Cat Dancer Interactive Toy
Sometimes it’s the simplest and cheapest things that delight our beloved cats (and ourselves). Enter the Cat Dancer ($3), which consists of a length of wire with twisted paper bits on the end. The wire is of the ideal stiffness so that when kitty bats at it, it bounces all over the place, with near-zero effort on the owner’s part.
Greenies Pill Pockets
The song lyric “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” deserves a rewrite for the sake of Greenies Pill Pockets ($7), which has been helping dogs take their medicine for years. The strong scent disguises the medicine hidden inside. Pets feel like they are getting something special during medicine time. Also offered in cat varieties.
Neater Feeder
Available for both dogs and cats in small and large sizes, the Neater Feeder ($40) keeps your pet’s mess hall from being messy. The elevated platform (pick the size right for you) and smooth, rounded surfaces keep mealtime comfortable. Food and water spills are contained, and it’s dishwasher safe.
Cat Entertainment Playhouse – Airplane
Cardboard boxes make great playhouses for cats, but they don’t have to look like last year’s leftover moving box. The company called Suck UK has created a series of collapsible cardboard playhouses for cats, such as the pictured Cat Entertainment Playhouse – Airplane ($30). A playful imagination isn’t just for kids, after all.
Litter Robot LRII
Although the photo and product name makes it look like feline version of the large oversized human-powered robot from Avatar, the Litter Robot LRII Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box ($330) is actually very useful in a very different sense – cleaning up waste. Fortunately it looks more like the robot from Lost in Space than it does the Terminator, nice and friendly. Sure to save you time and money (in the long run), especially if you have multiple cats in the house.
Tick Twister
If you’ve ever had to remove a tick from yourself or your pet, you know how difficult doing so can be. The easiest way to do so may be by way of the Tick Twister ($4), which is a simple tool helps pry the tick away quickly without leaving broken off parts implanted in the skin. If you live in heavily wooded area, or like camping, stock up on these tiny tools and keep them in various handy places.
Oster Nail Grinder
Dont’ fall for the $6 as-seen-on-tv knock-off – when it comes to taking care of your pet’s nails, it may be best to use the quality Oster Nail Grinder ($32). Clipping nails, particularly of larger pets, can be difficult and risky. It may be worth conditioning the dog to get used to the sound of this nail grinder. Once you do, you can gradually wear down the nails without leaving them chipped. Much cheaper than taking the pet to the groomer once a month.
Cat ties
Cats can be both adorable and professional with cat ties ($3) from Pet Essentials, sold at Target. “The clothes make the cat,” they say. The only thing making your cat more adorable is to offer a cane and stethoscope, but Hugh Laurie would likely lose as job as TV’s “House.” Let your cat put on one of these and you’re likely to see more “Take your cat to work” days.
Pets: Cats
More: Accessories
Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
When it comes to something as basic as drinking water, the Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain ($51) is the ultimate in style and design. The free-falling stream of water keeps pets happy, healthy and hydrated. Water bowls stay clean as opposed to stagnant bowls, and the pump is nearly silent.
FURminator
That furry and cuddly fur that wraps your dog or cat is great as long as it isn’t shedding all over your floor, clothes, and furniture. The FURminator ($23) deshedding tool grabs loose undercoat hair and quickly and easily removes it, leaving a shiny and healthy topcoat. Just make sure to have a broom handy when you use it – you’ll want the mountain of hair to be in your garbage, not left in your floor.