Cat Accessories

Top 10 Cat Accessories

So you decided to adopt a cat! That’s great, because cats are intelligent and loving creatures that can provide many years of companionship. Whether you choose to keep you cat indoors or let her roam outside, you will need many different accessories to keep her happy and healthy. As a cat owner myself, I know that it can be difficult to decide what to buy for your cat. Here are the top 10 cat accessories I would recommend to any new cat owner!

1. Food/Water Bowls: Every cat needs food and water bowls! They come in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns. You can even get a water dispenser so that your cat always has fresh water to drink!
2. Collars: Are you afraid of losing your outdoor kitty? Get her a collar so that if she wanders too far, people will know who to call. Nylon collars are a popular choice because nylon is a soft material that won’t choke your cat and is washable. My cat has a collar with bells, so that I can find her easily. Otherwise it would be hard to track her down outside!

3.  Cat Furniture: When used with catnip and cat treats, cat furniture is a great way to keep cats off your own            furniture. There is a variety of cat furniture available, from simple flatboard scratchers to cat posts to condos and trees. Scratchers allow cats to use their claws without ruining your furniture. Cat posts and trees often give indoor cats the opportunity to climb, jump, and view a room from a high position. Condos create a safe spot that cats can hide or sleep in.

4.  Catnip: Catnip does the same for cats that television does kids you are babysitting: instant entertainment with little effort. Catnip is a herb that cats respond to in a variety of ways, from rubbing, licking, growling, drooling and jumping. Often catnip will lull your cat into a sedated state, so it is particularly great for entertaining a high-energy cat. You can even grow catnip in your own backyard, just make sure to fence it off, or you’ll likely find neighborhood cats rolling in your garden!

5.  Cat Treats: You think you can’t train a cat? With cat treats, you certainly can! They are a perfect way to reward good behavior. So next time your cat scratches her cat post instead of your couch, give her a treat so that she will repeat the behavior.

6. Cat Toys: Cat play often involves biting and scratching, as they are hunters. Cat toys are the perfect solution to this problem! There are a variety of cat toys available, such as mice, balls, and string teasers. Often they contain catnip. These toys are great ways to interact with your cat without getting hurt.

7. Cat Carrier: It is often difficult to transport a cat, as they are independent animals that like to roam freely. So in order to take your cat to the vet, be sure to get a nice roomy cat carrier. This will prevent you from getting scratched or bitten in the process.

8. Cat Brush: Cat brushes are used in order to keep a cat’s coat healthy. Whether your cat is short-haired, medium-haired or long-haired, there are a variety of brushes available from slick to soft-bristled. Be sure to brush your cat’s hair at least every two weeks to keep it clean!

9.  Cat Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Keep your cat’s teeth healthy with cat toothbrushes and toothpaste! Cat toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it is easy to find the right one for your cat. Do not use human toothpaste to brush your cat’s teeth; it will make her sick!

10.  Cat Leash: If you have the patience, you can use cat treats to train your cat to walk on a cat leash. Many of them come with jackets that are comfortable for cats to wear. Let your cat get used to seeing and wearing the cat leash before you try to walk with her, and reward good behavior with treats.

I would love to hear how you use these accessories with your cat, or which kinds you prefer in the comments below!  Thanks!

-Golda