Looking for a few fantastic new gadgets that will please both you and your cat? Here are five great new gadgets and toys that will make life for your cat more interesting, and might make your life better as well!
Reserve the cat bird seat for your cat
Studies have repeatedly shown that cats live longer when they live indoors. But we also know that living indoors can be a boring existence, predisposing the cat to obesity and other diseases. So what can we do to provide an interesting environment for our felines, while keeping them safe?
The You & Me Memory Foam Cat Perch is a perfect way to give your cat a window on the outdoor world! It’s sturdy and roomy, supporting up to 35 pounds. And perhaps best of all, it comes fully assembled and is a snap to install, so you’ll have a perfect place for your feline friend up-and-running in no time!
Realistic fun
Cats have a natural instinct to track and chase prey – everything from grasshoppers to songbirds. Finding an engaging yet non-murderous alternative to live animal destruction can be difficult, but the Leaps & Bounds Electric Flutter Butterfly Cat Toy is a convincing and safe substitution. A life-like butterfly is attached to the end of a wire, and the toy’s quiet motor spins and flips the wire so that that the butterfly very realistically darts and floats. Your cat will be engaged and entertained for long periods of time.
A fun alternative to the same old food bowl
Cats have hunting in their DNA. We’ve taken the challenge out of eating by routinely putting their food out for them, and by doing so removed any of the physical activity that comes along with hunting as well.
In addition, we know that boredom is one of the factors that leads to the development of the poorly understood condition known as feline interstitial cystitis (FIC). In this condition, the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder) swells and can ultimately render the cat unable to urinate.
Obesity also seems to predispose cats to FIC just like inactivity, and perhaps coincidentally the two go hand-in-hand. The Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Digger Cat Toy is a fun and engaging way for your cat to work for his supper! The simple design uses tubes of various depths as reservoirs for dry food, forcing them to use their paw to “dig” out the pieces. It slows down your cat’s rate of eating and requires that he use his brain to figure out how to get the food out. You can start with a few treats at a time, until he gets the hang of getting food out, then transition to kibble.
The toy that plays while you’re gone!
The cat that’s easily bored needs SHRU! SHRU is a cat toy that spins and rolls, interacting with your cat during various times of the day and “learning” how he likes to play. Leaving for work for the day? No problem – leave SHRU on the floor (preferably hardwood, tile, or very short carpet, where it works best) and it will “wake up” and play with your cat while you’re gone.
Perhaps the coolest thing about SHRU is that when your cat manages to trap it with his paws, it “struggles” like real prey. There are multiple tails – feathers, bells, and one that simulates a mouse tail – that you can attach to the smooth plastic egg-shaped main toy. The device recharges easily via a USB cable, so you’ll never find yourself with a bored cat and no batteries.
(Almost) never clean the litter box again
This one isn’t really a gadget for your cat, but if you hate cleaning the litter box (who doesn’t??) then you can count on this improving your life as a cat owner, and ostensibly your feelings towards your cat, who fills the litter box. The ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box is truly self-cleaning. The special crystal litter (don’t try to use another type with this box) quickly dries out the feces and urine completely, removing all odor, then the quiet and efficient mechanical rake sweeps it all in to the reservoir.
I have two adult cats, and I have to say that this box has been a game-changer. I just replace the cardboard box and the crystal litter every 2 weeks. There is never the slightest hint of odor and my cats have taken to it with no problem.