If you have a bossy feline friend, then you know that they take a lot of maintenance and care to keep them happy and healthy. There are many accessories you can buy for cats which make cat ownership easier but it can make it difficult to know which products you should get. Here are the top 5 accessories that cats need:

1. Cat litter box

When it comes to the basics, a cat litter box is one of the most important things you will need. It is recommended you have at least one litter box per cat that you own. There are many options when it comes to litter boxes but it is recommended you use one that isn’t enclosed, and has high enough sides that you don’t get urine on your walls. If you want to spend a bit more, you also have the option of buying a self cleaning litter box so that cleaning it out becomes a breeze. You will also need cat litter to fill the box to make sure any odor is absorbed and mess is buried. If you have a more basic litter box you will also need a litter scooper to clean out the mess when it gets dirty.

2. Food and water bowls

Cats need proper nutrition and unlimited water to sustain themselves just like people do, but they also need suitable bowls to hold their food and water. When it comes to the material, it is recommended that you don’t use plastic as this can cause acne on your cat’s chin, instead you should use ceramic or stainless steel bowls. It is also recommended you get an elevated bowl with a placemat, this is so that your cat doesn’t have to crouch too low and strain their necks and backs to eat and drink, and the placemat will help hold the dishes in place and catch any mess or drops that may fall.

3. Cat toys

If cats don’t get enough exercise in a day it can cause them to become obese, they also need mental stimulation so that they don’t get bored. This is why it is important to buy suitable cat toys to keep them entertained and fit. There are many toys that fill different needs for different cats, such as a puzzle feeder for cats who eat to quickly, a tube for cats to run through and play in, toys on a string that you can use to help your cat feel like it’s hunting, as well as balls, plastic springs, and toy mice that your cat can chase around on it’s own. It’s important to offer a variety of toys to your cat to see what they enjoy and so they have lots to do in a day. Make sure you have both toys you can play with together and separately so that you can bond with your cat but they also get time to play by themself.

4. Cat furniture

There is a large variety of cat furniture to pick from when you get a cat. Items such as scratching posts and cat trees are the most popular kind of cat furniture. Scratching posts are a great investment because they give your cat a suitable place to scratch to keep their claws a healthy length and keep them from scratching up your couch. Many cat trees also come with scratching posts attached but also come with hideaways for your cat to sleep in and tall ledges for your cat to climb and play on.

5. Cat bed

When it comes to sleep, cats will sleep just about anywhere. That doesn’t mean, however, that they wouldn’t be more comfortable in a bed. It is important to get a cat bed so that your cat feels like it has a safe place to call its own where it can rest comfortably after a long day of playing. There are a variety of sizes when it comes to cat beds so make sure you get one big enough for your cat to sleep in at minimum, but the bigger the better is also true of cat beds. It is important you also place it somewhere they feel comfortable and safe.