A cat’s health is closely tied to its quality of life. The more enrichment cats receive daily, the more likely they are to be physically and mentally resilient year after year. Enrichment includes opportunities to practice natural behaviors such as hunting, chasing and scratching.
Coupled with quality nutrition, preventive measures such as brushing teeth and coat, and stress-free choices for litter box use and rest, these are the building blocks for a cat’s lifelong health.
With the help of two veterinarians - Andrea Sanchez and Heidi Cooley of Banfield Animal Hospital - we determined what cat owners can do to keep their cats healthy for life.
Here are 10 of the best products for maintaining your cat’s health and well-being:
1. K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Scratcher
It attracted cats to elevated areas. Not only do these areas give them the best view of the house, they also help them feel safe, especially in a home where snoozing closer to the floor means constant interruptions by children or other pets. For maximum comfort and stimulation, Sanchez recommends installing a window perch where your cat can sunbathe and watch the action outside. Increase the comfort factor by draping the perch with a soft blanket or towel.
Buy: K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Scratcher
2. Neocoichi Cat Head Scratching Bed
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you know that cats simply can’t resist a cardboard box. While science has yet to explain exactly why, we know that providing cats with small, enclosed spaces like boxes can significantly reduce stress.
“Your cat will appreciate a place where it can escape and not be disturbed,” Sanchez says. While any old cardboard box will do (according to most cats, “if I fit, I sit”), Neocoichi’s cat head-shaped cardboard bed, lined with wavy layers for claws, is a much more adorable option.
Buy: Neocoichi Cat Head Scratching Bed
3. Petsafe Egg-Cersizer Toy
A rolling food dispenser toy appeals not only to the cat’s mental abilities but also to its physical abilities. The more active the cat is, the less likely it is to succumb to obesity-related health complications. “Food-filled puzzles are a great way to get your pet thinking and moving,” Cooley says. We love this toy, which disassembles for easy filling and cleaning and has adjustable dispensing holes.
4. Purina Pro Plan Adult White Meat Chicken & Vegetable Entree (3 oz, case of 24)
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Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their health depends on animal-based protein. Unfortunately, not all cat foods are planned with these needs in mind. Purina Pro Plan goes above and beyond, making it one of our top choices in cat food. Purina offers dry foods with 45% protein and wet foods with approximately 50% protein. Note: This food may not be the right choice for cats that suffer from kidney disease, as high levels of protein can be hard on the kidneys. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding a new diet to your cat.
Buy: Purina Pro Plan Adult White Meat Chicken & Vegetable Entree (3 oz, case of 24)
5. Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Cat Harness and Leash
If you have an indoor cat who is fascinated by the outdoors, giving her the opportunity to safely explore the natural world with a harness and leash can be a significant change and keep her from getting bored. “Leash training your cat is the most important step before you begin your outdoor adventure, and a harness is a must,” Sanchez says. Slowly introduce your cat to the harness and leash using special treats to help him develop a positive association with the equipment. Test it indoors before going outside to make sure your cat can’t get out of the harness.
Buy: Petsafe Come With Me Kitty Cat Harness and Leash
6. Pioneer Pet Swan Water Fountain
Cats need plenty of hydration for their bodies to function properly. “A cat water fountain can encourage more water consumption,” Cooley says. Water fountains can also offer other benefits. According to Cooley, not only can filtered and oxygenated water be more appealing to your cat, but fountains can also appeal to cats who are anxious about drinking from a flat bowl, have neck pain or prefer running water to still water.
Buy: Pioneer Pet Swan Water Fountain
7. Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
Introducing tooth brushing at an early age is the best way to prevent plaque buildup, tartar formation and, ultimately, painful gum disease in cats. In our guide to the best dental products for cats, we recommend Petsmile Professional Cat Toothpaste, which is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Get your cat used to brushing slowly for several weeks and use a cat-friendly toothbrush, like Virbac C.E.T.
Buy: Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste
8. Andis Pet Hair Removal Tool
“Cats can spend up to half of their waking hours grooming themselves, and in the process they can inadvertently swallow a lot of their own fur,” Cooley says. And the more hair they swallow, the more likely it is to reappear later as a slimy, caterpillar-like hairball. Brushing your cat daily not only reduces shedding and prevents hairballs but also improves circulation and helps you fight parasites such as ticks and fleas.
Buy: Andis Pet Hair Removal Tool
9. Catit Senses 2.0 Digger
Mental stimulation is an important aspect of a cat’s overall health that we humans don’t always provide enough of. One way to increase the volume of your cat’s daily routine is to use puzzles that turn mealtime into playtime. “Treat puzzles are a great way to get cats to use their bodies and minds to get a tasty reward,” Cooley says. The more opportunities they have to think and problem solve, the more their cognitive functions will benefit.
10. GoCat Da Bird Feather Teaser
A minimum of 30 minutes of daily playtime helps prevent a cat from engaging in destructive behaviors. “Cats enjoy chasing and pouncing activities,” says Cooley. A cat wand with a lightweight toy attached to the end - which can be slid across the floor or suspended in the air - encourages both activities.
Buy: GoCat Da Bird Feather Teaser
