Gear for cats
Litter boxes, scratching posts, trees, fountains, carriers, brushes and toys, chosen from published ratings and animal welfare care guidance.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. How we pick.
Pets this page covers
Cats
Our cat picks cover litter, scratching, climbing, water, travel, grooming and play. Each one is checked against ASPCA and RSPCA care advice where we found it.
Cat buying guides
- Best cat water fountains: quiet, steel, cordless and easy-clean picks
- Best self-cleaning litter boxes: five automatic boxes sorted by job, with weight limits
- Best cat litter for odor control: six picks and the box habits that matter more
- Best cat trees for large cats: sturdy, heavy duty trees for Maine Coons and multi-cat homes
- Best cat scratching posts: tall sisal posts and flat scratchers, plus how to save the couch
- Best cat carriers: top-load, airline and crash-tested carriers that make vet visits easier
- Litter-Robot 4 vs PETKIT PuraMax 2: the two best-known smart litter boxes, head to head
- Best pet cameras: treat tossers and no-subscription cameras for checking in on your cat
What to look for
- Litter boxes: one per cat plus one extra, open (hoods, lids and liners are disliked by most cats), roomy with easy entry, and with low sides for older or arthritic cats. Use unscented clumping litter at about 1 to 2 in deep. Source: ASPCA
- Litter care: scoop daily, wash the box weekly with mild unscented soap, and avoid ammonia and scented cleaners. Source: ASPCA
- Scratching posts should be sturdy, steady, at least about 3 ft tall, and covered in rough material such as sisal, burlap or bark. Trim nails every 2 to 3 weeks. Source: ASPCA
- Regular brushing or combing reduces shedding and lowers hairball risk. Most cats rarely need baths. Source: ASPCA
- Cats need fresh, clean water at all times. Wash and refill bowls every day. Source: ASPCA
- Keep the litter tray apart from eating and sleeping areas. Give cats elevated perches and safe hiding places, and in multi-cat homes provide enough beds and hides so cats can avoid each other. Source: RSPCA
Research picks
These are research picks drawn from published ratings and expert care sources, not our own lab tests. Prices and ratings were seen on 2026-10-23 and can change.
Litter box Cats Research pick
Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box, Extra Large 24-in
Most adult cats, cats that kick litter or spray backward, and multi-cat homes needing a large pan.
Open plastic pan with high sides and back and a lowered front wall. The listing says BPA-free plastic that cleans with soap and water. An open, roomy box matches ASPCA advice.
Skip it if: You have a senior or arthritic cat (the front wall is lowered but still a step), or your cat wants a covered box (no hood is offered for this model).
Price seen: $18.30 on the Chewy product page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.8 of 5 from 2,480 reviews on the product page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Low-entry litter box Cats Research pick
Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box, 30-in
Senior, arthritic or mobility-limited cats, and large cats. ASPCA says older or arthritic cats need low sides.
Large low-entry pan marketed for older cats. We could not load the product page, so dimensions and entry height are not verified.
Skip it if: You are short on space (30 in footprint), or you want a high-sided anti-scatter pan.
Price seen: $73.99 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.7 of 5 from 358 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Clumping litter Cats Research pick
Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40-lb
Cats that prefer unscented clumping litter, and multi-cat homes. ASPCA advises unscented clumping litter.
Unscented clumping clay litter in 40 lb bags. We did not read ingredient or dust claims on a product page, so those are not verified.
Skip it if: You want a low-dust or plant-based litter (this is clay), or a lightweight bag.
Price seen: $22.99 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.3 of 5 from 18,993 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Scratching post Cats Research pick
Frisco 33-in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post
Most adult cats that like to stretch tall while scratching. Sisal is the kind of rough covering ASPCA recommends.
33 in sisal-wrapped post in gray. We did not read weight or base size.
Skip it if: You have a very large cat (stability not verified), you want a post of at least about 3 ft as ASPCA advises (33 in is slightly under), or your cat prefers horizontal scratching.
Price seen: $35.09 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.7 of 5 from 8,240 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Scratching post Cats Research pick
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post, 32-in Sisal
Cats that like sisal, and owners wanting a well-reviewed post.
32 in sisal post in beige. We did not read construction details on a product page.
Skip it if: You need a post of at least about 3 ft (this is 32 in) or want carpet or horizontal texture.
Price seen: $59.99 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.6 of 5 from 3,915 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Cat tree Cats Research pick
Frisco 42-in Heavy Duty Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo
One cat, or two small to medium cats, wanting height, a perch, a hideout and a scratching surface. RSPCA says cats feel safest up high and need hiding places.
42 in tall multi-platform tree with a condo and faux-fur surfaces. We did not read specs on a product page.
Skip it if: You have large breeds or several heavy cats (weight limit not verified), or a cat that chews fabric and should avoid faux fur.
Price seen: $56.89 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.8 of 5 from 8,040 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Water fountain Cats Research pick
Casfuy PWS-154 Quiet Stainless Steel Cat/Dog Water Fountain, 108-oz
Cats that prefer moving water, and households wanting a quiet stainless steel unit.
3.2 L stainless steel fountain with two flow modes, a window with LED level light and a three-layer filter. The listing says under 28 dB. ASPCA says to wash and refill water bowls daily, and a fountain still needs routine cleaning.
Skip it if: You will not clean it regularly (the filter and pump sponge need replacing, and reviewers describe weekly or fortnightly cleaning), or you need a cordless unit.
Price seen: $34.99 on the Chewy product page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.6 of 5 from 210 ratings and reviews on the product page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Hard-sided carrier Cats Research pick
Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog and Cat Kennel, 19-in
Cats up to 10 lb in the 19 in size (up to 15 lb in the 24 in size), vet trips, and cats that resist being pulled out of a front door.
Plastic shell with steel wire doors, two doors including a top-load door, side ventilation, tool-free assembly and wipe-clean. We did not find an authoritative carrier selection source, so carrier fit is not verified against expert guidance.
Skip it if: You need a soft airline under-seat carrier, or you dislike a top door that several reviewers say can fall shut when bumped.
Price seen: $42.95 on the Chewy product page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.7 of 5 from 2,479 ratings and 1,637 reviews on the product page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Grooming brush Cats Research pick
Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Cats
Short to medium coats that need regular de-shedding and easy hair removal from the brush. ASPCA says regular brushing reduces shedding and hairball risk.
Slicker brush with a retract and clear mechanism for removing hair. We did not read bristle details.
Skip it if: Your cat dislikes pin-style brushes, or has a matted long coat that needs a dematting comb.
Price seen: $18.99 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.7 of 5 from 2,307 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Interactive wand toy Cats Research pick
SunGrow Fishing Pole Teaser Wand Cat Toy with 3 Feather Teasers
Cats that need active play, and owners wanting a low-cost interactive toy.
Wand with a line and three replaceable feather attachments.
Skip it if: Your cat chews or swallows string or feathers, or you would leave it out for unsupervised play (put the wand away after play).
Price seen: $10.93 on the Chewy list page (seen 2026-10-23) | Chewy: 4.5 of 5 from 695 reviews on the list page (seen 2026-10-23)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Check current price and availability before you buy. Links go to retailers and brands, and none are affiliate links yet. We have not checked recall databases for every item, so look up recalls before you buy.
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