- You are here:
- Home »
- Other
Category Archives for Other
West & Willow Cat Portraits!
West and Willow makes amazing digital renditions of your pets from any picture you share! You can get an amazing portrait of your furball(s) and immortalize them on your walls!
Product Name:
West and Willow Cat Portraits
Product Type:
Digital Cat Portraits
Summary:
West and Willow’s incredibly talented artists take your real life photos and turn them into amazing digital versions that are then printed, shipped to you and easily hung on your wall! It doesn’t get any better than this, especially if you want to show off your cat who always hides when your friends come over…
You can use the code PAWFRIENDS15 to get 15% off your entire order too, perfect for those of you who have multiple pets or who are looking for a couple of different renditions.
Rating:
So I’ve owed West and Willow a huge kudos for quite some time now and admittedly with Covid hitting it just took me way too long to get around to writing this. So sorry West and Willow Team!
I ordered my 2 cat portrait about 6 weeks ago and it arrived at my doorstep about 2 weeks after. Now I had sent two completely separate pictures of Lexi and Beastling, both facing away from one another.
Lexi and Beastling mostly tolerate one another, so I had asked to get them looking opposite directions to highlight their relationship. And look at that photo. The West and Willow team hit the nail right on the head.
Not only did they capture the likeness of each of these silly cats practically perfectly, I actually rearranged my entire office to hang the frame right above my desk so I can see it constantly while I’m working!
Now this did result in me having to buy a couple of cat shelves to put up on the other side of the office. With my desk the cats used to have an easy way to make it up to the window, but since I shifted it they lost their stepping stone and required a new one!
But really, can you blame me? Having this hanging over my desk on a day to day basis is hard to complain about. Especially when you’re basically stuck in the house 24/7 for weeks on end with the lockdown taking place.
Now let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the photo and the frame:
- It came packed very well with plenty of space and security to keep it safe
- With a bit of Windex I took off the dust from the package and it was ready to hang
- I managed to hang it in under 10 minutes with nothing but a hammer
- It is super lightweight and easy to handle
- The hanging instructions and the included level, nails and plastic made it a breeze
I really honestly can’t say enough good things about it. The only thing really left to do is to try and get Lexi and Beast next to it for a photo op. But as I stated, they aren’t exactly huge fans of one another lately so that seems like a bit of a pipe dream!
West and Willow Team, you did a beautiful job and I really can’t thank you enough for enabling me to adorn my wall with such an awesome digital representation of my favorite two kitty cats!
Ultimate Guide to Air Purifiers for Cats 2021 [Clean & Quiet]
Tired of your friends complaining about your cats when they visit? Or have a runny nose because of your own cat allergies?
There are some amazing air purifiers for cats available. They’ll do everything from pull dander and hair out of the hair to remove the odor from urine and the dust from the litter.
I’ve identified the best purifiers available. Scroll on down to get cleaner air today!
Table of Contents
The Best Air Purifiers for Cats
#1 – Winix Ultimate Purifier for Cats
This truly is the ultimate air purifier for pets and it works amazingly well for cat allergens as well as cat odors. Most HEPA based filters don’t do much for scents, but the Winix also includes a carbon filter to directly target odors.
On top of that, Winix was founded over 40 years ago with the simple goal of providing clean air and water to their customers. The Winix WAC9500 hits the nail right on the head for providing clean air!
A few major features worth calling out:
- Features a comprehensive 5 stage cleaning system to capture hair, dander & odors leaving only the purest air possible for you and your family
- Set and forget convenience, the Winix senses air quality changes & automatically adjusts the speed at which it’s running to equalize the pollutants and create clean, fresh air
- The All-In-One filter system will alert you when it needs a change, it usually lasts an entire year
- The HEPA filter will remove cat dander (and 99.97% of other particles) to relieve allergies
- Designed to cover a space of about 238 square feet, great for any room in the house
- You can of course control the unit manually if desired, 4 speed settings are available
- CADR Values are as follows: Pollen – 194, Dust – 182, Tobacco – 183
“This filter did a way better job than I expected. I don’t even need to take my daily Claritin anymore because I can sleep without reactions!”
It is worth noting the following before making a purchase:
- The all in one filters used for this model are a bit more expensive than other filters, but keep in mind you usually only have to replace them once a year
#2 – 6 in 1 Smart Filter for Pets
The Hathaspace 6 in 1 Smart filter is the perfect solution for allergy season, even if that season is year round in a cat filled households. It will also clean up other particles that bother asthma sufferers and ensure families have a safer air environment for their home.
It features a true HEPA filter that will remove 99.97% of impurities like dust mites, allergens, pet dander, pollen, mold, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and toxic chemicals. While the HEPA filter focuses on dander, there are 5 other stages designed to clean up the rest!
A few key features worth noting on this model:
- A full 6 advanced stages of filtration: a cold catalyst filter, a cellular-activated carbon filter, an antibacterial filter, a True HEPA filter, a UV-C light sterilizer, and an ionizer.
- The 6 in one provides hands free filtration, it will detect the air quality and automatically adjust its fan speed to ensure the proper level of purification
- Purify your air while you sleep at a whisper-quiet level of a mere 18dB
- With more stages, this purifier provides a full range of defense against dangerous PM2.5 particles (particulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter or less) that could be absorbed into your lungs.
- Designed to cover rooms of 300 square feet, perfect for even a large living room
- CADR Values are as follows: Pollen – 160, Dust – 160, Tobacco – 160
“The Hathaspace not only removes dander, but is very effective at removing cat litter-box odors! It includes a nano-cold catalyst filter to pull ammonia, the biggest cause of litter box odor, out of the air!”
The only key drawback worth noting on this model is:
- It won’t turn itself off when the room is fully clean to save energy
#3 – Levoit Large Room Purifier
If you’ve got a large room that you need to keep clean then this is definitely one of the best models to consider. Levoit specifically designed this model to go after rooms that are well over 300 square feet. Got a combination living room / kitchen? This is a great option!
Levoit has also taken into account that other models may produce trace amounts of pollutants like ozone during cleaning and decided to leave these filtration stages out of their purifier. This is one of the cleanest running purifiers on the market today.
A few other features you’ll definitely want to note when considering this model:
- A full three stage filtration system: a pre-filter for large objects like pet hair, a carbon filter for odors and a True HEPA to reduce the amount of dander floating in the air
- Smart technology detects the surrounding air quality and automatically suggests fan speed to purify your air faster or to save energy if it is already clean
- Sleep mode sets the purifier to its lowest setting to produce fresh air as you sleep (27db)
- You can set the sleep timer to turn the filter off automatically after you leave or at night
- Energy Star certified & CARB rated so you know it won’t run up your electric bill
- Perfect for huge rooms like living rooms, rated to clean rooms of 322 square feet
- CADR Values are as follows: Pollen – 135, Dust – 135, Tobacco – 135
“Pleasantly surprised by the automatic sensors. Every time I clean the litter box it kicks right into high mode and sucks up all the dust! It has been a miracle worker so far.”
You’ll want to keep the following in mind before you make a purchase:
- Filter replacement light is dependent on hours used, not on filter cleanliness. This can result in recommending filter replacement even if the filter isn’t actually full.
#4 – TrueAir Budget Air Purifier
This model is a great option for folks on a budget. Made by Hamilton Beach it is designed to eliminate odors and eliminate the need to replace your HEPA filters on a recurring basis.
It features a permanent HEPA filter that can be vacuumed off which will save you a significant amount of money on replacement filters over the long haul. Do note the carbon based odor filters will still need to be replaced on a recurring basis if odor is an issue.
Here are a few of the other key features worth noting:
- Features 3 stage filtration: a pre filter for large particles, carbon filters for odors and a HEPA-Grade filter to capture particles like pet dander
- The HEPA-Grade filter is a permanent fixture, you can simply remove it and vacuum it off
- Three speed settings: high for a cleaning sprint, medium for all day use, and low for night time
- Designed to clean rooms up to 140 square feet, perfect for a bedroom
- This model can run on its side or while standing, most models only run vertically
“Our ‘office’ constantly has tons of litter dust floating from our 3 cats. We bought this to help and boy has it done the job. No more dusty film floating around throughout the day!”
The key drawback to this model is:
- This features a HEPA-Grade filter which isn’t a true HEPA filter, read below for more details
#5 – BreatheSmart Customizable
If you’ve got an absolutely huge space and you want to customize your purifier to match your decor then the BreatheSmart can simply not be beat. It is designed to clean a massive amount of air and you can choose from a huge variety of colors.
On top of this the BreatheSmart is equipped with some of the most advanced technology on the market to ensure you get the cleanest and best smelling air possible from an air purifier. There are various options to choose from depending on what you need to clean!
You’ll definitely want to check out the following features:
- HEPA-OdorCell is your all-around pet solution: destroys unwanted odors at the molecular level
- WhisperMax technology makes the BreatheSmart twice as quiet as key competitors
- Laser sensors detect particles down to 0.3 microns and LEDs show air quality in real time
- Auto-Mode enables BreatheSmart to self-adjust fan speed to changing air quality
- 14 designer panels to suit multiple your decor, it’ll look right at home in any house
- Designed by NASA engineers to clean 1100 square feet every 30 minutes
- It is Energy Star certified so you’ll get clean air without running up your electric bill
- Features a lifetime guarantee for all parts, forever, period
- CADR values from the Alen website indicate 300+ for all 3 categories
“Made a significant difference for my asthmatic son with our 14 year old cat. We couldn’t give her up after having her since a kitten, but our son was struggling even with our girl restricted to the basement. The BreatheSmart made a huge difference, no more emergency inhaler use in the house!”
One key item worth noting on this model is the following:
- This model is definitely on the expensive side of household air filters
- Do note this is a HEPA Style filter, not a true HEPA filter which leads me to believe that the CADR values of 300+ may not be accurate
#6 – Germ Guardian Air Filter
The Germ Guardian is an air purifier created by Guardian Technologies. Guardian has their products checked for authenticity and validation by Verifide, a trusted 3rd party, to ensure they meet all standards! Talk about wanting to build consumer trust, Guardian is top notch at this.
The Germ Guardian has a 3 layer filtration system to focus on different types of filtration ensuring you get the cleanest air possible. This model is also Energy Star Certified and Carb Compliant meaning it is one of the most energy efficient models available.
A couple of other key items worth noting about this model:
- A full three stage filtration system,True HEPA, UV-C and Charcoal, ensures you not only remove pet dander, but also remove odors as well as kill bacteria, viruses and mold spores
- The True HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of particles as small as .3 microns
- Designed to filter a room of 153 square feet, perfect for an office or a bedroom
- Features 5 different fan speeds for targeted cleaning sessions or all day use
- AHAMindependently validated to remove tobacco smoke, pollen and dust
- CADR Values are as follows: Pollen – 116, Dust – 107, Tobacco – 99
“My cat has extra pungent urine, it sometimes permeates the entire house. I put this right next to the litter box and it sucked the smell right out of the air! Finally, a clean smelling house again!”
One key concern about this model that you’ll want to consider
- This model is tall and thin so it can easily be bumped and knocked over by your pets
#7 – Fragrance Diffuser & Purifier
If you’re looking to not only clean your air, but add a scent to it, then PARTU has quite the invention for you. This model is designed to suck all the allergens out of the air with a two stage carbon/HEPA filters, so it does a great job cleaning the air.
But as an added bonus, as it sends clean air back out you can add a fragrance to your air. Simply purchase a fragrance (essential oils work great) you like and drop it right onto the built in sponge to have outgoing air pass through it. Want your home to smell like an ocean breeze, simply add a few drops and you’ll think you’re on the beach in no time!
A few other key items worth noting about this model:
- Features a three stage filtration system: carbon filters eliminate odors and a true HEPA filter will help remove 99.97% of dander and dust mites from the air
- Easily add a drop of essential oil as well as a drop of water to the fragrance sponge to add a scent to outgoing air and make your house smell like anything you desire
- Features a control locking mode to stop children or pets from accidentally changing the settings
- Perfect for a small office or a bathroom with your litter box, cleans rooms up to 86 square feet
- This model is 100% ozone free
#8 – Quiet Care Air Purifier
HoneyWell has been in the home appliance and electronics space for decades and is known for making great products. The QuietCare 17000-S is an excellent air purifier designed to provide a safe breathing environment by eliminating dust, pollen, mold, spores, tobacco and of course cat dander!
A couple of other key items worth noting about this model:
- Features two stage filtration: carbon based filters for odors and true HEPA filters for the removal of 99.97% of dust and dander that cause allergies
- The purifier features IntelliCheck technology that will let you know if the filters require replacement, simply push the check button and get an instant reading
- Three different speeds for different times of day or when you feel you might need a boost
- Perfect for rooms that are about 168 square feet in size, great for bedrooms or offices
“My wife bought this to place next to the litter box in the ‘cat room’ and it has done a great job of reducing litter dust and sucking up massive amounts of cat fur. We give it two thumbs up!”
Worth noting the following before making a purchase:
- Despite the word Quiet in the title this model is noted as quite loud compared to other options
Additional Information
Cat Allergies Overview
Americans & Cat Allergies
Nearly a third of Americans with allergies are allergic to cats or dogs. Unfortunately, twice as many people have cat allergies as compared to those that have dog allergies.
If you’ve already got a cat in your home determining the cause of your allergies can be even more difficult because it isn’t a controlled environment. Not only do you have allergens that come from cats, but you also have molds, mildews, dust mites and all sorts of other things that can cause similar issues.
If you’re not 100% sure you have an allergy to cats then you should definitely go to the doctor and have a test performed to determine what you are and aren’t allergic to. This will verify exactly what the cause is.
Causes of Cat Allergies
Allergies in general are caused by your body attacking a foreign substance. This is exactly what your immune system does when it is fighting off a cold or even a bacterial infection.
In the case of allergies though your body is making a mistake and identifying something that isn’t harmful as a dangerous substance and attacking it by producing antibodies. This then causes all sorts of symptoms from a runny nose to difficulty breathing.
While most people tend to believe that cat hair is the most common cause of cat allergies, it is in fact typically caused by cat dander. Dander is basically dead skin from your cat and they shed it just like we humans shed our skin particles on a daily basis.
Pet dander tends to be the most prominent allergen and you don’t have to own a cat or even have seen one to have a reaction either.
Dander is lightweight and is easily carried or from place to place in the air or it can travel on people’s clothes. Generally though, signs of a cat allergy usually follow shortly after you come in contact with cat dander, saliva, or urine.
Note that cat saliva has a specific protein in it that most commonly causes the allergic reaction, it is called Fel D1 and you can read more about it here on Wikipedia.
Pet hair is actually not an allergen, it is typically considered an allergen because it gets pet dander or other allergens on it that then cause a reaction.
Pet allergens can stay active as allergens for extended periods of time, sometimes even for several months. The allergens cling to walls, furniture, clothing and other surfaces and upon contact can cause a reaction.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms experienced by people allergic to cats are swelling and itching of the eyes and nose which usually causes a stuffy or runny nose. Some may also develop a rash wherever the allergen came into contact with the body. Fatigue is also something people with cat allergies commonly experience.
If you happen to breathe in the allergens, in particularly dander, you can also experience difficulty breathing as well as coughing or wheezing. Asthma attacks mat take place in more extreme cases.
Many people with asthma have a severe attack upon interacting with cats so if you’re a cat owner you should be extra careful in notifying new friends of your cats before they come to your house the first time.
The cat allergen that over 90 percent of people with cat allergies react to comes from cat saliva and skin. It’s found in higher levels on male cats and is transferred to a cat’s fur during grooming.
Treating Cat Allergies
There are many ways to treat cat allergies, here are a few of the most common:
- Avoid interactions with the allergens at all costs, basically don’t have or interact with cats
- Minimize the number of allergens:
- Keep your cats restricted to specific rooms
- Get an excellent air purifier with a HEPA filter
- Have your family brush your cats daily
- Hire someone to brush your cat’s teeth
- Get an automatic litter box & wear gloves when scooping
- If you’re still experiencing symptoms you can explore these options:
- Antihistamines like Benadryl are good options for one off experiences
- Antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec are better for ongoing interactions
- Nasal sprays such like Flonase may work for both short term or extended relief
- Allergy shots may help desensitize you to an allergen over the long term
Home remedies
Nasal irrigation is a home remedy for many things, including the treatment of of cat allergies. You basically use water to rinse your nasal passages out. Generally you use salt water for this process.
While there are a ton of brands out there for nasal irrigation, the most common you’ll find is a Neti Pot. This article on WebMD will give you extensive details on how to create the salt water and perform the process.
Acupuncture, probiotics and some herbal supplements have also shown some ability to improve the symptoms of allergies. While there hasn’t been any research into the specifics for pet allergies, it may be worth considering these options if you’ve not had luck with other treatments.
Reducing the Impact of Cat Allergies
Hands down, the best option to reduce the impact of allergies is to avoid whatever causes them. This might mean you shouldn’t adopt or interact with cats.
If you’ve already got a feline friend though it leaves you in a more precarious position. You’ll most likely have no interest in getting rid of your kitty friend so you’ll need to do your best to reduce the impact of the allergens!
While having someone else perform key tasks (feeding/brushing/scooping/petting) will certainly help, you’ll want to take things a step farther. Some of these strategies may help your allergy:
- Keep the cat out of rooms you use the most frequently (like the bedroom / home office)
- Keep an air purifier with a true HEPA filter in the rooms you spend the most time in
- Avoid touching your cat bare handed, wash your hands after if you do
- Focus on wood floors, tile and clean walls to minimize places for allergens to accumulate
- Use throws on furniture & beds and wash them frequently
- Get HEPA filters for your central heating and cooling system and change them every month
- Cover your centralized heating vents with a thick fabric like cheesecloth to collect dander
- Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum & consider a robot vacuum for daily filtering
- Use a face mask while dusting or cleaning so you don’t inhale cat dander
If you have a severe cat allergy, talk to your doctor about immunotherapy for a long-term treatment solution.
Diagnosing Cat Allergies
Before making any rash decisions regarding your feline friend and a suspected allergy you’ll first want to verify it is indeed the cat that is causing your reactions! There are a couple of different ways to go about testing which are each detailed below.
If you decide to move forward with a test you’ll want to call an allergist and schedule an appointment and provide details on why you’re having the test done. Be sure to ask if there are any potential side effects from medication you’re currently taking as well.
There key types of allergy testing are usually bucketed into these three categories, ordered from the most common to the least common.
Skin Prick Tests
This is a very generic allergy test and can be used for almost any allergen you can think of. It works on the simple premise of sticking a small amount of a potential allergen onto your skin with a needle and waiting to see what happens.
You’ll typically be tested for several allergens at the same time. The first time I had this done I had 15 different allergens tested at once. I was being tested for mold, not cat allergies though!
Your doctor will likely test other potential culprits instead of just cat dander to identify the cause of your allergies. You’ll also get a control to ensure that there aren’t any false positives.
If any allergies are identified the site usually swells or starts to itch like crazy which shows you’re allergic. Fortunately the amount of allergen used is tiny and the effect will usually go away quickly.
Intradermal Skin Testing
As opposed to simply pricking the skin with a needle, intradermal testing actually injects the allergens under the skin. This can cause the same allergic reactions that you’d see from a skin prick test.
Unfortunately injecting foreign substances under your skin tends to cause more reactions than simple pin pricks, this can lead to falsely identifying allergens where none exist.
Blood Testing
Similar to any other blood test, your doctor will draw blood and send it to a lab for testing. This is most commonly done for people that have a skin condition that makes the other methods difficult to use.
The key drawback to this method is that sending blood away to a lab takes significantly longer. On the bright side though there is no risk of an allergic reaction during a blood test because the allergens are only exposed once the blood is drawn.
For more details on any of these methods please visit HealthLine.
What is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air and a HEPA filter is specifically designed to pull way more particles out of the air than traditional air filters on the market.
The most important thing to know about HEPA filters is that they filter out 99.97% of particles that have a size greater than or equal to 0.3 µm. They do this by building a mat of randomly arranged fibers, typically made of fiberglass and between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers in diameter.
Unlike a traditional air filter, HEPA filters don’t work like a sieve where the holes simple stop things bigger than the hole from going through. Instead these filters are designed to cause particles to stick to the fibers as they pass by, thus removing them from the airflow.
Note that while HEPA filters are designed to pull out fine particles, they do nothing to remove odors or scents out of the air like a carbon filter. Given this don’t expect a HEPA air filter to clean up the scent in your bathroom or near your cat’s litter box.
One of the most important things to note about HEPA filters is the following quote.
“Products that claim to be “HEPA-type”, “HEPA-like”, “HEPA-style” or “99% HEPA” do not satisfy these requirements and may not have been tested in independent laboratories. Some of these sub-par quality filters may come reasonably close to HEPA filtration, while others will fall significantly short, making them truly inferior.” – Air Purifier Power.com
Wikipedia has far more detail on HEPA filters if you desire to read it.
What Are HEPA Filters Used For?
There are three common places you’ll find HEPA filters used in relation to cat allergies. Each place can impact air quality in the house and if you have any severe allergies you should consider all three.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are one of the most common places you’ll find a HEPA filter in use. Each purifier usually has a filter that can be replaced on a recurring basis after it is completely filled with particles.
You’ll want to consider that an air purifier is usually only good for a room of about 200-300 square feet. This means if you’ve got multiple rooms in your home then you’ll need multiple air purifiers running all the time to get the job done.
Heating & Cooling Filters
If you have gas forced air or a traditional air conditioner of any kind then you’ve typically got a single centralized air flow system in your home. These can actually be very problematic for cat allergies because dander gets into the air and the system blows it all over the house.
Inserting a HEPA filter into the air flow can make a significant impact on decreasing the amount of cat dander floating around your home. You generally need a filter to keep your equipment running smoothly anyway, inserting a HEPA rated filter can be incredibly helpful.
Vacuums
Every time you run the vacuum in your house you are undoubtedly sucking up loads of cat dander along with the fur. While you certainly don’t need a HEPA filter to suck up cat hair, you might as well capitalize on the fact that air is flowing through the vacuum and trap the cat dander at the same time.
HEPA filters can be found in both traditional vacuums of all shapes and sizes and they can be found in robot vacuums. If you’re running a robot vacuum every single day you’ll notice a huge decrease in your symptoms by using a model equipped with a HEPA filter.
Back to the Quick Guide
What is a CADR Rating?
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. It is basically a numeric value assigned to an air purifier based on tests performed for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
CADR is a way for consumers to see an apples to apples comparison of how effective an air purifier is at reducing these three key items in the air:
- Tobacco smoke
- Pollen
- Dust
You won’t find CADR numbers for any other items at the time of writing this (12/30/2018). The easiest way to interpret these numbers is that higher is better. But there are ranges available for them as well:
- Tobacco smoke ranges from 10-450 CADR
- Pollen ranges from 10-400 CADR
- Dust ranges from 25-450 CADR
It is worth noting that if you’re looking at large scale household based purifiers that you won’t find a CADR score for them because it is only applicable to portable filters.
Unfortunately there is no rating for cat dander or pet dander, but the closest association is dust since household dust is largely made up of human dander.
For more information you can reference this great article from AirPurifierGuide.com.
Are There Hypoallergenic Cats?
The sad fact is there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic cat. While some breeds may be less likely to cause allergic reactions than others, there are no breeds that will completely avoid all potential allergens.
Many articles like this one from HomeOAnimal call out a list of “hypoallergenic” cats. Note that they do specifically say no cats are completely allergen free, but the article is misleading because of the title and the way that we humans consume information.
In short, some cats shed less hair and some produce less of the Fel D1 protein that is most commonly found in cat saliva and causes allergic reaction. But no cat is completely immune to causing allergic reactions and if you’ve got an allergy you shouldn’t assume you’re safe by adopting a cat like this.
Reference: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Wrap Up on Air Purifiers For Cats
If you’ve got a cat allergy based on cat dander or if you’ve got friends at family that are allergic then an air purifier can certainly help minimize the impact of cat dander.
While no cat is hypoallergenic and no single air filter can clear your house of every bit of cat dander, purifiers certainly provide an added benefit, especially if they are kept in the rooms you spend the most time in.
If you’ve got a cat allergy or know someone who does then let us know how an air purifier or filter has helped them combat their reactions! Please leave a comment below.
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The 11 Best Cat Doors of 2021 [In & Out Easy!]
Does your cat need to get between rooms or to get outside? More often than not they will scratch at the door or bang their head against it to get you to open it.
Save yourself the trouble. Get a cat flap or a cat door. Some of the best cat doors out there even enable you to limit entry/exit to specific cats in your household! There are even options out there for windows and sliding doors.
Read on and find the easy way to let your cats get between rooms or get in and out of the house!
Table of Contents
The Best Cat Doors
–Top 3 Cat Door Comparison–
Best interior Option
The Kitty Pass Interior Door
The ideal option for granting interior access
- Simple Installation
- Cats large and small
- Interior doors only
- Cat shaped design
or read more…
most full featured model
The SureFlap Microchip Door
Great for multi cat homes that need unique access control
- Easy to install
- Chip access control
- Time schedule locking
- Interior/Exterior
or read more…
Best Bare Basics Option
Ideal Pet Products Basic Cat Flap
Perfect fit for homes that need manual access controls
- Super durable
- Dirt cheap price
- Interior/Exterior
- Locks with ease
or read more…
most full featured model
The SureFlap Microchip Door
Great for multi cat homes that need unique access control
- Easy to install
- Chip access control
- Time schedule locking
- Interior/Exterior
or read more…
Best interior Option
The Kitty Pass Interior Door
The ideal option for granting interior access
- Simple Installation
- Cats large and small
- Interior doors only
- Cat shaped design
or read more…
Best Bare Basics Option
Ideal Pet Products Basic Cat Flap
Perfect fit for homes that need manual access controls
- Super durable
- Dirt cheap price
- Interior/Exterior
- Locks with ease
or read more…
–Detailed Cat Door Descriptions–
The SureFlap Microchip Flap
If you’re looking for a door that will give you the absolute best security on the market then you’ll want to go with a model from SureFlap. SureFlap also makes amazing feeders and other cool products, but their claim to fame is really in that they use your cat’s microchip to grant access to their door.
If you don’t yet have a microchip in your kitty then no worries, they send you one to attach to your cat’s collar! And if your fur ball is going outside I always highly recommend a collar just in case!
Considering a cat tracker of some sort may be worthwhile too if your kitty disappears for long periods. But the key features of this door are:
- Excellent security driven by your cat’s microchip ID or the included collar tag, no strange animals
- You can program your door to lock and unlock at specific times of day
- The door dimensions are about 7″ wide by about 6.75″ tall, great for most cats
- You can easily store multiple cats in the door memory, all cats can come and go
- Features multiple locking modes for only letting certain cats in or locking it down completely
“Works great for our two indoor/outdoor cats. They can pop out whenever they want it and has so far stopped anything foreign from coming in.”
It is very important to note the following before purchasing the SureFlap:
- The door will always let any pet exit, you cannot lock down the door from the inside
- Raccoons have been able to pry this model open from the outside
The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door
Do your cats constantly paw at interior doors because they want into some room where you’ve closed the door? I know mine certainly do! They do it pretty much every time I close any door in the house.
The Kitty Pass Interior Cat Door is the perfect solution to this problem! Not only is it super easy to install, but it’ll grant your cat full access to any room you desire in only a few minutes.
A few other things worth noting about this door:
- The Kitty Pass has an adorable design and easily lets your cat in and out of closed doors
- It works great on hollow interior doors as well as traditional solid doors
- The smooth side opening allows your kitty to pass through with ease and no snags
- There are no visible screw holes or logos, just clean lines that compliment your door
- The hole is 7.5″ wide and 6.5″ in height and can be used by cats both large and small
- Also has an extra large version for those of you with extra big cats
- Easily fits all standard interior doors with sizes, 1 1/4″ to 1.75″ thick
“We keep the litter box for both of our cats in the closet in the office. Once or twice my wife and I have accidentally fully closed the door which has left our poor kitties scratching at it the door for access. This door solved that problem immediately.”
It is worth noting the following before making a purchase:
- If you’ve got kids in the house that may constantly lean against or pull on this then you may want to consider using screws to secure it instead of the included 3M tape
Ideal Pet Products Basic Cat Flap
If you’re in the market for the pure basic locking cat door then Ideal Products has you covered from head to toe, and they have it done at an amazing value. This cat flat doesn’t have any microchip driven security features, but it will get all of the basics done.
Ideal Pet Products developed this product for those of us that just want a simple door that will let our cats in and out of the house. You can of course lock the flap down overnight if you want want your cats going anywhere!
A few other key items worth noting on this option:
- It is super durable and has a telescoping frame to fit doors of varying sizes
- The flap measures just over 6 inches by 6 inches, perfect for cats in the range of 12 pounds
- The flap is made from clear, weather-resistant, unbreakable Lexan so it’ll be around forever
- You can easily mount the door into a board and place it into a sliding window with ease
- You can of course lock down the flap if you want to keep your kitty inside or outside
“These flaps have been a staple of my house for well over 20 years. They are super easy to use and dirt cheap. You simply can’t find a better door for the price.”
It is worth noting the following before making a purchase:
- The door closes rather swiftly and firmly, if your cat is skittish this may be problematic
Perfect Pet Soft Flap Door
The Perfect Pet Soft Flap Cat Door is a traditional cat door that is intended for installation on a door that lets your cat go between the indoors and the outdoors. It’ll meet all of the basic requirements of a cat door and then some, but it is not one of the more full future models.
Instead of using microchips or a magnetic locking mechanism it is designed to simply close itself tightly with magnets until your cat pushes on the flap.
A few key items worth calling out on this model are:
- The flap is magnetized to keep it sealed tightly whenever a cat isn’t using it
- You can lock down the door with a slide down mechanism to ensure no exit/entry
- The telescoping frame adapts to doors of 1 1/14-inch to 2-inch thickness
- There are two different sizes available to fit cats of any size: 5″ x 7″ and 7″ x 11.5″
- The mounting system is tamper proof so you can’t remove it from the outside
- Installation is super easy and takes only about 20 minutes on average
“I have a pretty large lady at home at about 15 pounds and it works great for her. She took a week or two of adjust to it with the flap taped open, but after that it was smooth sailing!”
The only thing worth noting on this model is:
- The installation instructions are a little lacking and may require some additional mesaurements
Petsafe Aluminum Screen Door Panel
If you’ve got a sliding screen or glass door and you want to easily enable your cat to get outside without damaging the door then this model from PetSafe is the best choice.
This option basically gets inserted between your door frame and the door itself and creates a new section of the glass door that has an entry/exit flap.
There are tons of different sizes to choose from that will fit any traditional sliding door. Installation is a snap and you’ll immediately create a way for your kitty to get in and out. On top of this you get a great seal that will minimize any heating/cooling costs too.
A few additional items worth noting:
- Inserts between any sliding door and the frame to let your kitty in and out
- Super easy to install or uninstall, perfect for rental properties as it won’t cause any damage
- The tinted flap uses a magnetic closure and is weather sealed for great climate control
- The frame is made of strong but lightweight aluminum and has tempered glass for safety
- There are 5 sizes and 3 colors to choose from to fit your home with ease
- There is a plastic cover that can be slipped in to restrict access both in and out
“It took my fur ball about a week to get used to using it with help (treats on the outside and inside). After that though she was in and out without even noticing the flap!”
It is worth noting the following before purchasing:
- Since screen and glass sliding doors can be uniquely sized be sure you measure very carefully before making a purchase as the frames are not flexible and you must purchase the right one up front
Moost 4 Way Locking Cat Door
Moost has one of the most well respected basic cat doors on the market. You’ll notice many similarities to the Ideal Pet Products model as they have a lot of the same features and are even close to the same size.
This door has also been proven to work extremely well on both hollow interior doors as well as solid exterior doors. If you’ve got your kitty’s litter box squirreled away in a closet or something this door will allow for easy access while maintaining scent control.
A few other features worth noting:
- Features 4 way locking: totally open, totally closed, in only and out only
- The cat door flap is about 6″ wide by 6″ tall, great for average cats under 15 pounds
- It is made from clear, weather-resistant, unbreakable Lexan so it’ll last a long time
- The flap is both hard and transparent which will ease your cat into learning to use it
- Will work on all traditional interior and exterior door sizes from 1-2 inches thick
“This thing works great for a feral cat we have in the yard. We keep food and water for her in the back room of the house and she figured it out in minutes. She’s safe and sound now whenever she needs shelter, but she has her freedom too!”
You’ll want to consider the following before you make a purchase:
- Several owners mentioned the screws are low quality, you may want to purchase your own from a local hardware store like Home Depot
Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap
Need a little bit of added security? Cat Mate has been in the market for years and has you covered. This cat door that will ensure your kitty can get in and out with ease!
This door comes with a small tag that your cat attaches to her collar and it serves as a key to open the door. If your kitty isn’t used to wearing a collar you could consider attaching it to a harness too.
No longer do you need to worry about animals from outside managing to sneak through the door. Cat Mate has you totally covered! Check out the additional details:
- Your cat wears a small magnet that doubles as an identification tag and key to the door
- A fast reacting circuit with long lasting batteries guarantees instant entry for your pets
- An easy to use 4 way locking system enables complete control over your cat’s movement
- The flap measures about 7″ wide by 7″ tall so you get a little more space than other models
“After a week of effort our kitties figured it out! Now we no longer have other animals like raccoons sneaking into our back room at night to ravage our cat food!”
You’ll definitely want to consider the following before making a purchase:
- Some owners have indicated the magnetic door function is difficult to get working right and that a microchip based door is more effective
The Cat Mate Extra Large Cat Door
Are your cats bigger than your average feline? If they are and you’re still looking to let them get in and out of the house easily then you should take a look at the Cat Mate Extra Large Cat Door.
This model covers all the basic needs of a cat door and it was designed specifically for larger cats. You can also see the little green and red sliding lock mechanisms on it that will ensure you can lock cats in or out whenever you want!
A few key items worth noting about this model:
- Perfect for your larger cats to get in and out of the house, the flap is 7-1/8″ wide & 7-1/2″ tall
- Features a four way locking system: open, closed, in only and out only
- The flap is 100% transparent which has been proven to ease teaching your cat to use it
- Opening and closing of the flap is nearly silent so it won’t disturb you or scare your kitty
“I installed this thing in 30 minutes and I’m definitely not Tim the Tool Man Taylor (or Al Borland for that matter). The cats were using it by the end of the day without issue.”
You’ll want to consider the following if you don’t have a cat that learns easily:
- The magnet can sometimes be too strong and deter cats from figuring out how to open the door
The Cathole Interior Grooming Door
If you don’t like to brush your cat as consistently as you should and you can’t stand vacuuming then you might want to consider the Cathole. This internal cat door was designed specifically to help cats groom themselves as they move between rooms!
It has brushes built right in that will pull away loose hairs as your kitty goes through it. Most cats love the feeling and will walk back and forth through the door just go get some grooming done!
There are some really great features worth calling out on this model:
- Originally created to groom your cat and keep the litter box in a separate room
- Do it yourself installation (step by step here) takes only about 30 minutes once the door is down
- Helps separate your kids and dogs from the litter box while granting cats easy access
- The brush is 100% removable in case your cat doesn’t like it or you want to clean it
- At about 8.5 inches high it’ll easily accommodate larger cats (estimated to about 20 lbs)
“I was originally concerned with a hollow interior door because I thought it would end up way too flimsy. I was wrong. This has worked extremely well across 3 different doors in the house!”
It is important to note the following before making a purchase:
- Some other owners have been frustrated with the durability of the brush
The Kitty Pass Wall Passage
Most cat doors that are designed for interior doors are not designed as complete circles or squares, they are instead designed in U shapes to make the installation easier and faster.
But if you’ve got two rooms you want to connect that don’t have a doorway then you actually want a complete circle or square! This ensures that there’s no open dry wall or interior wall pieces that might scratch your kitty up.
The Kitty Pass is designed for just this situation! So let’s take a look at it in more detail:
- The Kitty Pass has a smooth and wide opening to easily let your cat pass through walls
- The pass itself is 7.5 inches in diameter and enables even larger cats to pass with ease
- It comes completely finished in a semi gloss white, but you can easily paint it yourself
- Designed to fits standard interior walls with 2 x 4 construction and 1/2 inch sheetrock (drywall)
“We keep our litter box under the staircase and this made access way easier. We no longer have to keep the door open all the time for either our 9 or 14 pound cat.”
It is worth considering the following before you move forward with purchasing this option:
- You may want to consider adding screws to the included 3M tape strips
- Be sure to measure your well very accurately up front as the model is not extensible or collapsible, if your wall isn’t a traditional size it will likely not fit
Ideal Pets Cat Door for Windows
If you’ve got a window you’re trying to turn into a cat door then this Ideal Pets option is the perfect fit. It is specifically engineered to fit right into an existing window and provide your kitty an entrance and exit!
The most common use case I’ve seen for this type of cat door is to give your cats access to a catio or to a segmented off outdoor area just for the cats! But let’s look into it in a bit more detail:
- Easily fits into most aluminum sash style windows: 3 different sizes available
- The flap size is huge at 7″ x 10″ meaning cats of all sizes can easily get through
- Features a 4 way lock: In and Out, In Only, Out Only, Completely Locked
- Excellent weather sealing and can stay installed all year around
- Helps control litter tracking significantly by easily enabling you to put the litter box outside
“I live in Florida and prefer to keep the litter box outdoors in our cordoned off catio area. The window to the area is raised up so this was the perfect fit and to let them in and out without leaving the window open 24/7.”
You’ll definitely want to consider the following before making a purchase:
- Window installations can be a bit more complicated and may require a bit of modification to get both the door and the housing to fit snugly in the window casing
Additional Information
Cat Door Types
Exterior Door Cat doors
This is the model type that most people are familiar with. When you hear cat door or cat flap you immediately think about the old rectangular version installed into the back door of the house that dogs and cats could go ahead and run right through.
The general use of these models hasn’t really changed, they are intended to let your cat in and out of the house. But there are tons of new features and functions available that make it easier and safer for your household to install and use one of these exterior doors.
Exterior cat doors are by far the most extensive when it comes to variety available. So in a bit more detail I’ll break down the main kinds:
- Traditional door: Designed to work on your traditional door. A standard door in your home (if you live in the USA) is usually about XYZ inches thick. Be sure to read each model carefully though as some may require a thinner or thicker door to accommodate a more complex device.
- Sliding doors & Screens: If you’ve got a house that has a patio out back then you probably have a sliding door with a screen in it. This can be tough to install the most common forms of cat doors in because screen doors have very little support. There are a few models specifically designed to handle this be inserting a
- Windows doors: I had never even heard of these until I started researching this article, but there are indeed cat doors designed specifically for installation within a window. This works a heck of a lot better than simply leaving a window open. The key consideration here is that installation is a heck of a lot more complex than in a door.
Interior Door Cat Doors
Interior cat doors are quite straight forward. They basically enable your cat to get between rooms in the house without actually opening the door. You can install these on pretty much any standard door and can be used for access to any room you would like in the house.
By far the most common use case I’ve seen for an interior cat door is to let a cat into a room that has the litter box. My family keeps the litter box in a closet and instead of keeping the door propped open we use an interior cat door.
Not only does it look nice, but it can keep the entrance away from the actual box to help minimize smell too! This is a great option if you’re looking for a cat door for an interior garage door too! Let your cats get into the garage with ease.
Another common use case is to keep your cat’s food bowls in another room and provide access to it without letting larger animals, like the family Golden Retriever, into the same room.
Interior Wall Passages
You may have seen a few of these floating around as well. If you’re looking for a way to let your cat get between rooms or sections of the house that don’t have an actual door then you could leverage one of these instead. A great example comes from The Kitty Pass:
They install in mostly the same way as a traditional cat door, but the inside of the kit is designed to be a complete circle instead of a half circle like most cat doors are. This gives you full coverage for all parts of the wall once installed!
Some of these models also provide a “tunnel” that is a couple of inches long because a wall is traditionally much thicker than a door. This means there’s a lot more space your cat will need to sneak through.
Cat Door Key Features
Size of Flap
Most cat doors out there come sized for an average cat somewhere in the area of 9-12 pounds. There are of course doors like the Cat Mate Door for Large Cats that are designed specifically to accommodate cats that are quite a bit larger.
But to be sure you’re getting a door that your cat can use easily. Some interior doors, like the grooming door, are designed to be a tight squeeze and help pull hair off of your cat. In this case a smaller fit is on purpose. But for most doors you’ll basically want to get a few measurements of your cat before purchase:
- Width: Measure your kitty from side to side and add an inch for comfort (half an inch for each side)
- Height: In this case you’re not measuring your cat’s overall height, you’re instead measuring how tall your cat’s torso is. Basically you want to measure from the bottom of the chest to the top of the shoulders.
Depth
This is basically how thick the overall door and device are. You want to make sure that whatever door or wall you’re planning to install your cat door in will be totally covered by it.
Most doors are quite consistent in size so this shouldn’t be too big of a concern, but if you’re installing your cat door into a wall then you’ll definitely want to do some measuring up front!
It is worth noting that there are specific doors designed to handle extra thin applications as well. In the case of a screen door or a garage door for instance you might need one of these special thin doors that don’t require a much larger casing.
Access Control
The cat doors and cat flaps of the past didn’t really have any access control features. It was basically open to the world and anything or anyone small enough could slip on into the house.
These days there are several security features available on cat doors. You can get features that are as simply as a manual lock all the way up to microchip based security that will keep some pets inside and some pets outside. There are even features available that will let you only let a pet in if they happen to have snuck out through an open window or door.
Most security features work on the microchips you can get to identify your cat. If you’re unfamiliar with microchips you can read more about them here.
But at a high level they are a simple RFID with a unique code that can be scanned at any time. These chips can be linked to the door as a key and the door can lock/unlock based on whether or not your cat is close to it.
Since each cat has a unique chip you can link only the chips you want to the door and restrict access. This will not only keep strange animals out, it can ensure that only the right animals get out the door in the first place.
Note that most doors with microchip security can handle upwards of 30 different microchips. Unless you’re running a cat hotel you should be in good shape to cover even multiple cats.
Installation Complexity
If you’re worried about installation complexity then you can always hire a professional, but most of these doors are relatively straight forward to install on your own if you have the right tools.
Read here for more info on installation and to see an example.
Shape
There are a couple of different shapes for these doors, but mostly they fall into three categories:
Square
U-Shaped
Cat Shaped
Door Color
Purchasing a door that will match with your decor in your house may be an important factor for some people. Do note that the bulk of these doors only come in white plastic for the frame.
As for the door itself you’ll generally want to choose something that is clear plastic when possible. Most cats can still be trained to use more opaque doors, but they prefer a door they can see through. No surprise, I like to see what is on the other side of the door before I open it as well!
How to Install a Cat Door
Installing a traditional cat door in your interior or exterior door is a pretty straight forward process if you’re relatively handy around the house and you have the right tools. Most people will be able to do it even if they aren’t terribly handy so long as they have the tools.
The general process usually involves the following steps:
- Remove your door from the doorway (depends on the cat door)
- Attach the included template or the cat door itself to your actual door temporarily
- Trace the outline with a pencil
- Drill holes at each of the major corners
- Cut out the outline
- Insert the door into the cut out space
- Secure the inside to the outside
The primary tools you’ll usually need are:
- A pencil or pen
- A jig saw
- A power drill with a traditional bit
- A hole saw bit for the power drill
To get an idea of what you might expect you can also watch this video from Sure Flap on how to install their door. Not every door will be identical, but this will give you a really good idea of what it would be like and what tools you might need:
If you’re not handy or you simply don’t have the tools necessary then you may want to simply ask an expert from a local business. There are tons of options out there these days, but some of the most common would be: to use Amazon Home Services, Angie’s List & Yelp.
Amazon Home Services
Angie’s List
Yelp
Each of these can connect you with licensed contractors or handy men that will get the job done easily.
How Do I Keep Raccoons Out?
If you’re looking at exterior cat doors then you’ll definitely want to consider how you keep wild animals (and other peoples’ pets) out of your house!
The good news as that most of these cat doors are engineered to stop raccoons from prying their way in so long as you actually lock the door. This means you’ll need to remember to flip the lock before night time though!
One of the key exceptions to this is the SureFlap Microchip door. It has been identified as a model that raccoons currently have a relatively easy time prying open.
One other thing you’ll need to be careful of with any microchip or magnet driven door is the idea of tailgating. Some raccoons have been reported as being smart enough to realize is they are speedy enough they can sneak in behind a cat after their chip unlocks the door.
These are of course rather daring raccoons and not too common, but you’ll want to be mindful of it. If you’re worried about raccoons you might want to install a security camera for cats to keep an eye on the space!
Are They Weather Sealed?
All of the cat doors designed for exterior doors (or windows) are engineered to maintain proper seals against the weather. This means they won’t let rain or snow in and that they will also maintain a proper weather seal for hot and cold air.
You should of course keep in mind that you are basically cutting a large hole in the door. This will cause additional in and out action from your pets and will let some hot and cold air in and out. This may drive up your heating and cooling costs to a limited extent, but the cost should be minimal.
Note that electronically driven cat doors will generally seal much more effectively than traditional cat flaps or models that lock with small magnets. If you’re looking to ensure the door stays firmly shut when not in use then you may want to open for an electronic option.
Wrap Up On The Best Cat Doors 2021
If you’ve got a cat that is both indoor and outdoor, or you’re just looking to more easily let your kitty between rooms inside the house, then a cat flap or a cat door is an excellent idea.
They easily enable you to stop thinking about things like ‘Did I leave that door open for Fluffy?’ or ‘Do I need to stay up and ensure that Captain Nemo gets back inside tonight?’ Cat doors make this all a no brainer, your cat can come and go as he or she pleases.
If you have any experience with cat doors or would like to share a product that has worked well for you in the past then please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The 11 Best Cat Cameras 2021 [Check On Fluffy Any Time!]
Want to check in on your cat and see how she’s doing? You used to have to wait for your awesome pet sitter to send you a picture so you could feel some relief. But things have changed!
Now we can watch and play with our cats from our phones. Some of the best cat cameras even enable you to talk to your cat, dispense treats and play with a laser pointer!
I’ve broken it down into two core types of cameras: interactive and monitoring. Interactive will let you engage with your cat. Monitoring cameras are to look in on your cat.
Table of Contents
The Best Cat Cameras 2021
Top 3 Cat Camera Comparison
Best budget
Petzi Treat Camera
Easy, Affordable & Dispenses Treats!
- High quality video
- Treat dispenser
- Night vision
- 1 way audio
- No subscriptions
- iOS & Android Apps
or read more…
Best overall
Skymee’s Interactive Treat Camera
Monitor, Talk, Watch, Interact, Play, Dispense Treats, All From One Place
- 1080p HD video
- Treat dispenser
- Night vision
- 4x zoom & pan
- 2 way audio
- No subscriptions
- iOS & Android Apps
or read more…
Best Monitoring
Kamtron Pet Camera
Simple easy monitoring & 2 way audio
- 1080p HD video
- Night Vision
- Pan/tilt/Zoom
- 2 way audio
- Motion detection
- iOS & Android Apps
or read more…
Best overall
Skymee’s Interactive Treat Camera
Monitor, Talk, Watch, Interact, Play, Dispense Treats, All From One Place
- 1080p HD video
- Treat dispenser
- Night vision
- 4x zoom & pan
- 2 way audio
- No subscriptions
- iOS & Android Apps
or read more…
Best budget
Petzi Treat Camera
Easy, Affordable & Dispenses Treats!
- High quality video
- Treat dispenser
- Night vision
- 1 way audio
- No subscriptions
- iOS & Android Apps
or read more…
Best Monitoring
Kamtron Pet Camera
Simple easy monitoring & 2 way audio
- 1080p HD video
- Night Vision
- Pan/tilt/Zoom
- 2 way audio
- Motion detection
- iOS & Android Apps
or read more…
–Interactive Cat Cameras–
Skymee’s Cat Cam & Treat Dispenser
Skymee is a newer entrant to the cat monitoring space, but they have done an excellent job in bringing a top of the line pet camera to the market! It has all the features you could ask for as a cat owner.
It has the ability to throw treats, it functions at night and it even has two way audio so you can both see and hear your kitty cat while you’re away from home.
A few other key features worth noting:
- It features a 1080p full HD camera for precision picture quality & features night vision
- It has built in 4x zoom so you can see your cat’s whiskers from across the room
- It has two way audio so you can talk to your cat as you dispense treats
- You can take photos or even videos with the mobile phone app (iOS or Android)
- Connect up to 8 cameras to a single account to keep track of the entire home
- It is compatible with wireless networks b/g/n
“This is a great option for a cat owner looking for a camera that has no monthly fees associated to it! Not only was it easy to setup, but it is super easy to use from my phone too.”
It is worth noting the following before purchasing the buy button:
- It does come in on the more expensive side compared to other pet cameras
Furbo’s Treat Tossing Camera
If you’re looking for one of the most highly sought after pet cameras on the market then the Furbo is probably the best bet for you. Not only does it have all of the features and functions you could ask for, it has also been featured numerous times as an excellent product on TV!
The Furbo has many basic functions that are included with your purchase, but some of the more advanced functions will require you to consider an ongoing subscription fee. Read below for more details about this great pet camera:
- It features a 1080p full HD camera that has built in night vision, 4x zoom & a 160 degree wide angle lens
- Two way audio lets you talk to your feline friend even from across the world
- The treat receptacle is massive compared to other models, it holds over 100 treats
- Schedule or manually toss treats to keep your kitty from sleeping away the entire day
- Features real time alerts when people are detected so you know when your cat sitter arrives
- It takes both photos and videos and auto compiles a highlight reel for you throughout the day
”The customer service is absolutely great. I had an initial issue getting it setup becaues of a problem with my cellular network. A quick call to Furbo and they told me exactly what I had to say T-Mobile to get things going!”
It is worth noting the following before purchasing the Furbo:
- Many of the more advanced features require a monthly Premium subscription fee
Pawbo’s Pet Treat Cam
Pawbo is an excellent option if you’re looking for a camera that you can use to play with your cat from afar. On top of this Pawbo also features an interactive treat dispenser so you can reward your kitty for a good play session or for coming to your call!
You should definitely consider this model is your primary goal is to play with your cat from a remote location. Not only does it dispense treats and have a built in laser, but you can accessorize by adding additional Pawbo toys to your arsenal and control them remotely as well!
A few other key items worth noting:
- The camera has 720p HD video, 130° wide-angle lens, and 4x digital zoom so you get great quality video and can zoom in on important places in the home
- It features a full on interactive laser pointer and treat dispensing system to reward your cat
- You can instantly share any fun moments on multiple social media networks with a tap of the app
- Up to 8 people can simultaneously login to Pawbo and watch the live feed
- You can buy other accessories from the Pawbo Theme Park to have even more fun
“The picture quality has been great so far and it was a breeze to set it up even though I’m not a techhie at all.”
A few other items worth noting before you make a purchase from Pawbo
- The Pawbo app can only handle one camera at a time
- Pawbo doesn’t support night vision so it is mostly unusable at night
PetCube Bites Pet Camera
Petcube has been around for years in the pet monitoring space. Their original Petcube is also listed below as a more affordable and less feature rich version, but I wanted to share this option because of the amazing built in treat dispenser!
The Petcube Bites model not only enables you to drop treats to your kitty at home, but it also comes fully equipped with excellent video quality and the ability to look at up to 4 solid hours of playback at anytime.
A few other key items worth noting:
- Full 1080p HD will give you excellent quality video of your feline friend
- Night vision is of course included as is 3x digital zoom
- Schedule treat deployments or manually launch them like angry birds
- Two way audio lets you talk to your kitty with each treat or just to say hello
- You can livestream straight to facebook when you notice your cat doing something hilarious
- You can connect up to 6 cameras to a single account to keep track of each room!
- Comaptible with Alexa so you can launch treats with just a quick voice command
“I love this thing. Not only does it work as a motion sensor security camera, it gives me peace of mind that my pets are doing well at home too. It is an added benefit that I can launch treats to my cats whenever I want!”
It is worth noting the following before completing your purchase:
- Varying subscription plans are required for the more advanced features and functions
Petzi Wifi Cam & Treat Dispenser
Petzi definitely differentiates on being a basic model that for more price sensitive owners when it comes to the cat camera market. But in my opinion that’s a good thing. It doesn’t that take anything away from the quality of the product they produce!
This camera will get the job done in almost any case and it’ll do it on a budget. The Petzi Treat Cam is designed to handle all of the traditional features and functions of a more expensive version, but to do so without running up high subscription fees or a huge investment up front. Key features worth noting:
- Features a high quality video feed directly to your pet whenever you want
- The camera has built in night vision so you can see your fluff ball in the dark
- Features one way audio so you can talk to your kitty and call them for treat time
- You can snap pictures of your cat through the Petzi Mobile Phone App (iPhone or Android)
- Comes in at a much lower price than other more advanced models on the market
- There are no recurring subscription fees required for any of the features or functions
“This is an excellent first iteration of a new pet camera on the market. I love it and can’t wait for the next release to come out!”
A few things worth noting on this more budget friendly model:
- There are no zooming, panning or tilting features built into the camera
- It doesn’t feature two way audio, you can’t hear your kitty talk to you but they can hear you
PetChatz HD Digital Daycare
PetChatz HD was designed by top pet experts to be much more than a simple treat camera to launch treats at your kitty from work. The PetChatz Digital Daycare System can be controlled from anywhere using an iOS/Android app or desktop computer and has tons of cool features and functions.
It is worth noting that the because the PetChatz system is designed as a premium product it also comes in with a premium price tag associated to it. Let’s discuss some of the differentiating features and functions you might find useful:
- PetChatz features both two way video and two way audio, your cat can see you too
- The HD low light camera gives you great quality video throughout the day
- Features a special ringtone to let your cat know when you are calling and bring them over
- Has a built in scent diffusion system to help calm pets with separation anxiety
- The built in treat dispenser holds up to 150 treats and a low treat indicator light
- Motion sensors kick off automated recording that is kept in 30 second videos for you to watch
- Plugs in right over a socket or has an optional stand to set it up anywhere you like (extra cost)
“We have three dogs and two cats that love sitting in front of the screen every time we turn it on! We were skeptical that the cats would use it at all, but so far we’ve been super impressed with how much they love it!”
A few key items worth noting about the PetChatz before you make a purchase:
- Does not feature traditional night vision and may struggle in dark homes
- A few of the premium features like PawCall and DOGTV require ongoing subscriptions
The Original PetCube
This is the original PetCube and the claim to fame with this model is the built in laser pointer that you can play with directly from your smart phone! If you are worried that your cats are getting too much sleep and might need some exercise you can login from your phone at any time and do a play session!
On top of this it has many of the core features other cat cameras have too including HD video, two way audio, sound and motion alerts and more! Let’s take a look at the key features and functions:
- Comes with full 1080p HD video, 138° wide angle lens and 3x zoom for close up viewing
- Petcube also features night vision so you can see your cat(s) clearly even in the dark
- Play with the built in laser pointer or set it to automatic to get your kitty some exercise
- You can talk to your cat with the two way audio and hear her meow while playing
- Keep four hours of rolling history recorded from the device at no charge
- You can also get advanced sound and motion alerts in case of major disturbances at home
- Compatible with Android and iOS and features Alexa compatibility too
- Can connect multiple cameras to the same account to cover the entire home
“The laser pointer is the key reason I love this model. Being able to hop on at lunch for a few minutes and get King Odin some exercise is a huge perk. It helps ensure he sleeps at night instead of playing with my hair ties all night.”
It is worth noting the following before pushing that buy and ship button:
- Maintaining additional history of your recordings requires an ongoing subscription and each individual device adds more to your monthly subscription
- There is no treat dispensing or storage function included in this model
–Cat Monitoring Cameras & Systems–
Kamtron Pet Camera
If you don’t want any interactive features to play with your cat and you just want to see what is going on then you’ll want to look at Kamtron. Kamtron is a top of the line camera that gives you comprehensive coverage and tons of features at a budget cost.
As an added benefit, this option is really economical as you can substitute micro SD cards for storage purposes instead of having to use a subscription based cloud service like many options. A few other things worth noting:
- Monitor your home in full 1080P HD with 350° horizontal & 100° vertical rotation
- Night vision lets you detect what’s happening around the clock, without light pollution
- Motion alerts let you know when anything is moving and two way audio lets you interact
- Video capture is stored directly on an SD card or into the cloud for easy access
- You can connect it using WiFi or a hard wired connection if desired
- Multiple cameras can be used on one account and multiple people can view at the same time
“Spying on your feline friends is a breeze with the Kamtron. We have two in the house, one in the living room and one in the office. Our cats spend 90% of their time in those rooms so it makes life easy!”
It is worth noting that Kamtron does make outdoor cat cameras as well, but this model is specifically designed for indoor use only.
The Canary All In One
If you’re looking for a security driven camera that will also help you keep an eye on your cats then the Canary is one of the best options on the market. It gets its name from the old ‘canary in the coal mine’ phrase.
This system is designed to keep an eye on all sorts of important things in your house and let you know if there’s an issue. It will alert you if the air quality changes, if motion is detected and even if the temperature dips or rises into a dangerous level.
And of course it will let you keep an eye on your cats while you’re away. The Canary really is an all in one security system. A few other items worth noting:
- It has a full HD 1080p camera with a 147° lens and night vision to give you a great view
- It does feature 2 way audio so you can talk to your pets from afar as well
- It can alert your phone when it spots people, motion, or detects air quality changes
- Canary can get you insurance discounts from companies like Allstate and State Farm
- It has a built in 90 decibel siren and you can contact police directly from the app
- Up to 24 hours of historic video is available for you to look through
- You can monitor multiple devices from the same account (4 on a free plan)
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
You’ll definitely want to consider the following before purchasing Canary:
- More video history and two way talk both require an ongoing subscription from Canary
The Amazon Cloud Cam
Amazon is breaking into many markets and anything that requires cloud data storage or can take advantage of cloud computing has their name all over it. Security cameras are no different. The Amazon Cloud Cam is an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor monitoring of your home.
Amazon is also constantly evolving the features and capabilities available on their equipment where many other companies are unable to invest as heavily. This means you’ll get a product that is constantly innovating which is always nice! A few other key items worth mentioning:
- The Cloud cam features 1080p HD video and you get great quality video even in the dark
- You can watch, download, and share the last 24 hours of video clips
- Leverage the two-way audio to check in with the family or say hi to your cat from afar
- Features great integration capabilities with other Amazon products like Amazon Key and Alexa
- Up to three cameras can be accessed/used for free from the same account
- Has the ability to detect people and also set zones to ignore motion in (subscription required)
“Super easy to use these cameras to keep an eye on my cat while I’m away during short business trips!”
You should definitely consider the following if you’re looking to use Cloud Cam for whole home coverage:
- Many of the advanced features/functions require a subscription paid monthly
–Cat Collar Cameras–
Eyenimal Cat Collar Camera
If you’re looking for a pet surveillance camera that will actually go with your cat wherever he or she goes, then you want a cat collar camera. While these are far more common in the UK right now than they are in the US, they are growing in popularity.
The general idea is that you can charge it up and attach it right to your cat’s collar. Then as your cat goes out and about you can watch what they’ve been up to all day from their perspective. If you don’t care about seeing what your cat sees you can instead consider a tracking device for cats.
There are a few things you’ll definitely want to note before purchasing:
- It features 480p video which is excellent for a mobile camera this size
- The camera auto focuses based on whatever seems to be in the centered field of vision
- It has night vision with a distance up to about 7 feet
- It has 4 gigabytes of built in flash memory for storage space
- The lithium ion battery is rechargeable and lasts up to 2.5 hours after a full charge
“I was skeptical if this would work at first, but I’ve actually really gotten to know my cat and his routines after strapping this onto his collar and letting him roam!”
You should definitely consider the following if you’re looking to purchase:
- This type of camera is not cloud or wifi enabled, you need to manually transfer the video
- The camera may be too large to fit on smaller cats
- If your cat doesn’t already wear a collar you’ll need to purchase a collar and get him used to it
Additional Information
Why Would I Need A Cat Camera?
There are a couple of key reasons people generally consider buying a cat camera, interactive or not. We’ll dig into each of these in a bit more detail to help you make a decision on if you need one.
Working Long Hours
Stuck in the office late or waiting out traffic before jumping in the car? Wake your cat up with the 2 way audio on all of the interactive models and throw a treat her way. Or let her chase the laser pointer around the bed in the dark if you’re stuck out late and won’t be home for a while!
Extended Vacation
If you go on vacation for extended periods of time then you can easily start to miss your cats. Usually you end up waiting for your cat sitter to send you a picture or two every day or every other day. This can be so frustrating!
If you can just login to your cat camera and say hi to your kitty from across the world it is a huge bonus! Not only do you have additional peace of mind, but you also get to play with your cat too!
Bond Development
Interactive cameras enable you to help build your bond with your cat even if you’re not around. This is great for people who travel for work constantly or those that work long hours.
Not only will it keep your voice top of mind, but if you play with your cat or dispense a few treats too it’ll make your cat associate with you positively. Big win for when you’re stuck at the office late or waiting for a bus or something.
Medical Needs
If your cat happens to have any unique medical conditions you may want to get yourself a camera so you can check in on your feline friend throughout the day from pretty much anywhere.
This is especially helpful for cats that have issues like diabetes where a spike or a dip in their blood sugar can prove fatal if it isn’t addressed quickly. A camera check in might be all you need to see your kitty is acting odd.
Security Purposes
Cat cameras are not specifically designed for security purposes, but they can bring an additional layer of security by letting you check in on the house from time to time! If you notice anything out of place or odd you can easily make a call to a neighbor or to the police if you’re unable to get home.
Some of the models shown above are also designed as security systems and will come with things like days of video backup as well as monitors for changes in air quality. While this isn’t the goal of most pet cameras it is certainly a nice perk!
Key Features To Consider
Resolution
These days most of us are pretty turned off when a video doesn’t render in at least HD. There are two core types of HD that most Pet Cameras film in: 720p and 1080p. If you’re not terribly familiar with the differences, no big deal. The short of it is that 1080p is higher quality than 720p.
If you really want to see your cat in super high precision detail then you’ll want to go for a 1080p pet camera. If you’re ok with a little less quality 720p is going to get the job done fine.
It is worth noting that traditionally 720p is going to be cheaper and it is also going to take up less data to send the video to your phone. This might matter if you’re often in low coverage zones or you don’t want to chew up your data plan.
Swivel and Tilt
Traditional security type cameras and web cameras were static. They basically showed you whatever you pointed them at and that was that.
Many of the newer cameras through allow you to swivel the camera (spin it around on a base) so that you can see different parts of the room more easily. The best ones even allow you to tilt the camera up and down so you can do things like look up on top of the cabinets and see if your cat is roaming the counters.
Swivel and tilt are usually measured in degrees, the more degrees they have the more versatility you are getting!
Optical Zoom
Optical zoom is the ideal method for zooming in. If you have large rooms or you just have a need to see fluffy up close then this is definitely what you want. Optical zoom uses the lenses built into the camera to bring the image closer and maintain appropriate quality as you zoom in.
Digital Zoom
If you have really large rooms or if you feel the need to be able to zoom in across the room and see exactly what your kitty is up to then you might want to consider a camera with digital zoom.
Note that if you’re going for digital zoom you’ll probably want to go for a 1080p camera. Digital zoom is completely dependent upon the original image taken, it isn’t actually using lenses to zoom in and out. This means the better the quality of the original the more you can zoom in without muddying up the image.
Treat Dispenser
Pretty straight forward, this is a feature that enables you to drop treats out of the pet camera while you’re talking to your cat or playing with her. Most of the pet cameras have a limited treat capacity so if you’re leaving for a long period of time they might not solve your problem.
There are a few dispensers that hold nearly 100 treats, but they are the rarity and not the norm.
Laser Pointer
A simple laser pointer is the the core built in toy for any pet camera. They are cheap and easy to build and they are also very easily controlled on the touch screen of a mobile phone application.
Laser pointers obviously tend to work better when it is dark out so placing the camera in a place where you don’t get a ton of direct sunlight might be worth considering. You’ll also want to ensure your camera has night vision if you’re bothering with a laser pointer!
Night Vision
During the day most cameras film in full color to provide a vibrant experience for you to check out. Once it gets dark though your camera has a tough time gathering any light and can’t display much.
Many pet cameras feature a night vision mode that will send you the video in a black & white type format that is optimized so you can see what’s going on easily even in a very dark room. This is ideal during those winter months or if you’re somewhere with a significant time change from your home.
Two Way Audio
Want to talk to your cat while you’re away? Two way audio ensures that you can send your voice right on through to a speaker built into the cat camera. This means your fluffy friend can hear you from across the world!
This is a great way to build your bond with your cat. Every time you drop a treat you can call out to your kitty and say hello so they know it is you at work behind the scenes!
Cloud Video Storage
If you’re interested in keeping track of what your feline friends have been up to for the past few days or past few hours you can always rely on a model that has cloud video storage. This will ensure you have playback capabilities as opposed to only the live image.
Do note that some models with cloud video storage require a monthly subscription fee to ensure you have access to the recordings.
Alexa Compatibility
Many cameras have an ability to interact with smart home systems like Alexa. This means you can basically provide voice commands to have Alexa do things like drop a treat for your cat.
So far capabilities with these integrations are significantly limited and I personally wouldn’t consider this a huge factor for purchase unless you just like to use new technology.
Cat Calls for Treat Time
Several of the treat dispensing models allow you to add the equivalent of meal time calls to each treat dispensed. This basically allows you to use either included or recorded voice messages that let your cat know that a treat is being dropped.
Most cats will quickly catch on to the sound of the cat camera dispensing a treat so these aren’t a necessity, but they are nice if you want to help develop your bond with your kitty by using your own voice!
Can I Use It As An Automatic Feeder?
Even cat cameras with treat dispensers shouldn’t be treated as an automatic cat feeder. They don’t have the capacity to hold enough food and nor are they designed for this specific purpose.
If you need a full on automatic cat feeder you can find my favorite automatic cat feeders in this article. I’ve provided extensive details on all of the core functions and the types of problems you might be solving with an auto feeder!
Do They Store Historic Footage?
Cat cameras are designed to allow you to login and monitor what your cat is doing at any time during the day. This means you traditionally have a live feed directly from the camera and you’re able to login and see your cat in action.
But we all know that cats don’t necessary move when we want them to and they might not be right in front of the camera when we decide to login! If you want history most cameras do keep a few hours of history available for you to scan through.
There are also cloud based subscription options with many of the cameras that will let you store anywhere from 7 to 30 days of comprehensive video history. The more you decide to store or keep available the more you’ll end up paying in ongoing fees. Some of these subscriptions also do enable certain features and functions on the pet cameras like social sharing etc.
Be sure to read the product descriptions and choose carefully based on how much history you may want to maintain!
Will These Cameras Work Outside?
With the exception of the model from Eyenimal none of these cameras is specifically designed to work outdoors. There are indeed monitoring cameras that are designed for outdoor use, but they are not designed to be interactive or allow you to play with your cat.
If you’re looking for high quality outdoor monitoring cameras you can simply click through on the Kamtron links and then switch over to the available outdoor models.
How Easy Are They to Setup?
Setup with most cameras is a breeze. They come with detailed instructions and typically require only a couple of simple steps to get them going.
The steps are usually as simple as:
- Plug the wireless camera in
- Download the associated app
- Connect the app to the camera using Bluetooth on your phone
- Configure the camera to access your Wifi
- Watch and interact with your cat(s)
Will They Work In The Dark?
The short answer is that most pet cameras are designed to work quite well even in dark rooms. Obviously the image won’t come across in full color. You can read more details about this in the features and functions section above.
There are some monitors out there that will not work in the dark, this is usually noted in the product description quite clearly. Note I haven’t included any options that don’t have night vision.
Do They Require Batteries?
No batteries are required for any of the pet cameras noted in this article.
Most pet cameras do not require batteries because they require a direct connection to a wall outlet for ongoing use. Batteries would quickly die on a video recording device that is on all day.
Wrap Up On The Best Cat Cameras
There are clearly a lot of different factors to take into account when you’re looking into selecting a cat camera for your home. The biggest and most obvious is whether or not you want an interactive camera or simply a camera that will allow you to monitor your fluffy friend from afar.
After that it mostly comes down to the amount of money you’re willing to spend as well as the specific features and functions you find important. If your cat isn’t food motivated then a built in treat dispenser probably isn’t going to be much use to you!
If you’ve got experience with monitoring your pet from afar then please do let us know! Tell us all about the model you use as well as any other models you’ve used and like (or hate!).
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The 11 Best Cat Cooling Pads 2021 (Gel, Alloy & Memory Foam)
This summer in Chicago has been pretty darn hot! And I don’t know about you folks, but some of these old apartment buildings don’t have very good air conditioning available. At best they might have a window unit. When it is 95 F outside it just doesn’t keep up.
Now I know our feline friends come from the dessert historically, but that doesn’t mean that they absolutely love hot humid weather. So when AC isn’t an option a nice cat cooling mat can help your kitty stave off the summer heat!
Now you’ll quickly see that most of these mats are marketed for dogs, but the mats work just as well for our feline friends too. So let’s dig into it below and look at some of the best mats out there!
|
The Best Cat cooling pads Quick Guide |
|
|---|---|
|
Best Overall |
|
|
Best Alternates |
|
|
Best Aluminum Model |
|
|
Best for Cats & Dogs |
|
|
Most Durable |
|
|
Best Indoor/Outdoor |
|
|
Best Hot/Cold Mat |
|
|
Gel Infused Foam |
|
|
Best Memory Foam |
|
|
Air Cooled |
|
|
Longest Lasting |
|
|
Additional Information |
|
The Green Pet Shop Cat Cooling Pad
The Green Pet Shop stands above and beyond other players in this market with their cooling mat. It has been around for years and it has been cool as a cucumber the entire time.
Yes that’s a picture of a dog. No it doesn’t matter!It works for cats too!
Not only do they provide a great product to keep your cat cool, but it is safe and sound for your fluff ball as well!
Key features of this mat include:
- A patented pressure activated gel technology that provides cooling for up to 4 hours
- When your pets steps off the mat it will refresh itself in 20-30 minutes on average
- There is absolutely no water or electricity required, it comes ready to go out of the box
- It folds up easily to stow away when the temp goes down or if you want to move it
- It comes in 5 different sizes, though a single cat would likely only require the small or medium
- The gel is non toxic, but clearly you shouldn’t let your cat eat it or chew on the mat
- A nice touch for cats that may be arthritic or suffering from joint pain on hot days.
“On those hot summer days when our two Norwegian Forest Cats are steaming they love laying on this mat!”
It is worth noting the following before making a purchase:
- If they aren’t used on a frequent basis the gel inside can turn rock solid
Riogoo Aluminum Alloy Foldable Pet Cooling Mat
Aluminium alloy stays cooler than other objects around it, just like a tile floor. This is why Riogoo decided to change it up a bit and go with an aluminum allow option instead of a gel related option like many other pet companies.
On top of this Riogoo has an option that has zero chance of being ingested by your kitty cat and their claws can’t really do much to it either. This means you’ve got another option worth considering if you don’t like the idea of a gel based cooling mat.
Key features worth noting:
- It starts to absorb heat instantly upon contact, it doesn’t have to activate like gel based options
- It is completely solid and very resistant to wear, there’s no chance of a cat claw puncturing it
- You can hose it down or throw it in the fridge/freezer to quickly cool it down again for another use
- It is super easy to clean and maintain because it is made of aluminum.
“My cat loves it. She normally zonks out on the wood floor so there’s no difference in comfort between that and the aluminum.”
You’ll want to consider the following before you make a purchase:
- Unlike gel pads you’ll have to remember to cool this one down yourself on a consistent basis
Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels
The Arf Pets Cooling Pad has been around for a good long time and they’ve made a high quality product for years. Not only will it keep your cat nice and cool, but it won’t be damaged easily either.
Some of the major features worth noting on this model:
- It is pressure activated, so it will cool down when your kitty lays on it
- Like all gel models it will provide relief for several hours and recharge in 20-30 minutes
- The gel is non-toxic and the entire product is completely latex-free so it is 100% safe for cats
- If it gets filthy you can easily wipes it clean with a damp cloth
- Comes in 3 different sizes, great if you have multiple cats in the home and only want one
- The flexible mat folds out flat, but it super easy to pack up for storage or movement
“I laid this out on a hot day and both of my cats immediately came up, sniffed, then took a long nap on top of it. Apparently they knew what it was straight away!”
You’ll want to note the following before making a purchase:
- Some pets don’t like the texture of it, you may want to wrap it in a pillow case
Boho Aluminium Alloy Pet Cooling Pad for Cats
The beauty of this type of cooling pad is no amount of chewing or clawing can ever puncture it or cause it to leak. It is made of a solid metal that stays cooler than the surrounding environment and encourages your cat to relax on it.
Key features of this model worth noting:
- The aluminum alloy will help keep your cat cooler and activates instantly on contact
- You can fold it up easily so it can be stored or moved in seconds
- It is super easy to clean with a damp cloth, just wet it down and wipe it off
- You can cool it down quickly with a quick rinse or by throwing it in the freezer for a few minutes
- No batteries or electricity required, it is safe and economical even when you’re not home
“Even if your cat is crazy like mine, she doesn’t like boxes, she’ll probably take a liking to this mat on a hot day! Mine sat down on it immediately and claimed it as her own.”
You may want to consider the following before making a purchase:
- The aluminum surface may be uncomfortable for some cats because it is solid and not squishy
Hugs Pet Products Chillz Pressure Activated Pet Cooling Gel Pad – No Need To Freeze Or Chill
With a product name like Chillz with a z on the end you know you’re getting a ‘cool’ product, and not just a mat that will keep the temperature down. This model is for the hippest and coolest cats out there. And if your cat isn’t cool, it’ll make them cool.
This product has a nice soft puncture outer layer which makes it a great spot for cats to relax on very hot days. It’ll help them not only get some sleep, but de-stress and help make all their worries melt away.
- This is another pressure activated gels mat that absorbs body heat when a cat lays on it
- This is a great option for both indoor and outdoor use
- It requires no electricity and there’s no need for batteries, it will cool itself off when not in use
- You can cool it off quickly by placing freezing it or spraying it down with cold water
- It features a pet safe gel on the interior that is non toxic to cats and humans alike.
- There are two sizes available if you have multiple cats that may want to share
“At first I was worried my cat would puncture it easily, but the cover seems to do the job so long as I don’t let her claw it on purpose! She loves it and sleeps on it all day.”
As with all gel based models you’ll want to consider this before buying it:
- Gel based models tend to clump up and can harden over time
Pet Fit For Life Snuggle Soft Cooling and Heating Pad for Cats
The key differentiation point for this model is that it is both for cooling and heating purposes. If you’ve got a cat that likes to cool off in the summer and stay nice and warm in the winter than this might be the best choice.
Similar to other models it uses a gel compound inside that can be heated or cooled, note this model will not cool itself or heat itself. You have to prep it for use by either microwaving it or throwing it in the fridge.
Key features worth noting:
- This one works both ways, you can heat it up or cool it down
- It is about 12 inches in diameter and is the only round model in the list
- It comes with a fleece cover for extra comfort, the cover is machine washable for simplicity
- The gel is pet safe so your cat should be safe and sound even if a leak springs
“I love the fact that I can heat it up and cool it down. It doesn’t matter what season it is, my arthritic kitty cat can stay more comfy!”
You’ll want to know the following before purchasing:
- Heating requires a microwave and cooling requires the refrigerator
K&H Pet Products Cool Bed III
K&H Pet Products owns a slot in my favorite heated cat beds article because they’ve been making amazing pet products for years. This cooling bed for pets is no different.
The K&H model uses a Cool Core technology inside this cooling mat that absorbs the heat produced by your pet and coverts it to room temperature, electricity free.
A few other key items worth noting:
- If your home is 80°F, then the Cool Bed III is 22° cooler than your cat’s body temperature
- This cat pad does come in multiple sizes, Medium is ideal for a traditional house cat
- The exterior is made of durable nylon and vinyl so it stands up well even to cat claws
- To activate the bed all you need to do is add water to it one time, it can be stored full/empty
- K&H recommends distilled water and grapefruit seed extract to minimize bacterial growth inside
“My girlfriend’s long haired cat is always looking for cold spots to lay, usually right in the middle of the tile in the kitchen. We tried this out to get him to relocate and were super happy, he now lays off next to the couch instead!”
You’ll want to note the following before making a purchase:
- Filling the bed can be difficult alone, bring a friend along to help
Gel Infused Memory Foam Cooling Bed
This option is a memory foam bed that is infused with cooling gel to help keep your feline friends cool even on the hottest day! This high density memory foam is super high quality and provides great support!
This bed is primarily made for medical treatment, especially for arthritic animals or those that need to stay extra cool on hot days. The gel is of course 100% non toxic just in case of a puncture or leak.
Be sure to check out the following highlights:
- The 3 inch thick mat is infused with cooling gel that cools on contact
- There are both interior and exterior covers included, the interior is waterproof
- There are two different sizes to choose from for families with multiple pets
- There are 13 different color options available if you want to match decor
- The external fabric cover is durable denim fabric that won’t rip or tear easily
Memory Foam Air Cooling Mat
If you’re looking to treat your cat or cats to the comfiest and coolest (in more ways than one) cat bed ever, then consider this one.
Not only does it have it have top quality memory foam, but it comes with a super comfy velour cover! Your cats will never leave it, except hopefully to eat and use the litter box!
A few other things worth noting:
- Top quality foam with a 4 lbs density rating promotes better sleep and healthy joints
- The bottom is made with waterproof anti slip material to protect the floor in case of a leak
- The mat is stain, dirt and wrinkle resistant and keeps the original shape after many washes
“Both my cat and my dog love the bed, sometimes they even crash on different ends of it at the same time.”
Definitely note the following before purchasing this option:
- This doesn’t feature a cooling technology like a gel, but memory foam stays cooler than room temperature by a few degrees and will provide a short term cooling sensation
CoolPet Reusable Ice/Heat Pack Mat
CoolPet uses a very simple, but very reliable method for cooling your kitty off. This mat is basically a slip cover for a special designed ice pack that can be inserted into the center.
The ice packs can be purchased in multiples so you can easily freeze one while another is in use and maintain a nice cool spot for your cat the entire day!
A few other things worth noting about this option:
- The included ice/heat pack is filled with distilled water so it is 100% non toxic in case of a leak
- The modular design ensures that the mat stays comfortable over large areas
- The exterior is made of durable canvas that will put up with extended use easily
- The bottom is made with slip material so it won’t slide all over the place when your cat moves
- Extra ice/heat packs are available for purchase for extended use
Definitely note the following before purchasing this option:
- This model doesn’t work based on the surrounding air temperature, you will need to heat or cool the packs for it to have any impact
Additional Information
How Does a Cat Cooling Pad Work?
Most of the above products are gel based cooling pads. You might be wondering to yourself “Why does my air conditioner need to be plugged in to cool my house but this thing doesn’t?” It’s a fair question.
The gel in a cooling pad what is called a polymer. A polymer is a special chemical structure. Basically it means it was designed just for this purpose! But essentially what happens is when pressure is placed on the polymer it activates a chemical change that absorbs heat.
This is based on the idea of endothermology. All that means is a chemical change that is accompanied by an absorption of heat. In simple terms, when you place pressure on the mat it triggers a chemical change that absorbs heat.
When there’s no longer any pressure on the mat the chemical change stops and the heat is no longer absorb. The pad will heat back up to room temperature in about 20 to 30 minutes depending upon the environment. Then it’ll be ready to go again!
Are These Things Safe for my Cat?
The manufacturers of these products ensure that the gels inside of these mats are 100% Non-Toxic and will not hurt your cat if they happen to consume it. That being said, you should still err on the side of safety and do your best to stop them from consuming it.
So if you’ve got a curious cat that chews and scratches at things definitely go for an aluminium version instead of a gel based version. They are definitely safe for your feline friend.
If you’re curious about what the gel is made of you can check out this awesome post on Instructibles where some great members researched the most likely solutions behind the gel based mats. It’ll give you an idea of the contents.
If your cat does happen to consume any of the gel it is recommended you call the ASPCA Poison Control Line(888) 426-4435 or get your cat to the veterinarian immediately for a check up. Note if you call the ASPCA they may charge you a consultation fee.
Does It Have to be Plugged In?
The beauty of these products is they don’t require any consistent power supply, they work completely energy free! This means you can put them wherever you want in the house and it’ll help keep your feline friend nice and cool on those hot summer days.
Another huge bonus of not having the plug the cooling pad in is that you don’t have to worry about another cord lying around that your cat might start to chew on. We all know that some cats love to chew on cords that aren’t covered up or completely protected. These cooling mats are totally free of this risk!
How Do I Get My Cat To Use It?
Getting your cat to use a new bed or anything new is often a bit complicated. While cats are typically quite curious, they are also cautious when it comes to new things being introduced to their environment.
The easiest way to get your cat interested is to put something they like on top of or next to the bed. In particular a t-shirt or a piece of bedding with their scent or your scent on it can help get your cat comfortable with the new bed.
Be sure not to use anything too thick though and be sure not to cover the whole cooling surface up. If you do this it’ll be that much longer before your cat recognize that it is a cool area to sleep and they might not start to use it as quickly.
For the aluminum options you may also want to consider a thin pad or a thin piece of fleece just to add a bit more comfort. My cats both love laying on my wood floor and a bunch of other rock hard places so they don’t have any problem with this, but other cats may want something more comfy.
Does My Cat Need One?
There are a few signs you can look for in your cat to determine if you should be considering a cooling mat. Some of us may simply buy this to spoil our kitty and give them a nice cool place to snooze, but some cats may actually need it depending on their environment.
If cats overheat they can experience Heat Stroke just like humans. Basically, the body simply gets overworked trying to stay cool and shuts down. The key reasons this might happen are a very high temperature and a lack of access to water.
Another option worth exploring is a cat drinking fountain that will provide a constant supply of fresh water. Many cats don’t drink enough water because they prefer water from a moving supply. If you’re unsure if your cat is too hot then here are some key signs you should look out for:
- Restless behavior as your cat tries to find a cool spot
- Panting, sweaty feet, drooling, excessive grooming in an effort to cool off
If things progress further and your cat can’t find a place to cool off he or she may start to show these types of behavior:
- Rapid breathing
- Redness of the tongue and mouth
- Vomiting or excessive lethargy
- Staggering or stumbling when walking
If you notice any of this you should get your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
Wrapping It Up On Cat Cooling Pads
As you can see there are a lot of different options out there when it comes to keeping your cat cool on those hot summer days. But the cooling pads mostly break down into two broad categories: gel based, aluminium based.
Both options work great and they both have pros and cons. If you have cats that like to chew and scratch everything in site then you’d probably want to lean toward the latter. If you have chill cats that just tend to zonk out anywhere comfy then gel based is probably a great option.
Whichever option you choose definitely leave a note in the comments below to tell us how it worked out for you!
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The Green Pet Shop Cat Cooling Pad
The Green Pet Shop stands above and beyond other players in this market with their cooling mat. It has been around for years and it has been cool as a cucumber the entire time. Yes that’s a picture of a dog, no it doesn’t matter. It works for cats too!
Not only do they provide a great product to keep your cat cool, but it is safe and sound for your fluff ball as well!
Key features of this mat include:
- A patented pressure activated gel technology that once activated will provide a cooling sensation for up to 4 hours.
- When your pets steps off the mat it will refresh itself in 20-30 minutes on average.
- There is absolutely no water or electricity required for this pad, it comes ready to go out of the box.
- It folds up easily to stow away when the temperature goes down or if you want to move it to a better spot.
- It comes in 5 different sizes, though a single cat would likely only require the small or medium.
- The gel is non toxic, but clearly you shouldn’t let your cat eat it or chew on the mat.
- A nice touch for cats that may be arthritic or suffering from joint pain on hot days.
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2zhjjjj” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
Riogoo Aluminum Alloy Foldable Pet Cooling Mat
Aluminium alloy stays cooler than other objects around it, just like a tile floor. This is why Riogoo decided to change it up a bit and go with an aluminum allow option instead of a gel related option like many other pet companies.
On top of this Riogoo has an option that has zero chance of being ingested by your kitty cat and their claws can’t really do much to it either. This means you’ve got another option worth considering if you don’t like the idea of a gel based cooling mat.
Key features worth noting:
- It starts to absorb heat instantly upon contact, it doesn’t take a few moments to activate like gel based options.
- It is completely solid and very resistant to wear, there’s no chance of a cat claw puncturing it.
- You can easily hose it down or throw it in the fridge/freezer to quickly cool it down again for another use.
- It is super easy to clean and maintain because it is made of aluminum.
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2N04rb8″ text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
AKC Cooling Mats for Dogs & Cats, No Electricity or Refrigeration Required
This mat is provided by the American Kennel Society so you know it is a trustworthy product! They are known for only endorsing the highest quality and safety products for pets.
This is another gel based cooling mat that will help keep your kitty cool on those hot summer days. Key features of this model:
- Super easy to fold up and move around to different locations, extremely lightweight.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors, so if you have a cat that likes to roam it is a great option!
- It is water resistant so it won’t get soaked easily if it gets rained on or sprayed off to clean it.
- There are a bunch of different pattern/color options to choose from.
- It comes in 3 different sizes, the small should accommodate most cats.
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2m02D6p” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
Faciab Cooling Mat , Pet Self cooling pad , Comfort for Cats
You’ll of course want to keep a close eye on your cat if they are prone to chewing, but this mat will provide a great level of cooling comfort on those hot summer days.
Key features of this model include:
- Once activated the gel will keep your kitty cool for several hours straight.
- The foldable design makes it easy to pack up and store when it isn’t in use.
- There’s zero need to freeze or cool it down yourself, it will reset itself after use.
- Some quotes from other Amazon reviewers with cats:
- “My cat immediately loved it and laid on it.” -KAC
- “She appears to love it.” – Keelut
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2L3iZWA” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
Arf Pets Pet Dog Self Cooling Mat Pad for Kennels
The Arf Pets Cooling Pad has been around for a good long time and they’ve made a high quality product for years. Not only will it keep your cat nice and cool, but it won’t be damaged easily either.
Some of the major features worth noting on this model:
- It is pressure activated, so it will cool down when your kitty lays on it
- Like all gel models it will provide relief for several hours and recharge in 20-30 minutes
- The gel inside is non-toxic and the entire product is completely latex-free so it is 100% safe for cats.
- If it gets filthy you can easily wipes it clean with a damp cloth.
- Quick quotes from product owners:
- “I laid it out and my two cats came up, sniffed it, and immediately laid down.” -Redstagredd
- “I added this mat to my bed spread to see if it will help my cat cool. So far she enjoys it” -Jen
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2uffzJs” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
Veken Gel Based Cat Cooling Mat
Another great option available to keep your kitty chilled on a hot day comes from Veken. This mat is quite a bit larger than most of the options I’ve listed so far so you’ll probably only want this if you have multiple kitties or an extra large cat! I’m looking at you Maine Coon owners!
The key features on this mat worth noting are:
- This mat will stay nice and cool for about 2 hours once a cat lays down on it.
- It will recharge itself and be ready to go again in about 15-20 minutes of non-use.
- This one is 100% waterproof so it is great for both indoor and outdoor use. If it gets left in the rain for a bit, no big deal, just wipe it off with a towel and you’re ready to go!
- The outer layer of the mat is made sturdy nylon fabric which stands up well to wear and tear.
- The inner gel mixture completely non toxic to both pets and family members alike. Clearly nobody should attempt to consume it, but nice to know you have an additional layer of safety!
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2L6a368″ text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
lesotc Dog Cooling Mat Gel Cooled Non Toxic Mat
While this mat is gel based lesotc also calls out that you can easily soak the mat down with ice cold water to quickly reset it or to get it down to a lower core temperature before letting your cat use it. ote you should not freeze it.
Key features worth noting here:
- Comes in on the economical side at just under 20 dollars.
- It provides about 3 hours of cooling time and should be back to normal in 15-20 minutes post use.
- Like the rest of the mats you shouldn’t place it in direct sunlight, it needs a shady spot to be most effective.
- The gel is of course 100% non-toxic so no safety worries if it gets punctured or leaks.
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2KZNq0b” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
BohoFarm Aluminium Alloy Pet Cooling Pad for Cats
The beauty of this type of cooling pad is no amount of chewing or clawing can ever puncture it or cause it to leak. It is made of a solid metal that stays cooler than the surrounding environment and encourages your cat to relax on it.
Key features of this model worth noting:
- You can fold it up easily so it can be stored or moved in seconds.
- It is super easy to clean with a damp cloth, just wet it down and wipe it off.
- You can also cool it down again quickly with a quick rinse or by throwing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- There is no battery and no electricity required, it is safe and economical even when you’re not home.
- An owner with an extra picky cat describes his experience like this “My cat, who typically ignores anything I buy for her (and she doesn’t even like cardboard boxes or paper bags! She is not normal, but she is very cute) is already laying on it. ” -Amazon Reviwer MEH
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2MZiuOd” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
Hugs Pet Products Chillz Pressure Activated Pet Cooling Gel Pad – No Need To Freeze Or Chill
With a product name like Chillz with a z on the end you know you’re getting a ‘cool’ product, and not just a mat that will keep the temperature down. This model is for the hippest and coolest cats out there. And if your cat isn’t cool, it’ll make them cool.
This product has a nice soft puncture outer layer which makes it a great spot for cats to relax on very hot days. It’ll help them not only get some sleep, but de-stress and help make all their worries melt away.
- This is another in the school of pressure activated gels that absorbs body heat when a cat lays on it.
- This is a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
- It requires no electricity and there’s no need for batteries either, it will cool itself off when not in use.
- You can cool it off by placing it in the fridge or spraying it down with cold water to get it usable again more quickly.
- It features a pet safe gel on the interior that is non toxic to cats and humans alike.
You can also check out this video review of the product if you’re interested:
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2u5vhYf” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
Pet Fit For Life Snuggle Soft Cooling and Heating Pad for Cats
The key differentiator for this model is that it is both for cooling and heating purposes. If you’ve got a cat that likes to cool off in the summer and stay nice and warm in the winter than this might be the best choice.
Similar to other models it uses a gel compound inside that can be heated or cooled, note this model will not cool itself or heat itself. You have to prep it for use by either microwaving it or throwing it in the fridge.
Key features worth noting:
- This one works both ways, you can heat it up or cool it down.
- It is about 12 inches in diameter and is the only round model in the list.
- It comes with a fleece cover for extra comfort, the cover is machine washable for simplicity.
- The gel is pet safe so your cat should be safe and sound even if a leak springs.
[maxbutton id=”4″ url=”https://amzn.to/2MYv4Np” text=”Find the Lowest Price” ]
How Does a Cat Cooling Pad Work?
Most of the above products are gel based cooling pads. You might be wondering to yourself “Why does my air conditioner need to be plugged in to cool my house but this thing doesn’t?” It’s a fair question.
The gel in a cooling pad what is called a polymer. All a polymer is is a special chemical structure. Basically it means it was designed just for this purpose! But essentially what happens is when pressure is placed on the polymer it activates a chemical change that absorbs heat.
This is based on the idea of endothermology. All that means is a chemical change that is accompanied by an absorption of heat. In simple terms, when you place pressure on the mat it triggers a chemical change that absorbs heat.
When there’s no longer any pressure on the mat the chemical change stops and the heat is no longer absorb. The pad will heat back up to room temperature in about 20 to 30 minutes depending upon the environment. Then it’ll be ready to go again!
Are These Things Safe for my Cat?
The manufacturers of these products ensure that the gels inside of these mats are 100% Non-Toxic and will not hurt your cat if they happen to consume it. That being said, you should still err on the side of safety and do your best to stop them from consuming it.
So if you’ve got a curious cat that chews and scratches at things definitely go for an aluminium version instead of a gel based version. They are definitely safe for your feline friend.
If you’re curious about what the gel is made of you can check out this awesome post on Instructibles where some great members researched the most likely solutions behind the gel based mats. It’ll give you an idea of the contents.
If your cat does happen to consume any of the gel it is recommended you call the ASPCA Poison Control Line (888) 426-4435 or get your cat to the veterinarian immediately for a check up. Note if you call the ASPCA they may charge you a consultation fee.
How Do I Get My Cat To Use It?
Getting your cat to use a new bed or anything new is often a bit complicated. While cats are typically quite curious, they are also cautious when it comes to new things being introduced to their environment.
The easiest way to get your cat interested is to put something they like on top of or next to the bed. In particular a t-shirt or a piece of bedding with their scent or your scent on it can help get your cat comfortable with the new bed.
Be sure not to use anything too thick though and be sure not to cover the whole cooling surface up. If you do this it’ll be that much longer before your cat recognize that it is a cool area to sleep and they might not start to use it as quickly.
For the aluminum options you may also want to consider a thin pad or a thin piece of fleece just to add a bit more comfort. My cats both love laying on my wood floor and a bunch of other rock hard places so they don’t have any problem with this, but other cats may want something more comfy.
Does It Have to be Plugged In?
The beauty of these products is they don’t require any consistent power supply, they work completely energy free! This means you can put them wherever you want in the house and it’ll help keep your feline friend nice and cool on those hot summer days.
Another huge bonus of not having the plug the cooling pad in is that you don’t have to worry about another cord lying around that your cat might start to chew on. We all know that some cats love to chew on cords that aren’t covered up or completely protected. These cooling mats are totally free of this risk!
Does My Cat Need One?
There are a few signs you can look for in your cat to determine if you should be considering a cooling mat. Some of us may simply buy this to spoil our kitty and give them a nice cool place to snooze, but some cats may actually need it depending on their environment.
If cats overheat they can experience Heat Stroke just like humans. Basically, the body simply gets overworked trying to stay cool and shuts down. The key reasons this might happen are a very high temperature and a lack of access to water.
Another option worth exploring is a cat drinking fountain that will provide a constant supply of fresh water. Many cats don’t drink enough water because they prefer water from a moving supply. If you’re unsure if your cat is too hot then here are some key signs you should look out for:
- Restless behavior as your cat tries to find a cool spot
- Panting, sweaty feet, drooling, excessive grooming in an effort to cool off
If things progress further and your cat can’t find a place to cool off he or she may start to show these types of behavior:
- Rapid breathing
- Redness of the tongue and mouth
- Vomiting or excessive lethargy
- Staggering or stumbling when walking
If you notice any of this you should get your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
Wrapping It Up On Cat Cooling Pads
As you can see there are a lot of different options out there when it comes to keeping your cat cool on those hot summer days. But the cooling pads mostly break down into two broad categories: gel based, aluminium based.
Both options work great and they both have pros and cons. If you have cats that like to chew and scratch everything in site then you’d probably want to lean toward the latter. If you have chill cats that just tend to zonk out anywhere comfy then gel based is probably a great option.
Whichever option you choose definitely leave a note in the comments below to tell us how it worked out for you!
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
References: American Kennel Society, The Green Pet Shop, Pets Fit For Life, Arf Pets
The Ultimate Guide to Cat Diapers [7 Best Options in 2021]
Is your cat is peeing or spraying everywhere in the house? Or perhaps your feline friend is getting up there in years and having the rare (or even common) accident due to incontinence?
Cat diapers can help. With cat diapers you can not only let your cat roam the entire house again, you can ensure your furniture and floors stay in perfectly good condition while doing so.
There are a host of different options available. Below you’ll find cat diapers from various categories including washable, disposable, reusable, absorbent and even leak proof.
What’s most important though is that the diaper stays on your cat and he or she is comfortable with it. If that’s not the case then your cat can’t roam freely! So let’s take a look at the best diapers out there.
Table of Contents
|
The Best Cat diapers Quick Guide |
|
|---|---|
|
Key Highlight |
Product Name |
|
Overall Best |
|
|
Best Fit |
|
|
Highest Quality |
|
|
Best Disposable |
|
|
Best for Kittens |
|
|
Biggest Package |
|
|
Cheapest In Bulk |
|
|
Supporting products |
|
|
Urine Absorbent Pad |
|
|
Diaper Alternatives |
|
|
Diaper Alternative |
|
|
Additional Information |
|
Pet Magasin Luxury Reusable Cat Diapers
Pet Magasin is one of the most well respected Pet Product Manufacturers in the market and they have what are widely considered the best cat diapers on the market. Note they are marketed for both dogs and cats and work great for both.
The key benefits worth noting on this type of diaper:
- These diapers have multiple inner layers that are each highly absorbent and an outer layer that is 100% waterproof.
- They are made of extra soft fabric to increase comfort and acceptance.
- There are numerous sizes. While most of you will use extra small or small for your cat you may bump up to medium for extra large cats like a Maine coon. You can measure your cat first and check the sizing chart to ensure fit.
- They are both machine and hand washable. There are no special steps or special detergents required.
- They are a quick drying by air or you can put them in a dryer on low temperature.
- Washable diapers are far more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers.
- There are 3 wraps in 3 colors in each package: green, blue, and purple.
- Extra strong Velcro makes it quick and easy to secure and it won’t stick to fur.
Pet Parents Premium Washable Cat Diapers
PetParents is well known for their diapers and for good reason, they bring an amazing product to market that helps your cat feel like they aren’t even wearing a diaper. They also play to a large market of different cat sizes with one single product.
The key items worth noting on this product:
- These will support a cat with a waist size 4″ to 10″. Measure your cat’s waist right in front of the back legs for the best fit.
- You’re getting 3 colors in each package: pink, purple and black.
- Far more environmentally friendly than disposables.
- The highly absorbent pad is sewn right into the diaper and has a waterproof layer on the outside to prevent any leakage.
- Velcro makes it quick and easy to close and secure and ensures it won’t stick in your cat’s fur.
- There’s only nice soft fabric, no crinkly texture that some disposables have that tend to annoy cats.
Barkertime (Barkerwear) American Made Cat Diapers
They key benefits of this type of diaper are:
- This diaper was specifically designed for incontinent senior cats, female cats in heat (piddling cats) and spraying male cats.
- There’s also a no-tail version available upon request.
- Sizes extra small and small are ideal for most domestic house cats.
- I think it is pretty obvious that the cheetah print is also a huge fashion statement. Bring out your cat’s true inner cat.
- It has three layers of protection to ensure there’s no leakage:
- 1) The outside is made of a polycotton fabric.
- 2)The inside has a super soft lining for comfort.
- 3) There’s a waterproof layer sewn between the outer shell and inner lining.
- It is super easy to put on and take off with the adjustable hook-and-loop tab system.
- Barkertime also brings an added level of coverage with their Barkertime Suspenders for cats that try to pull them off.
Veterinarian’s Best Comfort Fit Disposable Female Diapers
This is an excellent option for those of you that are looking for a short term option. If your cat has recently had surgery and only needs temporary coverage than disposables are often a better option than cloth diapers.
The key features worth noting on these diapers are:
- Each one of these disposable diapers is manufactured with a wetness indicator that lets you know when to change it.
- Each one is also built with a comfort fit band that has a leak barrier to minimize leaks and spillage
- There are also fur-safe fasteners and closures that are easy to reposition so you get the best fit for your cat every time.
- Each pack comes with 12 disposable diapers which should last a couple of days.
- Size extra small is the best for cats, but be sure to measure your cat for fit before purchase.
Wegreeco Washable Female Diapers
Wegreeco has another awesome option for extra small cats. If you’ve got a cat that is still growing up and is in need of a diaper before they become an adult than this is an option you’ll want to consider.
The key pieces to focus on here:
- These small diapers are geared toward young or smaller animals. If you have a kitten that needs a diaper these are likely your go to option. Be sure to measure your cat closely before purchasing to ensure a good fit.
- They are super easy to use with Velcro closures that secure it.
- It wrap around your feline friend easily for maximum comfort and it won’t stick in her hair.
- There’s no “crinkly” or uncomfortable texture that makes many cats unhappy.
- They are washable so they help minimize environmental impact.
- An extremely absorbent pad is sewn into the diaper and there’s an outer layer of water proof fabric to minimize leakage.
- There are 3 colors: hot pink, purple and blue.
Simple Solution Disposable Female Diapers
Simple Solution brings another form of disposable diapers to the market. These provide another viable option if Veternarian’s Best have not worked or you’re simply looking to get a lot more diapers in a single package.
Key options to note about these diapers:
- The core is super absorbent and designed to lock in all moisture to ensure your kitty stays nice and dry even after peeing.
- The fur friendly fasteners keep the diaper from slipping off your cat and they also ensure that fur doesn’t easily get caught in them.
- There are two key sizes worth considering, the Extra Small and the Small. Extra small will be aimed at kittens and very tiny cats while small would fit most adult cats.
- They feature a unique stretchable fabric that fits comfortably around your kitty.
- The tail-hole has extra-long wings so these will stay in place even when your kitty is moving around.
Peepers Disposable Diapers
If you’re looking to buy disposable diapers in bulk then Peepers has you covered. You can buy bases of their disposable diapers at a significant discount compared to traditional prices. Key items worth noting:
- There’s built in elastic to help maintain a close fit and minimize leakage.
- The fasteners are not sticky at all and won’t pull at hair.
- Tail hole allows for plenty of comfort for your kitty.
- You can order in bulk for a significant discount if you know you’ll need them long term.
All-Absorb Cat Litter & Urine Pads
If you decide to go forward with cloth diapers then you’ll likely find yourself washing them quite often. If you’ve got a lot of diapers or quite a bit of free time then this isn’t much of a concern.
But many of us are looking to minimize time spent washing things and maximize time spent with our kitties. Even if that means spending a few extra dollars. These absorbent pads can be cut to size/shape and put inside cloth diapers to help control leaks.
They’ll simply help control the frequency with which you’ll have to wash your cat’s diapers and help cover up any associated smell by immediately trapping the scent in the pad in a gel form.
Joybie’s Piddle Pants
Joybie’s are an alternative to a diaper, but they are largely similar in their purpose. The key difference between a diaper and piddle pants is that they are quite difficult for a cat to pull off.
Instead of only wrapping around your cat’s waist piddle pants are similar to overalls and loop around your cat’s entire body. They also have absorbent pad inserts that you can leverage to ensure maximum absorption and minimum leakage.
Some people have noted you can easily use any kind of absorbent pad cut to the appropriate size to cut down on overall costs.
Castle Paws Stud & Queen Pants
Stud & Queen pants are another diaper alternative. Studs for boys and queens for girls. Strangely enough the garments are identical, it is mostly just terminology as stud pants sounds far more masculine.
Note that Stud & Queen pants at the link below are hand made by a single individual as opposed to mass produced. So you are truly getting an individualized product if you go this route.
Stud Pants & Cat Diapers are constructed of two fabric layers. The outer layer is breathable premium cotton. The inner layer cotton flannel.
Elastic is sewn on the inside for comfort and mobility & a hook and loop system is used for closure and adjustment. A washable or disposable pad is required inside the garment which can be purchased alongside it or you can use an alternate pad and cut it to fit.
This video will give you an idea of how to put stud pants on your kitty:
Why Might a Cat Need Diapers?
Incontinence:
This is by far the most common reason you’d use a diaper for a cat. In the simplest terms possible it basically means your kitty is no longer able to consistently control his or her bladder. This is typically something that either has a medical cause or is simply coming with the age of your feline friend.
The older your cat gets the more likely this is to occur. If you have a young cat that is having issues controlling his or her bladder you can almost certainly chalk it up to some sort of medical issue. The most common issue is some sort of urinary tract obstruction.
If your cat does have an issue you’ll notice it quite quickly. Cat urine tends to have a rather strong odor and is rather unmistakable when it is not covered up or absorbed by a litter box. Given incontinence normally leaves behind anywhere from a few drops up to a large puddle you’ll identify the issue quickly.
Illness or Surgical Recovery:
Some felines may need diapers after a medical procedure or while recovering from an illness. This happens when surgery results in a lack of mobility for your cat or a limited capability to control the bowels or the bladder.
This need is usually on the shorter side, days or potentially weeks. As your cat regains mobility they’ll again be able to reach the litter box and use it normally.
Spraying or Marking:
When spraying and marking are becoming a long term issue and other methods of stopping them haven’t succeeded then you may want to consider a diaper for your cat. Diapering a cat that is spraying or marking is usually a last resort.
This is something you should discuss with your veterinarian before attempting as diapers can present other health related implications for your cat.
What Are The Symptoms of Incontinence?
Not so sure what the problem is with your fur ball? Well if you’re seeing any of the following occur with your kitty then he or she may be experiencing incontinence:
- Does your cat constantly have wet fur on her lower abdomen?
- Have you ever found his or her bed (or maybe your own) wet?
- Have you recently found puddles of pee on the floor when your cat has never had this behavior before?
- Is your furniture starting to have wet spots from time to time even though your cat isn’t spraying?
The above are all common symptoms that your cat may run into as he or she gets older. Just like us humans your cat can experience difficulty controlling his or her bladder as they get older.
What are the Causes of Incontinence?
As noted above, the most common cause of this type of issue comes from age. As cats get older, just like humans, it becomes more difficult to maintain complete control of all of their faculties.
If your cat is not old there are some other potential reasons that could be causing your feline friend to experience incontinence.
- Overweight Cats: These days feline obesity is becoming a more and more prevalent problem. Vetstreet estimates that over 25% of household cats are obese today. Overweight cats can develop diabetes or diabetic related symptoms. This sometimes causes cats to drink excessively which can overwhelm the bladder and cause urine to leak out.
- Bladder Stones: Bladder stones are not 100% understood, but the most common theory for them is that certain minerals are found in elevated levels in your cat and they basically the compound over saturates the urine leaving behind a deposit. The longer the issue persists the larger the stones get and the more painful it gets for your cat. (Source: VCA Hospitals)
- Neutering: Getting your cat fixed is considered one of the most important things an owner can do for long term health. But there are some potential drawbacks as well. Spaying or neutering your cat stop the production of estrogen or testosterone respectively. These hormones help close the external urethral sphincter and without them leaking is more common.
- Genetics: If your feline friend has had issues with leaks her entire life then she may have a genetic condition/mutation. Your vet may be able to help diagnose the problem more accurately so definitely schedule a visit if you haven’t already.
While this list isn’t comprehensive it certainly touches on some of the most common culprits of incontinence in cats.
If you’re not already certain of the cause get your kitty to the vet ASAP for a check up. Your vet can help identify the root cause and may have potential treatments for you behind simply handling the resulting effects.
How Do I Treat Incontinence In My Cat?
First and foremost, this is a question for your veterinarian more than it is for a website. A vet has the capability to examine your feline friend and take a look at which specific causes may be at fault and then provide an answer.
That being said this article simply wouldn’t be complete without some details on the potential treatments. So here are the most common treatments for incontinence that you may encounter.
- There are of course different drugs on the market that can help treat an overactive bladder. My personal opinion is you should not self medicate your cat if you can avoid it. You should instead talk to your vet about this.
- Stress is often a significant factor that can impact cats (just like humans). Reducing overall stress can significantly improve the health of your cat. Feliway could potentially help reduce stress for your cat. Making sure your cat has a comfy place up high and away from other pets might help too if you have dogs.
- Changes what your cat is eating and drinking can also be helpful. Going grain free seems to be the most common change to help along with eating more greens. You may also find that gingko biloba can help alleviate incontinence.
What Types of Diapers Are Available for Cats?
Choosing the right type of diapers for your kitty is dependent on a couple of key questions. But before we get into selecting the right type it’d probably help to understand the different types that are available:
- Reusable Cloth Diapers: These diapers are mostly made of fabric that you can wash and reuse. They’re mostly machine washable, and have pockets inside where you can place an absorbent liner. These liners can either be disposable or washable. They may cost more initially,compared to disposable diapers, but they’re better value in the long run.
- Disposables: Exactly as the name states, these are just like disposable diapers for children. They are pretty much single use and you throw them in the trash after.
- The Belly Wrap Band: The core difference between this and a reusable cloth diaper is that it doesn’t cover your cat’s butt. It only collects urine which is a nice benefit for cats that may only have a bladder issue but not a bowel issue.
- Cat Pants: Originally developed to stop male cats from spraying they quickly also took on the role of minimizing the leaking of blood from female cats in heat. Similar to all of the options above you can insert a pad to collect the liquid.
- Human Baby Diapers: It may sound odd, but many people do find success with baby diapers. You’ll have to experiment with the size and fit and you’ll obviously need to cut a hole for your cat’s tail, but there are benefits. Human diapers tend to be much cheaper because we produce a heck of a lot more of them. Most people recommend starting with the newborn size if you go this route.
Which Kind Is Best For My Cat?
So which is the best type for your cat? Consider the following questions to help you determine which option is right for you and your feline friend!
- What type of problem does your kitty have?
- Is the problem expected to be short term or long term?
- The type of diaper you buy will largely be dictated by how long you expect to need it. For example, if you’re only going to need them for a week for post surgery recovery you’ll likely aim for disposables.
- How many do you think you need?
- This will be determined by your expectations of how long you’ll need to use them. Cloth diapers can be used effectively for
- Are you able to wash/clean the diapers in your home?
- If you’re either unwilling to clean the diapers or you don’t have a method for cleaning them then you’ll want to go the route of disposables.
- How big is your feline friend?
- Be sure to weigh and measure your cat and compare the measurements against the specifics of each brand before you make any purchases. Using a diaper that is ill fitting will not result in a positive experience for anyone involved.
How Do I Put the Diaper On My Cat (and keep it on)?
Putting the diaper on is the easy part with most cats, at least when you first get started. First you’ll want to slide your cat’s tail through the hole in the diaper and slide the larger side between the hind legs and under the stomach.
Then flip the short end up over your cat’s back and bring the larger side up to meet it and then use the adhesive/clips/tabs depending on the type of diaper you’ve decided to use.
Now the fun part, keeping the diaper on. Since cats don’t like much of anything but their own fur wrapped around them they are likely to attempt to bite or paw the diaper off. I hope that you have a very relaxed cat that just doesn’t mind the diaper.
If you don’t then you may want to consider purchasing a standard human baby onesie. These will fit around your cat’s entire body and minimize their ability to paw or bite at the diaper. they are also dirt cheap and you can buy them in bulk so you have extras when they (and they will) get dirty.
There also used to be a product called a diaper harness. This product was specifically designed to keep your cat diaper on your cat. But as I’ve recently updated this article I haven’t been able to locate the product for sale anymore.
You may also find this video helpful for putting on and changing diapers. Note that you’ll want to find specially formulated wipes for your cat, not baby wipes. Standard baby wipes can cause quite a bit of skin irritation or even worse in cats.
Diaper Hygiene Tips
It shouldn’t come as any surprise, but you’ll need to put some extra work in if you want your cat to wear diapers. Since cats don’t naturally have anything wrapped around their body it can cause skin irritation if not handled properly.
Below you’ll find a few tips that may help in ensuring your cat is as comfortable as possible:
- You should expect to change diapers often to minimize the amount of time a wet diaper is pressed against your cat’s body.
- We all know cats don’t love new scents, be sure to use unscented alcohol free wipes to clean your cat’s skin.
- If your cat develops a rash ask your vet for an ointment that is specifically for cats.
- It should go without saying that if your cat poops in the diaper change it immediately.
- Taking your cat to a groomer to shave or trim the area the diaper covers can make maintenance far easier.
Wrapping It Up On Cat Diapers & Incontinence
If your cat is indeed in need of diapers then you’ll need to have a good deal of patience and a lot of persistence. Cats don’t tend to love wearing anything and diapers are high on that list, at least initially.
It is however the best way to deal with a problem that otherwise stresses both you and your feline friend out. It even ensures that your kitty cat can get around the entire house again and is no longer sequestered to places where spills and accidents can be contained.
Diapers are an excellent option to consider and I applaud anyone that is willing to spend the time and effort to ensure their cat maintains the full freedom of the house! If you have any additional comments or questions regarding cat diapers please do feel free to leave them below.
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
References: Pet Magasin, PetParents, Barkertime
The 15 Best Cat Ornaments for Christmas 2021 [Unbreakable]
If you’re looking for the easiest way to help your cat celebrate the holidays with you then put her up on the tree! No, I don’t mean that literally, I mean get something for her on the tree!
Here’s you’ll find 11 of the best cat adornments for Christmas in 2018. You can laser her name right on or even slide a picture right in! So open the quick guide or scroll down to find your favorite!
Table of Contents
The Best Cat Ornaments for Christmas
#1 Naughty Kitten Laptop & Mouse
While the idea of the mouse still being attached by a cord is getting a little dated, the fact that your kitten is stomping right on the center of the keyboard is as accurate as ever!
I can almost never get anything done on my computer without my little fur balls walking all over the keyboard and rubbing their faces all over the screen! This is by far one of my favorites!
#2 Oh Christmas Tree Ornament
It reads “Oh Christmas, Tree oh Christmas Tree, your ornaments are HISTORY!” You can imagine singing it along to that classic Christmas Carol “Oh Christmas Tree” and it makes for quite the laugh.
This is hands down the funniest ornament out there on the market this year. Though you can’t personalize it, you don’t really have to because it seems to apply to most kitties!
A few other things worth calling out:
#3 Mischievous Kitten with Lights
If you’re ever let your cat near your Christmas decorations then you know that this is one of the most common results. Your cat will sniff at and paw at everything and then find a way to get tangled up into a mess.
I think it is something about how new or novel these things are each year when they are pulled out of hiding. But this ornament rings true in our house for sure!
#4 Laser Engraved Wood Ornament
If you’re looking for something a little more personal Andaz Press has you covered. This cute wooden ornament comes in the shape of feline and it can be customized for your favorite cat prior to purchasing.
That gives it a bit more flair and a more generic ornament that isn’t for any particular cat, especially if you have multiple cats and you want to honor one in particular!
A few other items worth noting on this model:
#5 Personalized Gingerbread Ornament
This is another ornament that can be personalized to fit your particular kitty. It is of course intended to look like you made a gingerbread cookie kitty cat and then fully decorated it with all of the toppings and frosting!
This one you’re not going to want to take a bite of, but you’re certainly going to want to know the following before making a purchase:
#6 Pusheen Meowy Ornament
Department 56 really outdid themselves with this adorable little meowy cat ornament. Department 56 does everything from plush dolls to home decor to any other sort of gift your mind can think of.
If you’re looking for high quality these guys are hard to beat. And on top of that you’ll probably want to know the following before you make your purchase:
#7 Mischievous Kitten & Bird Feeder
This is an adorable little ornament that shows the mischievous nature of cats in general, but it is supposed to be a little kitten! The kitten has found his way to the bird feeder and is hanging off trying to get to the Cardinal on top!
This incredibly cute ornament has been around for a few years and is tried and true:
#8 Black Cat w/ Scarf 3 Pack
If you’re looking to decorate your tree with a cat theme then this might be a great way to get started! These adorable little black tabby cat ornaments hang from a cute little chain and they come in several different sized packs!
This means you can buy a bunch in bulk and you’ll be able to cover the whole tree with a feline theme in no time! A few additional things worth noting:
#9 Mischievous Kitten & Wreath
This is a great ornament that comes from Hallmark and features a little calico kitten playing in the center of a Christmas wreath. The kitten is swatting at the red ribbon hanging off the wreath and she looks to be quite excited and happy with her for finding her way there!
This incredibly cute ornament has been around for a few years and is tried and true:
#10 Kitten Sleeping on a Pillow
This is an adorable ornament to hang on the tree featuring a tuckered out kitten under a quilt sleeping on a pillow. Of course the kitten is wearing a Santa hat too! He’s ringing in the season!
A couple of key items worth noting on this ornament:
#11 Christmas Cats in Hats 3 Pack
If you’re looking for some adorable cats in scarves to hang on your tree then you’ve come to the right place! This three pack of cats spruces up any tree (see what I did there with spruce?) and makes it look festive!
A couple of things I’m sure you’ll want to know before you buy:
#12 MEOW Picture Frame Ornament
Another photo frame style ornament, this one lets you choose the photo to insert right into the middle of the O in the word MEOW! Perfect for any cat, but in my opinion it is simply adorable for a kitten.
You’ll notice a few pieces of flare for any of you that like office space, a cute little Santa hat and a giant red ribbon to hang it on the tree.
This ornament is quite a bit bigger than most of the others we’ve seen so far, it comes in at about 6 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall at the highest point. You’ll of course have to pick a photo that makes your cat look adorable and slide it on into the frame once it arrives, but it is ready to go. This product is made of poly resin and covered in a silver reflective finish.
#13 Cat Memorial Globe Ornament
This is probably the classiest of any of the cat related Christmas ornaments I have run across. If you’re looking for a way to commemorate a lost pet then this is the nicest ornament out there. Not only is it simply in its beauty, but it also has a wonderful message written on creamy vellum and placed inside the ornament.
It reads “If Only You Had Nine More.” Beautiful white feathers are placed behind the vellum to show through the back of the glass and then the ornament is topped with a hand-tied Black Deluxe Satin Bow.
The ornament is about 3.5 inches in diameter and it makes a beautiful pet memorial keepsake that will be treasured for years to come by your family or any family that might have recently lost a cat.
In case you are planning to give this as a gift note that it does come with a velvet gift bag inside the box to ensure it not only looks beautiful, but it stays safe in transit as well.
#14 Kitty In Stocking Ornament
This is an adorable little ornament that has a kitty popping out the top of a stocking. Something they’d likely do if you let them anywhere near your stockings while they are on the ground and slightly opened.
As you can see one of the gifts popping out the top is a set of fish bones, something you should definitely not feed your cat, but it looks pretty darn cute doesn’t it? And it comes with a ribbon loop for easily hanging on the Christmas tree.
The white space on the ornament does give you some wiggle room for personalization. If you have a steady hand you could definitely write in the name of your cat with a black sharpie. Once it dries it should stay there for good.
This ornament comes in at about 2.25 inches wide and just short of 4 inches tall. Like many of the other ornaments here it is made of a poly resin to ensure it won’t break easily even if it falls from a distance, but that does give some decent weight to it. This one comes in at about an eighth of a pound which is pretty weight for a Christmas ornament.
#15 Shatter Proof Maine Coon Globe
This particular ornament is heavily focused on you Maine Coon owners out there. You can see the gorgeous picture of a Maine Coon adorning the front of the ornament.
Given the curious nature of our feline friends this thing is also a shatter proof ball so that not only will it not make a mess, but it will keep your cat safe in the case that they do in fact knock it off of the tree.
While this specific link will take you to a Maine Coon, this company also makes a laundry list of other options for different cats out there. They have them for:
- Orange Tabby Cats
- Black and White Tuxedo Cats
- Traditional Black Cat
- Persian Cats
- Calico Cats
- Grey Tabby Cats
- etc.
If you are looking for a somewhat personalized, but also very durable ornament to help you and your cat celebrate the holidays then definitely check these out. They are an awesome addition to any tree and they are very unlikely to break or shatter as they are made out of plastic instead of your traditional glass balls. Even though it is made of plastic the colors are very vibrant and shine through from the tree!
Bonus: Time With Cats Is Never Wasted
If you or a friend are a bit more philosophical…Or if you perhaps just love Sigmund Freud…This might be the perfect fit for you. This ornament is a picture of a gorgeous tabby cat with the quote from Frued saying “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”
I wholeheartedly agree Mr. Freud. I find spending time with my little feline friends to be some of the most rewarding and relaxing time in my life!
This ornament comes in at just short of three inches in diameter and the quote and kitty are printed onto beautiful ceramic material for a beautiful long lasting ornament.
Ceramics are something that you’ll want to hang up out of reach of your kitty or keep them nice and low so if they do get batted around at all they end up with a very short fall. Otherwise ceramics can chip or shatter pretty darn easily! The ornament comes with a red satin ribbon ready to hang on your tree.
Additional Information
Christmas Dangers for Cats
Cats, as we all know, are well known for causing trouble around the holidays. I always think back to the poor cat in the move Christmas Vacation that eats the wire and electrocutes himself to death!
So sad, but unfortunately there are a ton of dangers for our feline friends around the Christmas seasons. The tree itself seems to be the most common source of danger:
- Electrical cords are also obviously dangerous. If you’re unable to keep an eye on your cat then ensure the tree is unplugged.
- If you have a live tree and you’re going to give it water be sure that your cat can’t access the water, especially if it is treated. Treated water can make cats sick because it normally has things like fertilizer in it that are obviously harmful to cats. And even if the water is not fertilized, it can accumulate bacteria that your cat shouldn’t drink.
- Be careful of using easily shattered or breakable ornaments. Cats can get hurt when they step on or eat broken ornaments.
- You know all those sprays you can put on your tree to make them look extra festive? Those are usually poisonous to cats so be extra careful if you are going to use it. I would lean away from using it at all.
- Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all toxic to cats in some degree, sometimes deadly. Check out this article for more details on poisonous plants.
- With a cat you should definitely avoid any of those old ornaments that run standard incandescent bulbs that run hot. Cats can easily start a fire on accident by batting them around. On that same note, be careful with candles this season too.
So what can you do to ensure your feline friend has a happy holiday as well? Let’s take a look.
Cat Proofing The Tree
There are a bunch of different things you can do to help keep a curious cat from getting himself or herself into trouble around the Christmas Tree.
- Go Faux: One of the key items I recommend is going for a fake tree. Real trees bring all sorts of additional complications and dangers to the house for your cats, in particular the water and also the pine needles which are no good for your cat’s paws or if they happen to eat them.
- Anchor Your Tree: Whatever you do with your tree, be sure you anchor it down really well. Get an extra large base or an extra heavy base if you have to. This will ensure your cat can’t tip the tree over and potentially start a fire or trash a boatload of ornaments and decorations at once.
- Consider the Ornaments: The bulk of the ornaments I chose above are not likely to break or shatter. Only the memorial ornament has much likelihood of this happening. Be smart about selecting ornaments made of wood, resin, felt etc. This ensures even if they fall they can’t break into pieces.
- Repellents:
- You can try placing double sided tape or aluminum foil under the tree which both tend to discourage your cat from walking in specific areas. I’ve had the best luck with double sided tape. Careful with this though as if it gets stuck in their fur they can cause a ruckus trying to get it out if you aren’t home to help.
- There are several different types of repellents you can try, but the most common types are bitter apple and bitter lemon sprays. These will keep your feline friends away from the area based on scent alone.
- You can try an automated deterrent like the SSSCat System (read my review here) which launches a stream of compressed air at your cat when they near a specific area. This works really well for cats that are more skittish and aren’t terribly curious. Really adventurous cats aren’t typically scared of the SSSCat after the first few times.
- You can try some of the many methods listed in this article on keeping your cats from eating your houseplants. In particular things like citrus peels might be both pleasant smelling and effective depending on the cat.
- Separation: If all else fails you may need to separate your cat from the temptation of the tree. This means you might have to put it in a room where your kitty isn’t allowed for a couple of weeks until Santa Claus comes to visit and drops off presents for all the good little girls, boys and cats. While I hope it doesn’t come to this, for extra curious cats sometimes this is the best choice!
You should also check out this great video from Cole and Marmalade to see what you’ll likely have to deal with while decorating your tree with cats around!
How Else Can We Celebrate?
If you’ve gone down the path of setting up a Christmas tree and found that your cats simply won’t let it stand as in this video…
…then you might need to pursue other avenues to enjoy the season!
The good news is that there are all sorts of things you can do to help your feline friend enjoy the holidays:
- Stockings: Get your kitty a stocking to hang on the fire place with the rest of the family and stuff it full of fun toys and treats! If you’re not sure where to find one check out this article for some of the best cat stockings for Christmas around.
- Collars: Make your cat extra dapper with a Christmas bow tie or a festive collar. Collars and bow ties are great for cats that don’t like full on costumes or cats that are prone to knocking things down off the tree. It is a simple way to show a little festiveness!
- Costumes: Deck your feline out in a holiday cat costume to ring in the season. These range from simple santa hats all the way to full on multi piece costumes. You can check out some of the most popular cat costumes here.
If none of these seem like a great idea, but you still want to reward your kitty for being such a good fur ball all year, then you can always reward with them treats and toys. My guide on the the top cat toys around is available here.
If all else fails be sure to let your cats play with all the empty boxes when you finish unwrapping presents!
Wrapping It Up
The market has about a zillion different items out there focused on enticing us to make a purchase for our cats this Christmas season. While some of them are items that will likely not get used much after the box is first opened, you should know for certain that an ornament for your tree is an excellent choice.
Not only will it help you deck the tree out in a wonderful holiday fashion, but it’ll also as a toy for your cat if all else fails! While your cat may not appreciate your ornament selection your friends and family certainly will.
Besides, it is always in good taste to let your feline friends celebrate the holidays with you and the family!
If you have any other ideas for your cat around the Christmas holiday or have any tips on the best cat ornaments for Christmas please leave a comment below.
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The 11 Best Christmas Cat Stockings 2021 [Happy Holidays!]
Wondering if your cat deserves a stocking in place on the mantle. Debate no more. Even if your cat doesn’t love presents the stocking will look absolutely amazing.
Stockings also double up as a nice warm place for your kitty to sleep once they’ve gotten a chance to play in all the empty boxes from other Christmas gifts opened throughout the day.
But let’s hope they appreciate you thinking about them and get to the 11 Best Christmas Cat Stockings!
Table of Contents
The 11 Best Stockings
1. Glitzhome Handmade Hooked Cat Christmas Stocking
Glitzhome provides over 50 selections of Christmas stockings, and on the bright side, they have one specifically focused on our feline friends!
These whimsical Christmas Stockings will encourage your family members to give your kitty the best gifts around and ensure they have just as much fun on the holidays as you do. A few items worth noting:
- check
- check
2. Kitty Cat Soft Plush Cloth Hanging Christmas Stocking
This hanging stocking by Clever Creations is the perfect way to bring Christmas cheer to your home this holiday season. This stocking has a unique design that you simply will not find anywhere else. It is sure to give your home that wow factor and bring the Christmas spirit into your home.
A couple of key items worth noting:
- check
- check
- check
3. Hello Kitty Plush Head Stocking
If you’re into cats then you’re definitely aware of Hello Kitty. Thisstocking uses the likeness of Hello Kitty to bring you a one of a kindstocking for your furry little friend in the house. Any cat will beexcited to have a wonderful feline friend in the house gracing themantle for the holiday season!
There are a few features worth calling out:
- check
- check
4. Cheap Chic’s Cat Christmas Stocking
Cheap Chic is a brand known for bringing great looking, but affordable products to the market. They’ve definitely hit the mark with this cat friendly stocking!
It has adorable green paw prints all over it and it says MEOW in giant letters with a cute little image of a cat sticking out through the letter O. Hard to go wrong with a stocking that looks this good.
- check
- check
5. Northlight Embroidered Kitty Cat Christmas Stocking
If you’re looking for a unique stocking design then this is going to be it. There’s only one other one out there that looks remotely like it and that was listed up above.
Northlight has brought another amazing looking cat focused stocking to the market and the white band along the top allows you to personalize it.
A couple of key items worth calling out:
- check
- check
6. Downright Bandanas Paw Print Christmas Stocking
If you enjoyed the movie 101 Dalmatians (yes I know it is a dog movie!) then this stocking is going to be right up your alley. It has about 100 little black paw prints on a white background to make it look like kitties stepped in ink and walked all over it.
It reminds me of that wicked and crazy Cruella Deville. The white section on the top is left fully open for naming meaning you and your family can personalize it for your individual pet once you get it home!
A few additional items worth noting:
- check
- check
7. Greenbrier’s Felt Christmas House Cat Family Stocking
If you’re looking for a discount stocking for your kitty cat then this is definitely the route to go. Greenbrier brings to market the most affordable of all the stockings in the list with their Felt Christmas House Cat Stocking.
Honestly, how can you go wrong when you can let your kitty celebrate the holidays with you for a price like this?! It comes in at just a bit above 5 dollars (last I looked on 10/15/18).
A few other items worth noting:
- check
- check
8. Merry Stocking’s Cat Christmas Stocking
If you like cat paw prints and little tiny mice then boy do I have the stocking for you! This stocking is adorned with numerous cat paws and even has five little green mice strapped across the top to make it any cat’s dream!
On top of this you can also personalize this stocking through the provider with any cat name up to 12 characters long, quite a nice perk! You’ll also note that based on the shape there’s a good chunk of space in the ‘foot’ section of the stocking for any extra large gifts or treats for your kitty.
It is worth calling out these features:
- check
- check
9. Dear Santa, I’ve Been a Very Good Kitty!
Let’s be honest, most of our kitty cats probably shouldn’t be writing letters to Santa Claus telling him that they’ve been good. They’ve likely been spoiled rotten and still been a little bit of a turd throughout the year. I mean, come on, we’re already buying them a stocking! What more do these fur balls need?
If your kitty has been extra good this year then consider these additional items:
- check
- check
10. Paw Print With Fish Bones Stocking
This particular stocking falls outside the normal shape and size of your typical stocking, but that doesn’t take anything at all away from how adorable it is!
This stocking is shaped just like a cat paw and has a nice plaid cat paw emblazoned across it, right where the wrist is there’s also a cool little set of fish bones hanging down just to drive home that it is a cat’s stocking, no dogs allowed!
If you’re looking for style plus something totally unique then this is the way to go folks! A few other items worth making note of:
- check
- check
11. Outward Hound Christmas Stocking
While the stocking is geared toward dogs (take a look at the name), many folks have indicated they’ve used it with cats to great success. Who would have thought that cats wouldn’t complain about such a thing?!
This is a gorgeous red stocking fitting the more traditional profile and it comes in two different sizes which is a nice perk if you’re cramped for space or don’t plan to pack it too full.
A few other key things worth mentioning on this version:
- check
- check
- check
Additional Information:
Are Stockings Safe For Cats?
There are two significant risks you can run with stockings for cats. The first and most prevalent is in the way you hang your stocking.
These days we often use counter weighted hanging hooks that place all the weight on the top of the mantle, But with cats (or pets in general) this can be a little problematic. Cats are prone to knock these off one of two ways:
- They might jump and grab onto the stocking thinking of it as a hanging toy.
- They might get on the mantle or ledge and accidentally (or purposely) knock it down.
The counterweight could easily land on your cat in the first case and cause a severe injury. In the second case it isn’t likely to hurt your cat, but it could easily cause some damage to the surrounding area.
I recommend an old fashioned hook in the bottom of mantle if you aren’t opposed to it. You may want to choose one that isn’t terribly strong / bends easily so that if your cat does happen to jump up and hang on the stocking the hook simply let’s the stocking go. You can always change it out the day of Christmas for a stronger hook!
Another option is to look at the very lightweight counter balance options available that require a full stocking to be placed on them. This is a viable option if you don’t want the stockings out for a long time or if your cat isn’t likely to care what’s inside them.
When Should I Add Presents?
This may sound obvious to any of you cat owners with extremely curious and mischievous cats, but you’ll probably want to hold off on loading up that stocking with presents until the night before or even the morning of present opening time. Your cat may go totally nuts like this one.
Loading up the stocking early, especially if you include items with catnip or any other scents cats are interested in, could end up causing lots of damage.
Curious cats can cause all sorts of havoc and not only are they likely to knock the stocking off, but they could easily start chewing up packaging if the gifts fall out. We all know that is no good for them.
What Type of Presents Should I Buy?
There are pretty much an unlimited number of cat related presents you could consider for your kitty. But to ensure you buy things your cat will like make sure you take into account the following:
- Age: Buying items that are age appropriate will help ensure engagement and use. You probably don’t want to buy a top loading litter box for a 14 year old arthritic cat. Just cause it will be nice for you doesn’t mean it’ll be any help or any use to your kitty!
- Size: Be sure to look for items that are size appropriate for your fur ball. Most cats toys on the market are simply too big and aiming for smaller toys will encourage more play time!
- Personality: If your cat loves to just relax and isn’t into playing then I wouldn’t recommend buying a boatload of treats that might encourage you to share them and fatten your kitty up.
- Exercise Related: Always aim to buy something that will keep your kitty active! Just like us humans, cats that stay active stay far healthier! Get a leash or harness or buy a clicker and start clicker training your feline friend!
There are always a few recommendations you can select from and you’ll be almost guaranteed to get a hit:
- A Wand Toy: One of the best toys around to get cats to engage with you and great overall exercise.
- Catnip: Small and easy. It is great to get cats to re-engage with old toys too!
- Hexbug Nanos: Hexbugs are amazing toys that are battery operated and drive cats nuts!
- Laser Pointer: The laser pointer is still a classic go to for most cat owners. Be sure to end any play sessions with some treats or a real toy.
- Cat Tunnels: Cat tunnels are great toys that are lightweight and collapsible so they’ll be easy to fit in the stocking and your cat will love them!
- Empty Boxes: I know these don’t fit in the stocking, but at the least you’ll have boxes from your other Christmas presents. Save them and unveil them all at once for an amazing cat present!
Wrapping It Up On The Best Christmas Cat Stockings
The market has about a zillion different items out there focused onenticing us to make a purchase for our cats this Christmas season. While some of them are items that will likely not get used much afterthe box is first opened, there’s no need to worry about whether or notyour cat will use a stocking! We humans will take care of that for them!
A fashionable stocking is a wonderful way for you and your family toensure your kitty can celebrate the holidays in all of their glory! Notonly can you stuff them full of fun little gifts for your fur ball, buton top of this you can also use it as a temporary bed or pillow foryour cat once they’ve tired themselves out from all of the playing!
If you have any other ideas for your cat around the Christmas holiday that you love please please leave a comment below or send me an email at Craig@StuffCatsWant.com so I can update this article.
StuffCatsWant.com is a participant inthe Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertisingprogram designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising feesby advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
References: Glitzhome, Northlight