Best Indoor Cat Products

Finding the right products for your indoor cat can be overwhelming — there are thousands of options across dozens of categories. This guide cuts through the noise with our researched recommendations across every major product category. Whether you’re setting up for a new cat or upgrading your existing setup, we’ve organized everything by category so you can find exactly what you need.

How We Choose Products

We evaluate products based on material quality, safety, durability, ease of cleaning, cat approval (because the fanciest product is useless if your cat ignores it), and value for money. We prioritize products with strong track records and verified owner feedback. We note budget, mid-range, and premium options so you can choose based on your situation.

Water Fountains

A cat water fountain is one of the best investments you can make for your indoor cat’s health. Cats are drawn to moving water, and fountains encourage significantly more drinking than still bowls — critical for preventing kidney disease and urinary issues.

What to Look For

• Material: Stainless steel and ceramic are most hygienic; plastic can harbor bacteria in scratches
• Capacity: 2+ liters for single cats, 3+ for multi-cat homes
• Noise level: Submersible pumps are quietest
• Filter system: Carbon + foam filters are standard; replacement cost matters long-term

Our top pick: The PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum offers great capacity (168 oz) with a quiet submersible pump. For ceramic lovers, the Pioneer Pet Raindrop is beautiful and easy to clean. Budget pick: the Catit Flower Fountain at under $30.

Read our detailed reviews: Best Cat Fountains | Best Ceramic Fountains | Best Stainless Steel Fountains

Feeders and Feeding Accessories

The right feeding setup affects your cat’s physical health, eating speed, and mental stimulation. Modern feeders go well beyond a simple bowl on the floor.

Puzzle Feeders

Puzzle feeders turn mealtime into mental enrichment. They slow down fast eaters, reduce boredom, and satisfy your cat’s hunting instincts. The Catit Senses Food Tree is a great starter, while the Trixie Activity Fun Board offers more challenge. See our full roundup of best puzzle feeders for indoor cats.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders are essential for multi-cat households and owners with irregular schedules. Look for portion control, multiple meal programming, and battery backup. The SureFeed Microchip Feeder is ideal for multi-cat homes since it only opens for the assigned cat. Read our best automatic feeders for two cats guide.

Bowls

If you stick with traditional bowls, choose wide, shallow dishes to prevent whisker fatigue — a real discomfort caused by narrow bowls pressing against sensitive whiskers. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best; avoid plastic which harbors bacteria and can cause feline acne. Elevated bowls (2-4 inches) are more comfortable for most cats.

Litter Boxes

The litter box is arguably the most important product in your indoor cat’s life. Get it wrong and you’ll face avoidance problems, stress, and messy alternatives.

What to Look For

• Size: At least 1.5x your cat’s length — bigger is always better
• Entry height: Low for kittens and seniors, can be higher for adults
• Open vs. covered: Most cats prefer open; covered helps with odor and scatter
• Material: Smooth, non-porous surfaces are easiest to clean

For small spaces, the IRIS Top Entry and Modkat Flip are excellent space-savers. For multi-cat homes, consider the Litter-Robot 4 automatic box. Read our guides: Best Litter Boxes for Apartments | Best Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats

For setup advice, see our complete Litter Box Setup Guide.

Cat Trees and Vertical Space

Vertical territory is not a luxury for indoor cats — it’s a necessity. Cat trees provide exercise, scratching surfaces, elevated resting spots, and territory in multi-cat homes.

What to Look For

• Stability: Must not wobble when jumped on; look for wide, heavy bases
• Height: Taller is generally better; cats feel secure up high
• Scratching surfaces: Sisal rope is most durable; carpet is softer but wears out faster
• Platform size: Large enough for your cat to stretch out fully
• Footprint: Apartment dwellers need compact bases with vertical height

Our favorite compact option is the Feandrea Cat Tree for apartments. For more vertical territory ideas, see our Cat Furniture and Vertical Space Guide and Best Cat Trees for Apartments.

Wall Shelves and Window Perches

Wall-mounted shelves and window perches maximize vertical space without taking floor space — perfect for apartments. They create elevated highways and resting spots that cats love.

Wall shelves like the FUKUMARU cat shelves or CatastrophiCreations systems create climbing routes along walls. Window perches like the K&H EZ Mount give your cat a sunny observation post. See our full guide to best wall shelves and window perches.

Scratchers

Scratching is a biological necessity — cats scratch to maintain their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark territory. Providing proper scratching surfaces saves your furniture and keeps your cat healthy.

Types

• Vertical posts: Best for cats who scratch furniture legs and door frames. The SmartCat Ultimate Post is a top pick — tall (32″), sturdy, and wrapped in woven sisal.
• Horizontal/angled scratchers: Best for cats who scratch carpets or rugs. Cardboard scratchers like the PetFusion Scratcher Lounge are affordable and popular.
• Wall-mounted: Great for saving floor space. The 4CLAWS Wall Mounted Scratcher works well in tight spots.

Place scratchers near your cat’s favorite resting spots and near furniture they’ve been scratching. Read our best cat scratchers for furniture protection guide.

Toys and Enrichment

Interactive toys combat boredom and provide exercise — two critical needs for indoor cats. Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty.

Essential Toy Categories

• Wand toys: The best interactive option. Da Bird and Cat Dancer are classics. Use for 10-15 minute play sessions twice daily.
• Ball toys: Self-play options for when you’re away. Crinkle balls, ping pong balls, and motorized toys like the PetSafe Bolt laser toy.
• Catnip toys: About 70% of cats respond to catnip. Yeowww! makes potent catnip toys that last.
• Puzzle toys: Overlap with puzzle feeders — great for mental stimulation. See our puzzle feeder guide.

For a complete enrichment strategy, read our Indoor Cat Enrichment Guide.

New Cat Owner Essentials Checklist

If you’re bringing home a new indoor cat, here’s your priority shopping list:

1. Litter box + litter — Have this ready before the cat arrives
2. Food and water bowls — Wide, shallow, stainless steel or ceramic
3. Quality cat food — Ask your vet for recommendations based on age and health
4. Scratcher — At least one vertical post
5. Cat tree or perch — Essential vertical territory
6. Water fountain — Encourages healthy hydration
7. Wand toy + self-play toy — For interactive and solo play
8. Carrier — For vet visits; get one early so your cat gets used to it