We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Pet Products The Best Cat Supplies of 2024, Tested by Cats and Their Humans Including litter boxes, toys, beds, and more By Kayla Kitts Kayla Kitts Kayla Kitts is a shopping editor for PEOPLE with more than a decade of experience writing, editing, and testing products in the home and lifestyle space. She previously worked as a managing editor at HGTV, covering shopping and home design trends. People Editorial Guidelines Published on September 17, 2024 06:15AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews More to Consider What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Alicia Long The path to a happy cat begins with the right gear. If you’re looking to spoil a kitten, adult, or senior kitty, there are several cat essentials to buy — whether welcoming a new furry companion into your home or just making your current ones as happy as Taylor Swift’s cats. The Cold Hard Truth We’ve tested over 200 cat products with our own picky felines who range in age and temperament to bring you the best cat toys, beds, litter boxes, and more, but here’s the truth: Cats are very particular; they get bored easily; and they don’t like too many choices. You may go through a few different options before landing on the one your cat prefers. Our cats spent thousands of hours trying cat products, so we stand by our recommendations and hope they help you narrow down your choices. Whether you’re only in the market for a new cat scratching post or you’re a brand new cat parent looking for the right cat supplies for your furry friend, this guide is a great starting point. Our Top Picks Best Litter Box: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan at Amazon $54 Jump to Review Best Automatic Litter Box: SALE PetSafe Smart Covered Self-Cleaning Litter Box at Amazon $300 $240 Jump to Review Best Automatic Cat Feeder: SALE Ymiko Automatic Cat Feeder at Amazon $40 $31 Jump to Review Best Water Fountain: SALE Veken Pet Fountain at Amazon $27 $20 Jump to Review Best Cat Bed: Nisrada Round Pet Bed at Amazon $21 Jump to Review Best Cat Tree: Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts at Amazon $56 Jump to Review Best Cat Scratching Post: PETMAKER Cat Scratching Post at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Cat Brush: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best Cat Carrier: Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Best Cat Toy: SALE Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy at Amazon $11 $9 Jump to Review Best Litter Box Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan PHOTO: Chewy $54 at Amazon $33 at Chewy $40 at PETCO Star Qualities Removable hood and door offer privacy Door helps keep litter in the box Built-in bag anchor makes it easy to scoop and change litter Carbon filter helps keep odor at bay Red Flags Cats may need time to adjust to enclosed design To find the best litter boxes, our cats tested 46 different options, from open to hooded to covered, and we dubbed the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan our favorite. The enclosed design offers privacy for anxious or shy kitties, while the removable door and hood make cleaning easier. There’s even a built-in bag anchor to make scooping and litter clean-outs more efficient. Enclosed litter boxes tend to trap odors better than open pans, and this one has a carbon filter to help eliminate unwanted smells. Just keep in mind that it may take some time for your cat to adjust to an enclosed litter box. Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 22.44 x 19.69 x 18.31 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds People / Maddy Newton Pro Tip! A general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. Best Automatic Litter Box PetSafe Smart Covered Self-Cleaning Litter Box PHOTO: Amazon $300 $240 at Amazon $153 at Target View on PetSmart Star Qualities Simple to set up and program via the app Ultra-quiet operation Keeps odors at bay Small footprint great for apartments or tight spaces Red Flags Must use crystal litter Rake can sometimes miss smaller pieces of waste Scooping the litter box is an essential yet not-so-fun part of cat ownership. Luckily, there are litter boxes on the market that will practically handle the chore for you. Our cats tried out 18 automatic litter boxes, and even after multiple rounds of testing, we still love the smart and simple PetSafe ScoopFree litter box. Not only is this automatic litter box easy to set up, but it also has a whisper-quiet operation with impressive odor control. Plus, the app is intuitive to use and you can track your cat’s bathroom behaviors, set cleaning reminders, adjust when it rakes waste, and more. While it does require a specific crystal litter and the rake can miss smaller pieces of waste, we think this litter box’s performance and features make it a great addition to any busy cat parent’s household. Dimensions: 27.6 x 19.1 x 16 inches | Weight: 20.2 pounds | Features: Automatic and manual rake action, safety sensors, health counter, app PHOTO: People / Andrea Tenborg PHOTO: The Spruce Pets / Andrea Tenborg PHOTO: People / Andrea Tenborg Choosing the Right Litter Once you’ve picked out your cat’s litter box, you’ll need a hefty supply of litter to keep their bathroom space clean and odor-free. We tried out dozens of top-rated cat litter options, and we recommend the Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented litter for its impressive odor control, easy-pour box design, and virtually dust-free formulation. Best Automatic Cat Feeder Ymiko Automatic Cat Feeder PHOTO: Amazon $40 $31 at Amazon Star Qualities Easy to program Can dispense up to four meals per day Quiet operation great for anxious kitties Dual power supply ensures feedings are never interrupted Red Flags One-piece design is difficult to clean If you’re really trying to automate things around your house, an automatic feeder can keep your cat on a prompt feeding schedule (without you being pawed awake in the middle of the night). After testing nearly a dozen automatic feeders with both cats and dogs, we found the Ymiko dispenser to be the best option for smaller pets. It has a 12.7-cup capacity and can dispense up to four meals per day. Setup and programming are fairly simple, and you can personalize a 10-second recording to let your cat know it’s time to eat. Plus, it uses a dual power supply to ensure food is dispensed no matter what. While its one-piece design makes it trickier to clean, we think this is a reliable and affordable option for those who want a little piece of mind. Power Source: Dual | Dimensions: 12.56 x 7.83 x 7.83 inches | Wi-Fi Enabled: No | Capacity: 12.7 cups PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples Choosing the Right Cat Food The cat food you choose will depend on your cat’s age, medical conditions, and individual needs. You should also assess the benefits of wet vs. dry food. Veterinarian Dr. Amber Oteri says, "Cats do so much better with canned food feeding. [They] do not do well with carbs since they are obligate carnivores and their bodies need higher levels of protein than dry food provides." Best Water Fountain Veken Pet Fountain PHOTO: Amazon $27 $20 at Amazon Star Qualities Has two flow designs Large capacity for less frequent refills Cleaning and maintenance are simple Pump is super quiet Red Flags LED light might be unnecessary It’s important to ensure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Since many cats prefer running water, we recommend a fountain. We tested 37 pet bowls and feeders of all types, including an automatic water fountain that earned top marks with our tester’s two felines. The 95-ounce fountain holds enough water to last several days before needing to be refilled, and the water-level window makes it clear when it’s time to replenish. It has an elevated design to make sipping more comfortable, and the water flow comes out in a gentle stream that is super quiet — and actually quite soothing. Plus, cleaning and maintenance tasks are super easy, too. Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 6.6 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Material: Plastic, stainless steel | Capacity: 95 oz. PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert Best Cat Bed Nisrada Round Pet Bed PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon Star Qualities Cozy and supportive design Slip-resistant bottom Machine-washable for easy care Raised edges offer security Red Flags Fluffy fabric may shed a bit While cats are known for cat-napping just about anywhere, it’s important to have a cozy bed that will ensure they have a safe and secure place to rest that’s all their own. Our expert feline snoozers tried out 16 beds, including caves, couches, tents, donuts, and more. Our tester’s cat duo had no problem snuggling in the plush Nisrada donut-style bed. The 27-inch version we tried is perfect for one cat (or, in our case, two who like to cuddle close), but there are also eight other sizes to choose from. The lightweight design has a skid-resistant bottom to hold the bed firmly in place on hard surfaces, and it can be tossed in the washer for a quick clean. We noticed the fluffy fabric started to shed a bit, but for the overall quality and customizable offerings, it’s a pick we stand by. Size: 27 inches (9 options) | Colors: 18 | Machine-Washable: Yes PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert PHOTO: People / Jess Hoffert Best Cat Tree Amazon Basics Cat Activity Tree with Scratching Posts PHOTO: Amazon $56 at Amazon Star Qualities Multi-level design offers lots of enrichment Stable and durable design Easy to assemble Small footprint Red Flags Only one color option Cat trees are especially important for indoor kitties, as these structures allow them to jump, climb, hide, scratch, and even lounge. They’re key sources of enrichment, allowing you to support your cat’s natural instincts in a safe environment. After testing 26 different cat trees, we love the Amazon Basics Indoor Cat Tree which also offers seven scratch posts wrapped in jute rope. The tower has four levels, including a cozy spot on top that also doubles as a cat bed. The design is pretty basic and it only comes in one color, but the footprint is small and it’s proven to be durable and stable for even the most active felines. Dimensions: 46 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches | Material: Engineered wood, carpet, jute | Colors: Beige PHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada PHOTO: People / Katlyn Moncada Best Cat Scratching Post PETMAKER Cat Scratching Post PHOTO: Amazon $40 $35 at Amazon $65 $50 at Target $52 at Chewy Star Qualities Easy to assemble Offers perch for resting Toys add more stimulation Small and easy to move around Red Flags May not stand up to larger, more rambunctious cats Scratching is important for cats — it’s great for their claws and can relieve stress. Cat trees and towers often come with integrated scratchers, but a smaller dedicated scratching post will ensure your cat keeps their claws off your furniture. We tested 18 popular cat scratching posts, and our tester’s playful kitten couldn’t get enough of the Petmaker tower. It comes with a carpeted base, three scratch posts, and three dangling toys. The design was plenty interactive for an active kitty, providing hours of play, and the upper perch even offers a spot to rest when your feline needs a break. Plus, we love that it can be easily moved from room to room to keep your cat occupied anywhere in the house. Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 x 19.25 inches | Weight: 4.98 pounds People / Kaya Abrahamson Experts Say "Cats benefit from a wide variety of mental stimulation and environmental enrichment. Cats need exercise, too, and play and interaction with their human family members will help keep them fit, mentally engaged, and healthy!" —Dr. Amber Oteri Best Cat Brush Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon Star Qualities Rubber handle makes it comfortable to hold Has self-cleaning retractable bristles Fine bristles remove knots and mats Red Flags Might be too large for smaller areas Whether your cat has short hair or long hair, regular brushing can help prevent mats, minimize shedding, and more. It’s also just a great way to spend time together. After testing 22 cat brushes on our skeptical felines, the Hertzko Slicker Brush received nearly perfect scores across the board. It’s gentle yet effective, comfortable to hold, and incredibly easy to clean — simply retract the bristles with the push of a button. We love that it easily combs through knots and mats without poking or scratching your cat’s skin. Our tester noted that the design might be too large to assess smaller areas, but the price, performance, and value make it worth it. Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 3 inches | Bristle Material: Stainless steel People / Andrew Whalen Best Cat Carrier Petseek Extra Large Cat Carrier PHOTO: Amazon $70 at Amazon Star Qualities Sturdy steel frame Bed insert is machine-washable Folds completely flat Extra-large design comfortably fits two cats Red Flags Too large for a single cat Your cat may be an indoor companion, but they’ll still need something to transport them to and from the vet and to have on hand in the case of an emergency. After trying out 31 different cat carriers, we named the Petseek soft-sided carrier our top pick for its cat- and human-friendly design. Our tester’s two large cats loved this carrier and had no complaints hopping inside when it was time to go. Our favorite features include locking zippers, a seatbelt strap, a mesh side panel, and a firm metal frame. Plus, it has two entryways and a machine-washable bed insert, and it can completely fold flat for convenient storage when not in use. Dimensions: 24 x 16.5 x 16 inches | Material: Polyester, mesh, steel | Weight Allowance: Up to 55 pounds PHOTO: People / Dylan Thompson PHOTO: People / Dylan Thompson Best Cat Toy Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy PHOTO: Amazon $11 $9 at Amazon $20 $14 at Walmart $12 at Chewy Star Qualities Great for multi-cat homes Non-slip base keeps it in place Ideal for independent play Red Flags Only comes in a bright orange color Having a plethora of toys on hand is a great way to keep your feline friend engaged and active. But finding toys your cat will play with can be a feat. That’s why we put more than 30 different toys to the test with cats of all ages. We tried a variety of wands, balls, lasers, feeder puzzles, and more, and while there is no single “best” toy, we found 17 of the most engaging ones our cats kept coming to again and again. The Catstages Tower of Tracks is a great toy for self-play and was an instant hit with every cat who tried it. It has three tracks with six balls that cats can swat at and chase for hours. The balls stay on the tracks, so you won’t have to worry about rogue toys rolling around either. Type: Circuit | Materials: Plastic, polypropylene PHOTO: People / Cassidy Walter PHOTO: People / Cassidy Walter Experts Say "I think it can be a misconception to think that older cats are less interested in play or environmental enrichment, which is definitely not true! Lots of toys are crucial, and it can help to find out what kind of toys the cat seems to prefer." —Dr. Amber Oteri Best Cat Camera Skymee Skymee Owl Robot PHOTO: Amazon $170 at Amazon Star Qualities Designed to entertain and interact with your cat Includes a treat dispenser Setup is easy, and app is intuitive Red Flags May scare anxious cats A pet camera certainly isn’t a mandatory purchase, but it can give you peace of mind when you’re away from home. We tried out 17 of the most popular pet cameras, and the Skymee Owl Robot is our favorite pick for cat parents. This little robot camera can move around the house via its remote control app to track your cat’s movements no matter where they go. It was easy to set up, and the motion detection, treat dispenser, video quality, and two-way audio also worked well during our tests. We love that this interactive camera can keep your cat entertained from afar with all of its fun features. While it’s definitely more engaging for pets than a stationary camera, if your cat is particularly anxious, this may not be the best pick. Dimensions: 9.06 x 5.51 x 5.51 inches | Resolution: 1080p | Treat Dispenser: Yes | Two-Way Audio: Yes | App: Yes | Features: Night vision, motion sensor, touch sensor PHOTO: People / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: People / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: People / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: People / Leticia Almeida PHOTO: People / Leticia Almeida More Cat Supplies to Consider While we’ve only listed out the most important cat supplies to have on hand, there are still a few more good-to-haves that we stand by. Except for the collar; that’s a necessity for any pet. Taglory Reflective Breakaway Cat Collars $7 at Amazon iPrimio Large Cat Litter Trapper Mat $50 $35 at Amazon $32 at Chewy Lukito Licking Mats $9 $8 at Amazon Woobamboo Dog & Cat Toothbrush $10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $7 at Chewy Brushing Your Cat's Teeth "Many cats can have severe periodontal disease as they age, and it is important to be aware of that and think about dental care that can be done at home ... and to also to plan for dental care that may be needed with a veterinarian," says Dr. Oteri. "Brushing with pet toothpaste [and] dental wipes — and doing those things consistently — can go such a long way towards preventing more serious dental issues further down the road. The earlier you start, the more easily your cat can become accustomed!" People / Cai Cramer I Fostered 6 Cats Last Year, and This $10 Waterless Cat Shampoo Makes Bathing a Breeze What to Know About Cat Supplies Your Cat’s Age Your cat’s age is an important consideration when shopping for supplies. For example, a non-covered litter box is great for kittens, as it helps them learn the ropes and get comfortable with this potty process. However, if you’re shopping for a senior, you’ll want to consider buying elevated food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend down and litter boxes that are easy to enter and exit. "It is a good idea with an older cat to be conscious of physical changes such as arthritis. Keep in mind that an older cat with arthritis may have more difficulty navigating stairs, and one might want to think about having litter boxes and food and water on multiple floors if you have a two- or three-story home," says Dr. Oteri. No matter your cat’s age, it’s important to learn your cat’s habits, pay attention to changes, and be ready to adapt as they grow and get older. Your Cat’s Preferences All cats require mental and physical stimulation. When bringing a new cat home, give them time to adjust to their new environment and let them showcase their preferences and personalities before introducing a bunch of new products into the mix. If your cat likes to be silly and active in the middle of the night, make sure you have some self-play toys on hand so they can stay entertained while you’re snoozing. And if your cat is more timid and reserved, a small, quiet hiding spot is a great way to make them feel more comfortable when they desire some alone time. Ultimately, make sure you give your cat what it needs — along with lots of care, love, and attention — and it will thrive in its new home. If You Have a Multi-Cat Home If you live in a multi-cat household, then you'll have to purchase extra necessities to keep everyone happy and thriving. According to Dr. Oteri, you'll need "lots of toys, multiple food and water stations, and always multiple litter boxes to help avoid inappropriate elimination issues." Have you noticed some intercat tension? "In many cases, behavioral interactions among cats in a muti-cat household can be subtle and easy to miss, and some cats will try to guard certain resources and keep other cats from having access to them. This can sometimes be as subtle as one cat maintaining a favorite resting place close to a resource such as food, water, or a litter box," says Dr. Oteri. "Even if they are not overtly aggressive or hostile, a more timid cat in the same household can feel threatened and be cautious about utilizing those resources. Most feline folks will recommend at least one litter box per cat in the house, plus one additional box." Cat playing with Catstages Catnip Dental Toy. People / Jordan Provost Behind the Scenes We tested over 200 cat products by conducting 13 different tests. Our dedicated team of cat parents put hundreds of toys, cat trees, litter boxes, and more in their homes and observed their cats interacting with these products for thousands of hours. While every test we conduct uses different criteria to determine the “best” cat products, we generally look for the following: Is it durable? Pets are messy. Will these products stand the test of time? After initial short-term testing, we often ask our pet parents to integrate these items into their daily routines and report back weeks, months, and even years down the road as to whether they still like them and whether they’re still in good condition.Does it perform well? Simply put, does the product do what it’s supposed to? Especially when it comes to more technical products like automatic litter boxes and pet feeders, we want to know that we can depend on them when they say they are going to scoop, rake, or rotate.Do our cats like it? We may love a product for its design, performance, and ease of use, but the most important critics are our cats. If they don’t like it, they won’t use it. The products on this list have received our cats’ seal of approval.Is it made well? This goes hand in hand with durability, but quality is also an important consideration when trying out cat products. It needs to stand up to claws, rambunctious playtime, frequent cleanings, and everyday wear and tear. We continue to regularly test — and retest — the products we recommend, so keep checking back to see what new supplies we suggest for both new and veteran cat parents. Cat sleeping in Best Friends by Sheri Cozy Cuddler Covered Cat & Dog Bed. People / Andrew Whalen Why Trust PEOPLE? Kayla Kitts is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested dozens (and dozens) of cat products firsthand with her two very picky felines: a 14-year-old Domestic Shorthair named D’Artagnan and a nine-year-old Manx named Scout. After years of trial-and-error purchases, she has learned a few things: The best products aren’t necessarily the most expensive or flashy ones. She has been using two of these simple yet reliable PetSafe Automatic Feeders for almost seven years. Sometimes the most unconventional items prove to be the best. The “litter box” option her cats prefer over all others? This Jumbo Storage Box. Once you give your cat those beloved plastic toy balls, you will find them all over your house for the rest of your life. Our Expert Panel Dr. Amber Oteri, DVM is a veterinarian at East Atlanta Animal Clinic in Atlanta, Ga. Author Kayla Kitts' cats: D’Artagnan and Scout. People / Kayla Kitts What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.