From cat towers and scratchers to smart litter boxes and interactive toys, these 10 must-have cat products are my personal favorites for keeping cats happy, healthy, and entertained. Spoiler: I’d rather buy for my cats than myself, so you know this list is the real deal.
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Confessions of a Cat Spoiler
Let’s face it: cats don’t ask for much, but when they do, they expect excellence. As my cats (Tito, Pierre, and Myratz) are getting older, I tend to indulge them more… Wait, who am I kidding? I’ve always spoiled them. I’m the type of person who will happily buy a second cat tower before I buy myself new shoes.
Right now, I have two towers, three scratching posts, five wall shelves… Am I proud? Absolutely. Do my cats use them all? Yes – and they still think I should add more.
Here are the 10 must-have cat products I swear by, or dream of owning (looking at you, automatic litter box).
1. Cat Trees & Towers
Every cat needs a kingdom – and a good cat tree is exactly that. Towers give cats the vertical space they crave, turning your living room into their personal jungle gym. Cats are natural climbers, and having high perches not only satisfies that instinct but also helps them feel safe and in control of their environment.
In my house, towers are more than furniture; they’re feline watchtowers. Tito uses the top perch to supervise all human activity (and to silently judge my fashion choices), while Pierre prefers the middle level, strategically placed for mid-nap stretches. Myratz? He’s the wild card – sometimes he’s zooming up the tree like it’s Mount Everest, sometimes he’s just hiding in the cubby like a king in exile.
Cat towers also save your furniture. Instead of turning the back of your chair into a climbing post, cats can scratch, stretch, and lounge on their dedicated kingdom. Plus, they look adorable perched like furry gargoyles at the top.
Amazon pick: Frisco 72-Inch Cat Tree – multi-level, sturdy, and packed with perches, ramps, and hideouts.
(Pairs nicely with my article on 10 Cat Enrichment Ideas to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Active)
2. Scratching Posts & Boards
Scratching isn’t bad behavior, it’s cat yoga combined with a manicure. A good scratching post keeps claws healthy and gives your sofa a fighting chance. I have three posts scattered around the house, but somehow Tito still sneaks in a scratch on the chair just to prove he’s the boss.
Look for posts tall enough for a full-body stretch. Bonus if they’re sturdy enough to survive a cat mid-zoomie attack.
Amazon pick: Cat Scratching Post, 34 inches – sleek, tall, and stable enough for serious scratchers.
3. Wall Shelves for Cats
Wall shelves aren’t just décor, they’re feline highways. Cats love vertical space because it gives them security and exercise. I’ve got five shelves that connect into a cat superhighway across my wall. Tito uses them for dramatic rooftop chases, Pierre for leisurely strolls, and Myratz for sneak attacks.
Shelves are especially great for small apartments – they let cats move around without eating up floor space.
Amazon pick: Carnormpet Cat Wall Shelves – functional, stylish, and fun to watch your cat conquer.
4. Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Confession: I don’t own one (yet). Not because I don’t want to, trust me, I’d love a robot scooping my cats’ business while I sip coffee, but because my wallet said “no.” Still, self-cleaning litter boxes are the holy grail of cat ownership, especially for multi-cat homes. They reduce odors, keep the litter box fresh, and save you from daily scooping duty.
Amazon pick: Kitplus Self Cleaning Litter Box – futuristic, efficient, and possibly smarter than me.
(Also see my guide: Best Flea Treatment for Cats: Choosing Between Collars, Sprays, and More – because hygiene and flea control go paw-in-paw.)
5. Automatic Feeders
If your cat thinks breakfast should be served at 5:59 a.m., an automatic cat feeder is your new best friend. It’s perfect for portion control and peace of mind when you’re out. Mine would definitely stage a mutiny without regular meals, and with three cats, “food democracy” is impossible without technology.
Amazon pick: PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder – programmable, reliable, and designed for multi-cat households.
6. Water Fountains
Cats are notorious for ignoring water bowls, but give them a fountain and suddenly hydration is exciting. Flowing water encourages cats to drink more, helping prevent urinary and kidney problems – that’s why an automatic cat water fountain is more of a necessity than a luxury. Tito especially loves batting at the stream, as if it’s his personal spa.
Amazon pick: Ceramic Cat Water Fountain – adorable, quiet and healthy.
7. Interactive Toys
When boredom strikes, your ankles become the target. Save yourself with interactive toys that mimic prey movements. I’ve watched Tito stalk a motorized feather toy with the focus of a ninja, while Myratz prefers anything that makes dramatic noises.
Interactive toys keep cats active, help burn off energy, and save your toes.
Amazon pick: Potaroma Interactive Bird Cat Toy – unpredictable, fun and guaranteed to confuse your cat in the best way.
(Also check out: 10 Cat Enrichment Ideas to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy and Active)
8. Grooming Tools
Living with cats = living with cat hair. Lots of it. I’ve tested so many tools, from budget rollers to fancy brushes. In fact, I wrote about my trials in 5 Budget Cat Hair Removers That Actually Work. Still, a reliable brush is essential for controlling shedding and keeping coats healthy.
Amazon pick: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush – gentle on cats, tough on tangles.
(And if fur still takes over, check Best Vacuum for Cat Hair: Top 5 Handheld Picks That Actually Work)
9. GPS Trackers
If you’ve ever had a feline escape artist (Tito, I’m looking at you), you know the value of GPS. These little devices help you track your cat’s adventures and heart rates (yours, not theirs).
Best pick: Pawfit Lite GPS tracker for cats – accurate, durable, and peace of mind in a clip.
(Full story: Tito’s Great Rooftop Escape: Why Every Feline Houdini Needs the Pawfit Lite)
10. Cozy Cat Beds
Let’s be honest: cats will still nap in cardboard boxes. But when they do approve a bed, it becomes their throne. I have a few scattered around, though Pierre usually still chooses my laundry basket.
Beds provide warmth, comfort and a sense of territory, and sometimes, when they actually use them, your heart just melts.
Amazon pick: Cat Bed with Hooded Blanket – cozy, soft and perfect for loafing in style.
Because Cats Come First
I’ll admit it: I’m the kind of person who buys more things for my cats than for myself. But when I see them happy, safe, and comfortable, it’s worth every cent.
While I might not (yet) own a futuristic self-cleaning litter box, I’ve invested in towers, shelves, and toys that make life richer for them – and quieter for me.
After all, cats aren’t just pets. They’re tiny, furry royalty. And we, their loyal humans, are here to serve.
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