10 Must-Have Cat Products for When You're Away From Home
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
Almost every cat owner has to leave their kitty at home alone every now and then. If you're like me and work full time, there are bound to be large chunks of time that you have to (reluctantly) leave your prevcious fur baby at home by themselves.
I know it certainly breaks my heart to leave my cat at home. There's nothing worse than shutting the door on her sweet little face, with her tiny eyes full of hope that maybe today Mummy will stay home (or at least that's how I interpret the look in those eyes...)
As hard as it is, eaving our pet at home alone is just unavoidable sometimes. Luckily there are plenty of ways you can make the experience easier on them, with a wealth of products available to help keep them entertained and cared for. I've selected my top ten products that will help to enrich your cat's alone time.
1. A Self-Cleaning Litter Tray
Petsafe Scoop Free Self Cleaning Litter Tray
This litter tray literally cleans itself. How cool is that?!
It works by sensing your cat's movement into the tray, and then leaving the litter tray. Once your cat has finished, the device runs a plough-like comb through the litter and collects any clumped waste into a sealed container at the end of the tray. It keeps the waste neatly locked away to reduce any odour wafting.
Because cats are very clean creatures, they will love having a clean litter tray straight away, without having to wait until you're home to clean it up.
2. A Water Fountain
I am a huge fan of water fountains. They keep your cat's water supply fresh and filtered, which is very handy for when you're not at home for a period of time. Plus, cats love them, due to their instinct to drink running water, as it's less likely to be stagnant and contaminated. This means they'll drink more water and keep themselves hydrated.
Water fountains are available in a huge array of styles and colours to suit any interior style. I like this one because it comes with five heads that spout water differently, allowing variety each day for your fussy kitty friend. (Nothing says pampered kitty like a fresh variety of filtered water from their own personal fountain!)
3. A 'Kitty Cam'
This product is seriously cool. It's a little like a baby-sitter for your pet. Not only does it gives you a wide-angle live feed of your home, but it allows you to take photos and videos, speak to your pet, and even lets you play with your pet using an automated laser - all controlled via an app on your phone. Talk about high-tech! It even has infrared night vision, so you can keep an eye on your pet no matter the hour of day.
4. An Interactive Chase Toy
While there are so many interactive toys available to keep your cat entertained while alone, this butterly toy is of my favourites.
It contains an internal motor which moves the shiny butterfly on a wire around in a circular motion to tease and tantalise your cat. Anything that moves independently is great for when your cat is home alone.
Too many interactive toys to choose from? Why not let us pick for you with the Curious Box? Each Curious Box contains a selection of two to three engaging toys ( and treats!) Even better, the theme changes every 6 weeks, making it the perfect way to keep your cat's supply of toys and treats fresh, fun, and varied!
5. A Cat Tree
Cat furniture is a wonderful addition to any home (...says the crazy cat lady!). But in all seriousness, cat trees are great because they extend your cat's territory vertically and allow them a high-up vantage point from which to survey their kingdom.
This cat tree in particular is interesting as it hooks onto any door, which means it doesn't take up any floor space. It also has scratchable surfaces to keep your cat's claws off the furniture or carpet.
6. Automatic Feeder
Prestige Pet Automatic Feeder 10
Automatic feeders are great if you are going to be away overnight, as you can program them to release food every few hours to keep your kitty fed. They are also good if you struggle to keep your kitty's portion control under wraps! This particular brand even comes with the option to record a personal message at feeding time.
7. Cat Senses Play Circuit
Circuit toys are notoriously popular with cats worldwide. This toy consists of a covered, undulating track, with an illuminated ball that rolls around the circuit when prodded. A few holes allow your cat to bat the ball around but not remove it. This toy incites their instinct to chase, and will keep them entertained for a long time.
8. Hideaway Bed
A safe hiding place is important for cats left home alone. If startled, their first instinct is to find somewhere safe to hide. There are many ways to provide a hidey-hole space for your cat.
I love this 100% Australian owned Mog and Bone hideaway igloo-style bed, as it provides a safe place for your cat to snuggle and hide whilst still being affordable and stylish!
9. A Cat Flap
Sureflap Connect Microchip Cat Door
Pet doors are ideal if you have an enclosed balcony or courtyard that you'd like your kitty to have access to when you're not home. There's nothing like a bit of fresh-air and vitamin D to pep up your kitty when they're home alone.
This microchip cat flap uses technology that turns your cat's microchip into an electronic key, allowing youto have total control over which animals enter your house! The electronic door is controlled via an app which allows you to remotely lock it anytime and anywhere. You can even receive notifications when your cat enters and leaves your home.
10. An Automatic Laser Pointer
There's no doubt that cats love chasing laser pointers. It is a wonderful way to exercise your cat, and because they can't catch the thing they're chasing, you don't ever have a destroyed toy to clean up.
This laser pointer is perfect for people who aren't home a lot, as it shoots a laser light at the ground and moves it in random and hunt-inspiring patterns, meaning your cat can enjoy a moving laser point without you needing to be there.
Further Reading
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