Weird, clever things that make your cat less pissy

For those who want to appease their cats, but don’t have a ton of square footage to do so, consider this scratcher mat. It lies flush on the ground and has a low profile, yet still provides plenty of stimulation, thanks to the textured weave that’s oh-so scratchable. Hang it on the wall for a vertical option or leave it on the floor where it’ll stay in place thanks to its nonslip coating on the back.

• Available colors: 5

If the phrase “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” could take an inanimate form, it would be this acrylic laptop riser. Perfect for the cat who just can’t seem to leave you alone when you’re working, this riser creates a perfect perch for them while still leaving enough room for your hands to actually reach the keys. There are also nonslip bumpers on the bottom to keep it stable on your desk.

If your pet requires lifelike motion in their playthings, this flapping bird toy is the perfect option. This sweet little birdie has wings that move and flap at three different speeds for plenty of variety. And since it’s rechargeable via USB, it’s convenient, too. It even comes with a loop on the back, so you can attach it to your existing cat wand.

This dental chew toy is an excellent option for both hygiene and playtime — and it’s perfect for the feline that stubbornly refuses a toothbrush. The toy has a textured mesh net exterior that helps trap and remove buildup on teeth. It’s filled with real dried mint, too, to leave kitty’s breath smelling fresh and clean.

An entertained cat is a happy cat, so for the ultimate in feline engagement, consider this automatic hide-and-seek cat toy. It features a spinning butterfly on top and a feathered toy hidden under the cover for multiple play options. The motor spins them both in an irregular pattern to mimic real prey, so your kitty will have to work a little harder to stalk and pounce.

Give your kitty the opportunity to express their full range of behaviors with these cat toys. The abstract shapes create an irregular bouncing pattern when tossed, encouraging them to stalk these unpredictable little toys. They also slide and glide smoothly across many surfaces, so you can interact with your pet and toss them back and forth, or let them have some solo playtime. One reviewer wrote, “Every time my kitty locks in on this toy, he is occupied for a minimum of an hour! I've never seen him play so actively with another toy! He's jumping, twisting, flipping, running, spinning, all over the place!”

For both bribing and pampering your cat, these creamy treats are a necessity. Boasting a ridiculously high 4.8-star overall rating after 29,000 reviews, the jar comes with both tuna- and chicken-flavored treats, but what’s most innovative is the packaging. They’re dispensed in little tubes (think: Go-Gurt), so they’re perfect for pushing up a bit at a time to distract your kitty from less pleasant tasks, like grooming or medicating.

Help your kitty file down their claws and release excess energy with this cat scratching post. It has a small footprint but plenty of height, plus lots of enticing, textured sisal rope. It also has a spring-loaded toy at the base and two fluffy toys attached to the post for plenty of batting opportunities.

• Available colors: 4

Create lots of opportunities for playtime with this cat tunnel. Made with a durable steel frame, it features three separate entrances and a top opening for them to pop their head out of. It comes adorned with interactive toys for batting and pouncing and can be packed flat for easy storage as well.

• Available colors: 12

If your cat is shredding your new couch or scratching up a storm, it’s a good time to consider this behavior correction spray. It works in two ways: The compressed air makes a startling sound, while a pheromone is released — both combine to act as a deterrent. For best results, use the spray while your cat is in the middle of the unwanted behavior, like clawing furniture or hopping up on the counter.

For cats in need of a little distraction, this all-natural catnip alternative is sure to get their motors running. It’s made from the silvervine plant with no other additives, and some data suggests it’s even more powerful than standard catnip. It comes in a convenient metal tin and can be used on anything from toys to scratching structures.

If your cat gets pissy at the specter of a missed meal, avoid the catastrophe with this automatic cat feeder. It has a clear LCD screen for easy programming, so you can customize the timing of feedings to his majesty’s preferences. You can even record your voice for a mealtime greeting to play when you’re away.

• Available colors: 2

Make scratching up the sofa way less appealing with these furniture protectors. They’re completely transparent and adhere to the sides of your couches and chairs to create a slippery surface that both protects the material from damage and also deters your cat from scratching in the first place. Just stick them in place and you’ll both be less pissy.

Give your kitty the privacy and comfort it craves with this cat cube condo. In addition to the charming alliterative name, this bed features a lofted perch above and a concealed cave below to give your cat multiple lounging options. The top pad is even reversible, with a cooler fabric on one side for summer and a warmer one for winter on the other. The hanging ball and the scratcher on the side only sweeten the deal for your feline.

• Available colors: 9

When it comes to entertaining your kitty, sometimes the classics can’t be beat, and this interactive cat toy is no exception. It features a lightweight wire that provides plenty of bounce, with several tubes of rolled-up paper secured at the end. Just move the toy around and watch them leap and pounce.

If stress and tension is just one of the many reasons your cat is acting pissy, try this pet massager to help soothe and relax them. It features four rotating nodules made out of soft silicone, each with individual bristles that help provide a gentle, calming pressure. It even has vibrating and kneading functions, too.

• Available colors: 3

If your cat is tired of your dog getting into their private space, keep your furballs separated with this cat door latch. It attaches easily with self-adhesive and has an adjustable width, allowing kitty to pass through the door easily but keeping dogs up to 120 pounds out of the room. Finally, your cat can use the litter box or have dinner in peace.

Felines are known to be attracted to running water, so help your furry friend stay hydrated with this cat water fountain. It has a quiet motor, so it won’t be disruptive, and even has a built-in filtration system, so you can be sure your pet is getting the freshest H2O. And since it holds a generous 2.1 liters, you won’t have to constantly refill it.

• Available colors: 6

For an engaging and stimulating toy without the mess, look no further than these skitter critters. They come three to a set and are shaped like little mice, complete with woven tails and plush exteriors. Inside, they’re filled with catnip, which makes for an exhilarating romp for your kitty. The set is incredibly wallet friendly, and boasts a stellar 4.7-star overall rating.

Help your cat avoid an upset stomach at mealtime by using this slow feeder, which features grooves and ridges to encourage slower eating. The silicone bowl is also elevated to promote a comfortable head and neck alignment while they eat. The bowl stays in place thanks to its nonslip design and is easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

Some cats need help with grooming from time to time, and that’s where these pet wipes come in handy. They’re designed to cleanse and moisturize the entire body and are great for wiping rear ends and paws. Made with an enzyme deodorizer, aloe, and vitamin E, they can help skin feel fresh and calm.

Your cat deserves the utmost when it comes to cozy pampering, so get them all set up with this calming pet bed. Not only is it covered in a soft, shag-like material, but it has a cutout center, so your cat can burrow down and feel protected by the raised edges. It’s also loved by Amazon reviewers, over 18,000 of whom have weighed in to give it an impressive 4.6-star overall rating.

• Available colors: 14

This convenient cat sling carrier is perfect for when you need to keep your pet calm and within arm’s reach. It’s made from a breathable cotton blend with a reversible pattern, and it’s even machine washable. And since it’s 20 inches wide and 14 inches deep, it’s got plenty of room for pets up to 14 pounds.

• Available colors: 3

This top-entry cat carrier is a must, not least of all because 31,000 reviewers have weighed in to grant it a stellar 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon. It boasts a zippered entry point on top as well as the front, giving you multiple options for wrangling wiggly kitties inside. It also features a reinforced base and mesh panels for airflow and visibility.

Need to distract your cat during a grooming session? Try putting some wet food or a lickable treat on this slow feeder mat to keep kitty occupied. The silicone mat sticks to any flat, shiny surface and has a textured surface that promotes slower eating. Plus, the ridges and grooves can help remove odor-causing bacteria from your cat’s mouth while they eat.

Use this deshedding brush to give your cat a gentle massage while removing all the excess fur that would otherwise end up on your furniture. The brush has stainless steel bristles with rubber-tipped ends that reach deeply into fur to grab loose hair. When you’re done brushing, simply press a button to release all the collected hair from the bristles.

Even though felines bathe themselves, sometimes you have to step in, and that’s where this waterless cat shampoo and conditioner comes in handy. A dream for cats who get grumpy at the thought of a full sink bath, it can help make their coat look and smell better, as well as reduce hair balls. Better yet, it’s made without sulfates or parabens.

Make your space even more inviting to your feline friend with this cat grass kit, which comes with everything you need to grow your own cat grass. It has seeds, soil discs, and even a charming wooden planter box. Cat grass is a healthy addition to your kitty’s diet, and can even help cut down on hair balls — which means less cleanup (and pissiness) for you.

Keep your cat’s coat looking soft and smooth with these grooming gloves. The palms and fingertips come equipped with flexible bristles to easily work through tangles and clumps, while removing excess hair that might otherwise get all over your furniture. And the best part? They provide some protection if your cat decides to reciprocate your grooming with some swatting and biting.

• Available colors: 2

Give your cat a cozy place to perch with this window bed. It comes with screw clamps so it attaches to the windowsill without no drilling required, and the plush cover is removable and machine-washable. To make it extra cozy, install it on a window above a radiator.

If your kitty won’t leave you alone because they like the utmost of toastiness, try this self-warming cat bed to satisfy them. It’s constructed with a reflective thermal sheet in the center that absorbs your cat’s body heat, then sends it back out, thereby keeping things nice and cozy. On the outside, you’ll find a plush coating that’s soft and inviting.

• Available colors: 6

Both you and your cat will appreciate this litter deodorizer which neutralizes unpleasant smells. It works with all types of cat litter — just sprinkle some into the box and it will eliminate odors and help extend the time between litter changes. Fragrance-free, it will go unnoticed by your finicky feline.

Take back your space without upsetting your cat by using this stain and odor eliminator spray. It doesn’t contain any chlorine and is safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including upholstery, hardwood, turf, tile, carpets, and more. While it works for dog messes too, it’s especially great for cat cleanup since the enzymes can target hard-to-tackle ammonia crystals.

Say goodbye to constantly refilling your lint roller with fresh sticky sheets once you have this pet hair remover. Just roll it back and forth over a surface and it will create static cling that grabs up all the cat fur. When it’s full, just press the button on top to open up the chamber and remove the hair. It’s an Amazon favorite that keeps pet owners happy, having earned more than 130,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

• Available colors: 2

Designed with safety in mind, these pet nail scissors make trims easier on you and your cat. They feature a circular blade that prevents you from trimming too close to the quick, giving you peace of mind while you give kitty a manicure. And with a nonslip grip, the scissors are comfortable to hold while you work.

Stick this cat groomer in a corner of your home so kitty can have a massage and grooming session anytime they feel like it. Made with soft bristles, the brush collects loose fur each time your cat rubs against it. The brush is easy to install with the included adhesive strips, and it can be filled with catnip to make it even more enticing for your kitty.

Make treat time a fun challenge with this cat activity toy. The board includes several compartments and drawers where you can stash treats, encouraging your cat to use their hunting instincts to retrieve them. Choose from four modes to engage a variety of your cat’s skills.

Keep wet food fresh for later using this handy pet food can cover. Made from durable silicone, the cover fits cans from 3 to 13 ounces and creates an airtight seal that keeps odors contained in the fridge. It also comes with a matching spoon you can use to open can lids and easily scoop out the food.

Hidden pet stains create odors that probably annoy you and your cat. Luckily, you can use this handy UV flashlight to find dried urine stains so you can effectively clean them. With a one-touch power button and comfy nonslip grip, the flashlight makes it easy to uncover offensive odor-causing stains.

Hide food in this pet snuffle mat and let your cat expend energy while seeking treats. Made from washable fleece material, the mat has lots of nooks and crannies that disguise food, engaging your cat’s hunting instincts. Nonslip backing keeps the mat in place on the floor and it folds neatly for compact storage.