can’t get your cat or kitten to use the litter box, this attractant powder might be able to help. It’s made from non-toxic herbs that most cats can’t resist, encouraging them to do their business in one spot and one spot only. “I was skeptical and extremely desperate,” wrote one reviewer whose shelter cat was going around the house for weeks. “It was like wizardry - HE USED THE LITTER BOX!”

27The Best Cat Toys Reviewers Ever Bought

“Best cat toy we’ve ever bought,” wrote one reviewer whose cat is “completely obsessed” with these pillow toys. They look like fluffy, colorful tails, and they’re filled with catnip and crinkle paper. “From the moment I gave it to her, she went wild – rolling around with it, batting it everywhere, licking it, and rubbing her face all over it. She keeps coming back to it multiple times a day.”

28A Machine-Washable Carrier Sling That Holds Cats Up To 12 Pounds

Ever wish your pet were attached to you at the hip? This carrier sling offers a comfortable, secure way to bring them everywhere with you. It’s crafted from machine-washable cotton with reversible designs so you can change the pattern on a whim. It also has a safety clip for their collar, an extra-wide strap for shoulder comfort, and a roomy interior that fits pets up to 12 pounds.

29A “Magic” Odor Eliminator You Sprinkle On Litter

This litter box odor eliminator has earned an average 4.4-star rating from over 11,000 reviewers, and one reviewer called it: “Magic that makes the house guest-friendly again.” Made with corncob granules that absorb moisture and unwanted odors, it’s compatible with all types of litter — or you can sprinkle it in kennels, pet carriers, garbage cans, and trash compactors.

30A Universal Holder That Fits Most Litter Scoops

Compatible with most plastic and metal scoops, this universal scoop holder gives you a cute and sanitary spot to store the tool in between uses. Made from non-porous plastic, it has a removable insert that collects excess litter and is washable to remove germs. Each order includes four paw-print decals, which you can swap out depending on your preferred color.

31Silvervine Powder For Cats Who Don’t Respond To Catnip

Silvervine is an effective way to encourage olfactory enrichment, according to at least one study — and it’s often a great alternative for cats who don’t respond to catnip. This tin of silvervine powder contains 45 grams, and a little pinch goes a long way. Sprinkle it on your cat’s toys, scratchers, or bed to encourage euphoric play, engagement, or stress relief.

32A Rechargeable Ball Toy That Rolls By Itself

It rolls by itself, it makes chirpy bird sounds, and it has a long rope tail with a tassel that your cat can chase. This rechargeable interactive ball toy is designed to catch and hold your cat’s attention, so they get some active, enriching playtime even when you’re not around. It has three modes (fast, slow, and tap-activated), and it is designed to work on most types of floors.

33An AirTag Collar That Helps You Find Your Escapee

This tracker collar will give you added peace of mind. In addition to holding an Apple AirTag, which lets you track their location with your iPhone, it also has a bell so you can locate them by sound and a reflective stripe for visibility in the dark. Last but not least, it’s adjustable and stretchy for a comfortable fit.

34A Door Strap That Lets Cats In & Keeps Dogs Out

Reviewers rave about the Door Buddy: a length-adjustable strap that mounts to just about any interior door using 3M adhesive stickers. That way, you can give cats private access to litter boxes and feeding stations. It’s super easy to latch when you want to keep toddlers and dogs out, and just as easy to unlatch when you want to let anyone through.

35Freeze-Dried Minnow Treats That Cats Obsess Over

When it comes to feeding your cat a clean diet, it doesn’t get much better than these minnow cat treats. They’re grain- and filler-free, granted they contain only one ingredient: raw, freeze-dried minnows. “PUT THESE IN A SAFE,” one reviewer wrote. “My cats loved these so much I had to hide the bag in several different places.”

36An Airline-Friendly Backpack Carrier That Expands

Thanks to this expandable backpack carrier, you can bring your pet with you while prioritizing their comfort and safety. It’s well-ventilated with a sherpa-lined pad and a reinforced frame, and it has three points of entry, an expandable mesh panel, and multiple storage pockets, one of which dispenses poop bags. It’s suitable for both cats and dogs up to 18 pounds and is designed to suit most airline guidelines.

37An Adjustable Comfy Recovery Collar To Prevent Wound-Licking

Will your cat be absolutely thrilled with this recovery collar? Probably not, but it comes in 13 colorful donut designs to lighten the mood, and it’s way more comfortable than a standard cone. Filled with lightweight cotton with a plush fabric and an adjustable drawstring tie, it allows them to eat and sleep in cushioned comfort without blocking their peripheral vision — all while preventing them from licking upper-body wounds.

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

38A Filtering Water Fountain To Encourage Hydration

If your cat can’t be bothered to drink still water from a bowl, give this water fountain a shot. Its virtually silent pump keeps the water flowing over its flower-shaped spout, which may entice your furry friend to hydrate more often. It also has a triple-filtration system to improve taste and quality, and its stainless steel parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

39Cute Toys Filled With Catnip, Silvervine & Crinkle Paper

Filled with a combination of natural catnip and silvervine, these fish toys help to entice bored, overactive, or unimpressed cats. They also have bright colors, rattle bells, and crinkle paper to engage their hunting instincts, and the reinforced stitching can handle hours of scratching and chewing.

40A Dental Kit With Flavored Toothpaste Cats Actually Like

This dental care kit includes a toothbrush, a textured scrubber that fits over your finger, and toothpaste that aims to reduce plaque, polish teeth, and fight bad breath. It comes in malt, peanut, and chicken flavors — but malt seems to be the most popular: “I'm shocked my cat is letting me brush her teeth,” wrote one reviewer. “She likes the taste.”

41A Cat Harness That’s Virtually Escape-Proof

It has soft edges, breathable air-mesh material, generous padding, and an adjustable, choke-free fit — but despite how comfortable it feels, this cat harness is still virtually escape-proof. That way, you can go for worry-free walks with your best friend. It’s available in four sizes and tons of colors, plus it comes with a free 4.9-foot leash.

42A Top-Rated Pet Shampoo From A Luxury Haircare Brand

Most people don’t realize that luxury haircare brand OUAI makes shampoo for your pet, too — and it has a near-perfect 4.7-star rating. The spa-like formula cleanses skin without stripping it and leaves their coat soft, hydrated, and shiny to prevent matting. It also smells like Italian lemon, Turkish rose, and white musk, and it’s suitable for both cats and dogs.

43Hand-Felted 100% Wool Ball Toys That’re Almost Totally Silent

Handmade by artisans in Nepal, these felt balls contain only 100% wool with non-toxic dye. As a result, they make for a safe toy that’s gentle on your cat’s claws and teeth — and they’re virtually silent, so your pet stays entertained without disturbing your work. Get them in your choice of two sizes and two colors: pink or aquamarine.

44A Steel Litter Scoop That Extends For Less Bending Over

Why does a simple litter scoop have an overall 4.7-star rating? Because it’s not so simple after all. Its carefully executed design includes a large head with serrated teeth to cut through clumps, wide slits for fast sifting, a detachable handle for reach, and cushioned pads for grippy comfort. It’s also made from stainless steel, making it durable, rust-resistant, and easy to sanitize — and it comes with a steel hook for hanging.

45A Compression Jacket Designed To Soothe Anxious Cats

“This is genuinely making my life easier,” wrote one reviewer with an anxious cat who “howls relentlessly” — but after putting him in this anxiety jacket, “he was immediately purring” and “closing his eyes.” Using gentle compression, it aims to soothe pets during grooming, storms, car rides, vet visits, and any other stressful experiences. It’s also machine-washable with multiple adjustable straps, and it comes in three sizes.

46A Guide That Makes Clicker Training Easy

Cats definitely aren’t the easiest pets to train, but this guide has a 4.6-star rating from reviewers who called it short, sweet, and effective. How to Clicker Train Your Cat offers a step-by-step approach to clicker training, which uses a clicker and positive reinforcement to teach your cat new skills in 15 minutes a day. It also helps you better understand your cat’s behavior, body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations.

47A Compact Cat Condo With Space For 2 Cats

Spoil a single furbaby or give two cats room to lounge with this two-level cat condo that has a hideaway den underneath and a platform on top. Both are lined in removable sherpa cushions with machine-washable covers. It also has a scratch pad and a hanging pom-pom toy, and it folds up flat when it’s not in use.

  • Available styles: 13

48A Bike Basket That Transforms Into A Backpack

Suitable for pets up to 18 pounds, this bike basket attaches to the handlebars of most bicycles. It has adjustable straps, a mesh drawstring top, a reflective stripe, and a padded interior for safety. When you reach your destination or swap modes of transportation, it transforms into a backpack with storage pockets and a shoulder carrier with a padded strap. It also folds flat for storage.

49A Recovery Suit For Post-Surgery Comfort

This recovery suit is designed to stop cats from licking their wounds after surgeries, including spaying procedures. The soft, stretchy cotton is much more comfortable than a cone, allowing your cat to eat, lie down, and use the bathroom without restriction — but it still protects wounds from dirt and bacteria while allowing them to breathe. Get it in 14 patterns and three sizes with adjustable drawstring necks.

50An Interior Cat Door That’s Sleek & Safe

Keep kids, dogs, and drafts out while letting your cat pass through safely. This kitty door opening is surprisingly easy to install on most standard interior doors. The front has cat ears, the back has a tail, and the wide opening allows access for cats up to 20 pounds. Leave it white, or paint it to match your home’s interior.