It doesn't have to be Christmas or the cat's birthday or "gotcha-day" to give cat gifts. When you're on a budget and want to keep the gift under $25, there are many great options that help with your cat's health and behavior. But oftentimes, products that cost over $25 also offer higher value, and may even be a one-time purchase that last for all nine of your cat's lives. Here are some of my own as well as reader favorites.
1. SturdiBag Pet Carrier
Photo Credit: © Amy Shojai, CABC
Any cat that must travel to and from the veterinarian needs a safe, comfortable carrier. You can find less expensive cat carriers, but the SturdiBag has been designed specifically with safe cat travel in mind.
2. Pet Therapy Jacket
Photo Credit: © Amy Shojai, CABC
If you’re lucky, your cat will never need an ice pack or heating pad, or require after-surgery care. But in the real world, chances are roughneck kittens or aging felines will need extra care. The Pet Therapy Jacket makes home care a breeze, so you don’t have to fight with the cat about accepting treatment.
3. Pet-Temp Instant Ear Thermometer
Photo Credit: © Advance Monitors
For cat caretakers who have lots of cats and need to monitor temperatures, this instant Ear Thermometer is a great choice. Franny has a detailed review of this product. You won’t need to deal with messy rectal temps, and cats tend to accept the Ear Thermometer with less objection than poking their (ahem) nether regions.
4. SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap
Photo Credit: © Amy Shojai, CABC
Cats that have safe outdoor enclosures, or multipet households that benefit from segregating cats, will benefit from this microchip-reading cat pet door. You can install it in a window or door, to allow the designated cat(s) to come and go, while keeping unwelcome animal visitors out.
5. Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PriceGrabber
My cat Seren loves drinking from the sink. She adores her Drinkwell Fountain, and the running water is thought to encourage cats to drink more. While some recent studies indicate that may not be the case, a water fountain still offers a convenient and stylish way to provide your cats with water.
6. LitterLocker Plus
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PriceGrabber
I’m a fan of the Litter Locker. It contains waste scooped from the litter box in plastic baggy sheath that contains the odor. The waste can later be thrown out, still inside the plastic, to keep obnoxious smells to a minimum. While I only have one cat, reviews from readers indicate the Litter Locker works equally well in multicat households.
7. CatGenie
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PriceGrabber
I've not used the Cat Genie, but have in the past used automatic litter boxes and find them particularly convenient. My caution would be that cat parents make a point of monitoring the cat's deposit, even when using an automated box. Although pricey, the reader reviews particularly liked this product.
8. Litter Robot II
The reader review of the Litter Robot gave it high purrs. This product would be on my short list, if I was in the market for an automated litter box.
9. Top Cat Towers
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Cats everywhere appreciate cat trees. You can go with the do-it-yourself homemade or inexpensive versions, or choose fancier versions. Franny has reviewed several options sure to tickle your cats’ fancy.