what to get for people who have cats
The 50 All-time Gifts for Cat Lovers, According to Feline Behaviorists, Advocates, and Enthusiasts
Temperamental loners indifferent to homo affection, cats have long played second dabble in public opinion to man'southward all-time friend, the simple-minded domestic dog. But cats have won the internet, as some famous felines (Suki, the Dark Lord) have more than followers on Instagram and command higher appearance fees than the average B-list celebrity.
While information technology might be second nature to tag your true cat-loving friends in a cat meme every now then, it can be inexplainable to purchase an actual souvenir for a true cat parent at present that there are more cat-themed items available than always before. With help from experts — including animal-beliefs specialists, advocates, and pet-store owners — we've sifted through the vast earth of cat products to observe the very all-time gifts for true cat lovers, including some favorites we've found in our own years equally cat moms.
"Every true cat needs a scratching post," advised Tazz Latifi, owner of pet-supply store and grooming parlor Petropolis in lower Manhattan. Mikel Delgado, a true cat-behavior good with Rover, explained that scratching is a way for cats to "marker their territory, and it keeps their claws in proficient shape." Because cats love stretching out, Latifi said a mail should be at least 24 inches high to brand information technology an bonny culling to true cat owners' furniture.
At 32 inches loftier, the SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Postal service is a top pick amid experts. Nora Woods, adoption-event coordinator for Anjellicle Cats, a New York-based all-volunteer cat rescue and nonprofit with foster homes throughout the v boroughs, said it'south the ideal gift considering "cats tin't knock information technology over — very important! — and the cat can stretch out her back while scratching." Anjellicle cat-behavior specialist Astrid Hanenkamp calls information technology "the all-time out there," and Delgado mentioned it by proper name besides.
Since it takes up more space than a vertical scratching mail service, Wood said this "wonderful" scratcher lounge is a bully souvenir "if your friend has a practiced-sized apartment." Conrad Russo, blogger and owner of Pet Gear Lab, too said the PetFusion scratcher is a "favorite" among cat lovers, and proud cat lady Kristin Perrotta agreed. "Information technology'south cool-looking and yous can flip it over when your cat annihilates ane side," she said.
There are enough of splurge-worthy true cat trees out there, but if you feel a little silly spending triple digits on furniture made for a cat, this affordable version is both feline and human canonical. With natural wood grain and costly white rug, information technology looks nice in any home, and it has plenty of space for kitty to perch on. Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson's cat splits her time between the cubbyhole in the centre and the top level.
Photo: Courtesy of the retailer
Animal advocate and educator Hannah Shaw, a.k.a. the Kitten Lady, stresses the importance of "providing [cats] with an enriching home environment. Cats need access to vertical spaces and climbing structures in guild to feel mentally stimulated." A beginning-time cat owner, or one moving into a new identify, may appreciate a perch, lounger, or tree that will brand their dwelling more welcoming to cats. Shaw buys a lot of her true cat furniture from Hauspanther, similar this wall-mounted perch that doubles as a scratching mail and has room for toy storage.
If a friend is welcoming a new cat to the family, Leilani Shimoda, the owner of Instagram darling Bunni (and the late Shrampton), recommended "a cozy bed or cat cave to help ease their feet by giving them their own private infinite that feels safe and warm." She recommends this shark bed for a fun and affordable gift.
Fifty-fifty your most pattern-conscious friend won't be ashamed to display this handsome tent from Tuft + Paw (curator of the globe'south well-nigh unique and aesthetically pleasing cat accessories) in their living room. It's more expensive than most of the cat beds out at that place, but I had a chance to test it out recently and I was impressed by the high-quality construction, sturdy wood base, and thick canvas comprehend.
If yous've ever seen a true cat sprawled out in a patch of sunlight or enjoying some outdoor time on a hot summertime day, yous know that felines seek the heat. Delgado told the states "a cat'due south comfort zone starts at around 82 degrees" and they'd capeesh the added warmth of a heated bed. Angie Krause, a holistic veterinarian and consultant for I and Love and You pet food, agreed that "cats love to be warm," and suggested this way of bed. While the brand advertises its electrical cord is "MET listed for safety", it's e'er all-time to use a heated bed nether supervision to avoid any accidents.
A perfect souvenir for a multiple-cat household, a cat tree with tiered perches and resting spots offers each kitty a trivial personal space. "Cats are territorial so giving them a space that feels like their own is important," says Delgado. "Being upward high can assistance cats experience safe, and if you have more than one cat, it helps them share the territory." If a traditional cat tree doesn't mesh with your recipient'southward décor, Russo recommends this "more quirky" way. It has imitation-suede covers and a modern curvy pattern, but still caters to cats' needs. A more skittish cat might feel safest on the highest level, from which she can discover the room below while staying out of reach, and a cat looking for some peace and tranquility for napping volition dearest the enclosed hideaway on the bottom.
This compact cat tree (information technology takes up less than ii feet of ground space) has a perch for cats to get some height, a hideaway spot for some alone time, and a scratching mail to distract them from the piece of furniture. With its wood frame, it'll also alloy in nicely with your living-room piece of furniture. Information technology's popular amongst Amazon reviewers, with one satisfied shopper calling it "sleek and modern."
In add-on to helping sedentary cats with weight loss and maintenance, Shaw said that "keeping cats physiologically enriched will make them less inclined toward destructive behaviors." One of the all-time means to become cats up on their toes — and in the air — are wand toys and teasers, which would make not bad gifts for owners dealing with misbehaving cats. Along with staving off boredom, Delgado said "playing with your cat provides them with practise and can be a bully way to bond." These toys from cat behaviorist andMy Cat From Hell host Jackson Galaxy's collection were elevation picks among experts. The air-casualty version, for cats that savour leaping into the air, is Shaw'south personal favorite.
Latifi also raved about the footing-casualty wand for cats that prefer to chase on the footing.
For a small-scale souvenir under $10, you can't go wrong with a Da Bird wand toy that got rave reviews from experts and true cat owners alike. Hanenkamp said, "It offers hours of interactive playtime for a cat and its possessor." Heather Henley, a certified feline-training and behavior specialist at Best Friends Creature Society is a "big fan" of the simple plumage toy, and information technology also earned shout-outs from Latifi, Delgado, and Perrotta, who said "all cats become mental for it."
"I've e'er given True cat Catcher teaser wands as gifts considering I never met a cat who didn't similar them," said Yuki Atsumi, an Anjellicle seminar leader. From the maker of the dear Da Bird teaser, the True cat Catcher will as well requite cats the thrill of the chase, but for a mouse instead of a bird. Atsumi adds, "Wand toys should always be put away subsequently playing because cats might chew the string or wire and ingest it."
Shaw told usa these rattle mouse toys "brand enticing sounds that spark cats' curiosity — and kick their hunting instincts into loftier gear." She says they're perfect for kittens since they're small enough for little ones to toss and carry effectually in their mouths, only we retrieve older cats would love them too. At simply $10 for 36 mice, it's easy to have some extras effectually for when your cat inevitably loses a few under the couch or backside the refrigerator.
For years we've wondered why every cat nosotros've ever owned was obsessed with this assistant toy, choosing it over toys that squeak, move, or were just style more than expensive. So we felt validated when Forest chosen it the "best catnip toy" because information technology's the "perfect shape" for cats to sniff, snuggle, and kick, and it's amend than "lots of crap catnip out there." We've had cats with very different interests and personalities, and all of them accept gnawed on the banana until it's covered in true cat drool.
Latifi chosen Colorado Kitty Pot "one of my favorite companies" for their "astonishing catnip toys," and because "they give a lot of their money away to brute shelters and rescue." She said fifty-fifty cats that aren't usually interested in catnip become crazy for it. The cute "munchie" shapes (in that location are also taco and cookie versions) are adorably Instagrammable when paired with a loopy-looking cat indulging in some 'nip.
According to Stray Cat Social Guild founder Scott Bleicher, Polydactyl Cats "creates unique cat toys with equal parts irony, pop culture references, and a dash of fast-food fun." Their organic catnip toys come up in shapes similar popcorn and sushi, guaranteed to appeal to owners and cats alike. Shimoda, who also loves the brand, said, "I beloved to make themed gifts [like] the hot-sauce toys with sombrero philharmonic." And, yes, the included sombrero is for the cat.
Another style to tap into a cat's natural hunting instinct is a puzzle feeder that hides treats or dry food pieces so that cats accept to actively poke effectually to notice them. Henley loves that the SlimCat makes cats "move with it, so they aren't sitting still and eating." Since it's simple to employ, it'due south a skillful entry-level feeder toy for cats who are new to the concept. Latifi, also a SlimCat fan, advises filling it with freeze-dried raw nutrient, which is healthier and easier on cats' digestion than conventional food. (Primal Pet Foods' Central Freeze-Stale Nuggets Formula for Cats are a healthy choice that volition fit in a feeder toy.)
Created by a veterinarian, these mouse-shaped toys can be filled with food or treats and hidden around your house for cats to "chase." Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and founder of the Clan for Pet Obesity Prevention, says the toy will "engage your cat's inner predator."
True cat owners working from habitation know the claiming of keeping their pet from pouncing on their keyboard and disrupting Zoom calls. This care for maze, which is basically simply a cardboard box divided into three sections with random holes, is the but thing that has distracted Adelson's (very food-motivated) cat. Pair it with some treats and y'all've got a gift that will salvage your true cat-loving pal from hours of annoyance.
If you aren't sure if the cat lover in your life has used feeding toys before, this option may be your all-time bet. Latifi likes that it has "a really big food hole," which is easier for cats new to feeding toys to figure out earlier moving on to more complicated toys.
On the other mitt, if you know y'all're shopping for a puzzle-feeder pro, this tree-style toy is more difficult, every bit kitties have to movement their treats down each level past sticking their paws in the side holes before the food lands in the lesser dish. "[Information technology] helps mimic a cat'south hunting behavior," said Krause. "It helps save stress and prevent boredom."
"Cats are notoriously poor water drinkers," according to Krause. Feline dehydration can lead to fatal kidney bug later in life. (It'due south one of the reasons vets prefer cats consume moisture-rich canned nutrient.) To encourage a friend's pet to up its h2o intake, Krause recommends this flowing drinking fountain that'south more highly-seasoned to cats than a basin. "Many cats like fresh, running water and will drink more when h2o stays fresh," she said.
When gifting to a cat possessor with an older cat (Cats are considered seniors in one case they plough eleven), Atsumi recommends "a cushioned, heated cat bed for achy joints." While all cats capeesh a warm napping spot, it's particularly important for seniors. Krause explained that "as they age, cats tend to seek heat and have more trouble staying warm in the winter." Henley suggested a mat, similar this 1, with an insulated layer that keeps cats warm using their own body heat (instead of electricity) so you don't accept to worry about leaving your true cat with it unattended.
According to Henley, "Senior cats tin can accept issues with arthritis merely similar people. It'due south nice to accept pet stairs for them to use when jumping becomes painful." A set of pet stairs is a expert gift for a friend with an older true cat that'south having problem getting on the couch or bed. With natural wood siding, these stairs volition fit right in in a cat lover'due south living room, and there'due south an expanse for storage under each stride.
This unicorn tunnel looks pretty empty-headed, but Strategist writer Rio Viera-Newton says her cat, Martini (forth with her parents' and sis's cats), goes basics for it. "She sprints through all the little tunnels, weaving in and out of them similar a maniac," she writes. "And then when she'southward finally out of energy, she slinks up into a petty ball in 1 of the unicorn arms, all cozy." The four-foot-long tunnel has lots of room for cats to play in, only it as well folds downward to a compact ring that's easy to store even in small spaces.
Even though information technology's technically for dogs, the smallest version of this cozy, shaggy bed (that several Strategist team members ain and dear) is perfectly sized for cats — to which lots of Amazon reviewers can attest. Equally certified professional brute behaviorist Jessica Gore told Strategist writer Liza Corsillo, "Information technology'south slap-up for warm snuggling and cuddling and provides merely enough support and security for smaller torso types." And i Amazon shopper reports, "I bought the bed for my Chihuahua, and she loves it a lot simply then my cat took over and she loves it, besides. And then I bought another bed for the cat."
Unlike dogs, who get excited for a ride in the car or a walk around the block, cat owners know that getting an unenthusiastic kitty into a carrier can be a scrap like, well, herding cats. Kerrie McKeon, resident cat expert at the animal welfare and adoption organization Bideawee, said "The primal to easier travel, whether information technology's merely a trip to the vet, or a automobile trip over the holidays, is a carrier your true cat doesn't hate and fear." To solve the problem, she recommends the Sleepypod, calling information technology a "game changer, every bit your cat can use it as a bed when at home, thereby reducing negative associations." Just fold down the sides and it becomes a costly, semi-enclosed bed.
Or you can take a cue from confessed true cat lady Taylor Swift, who uses this stylish backpack to bear her cats around. Over at Vulture, senior Snapchat editor Devon Sherer tested ane out herself with her cat, the Captain, and discovered it's "as life-irresolute as it looks." Every bit Sherer reports, "I will even leave the bag out when nosotros aren't using it, since the cats bask getting into it and glaring at me through the bubble window."
Chewy resident pet skilful Samantha Schwab recommended this soothing toy with a touch-activated purring mechanism for cats that are stressed out while traveling. It'south also just cozy to cuddle up with at home or in whatever other situation that could make your true cat anxious, like having company over for the first time post-COVID-19.
This matching collar and friendship bracelet set lets a cat possessor show off their BFF (best feline friend) condition. As Caitlin Ultimo, a erstwhile resident pet adept and content manager at Chewy, said, "any pet parent will bound at the opportunity to rep their pet, and this is just an understated fashion to practice merely that." For the stylish cat, there's also this suede and leather option that comes in a "caviar" tin.
Recently, writer Duncan Goodwin, who happens to be married to Strategist senior editor Tony Rotunno, shared a guide to the care and keeping of their hairless sphynx cat, Pebbles. The primary takeaway: Hairless cats need a good amount of budget. Only they can besides pull off cat clothing, like this tie-dye tee that Goodwin says "fits her snugly without being restrictive" and keeps her warm in the colder months.
According to Ultimo, "Cats are very make clean pets, and they are good at taking care of their own grooming needs. That being said, their aptitude for self-care can sometimes result in a buildup of pilus balls." To salve your true cat-owning friends from the gross experience of cleaning up regurgitated pilus balls, a FURminator brush helps go rid of backlog hair. Brushing can also be a soothing bonding time between cat and owner. Strategist contributor Elizabeth Gumport really wrote an ode to the FURminator here.
All cat owners struggle with the Sisyphean task of keeping cat hair from covering every surface in their homes. To tackle the fur madness, Shimoda loves "this amazing two-sided preparation tool that brushes the cats and removes hair from your piece of furniture."
Simple and unobtrusive as a Glade plug-in, this little gift could be a godsend for cat owners dealing with frequently hissing cats. While often thought of as a sign of assailment, "information technology'due south actually a defense machinery" says Ultimo. "If your true cat is hissing, they may feel threatened or on loftier alert." This diffuser emits an odorless vapor that mimics a cat'south natural soothing pheromones, sending signals to her brain that relieve stress. It can as well help with subversive scratching and litter-box problems.
Photo: Courtesy of the retailer
For anyone interested in kitten intendance (or just adorable pictures of tiny kittens), Bleicher recommends Shaw's book, in which she outlines how to care for newborn cats and shares her personal rescue stories. Bleicher calls her "the foremost expert on neonatal kitten care," and added, "her sold-out speaking engagements beyond the land are [a] attestation to her compassion for these smallest of furry fighters."
Lensman Walter Chandoha devoted most of his decades-long career to capturing images of cats, in all of their grandeur (and silliness). This volume, a collection of more threescore years of his work, fabricated our list of the most giftable coffee tabular array books of 2019, and would definitely earn a prized place in any true cat lover'due south dwelling.
Some cats enjoy going on leashed walks outdoors, just a harness and leash might exist a risky souvenir if you don't know your friend's cat's temperament. If y'all think they'll find the idea intriguing, though, Shaw recommends giving a cat owner a copy of Adventure Cats for "inspiration and instructions." With useful tips and beautiful photography of cats exploring mountains, deserts, forests, and more than, information technology may pique an possessor's interest in bringing their kitty outdoors.
For cat ladies and gents who already have it all, or ones y'all aren't sure what to buy for, Shaw loves this book of "epic, beautiful, and downright hysterical photos of cats enjoying the green stuff" from cat photographer Andrew Marttila. Even the nearly reserved cats go silly under the influence, and this endearing collection captures them in all their blissed-out stoner celebrity.
Another pick from Tuft + Hand's high-end option, this is probably the just cat tree that has ever been featured in Dezeen. It'll set y'all back nearly $i,000, just if you accept the money to spare (and a cat-loving friend who'd appreciate it), it's a rare contemporary-looking piece of true cat article of furniture that looks similar information technology can really stand up upwards to regular use past multiple cats, thank you to its heavy-duty rope and carpeting designed for scratching.
Give indoor cats a sense of taste of life in the wild with this very lifelike tree that one Amazon reviewer says looks like a "live plant." Others say their cats love to hide in the leaves and branches, which are attached with bendable wires that you lot can suit to aid the tree keep its shape.
Treat your loved one to the luxury of never having to scoop through a waste material-filled litter box again with this cocky-cleaning litter "robot" that Bleicher owns multiples of. (He does alive with up to 10 cats at a time, though — both his ain and fosters.) "They're by far the virtually well built and reliable automatic litter boxes on the market, and they completely eliminate scooping from your daily routine," he told united states.
If the Litter Robot is a picayune (or a lot) out of your cost range, Viera-Newton is head over heels for the Modkat Top Entry Litter Box, which her mom gifted her for Christmas. The litter box blueprint requires cats to jump into a contained space to do their business, thus preventing any litter tracking or pee leakage. It also features a reusable liner for quick cleanup.
Non all cats like to be in an enclosed infinite when they visit the litter box. If your cat is one of them, this box from Tuft + Paw is a streamlined choice with born slots to hold the included scooper and floor castor. The company went through several prototypes to go the box simply right for both cats and their owners. Adelson received a model to test out and was impressed with how functional and sturdy the box felt.
This gift is not exactly luxe, but it is incredibly practical. If your cat is prone to coughing up hairballs and other unmentionables on your carpets and rugs, Brooklyn-based pharmacist Sera McNutt — cat parent to Santana and Konni — is obsessed with her Bissell carpet and upholstery cleaner. "It'due south a godsend," she says. "I love it because it's pretty minor and therefore piece of cake to store, has cleaning solution built into the mechanism, and has worked on every stain I've tried it on."
Yeah, it'south technically worn past cats, simply it's pretty obvious this adorable lion costume is meant much more for their owners' enjoyment. And at under $10, it's not a huge investment if your cat only tolerates wearing information technology long plenty to become a shot for Instagram. It's 1 of the best-rated cat Halloween costumes on Amazon, and one reviewer calls information technology "slap-up entertainment."
Although cats are obsessive well-nigh keeping themselves make clean, sometimes it's difficult to mask litter-box smells in a tiny apartment. Adelson learned virtually these candles from her vet after asking how he got his function to odor so pleasant and so non similar a vet'south office. They're designed by veterinarians and made upwards of a alloy of natural enzymes that actually destroy airborne brute odors at a molecular level, instead of just masking the smells. She likes this citrusy aroma, merely you lot can cull from dozens of other options, including vanilla and sandalwood.
Photo: retailer
If your honey of cats also intersects with your anti-racist sentiments, Food & Wine senior writer Margaret Eby — cat parent to Delta and Grover — recommends grabbing ane of these center-catching shirts. All-time of all, for every shirt sold, 15 percent is donated to The Bail Project and its fight to stop mass incarceration.
Photo: retailer
If you already know your cat's a queen (and treat her similar one) it'd exist fitting to get a portrait of her in full regalia. Showing this off in your living room would definitely cement the crazy cat lady look — but in a good style, nosotros'd similar to call up.
The Strategist is designed to surface the almost useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the all-time women's jeans , rolling baggage , bed sheets , java makers , and bath towels . Nosotros update links when possible, simply note that deals can elapse and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
Source: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-gifts-for-cat-lovers.html
0 Response to "what to get for people who have cats"
Publicar un comentario