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Cat Checklist: Important Supplies and Entertaining Toys

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The world of cat supplies can be both bountiful and daunting, especially when you have to think about things like how to keep cats entertained while you are at work and how to keep them happy at night. If you are thinking about buying a cat, then this article is for you.

You should be able to pamper and stimulate your feline with comfortable and engaging things. If you don’t, then your cat could become incredibly bored. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviour if you are not careful.

Today we are going to be taking a look at some of the top cat supplies and toys that are currently available on the market. These should enable you to build your own checklist of all of the different things that your furry friend needs.


Cat Supplies & Toys for Indoor Cats

Have you ever sat and watched a small child play with a single toy? They tend to get bored quickly and move onto something else.

Cats are no different and they are much less likely to get bored if they have an array of toys at their disposal. Your cat also has to be able to get comfortable during the night and while he or she is napping during the day. Otherwise, your cat could become distressed over time.

This means that while you do need cat toys to keep them busy, you also need a comfortable resting area so that they can sleep peacefully.

Beds & Furniture

Before we even begin to talk about cat beds and furniture, you need to be aware of the fact that some cats are notoriously fussy.

Just because every cat seems to love a specific bed, does not mean that your cat will. Some cats even prefer cardboard boxes to soft beds.

As a pet owner, you need to consider one key question: Is your cat comfortable?

Cat beds should enable our feline friends to hide so that they do not feel vulnerable while they are asleep. A lot of cats also enjoy kneading soft beds with their claws for comfort.

There are a lot of different styles available, and you should be able to provide your cat with a special sleeping spot. If your cat trusts that you will be able to keep it safe while it is asleep, then this could be on top of you.

We would advise that you start off with a comfortable fabric bed. These are usually machine washable and they can offer your cats a small enclosed space, something that you should probably provide. Cats also love cosiness and hiding, two things that often come hand in hand.

Without further ado, here are some of our favourite bed and furniture types:

Cat House

Cat House

Cat houses are wonderful pieces of furniture that can easily make your cats feel safe and protected. You can purchase both indoor cat houses and outdoor cat houses.

Both of these options can make your cats feel secure and offer them a familiar environment to relax in. If you know that your cats like to sleep outside, then a cat house can also be used to shelter them from the elements and make them feel protected because there are usually more than one exit.

Cat Trees

cat trees

Cat trees are a perfect option for cats who are playful and love to climb, but they can also offer sleepy cats a safe place to nap because they feature high levels of elevation. A lot of different cat trees also feature toys and scratching posts that can keep cats entertained.

It is worth noting that cheaper options can be destroyed quite easily, while more expensive ones tend to be sturdy and steady when cats are jumping around on them. Some can also be attached to either the wall of the ceiling.

Cat Rugs

Cat Rug

Cat rugs are items that have been specifically designed to sooth cats to sleep by keeping them content and happy. They serve as both a feline play area and a place to rest.

As a cat owner, a decent cat rug can offer you a good way of training your cat not to use your household furniture as a scratching post in the same way that you would use the best chew toys for puppies to train them not to chew.

Some cat rugs come with catnip to calm cats who are anxious and hyper, some are colourful and fun, some include trigger sounds and real feathers, while others are simply soft and cosy. This means that they can have something for every type of cat.

If you are looking for cat toys for bored cats, then you should look for a cat rug that includes a lot of different features.

Cat Scratching Posts

Cat Scratching Posts

When you are on the market for cat toys and scratchers, you need to remember that cats still have primal instincts and urges inside of them. They need to scratch and they could ruin your furniture if they do not have anything to scratch.

As part of an average cats grooming ritual, they scratch to remove the dull exterior on their claws and their position while they are scratching can be enough to determine the shape that their scratching post should be. Most cats prefer rough materials when they are scratching, but some will scratch carpet if there are no suitable alternatives.

If your cat likes to scratch the side of your sofa, then you should look for a vertical scratching post. This should be high enough for your cat to stretch out properly while scratching because a lot of cats will not use a scratching post that is too short.

You also have to consider whether or not the scratching post is stable, because it is going to have to withstand a lot of pressure.

The Best Cat Beds and Window Perches

Cat Beds

Cats are notoriously curious pets with inborn instincts for things like hunting and exploring the world.

Indoor cats are limited to the types of items that they can have, while outdoor cats can be at risk of other things. You have to be able to keep your cat mentally stimulated, regardless of whether or not your cat stays indoors or outdoors.

We have put together some articles on the best cat beds and window perches for you to take a closer look at.

Supplies for Cats to Play and Exercise With

When cats are home alone, they can quickly become bored. This can lead to them developing psychological problems and becoming incredibly destructive.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to enhance the physical wellbeing of your pets. If your cats go from being bored to having something like toys, then you will more than likely see a change in their overall disposition. This is because cats can benefit greatly from encouraging owners.

Here are some of the most important supplies that you should be looking for:

Cat Chew Toys

Cat Chew Toys

Chew toys are really important because cats cannot brush their teeth like we can, and they are not very likely to let their owners brush their teeth. Trying to could lead to you being on the receiving end of a few scratches.

To enable your cats to maintain healthy teeth and gums, you have to make sure that they have chew toys at their disposal.

If you have a kitten at home, then you should look for chew toys that are in the kitten toys section of wherever you are purchasing your toys from. They can be a little bit different.

Toys for adult cats are durable enough to withstand constant attention as cats are known to be quite vicious with their playthings.

Laser Toys for Cats

Cat Laser Toy

Cats are quite funny when it comes to the types of toys that they will play with. A lot of household cats will turn their noses up at expensive toys, but they will jump straight into cardboard boxes.

Each type of toy fulfils a different purpose by engaging with different natural instincts, but knowing which toys your cats will accept can be quite difficult. If you are looking for the best interactive cat toys, then you should think about looking for laser toys.

Even the laziest cat will find it difficult to resist chasing a red laser and there is nothing more entertaining than watching a cat playing with one.

Laser toys are versatile, easy to use and fun for all of the family. This can also offer indoor cats a unique form of exercise as it allows them to practice their hunting techniques.

Cat Apparel

Cat Apparel

Before you think about purchasing cat apparel, you need to remember that most cats are already blessed with thick fur. Only a few hairless breeds would actually benefit from clothing.

If you are the lucky owner of a hairless cat, then purchasing apparel could enable your cat to stay warm. It is also worth noting that cats who have undergone surgery may need to wear clothing to protect their injured area, but most cats don’t take well to being dressed up

If your cat is accustomed to wearing clothing, then you should make sure that you go for similar shapes and designs. You do not want your cat to feel uncomfortable or stressed while he or she is wearing a costume.

You should also refrain from scolding a cat if he or she tries to wiggle out of a costume. We understand that everyone wants to laugh and have fun. If you are looking for something fun to do with your cat, then you should take a look at this article on the 50 Best Funny Toys for your Cat.

Remember that cats love to have plenty of toys at their disposal.

Caring for your Cat – Let’s Make Your Cat a Living Royal

Grooming, health and hygiene are areas that are just as important as having automated cat toys laying around your house.

You should aim to brush your cat on a daily basis as this will cut down on the number of hairballs that your cat has and help to remove any lose hair. You should try to connect a daily brush with a positive experience, for example, you could brush your cat before a specific meal each day.

When it comes to diet, you need to remember that cats are not vegetarians. Their main meal should always be meat and you should refrain from giving them too much dry food. If you do give your cats a lot of dry food, then this could lead to them developing diabetes or becoming obese.

You also have to make sure that your cats always have access to fresh water. Cats are known to drink more from running water and there are products that you can purchase to give your cats access to this.

Cat Food Containers

Cat Food Containers

A lot of people leave their pet food laying around under cupboards and on kitchen floors, but pet food can actually go stale quite quickly.

As an owner, you need to make sure that you are storing your cat food in proper containers to make sure that it does not go stale. By doing this, you will also be making sure that your open cat food does not attract vermin.

Owning a cat food container can also offer you a way of controlling the temperature that your cat food is exposed to.

Cat Nail Clippers

Cat Nail Clippers

Claws, claws, claws. The one area of your cat that you don’t want to get too close to is also an area that requires your full care and attention as an owner.

We would always advise that you let either a vet or a groomer trim the claws that your cat has, but there are things that you can do to make the experience much smoother at home.

For example, you need to make sure that you have a suitable set of nail clippers. If your cat has thick claws that are relatively short, then you will need a specific set of nail clippers. This set will be different to the one that you would use if you had a cat who had long and thin claws.

If you do not use the right type, then the claws could potentially break or splinter. You also have to remember that your cat’s nails have a vein running down them and you should never declaw your cat. It is never absolutely necessary to remove their claws.

Best Cat Shampoo

Cat Shampoo

As a general rule of thumb, you need to remember that most cats detest water. They have been naturally equipped with the tools that they need to keep themselves perfectly clean, as their tongue and teeth are more than capable of handling feline hair and their flexibility allows them to reach difficult areas.

Most household products should not be used on cats. If you really want to keep your cat shiny, then you should stick to regularly brushing him or her in order to keep the natural oils that are present. Bathing your cat will strip these away.

If you do have to wash your cat, then you should look for a shampoo that only contains natural ingredients.

Automatic Cat Feeder

Automatic Cat Feeder

Automatic cat feeders are a great option for people who simply do not have the time to make sure that they are feeding their cats at regular intervals.

For example, if you have to get up early for work or if you have to work long days. Owning an automatic cat feeder will mean that you do not have to worry about feeding your cat at set times.

If you do own more than one cat, then you should make sure that you buy them all a feeder because cats can become quite aggressive when they eat. The best automatic cat feeders have a timer and make sure that your cat eats the right amount of food at the right time every day.

Cat Water Fountains

Cat Water Fountains

Cat feeders and cat water fountains often come hand in hand with each other, but the two should not be kept too close to each other. Cats can get a little bit funny about things like their food being too close to their water.

Getting cats to drink can be a difficult task because they are known to prefer running water, which is why these appliances are so popular. Hydration naturally decreases the medical risks that come with dehydration and the chemical smell of tap water is not present in the water that has been filtered through these fountains.

Running water is also exposed to more oxygen and it emulates a natural flowing stream.

Cat Litter Mat

A good cat litter mat will act like a good doormat, catching granules of litter that escape from the litter box. Your cat’s paws will collect litter so it is important to take this into consideration, unless you want cat litter to be spread around your entire house.

It is worth spending a little bit more money on a cat litter mat to make sure that you are getting one that will do the job properly, and not one that will result in the surrounding floor becoming a litter mat too.

Cat Litter for Odour Control

After you have purchased a cat litter mat, you need to think about the type of litter that you are going to use. We would always advise that you use cat litter that has been designed for odour control, otherwise, your cat litter mat can start to smell quickly.

If you don’t want to be able to smell your cat litter mat, then your cat probably doesn’t want to either. If you really hate cat litter, then you could always purchase a self-cleaning litter box. These are quite expensive, but they mean that you do not have to do the job yourself.

Flea Collar for Cats

Flea Collar for Cats

Most people advise that you bathe your cat regularly to eliminate fleas, but bathing your cat regularly is actually an impractical idea that could adversely affect the health and mental wellbeing of your cat.

We would advise that you use a flea collar for cats who have allergies or reactions to topical spot-on treatments. Cats who are suffering with fleas will behave differently to how they normally would because fleas are annoying them, they can also be at risk of serious health issues because of them.

Because of this, it is important to get a good flea collar and deal with fleas quickly.

Looking after Yourself

One of the things that most people neglect as pet owners is themselves. It is not only your pets who need to be treated. There are steps that you can take to enhance your own relationship with your pet, including using devices to monitor your pet while you are away from home.

Some of the appliances that we recommend for pet owners include:

Best Air Purifier for Pets

Best Air Purifier for Pets

If you are allergic to your cat (or any dogs in the house), then you should think about purchasing a decent air purifier. Pets are known to lose hair everywhere and it is completely normal for their hair to be found all over floors and furniture, even if they have only been laying there for a short period of time. A decent air purifier will remove some of the allergens from the air that would otherwise adversely affect you.

Pet Monitor Cameras

If you have to spend a lot of time at work, then you should invest in a pet monitor camera. Pets can be rather mischievous and get into trouble when they know that they are not supervised. A pet monitor camera will enable you to view them remotely so that you know what they are up to.

Some of these monitors are also interactive, with microphones that you can use to talk to your pets and treat dispensers.

Gifts to Buy Pet Lovers

Gift for cat lovers

If you know a pet lover who has a celebration coming up, then buying gifts for them should be a relatively easy task. Animal loving owners usually love anything that is related to their pets. You should look for themed gifts.

These could come in the form of t-shirts, personalised gifts, phone cases and any other items that you consider to be both stylish and useful.

Cat Supplies & Toys for Outdoor

Keeping your cat happy is a relatively easy task if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Some cats are more than happy to keep themselves entertained, but we believe that there are things that you can do to make a trip with your cat easier than it otherwise could be.

Take a look at these products before you head off on any adventures:

Best Cat Carriers

Cat Carriers

Owning a decent cat carrier can make travelling with your cat/cats a relatively easy task, although it can be a little bit difficult to get some of them into their carriers in the first place. When it comes to important pet accessories, these are at the top of the list.

If you need to move a feline from one location to another, then you will struggle to do that without a cat carrier. The best cat carriers have been strategically designed to minimise stress and make your cat feel comfortable for the duration of the trip.

Best Flea Bombs

If you notice your cat scratching, then you should always investigate. If there are any black specs in your cat’s fur, then you should think about purchasing a flea bomb. If your cat has fleas, then they are probably in your home too.

You need to treat all of the areas where your cat lives, sleeps, plays and roams. If you de-flea your cat and not your home, then your cat will simply get fleas again. Make sure that you coat everything with a decent flea bomb or pest control canister to ensure that your infestation is controlled quickly.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of different things that you need to think about when you own a cat. Hopefully this article will have given you all of the tools that you need to make a checklist for your cat. Remember that cats can become destructive when they are not happy and you should think about ways to fix this, opposed to punishing your cat because he or she is lacking something.

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