Creating a cat-friendly home is more than just providing food and a litter box. Cats are curious, playful, and territorial by nature. They thrive in environments that stimulate their senses, offer places to climb and scratch, and provide safety and comfort. By investing in the right home accessories, you can turn your living space into a feline paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned cat parent or adopting your first kitten, here are the 10 best cat home accessories to consider for a happier, healthier, and more entertained cat.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Cat Accessories
Before you start adding items to your cart, it’s important to understand your cat’s unique personality and environment. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for cat home accessories:
1. Size and Space
- Evaluate your living space. Do you live in a small apartment or a spacious home? Choose compact designs for tight areas (e.g., wall-mounted shelves or collapsible tunnels) and larger towers or furniture pieces for more open layouts.
2. Your Cat’s Personality
- Is your cat a climber, a napper, a scratcher, or a hunter? Select accessories that cater to their natural behaviors. For example, active cats may benefit from towers and toys, while shy or older cats may prefer cozy beds and hideaways.
3. Safety and Durability
- Look for stable construction and non-toxic materials. Items like scratching posts and cat trees should be sturdy enough to withstand jumping and clawing.
4. Ease of Maintenance
- Removable and washable fabrics, easy-to-clean surfaces, and replaceable parts will save you time and effort in the long run. This is particularly important for litter boxes, beds, and feeding stations.
5. Style and Integration
- Many modern accessories are designed to blend with your home decor. Consider color, shape, and overall aesthetic when purchasing items that will remain in view.
6. Multi-Cat Households
- If you have more than one cat, consider items that provide multiple entry points, tiers, or sleeping areas to avoid conflict and promote harmony.
7. Budget and Value
- While some high-end products offer premium materials and stylish design, there are also many affordable accessories that deliver great functionality. Prioritize features that meet your cat’s needs.
1. Cat Tree or Multi-Level Tower
One of the most essential accessories for a cat-friendly home is a cat tree, also known as a cat tower or condo. These vertical structures give cats an opportunity to climb, scratch, nap, and observe their surroundings. Since cats naturally love to climb and perch at high vantage points, a well-placed cat tree satisfies their instinctual needs and provides a designated area to scratch—saving your furniture in the process.
Modern cat trees come in various styles and sizes, from simple two-tiered platforms to elaborate multi-level condos with built-in hammocks and sisal-covered posts. Look for a structure that matches your living space and offers a combination of perches, cubbyholes, and scratching areas.
Top Pick: Frond Design Studios Modular Cat Tree – Sleek, customizable, and stylish enough to complement any decor.
2. Window Perch or Hammock
Cats are natural observers, and few things delight them more than watching the world go by. Installing a window perch gives your cat a sunny, comfortable spot to monitor birds, cars, and other outdoor activity. These perches are particularly beneficial for indoor cats, providing mental stimulation and environmental enrichment without leaving the house.
Most window hammocks attach with sturdy suction cups or brackets and feature soft, removable covers for easy cleaning. Position them where your cat already likes to sit or where they get the most sunlight during the day.
Tip: Look for models with a removable, machine-washable cushion and UV-resistant materials for long-lasting comfort.
3. Interactive Feeder or Puzzle Bowl
Feeding time is more than just a necessity; it can be an opportunity to engage your cat’s mind. Interactive feeders and puzzle bowls turn ordinary meals into stimulating challenges, encouraging natural hunting behaviors and slowing down fast eaters.
These feeders often feature mazes or compartments that require cats to work for their food, helping reduce boredom, stress, and obesity. They also support cognitive development and can be particularly useful for cats who tend to eat too quickly or show signs of food-related anxiety.
Recommended Products:
- Catit Senses 2.0 Digger
- Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder
4. Modern Cat Litter Box
Gone are the days when litter boxes were hidden in a corner behind a curtain. Modern litter boxes are designed to be functional and stylish, with features that control odor, minimize mess, and fit beautifully into your home.
Options range from top-entry boxes that reduce tracking to self-cleaning models that simplify daily maintenance. You can also find litter box furniture that conceals the box inside a bench or cabinet, helping it blend seamlessly into your decor.
Top Choice: Modkat Flip Litter Box – Enclosed, easy to clean, and includes a reusable liner and scoop.
5. Cozy Cat Cave or Bed
Cats sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day, often preferring small, enclosed spaces that make them feel safe and warm. A cozy cat bed or cave offers a private sanctuary for your feline to relax and recharge.
Cat caves made of wool or felt are particularly popular because they retain warmth and provide a snug retreat. Some even double as decorative pieces that add charm to your space.
Luxury Option: Meowfia Felted Wool Cat Cave – Handmade, durable, and available in various sizes and colors.
6. Wall-Mounted Climbing Shelves
If you have limited floor space or simply want to add vertical excitement to your cat’s environment, wall-mounted climbing shelves are an excellent option. Cats love to climb, and vertical spaces allow them to observe their territory and retreat from busy household areas.
These shelves can be installed in stair-step patterns or as part of a larger climbing wall. When placed near windows or above furniture, they can be part of a continuous path your cat can explore.
Best Seller: Tucker Murphy™ Pet Wall Climber Set – A modular climbing system that you can expand over time.
7. Cat Tunnel or Hideaway
Playful and curious by nature, cats love tunnels. These collapsible tubes mimic burrows and provide a safe space to hide, stalk, or pounce. Some models include built-in crinkly materials, hanging toys, or peek-a-boo holes to keep cats entertained for hours.
Tunnels are also great for interactive play between multiple cats or between you and your feline friend. And when not in use, they fold down for easy storage.
Fun Option: Frisco Peek-a-Boo Cat Tunnel with Toys – Affordable, lightweight, and great for solo or group play.
8. Automatic Laser Toy or Motion Toy
Cats are natural hunters, and toys that simulate prey behavior can help them exercise both mind and body. Automatic laser toys or robotic toys that mimic scurrying mice are fantastic for keeping cats occupied, especially when you’re not home.
These toys offer different speed and movement settings, encouraging your cat to chase and pounce. Look for options with auto shut-off timers for safety and battery efficiency.
Must-Have: PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy – Hands-free fun that you can set and forget.
9. Scratching Post or Pad
Scratching is a normal and necessary feline behavior. It helps cats shed the outer layers of their claws, mark territory with scent glands, and stretch their bodies. Providing multiple scratching surfaces around your home can protect your furniture and improve your cat’s well-being.
Options range from upright posts and angled pads to scratchers that double as loungers. Materials include sisal, cardboard, and wood—each catering to different preferences.
Eco-Friendly Pick: PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge – Made from recycled cardboard and designed for lounging and scratching.
10. Smart Water Fountain
Cats often don’t drink enough water, especially if they eat dry food. A water fountain with running water can encourage better hydration and support urinary tract health. Flowing water appeals to a cat’s instinctual preference for fresh, moving water.
Modern cat fountains come with charcoal or carbon filters that keep water clean and odor-free. Some models include stainless steel bowls or ceramic features for easy cleaning and durability.
Editor’s Choice: Pioneer Pet Raindrop Stainless Steel Fountain – Quiet, hygienic, and stylish.
Final Thoughts
Creating a cat-friendly home doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just thoughtful choices and the right accessories. Whether it’s a high perch to survey the room, a tunnel for surprise attacks, or a water fountain that keeps your cat hydrated, each accessory plays a role in supporting your cat’s physical and mental well-being.
Start by observing your cat’s behavior: Do they like to climb? Do they nap in sunbeams? Are they bored when you’re away? Based on your cat’s habits and preferences, choose a few key accessories and build from there. A happy cat makes for a happy home—and with these 10 accessories, you’re well on your way to both.
