There are some things pet owners can’t resist buying and we completely understand why. For most of us, our fur friends are such a huge and important part of our families, so it makes sense that we’d want to spoil them once and a while.
Some items — like the best dog toys — mostly benefit our pets, but there are plenty of things that make our own lives a whole lot easier. GPS pet trackers and pet cameras give us peace of mind that our dogs and cats are safe and sound, while automatic feeders help us relax knowing that our beloved balls of fluff will always be fed on time.
There are so many pet accessories you can’t do without. Here are just a few of our favorites!
1. Pet camera
Worried about your canine companion or feline friend getting into mischief while you’re out and about? Well, fear not because investing in one of the best pet cameras will let you keep an eye on them 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Oh, and if you feel bad for leaving your fur friend, don’t worry — some of them will even let you toss your pal a treat to help ease your guilt!
2. Umbrella leash
We know, is this not the cutest idea ever? If one of your favorite ways for improving your relationship with your dog is to go on long rainy day walks together but you don’t want them to get wet, an umbrella leash is the perfect solution. These little beauties basically have an umbrella fitted to the end of the leash that covers your dog when you’re walking, so you can enjoy your stroll together without having to worry about wet fur at the end of it all.
3. Automatic pet feeder
The best automatic pet feeders are one of those products that are well worth the investment — particularly if you work away from home during the day or tend to take frequent overnight trips. Take the fuss out of feeding your fur friend by setting the feeder to distribute food at certain points throughout the day. You can choose the portion sizes too, and most let you record a short piece of audio to let your dog or cat know it’s dinner time.
4. Odor-eliminating spray
Let’s face it, while we love our pets to bits, they can be smelly at times — which is why so many of us always have an odor-eliminating spray on hand. These are great for getting the smell of urine, feces, and vomit out of your carpets and furniture, and they’re brilliant for removing stains, too.
5. Self-grooming cat toy
While you’ll definitely want one of the best cat brushes in your house if you have a feline friend, depending on how busy you are, you may not always have time to give their fur the attention it needs. That’s where a self-grooming cat toy can come in handy. These are just like a cat brush except they get mounted to a corner in your home. Not only do these tools let your kitty get that ear scratch they love so much, but they’re also brilliant for removing excess hair.
6. Pet water fountain
Pet water fountains are a popular purchase amongst pet parents these days — and for good reason. Try as we might, we’re not always going to remember to refresh our fur friend’s water bowl each day, and with a water fountain, we don’t need to as these little superstars will do it for us. Water fountains ensure there’s always fresh water circulating and they also remove any dirt and debris that finds its way into the bowl.
7. Ball launcher
Does your dog love to run? If so, a ball launcher is a must-have. Not only will this help you throw the ball a lot further than you’d be able to do if you were just using your hand, but it also means you don’t have to worry about having to constantly touch a dirty, slobbery tennis ball.
8. Doggy ice-cream
Most of us love ice-cream in the heat of summer, and it turns out it’s a firm favorite amongst our canine companions, too. Doggy ice cream uses pup-friendly ingredients so it’s completely safe and we hear it’s delicious!
9. DJ deck cat scratcher
Unleash your kitty’s inner DJ with a cat scratcher that has a moving turntable and tonearm that really puts a new spin on feline accessories. Your fur friend will love pretending to drop some sick beats as they paw away at this scratcher and alongside being super fun, it’s great for keeping their nails in tip-top condition. Definitely a contender for the best cat scratching post award this year!
10. Pet massager
The ultimate indulgent treat if you’re looking to pamper your fur friend, a pet massager can help improve mobility, relieve the pain of arthritis, help your dog or cat recover from surgery, and reduce the risk of injuries. If you’re looking for ways to bond with your cat or dog, giving them a massage definitely ticks the box.
11. Snuggle puppy stuffed toy
Anxiety in dogs is more common than you might think — especially when they’re separated from their favorite humans. When it comes to how to reduce separation anxiety in dogs, the snuggle puppy stuffed toy is well worth a try. This soft and cuddly toy contains a battery-operated heartbeat to soothe your canine companion during times of stress and it has a heat pack as well for the ultimate cozy sleep session.
12. Mini sneakers bird toy
Do you have a feathered friend in your family? If you do, we’re seriously envious because bird toys don’t come any cuter than mini sneakers. Now, we don’t suggest you try to get your bird buddy wearing these but tying the laces together and hanging the sneakers in their cage will provide them with hours of fun as they get stuck into pulling and chewing their new kicks.
13. Bearded dragon harness with wings
Bearded dragons are generally friendly, docile, and gentle animals who make good pets for those after a hardy, animated, and curious creature to spend their days with. And because they’re becoming more popular, we’re starting to see some super fun accessories popping up — like those lizard leashes that come with wings that will make your beardie look like a fierce flying dragon!
14. Betta fish leaf hammock
When it comes to the best types of fish for first-time owners, the beautiful betta is right up there. And if you’ve decided that having this kind of finned friend is for you, you’re going to find it hard to resist buying them a leaf hammock for their tank. Leaf hammocks suction to the glass and provide betta fish with a place to hang out when they need a break from swimming.
15. Doggy stroller
Have you ever expected to peek into a stroller and see a baby only to find a little dog’s face staring back at you? Us too! Doggy strollers are becoming more and more popular and are a great way to get toy dog breeds from A to B or transport senior pups or those who have an injury.
16. Cat carrier
The best cat carriers are well worth investing in if you and your feline friend frequently take trips together. We love the range of designs on offer these days, including backpacks, airline-approved carriers, and see-through carriers that let your kitty soak up the sights and sounds around them.
17. Small pet puzzle board
You’ve probably heard of snuffle mats for dogs and cat puzzle feeders, but it turns out you can also get puzzle boards for smaller pets like rabbits. In much the same way as puzzle feeders for our larger fur friends, these puzzle boards have lids you can hide treats inside and your rabbit will need to figure out how to move them in order to access their food.
18. Flavored bubbles
For many of us, there’s nothing that quite reminds us of our childhood than whimsical bubbles — and it turns out you can get pet-safe ones that will let your dog or cat join in on all the fun, too. Now you can let your fur friend run around and try and pop the bubbles without worrying about them ingesting anything toxic.
19. Macrame cat hammock
When it comes to the best cat hammocks on the market, the stunning macrame designs are right up there. Not only will one of these look great in your home, but having a cat hammock is a great way to let your feline friend tap into their natural desire to be up high.
20. Pet stairs
Pet stairs can be such a useful addition to your home — especially if you have a toy dog breed or an older pup or feline who struggles with their mobility. Pet stairs can be pushed up against your bed, couch, or anywhere that your fur friend likes to sleep, allowing them to easily get to where they want to be.
21. Doggy sleeping bag
If hiking with your dog and camping out under the stars is one of your favorite summer pastimes, then a doggy sleeping bag is one essential you should definitely pack. Formulated to be both warm and waterproof, these little beauties will ensure your canine companion stays toasty and warm long after the campfire has gone out.
22. Bucket wheel for hamster
When you welcomed your little hammy into your family, we bet you spent loads of time researching the best hamster cages and toys to make them feel at home in their new environment. But what you may not have thought about was just how much noise they’d make running on their wheel every night! Well, you can sleep easy once more thanks to the bucket wheel. Featuring a nearly silent design, your hamster will be able to run to their heart's content without keeping the whole house awake.
23. Dog sling
For those days when your puppy or small dog is just too tired to walk, a sling is the perfect solution. Carrying our dogs in our arms can cause a whole host of neck and back problems but because the sling evenly distributes your pet’s weight, you’ll find that carrying them around no longer leaves you feeling sore.
24. Pet couch
The ultimate in luxurious sleeping spots, a pet sofa will let your fur friend snooze the day away in style and comfort. Available in a range of colors and patterns to suit every decor, pet sofa beds are soft, cozy, and oh-so snuggly.
25. Snuffle mat
Snuffle mats for dogs are a wonderful way to keep your pet mentally stimulated — and they can help slow down their eating, too! With a snuffle mat, you simply hide your dog's regular food or treats in the crevices and pockets and let them use their nose and paws to uncover them. They come in a range of different designs and difficulties, so you’re guaranteed to find the right one for your canine companion.
26. Pet tracker
The best GPS trackers for pets are a total lifesaver if your canine companion or feline friend tends to disappear without letting you know where they’re going or when they’ll be back! These devices are easy to fit, comfortable to wear, and will let you know where your beloved bundle of fluff is at all times.
27. Inflatable dog kennel
Sometimes, the last thing you feel like doing is dismantling and reassembling your dog’s crate — especially if you travel together frequently. That’s when an inflatable dog kennel can come in really handy. Lightweight and easy to inflate and deflate, they’re a breeze to travel with and will ensure your pup has a safe and secure place to sleep no matter where you are.
28. Cat billiard table
Quite possibly the cutest thing we’ve ever seen, the cat billiard table comes with colorful felt balls and feather sticks that your kitty can use to sink those winning shots. If you’ve always fancied having a pool shark in your family, this table is a must!
29. Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wondering how to keep cat teeth clean or how to brush a dog’s teeth? The answer to both lies in having a good toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste. Good oral hygiene is just as important for our fur friends as it is for us and daily brushing can prevent your cat or dog from having dental issues when they get older.
30. Treats
Most of us can’t help spoiling our pets now and again and as long as dog treats or cat treats make up no more than 10% of your fur friend’s daily caloric intake, they can be a great way to reward good behavior.
31. Sunglasses
Even if you’ve got one of the best dog breeds for warm climates, the chances are they still need some help to stay cool when the mercury really rises. Alongside sunblock, not walking in your pup in the hottest hours of the day, and giving them plenty of water to drink, sunglasses can be a great addition to their wardrobe. Sunglasses can help your dog see better on bright days and they’re vital for albino dogs who are more sensitive to light.
32. Cat tree
Have a kitty who loves to climb? Investing in one of the best cat trees is a must. Enabling them to get up high, a cat tree lets your kitty get a great view of what’s going on around them and because they come with built-in beds and scratching posts, they’re a brilliant all-in-one piece of kit.
