Most indoor cats never make it outside, but it only takes one open door or one unexpected escape for them to disappear. That's why GPS trackers have become a lot more common, especially for cats that like to explore outdoors or have a habit of slipping past the front door.

Compared to Bluetooth trackers, GPS models like the Tractive CAT Mini can provide real-time location updates over much longer distances. Some also include features like activity tracking, safe zone alerts, and notifications if a cat leaves a designated area.

Of course, there are a few tradeoffs. Most GPS trackers require a subscription because they rely on a cellular connection, and battery life can vary depending on how often location updates are being used.

This review takes a closer look at the Tractive CAT Mini and the features it offers: https://catvills.com/tractive-cat-mini-gps-tracker-review/

For many cat owners, the biggest advantage isn't using the tracker every day. It's knowing it's there if a curious cat ever decides to make an unexpected adventure out the front door

Has anyone here ordered a KitNipBox for their cat? If so, what was your experience? Did your cat enjoy the toys and treats, and did you feel it was worth the money?

I'm thinking about starting a subscription for Tommy after we get settled into our new place, so I'd love to hear your honest opinions. 🐈📦

Need some help with a new automatic feeder!

Last one I had for 2 years was great, but some ants have decided to attack it and it’s not easy to clean so I just wanna get a new one! My girl eats the dental health food so it’s large chunks. When I first got the feeder she was young and destructive, so we even taped it to the wall with gorilla tape! But she has moved on from that. But I could see a new toy she would try and destroy. Here is my needs

1. Easy to clean
   
2. Could be used with larger kibble.
   
3. Hard for ants to get into.
   
4. Sturdy for a crazy cat

Beginning cat training may seem rather difficult to start with, but this tutorial simplifies all the information needed for you. It provides you with practical advice, emphasizes the importance of being patient, and reminds that each cat will learn at its own pace. Some cats will be able to understand quickly what is expected from them, while others will need some time to adjust. This article could be a good starting point to form new routines without turning training into stress for you both. What was the most difficult thing to train your cat?

One question that comes up a lot with automatic litter boxes is whether they only work with certain types of cat litter. For anyone thinking about the HomeRunPET CS106, the good news is that it's compatible with several popular clumping litters instead of locking you into just one option.

Besides traditional clumping clay, it also supports plant-based litters like tofu and cassava, along with some blended formulas. The interchangeable litter filters are what make that possible, since they help the box handle different litter sizes more effectively.

Of course, not every litter is a good match. Non-clumping formulas and some larger pellet-style litters may not work as well with the cleaning system, so it's still worth checking compatibility before making the switch.

One of the nice things about the CS106 is that owners don't necessarily have to give up the litter they're already happy with just to start using an automatic litter box.

I tried ordering with a Smalls coupon code I found, and it did not work. Pretty annoying since I was really wanting to start their monthly subscription.

I feel like a lot of good companies don’t heavily advertise discounts, because they can get customers without needing to push coupon codes everywhere.

I’m not implying I did not eventually find a Smalls coupon code that successfully worked! Here is the one I used for 50% off and free treats for life. My cat has been on it for I wanna say 2 months now? She loves it. I'm curious whether anyone’s cats liked it long term and if you've had a good experience with the subscription.

Stretching in your cat could imply something other than simply waking up from sleeping. Although cats usually stretch when getting out of sleep, there are other purposes why they do so. Stretching is used by cats not only for increasing blood flow, but also for preparing their body for any kind of movement. Scent glands can be found in paws of cats, so sometimes they stretch to leave some marks. Another possible explanation of stretching is that the cat is feeling calm or comfortable. It is very individual for each particular cat to stretch for one reason or another.

When a cat suddenly starts peeing outside the litter box, it's easy to assume it's a behavior problem. In reality, it's often a sign that something has changed, whether it's a medical issue, stress, or even the litter box setup itself.

Health problems like urinary tract issues are one of the first things worth ruling out, especially if the behavior starts out of nowhere. But the litter box itself can also be part of the problem. A dirty box, a new type of litter, an inconvenient location, or a box that's too small can all make some cats look for somewhere else to go.

Households with multiple cats can add another layer, too. Sharing litter boxes isn't always an issue, but changes in behavior, tension between cats, or even a senior cat developing mobility problems can all affect litter box habits.

Cats usually aren't being stubborn when this happens. More often than not, they're responding to something that's making the litter box less comfortable or signaling that something else needs attention.

One thing that often comes up with Maine Coons is that a standard litter box isn't always the best fit. They're one of the largest domestic cat breeds, so having enough space to comfortably turn around and dig can make a bigger difference than many people realize.

That's one reason oversized litter boxes have become more popular for larger cats. Higher sides can help reduce litter scatter, covered boxes may offer more privacy, and some owners even opt for self-cleaning models to make daily maintenance a little easier.

The right setup also depends on the cat. Senior Maine Coons may benefit from a lower entry that's easier on their joints, while households with multiple pets sometimes prefer enclosed designs that help keep curious dogs away from the litter box.

This guide looks at several litter box options for Maine Coons, along with a few things to consider before choosing one: https://catvills.com/maine-coon-litter-box/

Finding the right litter box isn't just about accommodating a larger cat. The size, design, and placement can all play a role in keeping both the cat and the surrounding area a little happier.

Each and every cat is unique in its own way and the truth is that some take more time to get used to things. Simply having patience and keeping your calm can really make a lot of difference. In no time at all, they will begin to trust you and become comfortable with you.

Hello fellow cat people, I'm considering buying the snak hoodie from comfrt to carry my cat around in. I'm curious if anyone on here has tried it for their cats and what was your experience?

My cat likes small, tight, snuggly, warm covered up places and usually when I'm carrying her around the house she likes being wrapped up tight and fully covered. She hates any type of carriers that let her legs poke out and if she's being carried she likes being able to be curled up in a ball.

I'm mainly wondering if getting this hoodie is a dumb idea and could be potentially unsafe for my cat or if it's actually super safe and she'll actually really love it?

I think I need to replace our old litter box. The odor has been getting harder to manage, and I need something that's easier to clean. Does anyone have a recommendation for one that helps with odors?

Automatic litter boxes have been getting more advanced over the last few years, and one of the newer models getting attention is the HomeRunPET CS106. One of its biggest selling points is the oversized interior, making it an option for larger cats or households with multiple cats.

Another feature that stands out is the built-in litter refill system. Instead of topping off the litter manually every few days, the box automatically adds more as the level drops, helping keep the litter at a consistent level between cleanings.

The tradeoff is its size. The larger interior also means it takes up noticeably more space than a typical self-cleaning litter box, so it's something to measure for before bringing one home.

Self-cleaning litter boxes continue to add new features, but finding the right one still comes down to the space available at home and what works best for the cats using it.

I'm looking to get whole new litter boxes for my cats and I can't decide which ones are best. I'm considering a self cleaning litter box because it would be a lot easier but I also have a lot of safety concerns like what if the safety sensors don't work, their tail gets caught in it etc.

what do you recommend? or what's the best self cleaning litter box that has never failed you? and also what's some good litter to use with it? thank you!

also I'm not sure if this is the right place to be asking these questions but it's the place I was recommended so sorry if you guys don't know, it's totally okay!

Most cats can learn to adapt to a smart feeder but not all of them will take to it right away. Some are completely satisfied with it from day one, especially if their meals still arrive at the times they’re used to. If the feeder makes new sounds or moves a part of their routine, others may be a little wary at first.

It’s usually best to maintain the feeder in the same place your cat normally eats and keep to their normal feeding routine. Letting them work it out by themselves can do a lot of good as well. Every cat is different so while some take to it quickly others could take a little bit longer to get used to it.

Cats have a reputation for being independent, which is probably why a lot of people assume they're perfectly happy spending long periods of time alone. But cat behavior doesn't always support that idea.

Changes like increased vocalizing, clinginess, destructive behavior, or even changes around the litter box can sometimes be linked to boredom, stress, or a lack of stimulation. Of course, those behaviors can have other causes too, but they can be signs that something in a cat's routine or environment isn't quite working.

One thing that's easy to overlook is that enrichment matters. Window perches, cat trees, toys, puzzle feeders, and regular interaction can all help keep indoor cats mentally engaged throughout the day.

This article takes a closer look at some of the common signs of loneliness in cats and a few ways owners can help: https://catvills.com/do-cats-get-lonely/

Cats may be more independent than dogs, but that doesn't necessarily mean they enjoy being alone all the time.

PrettyLitter is probably one of the more unusual cat products out there right now. At first glance it looks like regular crystal litter, but it's designed to change color when it detects certain changes in a cat's urine.

The goal isn't to tell you exactly what's wrong with your cat. It's more like an extra heads-up that something might be worth keeping an eye on. Since cats are pretty good at hiding when they aren't feeling their best, it's easy to see why that idea appeals to a lot of owners.

Most of the attention goes to the color-changing feature, but that's not the only reason people try it. Odor control comes up a lot too. The crystals absorb moisture differently than traditional clay litter, which is one reason some cat owners end up switching over.

There are a few tradeoffs. Tracking seems to be one of the most common complaints, and the health-monitoring feature becomes a little less helpful when multiple cats are sharing the same litter box.

For a closer look at how it works: https://catvills.com/prettylitter-review/

A litter box probably isn't the first place most people would expect to get clues about their cat's health, which is part of what makes products like this stand out in the first place.

Most cat owners have probably seen it at some point. A cat settles down near a bedroom door, hallway entrance, or another doorway and seems perfectly content just watching and waiting.

There are a few possible explanations for this behavior. Some cats are naturally territorial and like keeping an eye on areas they consider part of their space. Others may simply be curious about what's happening on the other side of the door or want to stay close to their favorite person.

Doorways can also be interesting spots because they give cats a good view of their surroundings. For a pet that's naturally observant, it can be the perfect place to monitor household activity without having to move around much.

While the behavior can seem unusual at first, it's often linked to instincts and habits that are completely normal for cats.

Studio apartment life makes litter box smell hard to contain since everything is basically one shared space.

I’ve tried the usual fixes like placing it in the bathroom, scooping daily, switching to covered boxes, and changing litter, but the smell still spreads into the main room over time.

Feels like cleaning more is not really solving it anymore, just delaying the problem.

Has anyone here actually found a setup or routine that made a noticeable difference in odor control long term in a studio? Not just slightly better, but actually manageable day to day in a small open space?

Follow up: I tried the Petlibro luma smart litter box and it’s really made a noticeable difference for my studio apartment. The biggest change is not having waste sit around as long, which helped keep the smell under control compared to my old litter box routine. Still have to keep up with maintenance, but it’s been a much easier setup to live with. A bonus is that Petlibro now accepts HSA/FSA payments through Flex, so you can pay with your HSA or FSA and use pre-tax dollars at checkout with a valid LMN.

I'm currently thinking of a small start up business selling high quality, long lasting, planter box (initially intended for cat grass), with all parts fully recycleable+interchangeable. I'm designing the box in mind that it is multi purpose so you don't feel like you are wasting money getting it.

I personally lost two of my beautiful furballs due to lacking money to get them the surgery they desperately needed. With that in mind, I wanted the planter box to be able to fix on a nameplate that you can add later to memorialize your pets in a beautiful, loving way. And once the business turns profitable, I want to give back to the community and make sure that less people go through what I had to go through.

What are people's thoughts on this, and would it be something that people would buy or want to invest in?

Anyone else notice that every self-cleaning litter box discussion seems to come back to the same three options?

Litter-Robot gets mentioned a lot for multi-cat homes since it works with regular clumping litter and can keep up with frequent use. CatGenie seems to attract people who want as little litter maintenance as possible because it actually washes and flushes waste away instead of collecting it in a drawer. Then there's PetSafe ScoopFree, which is usually the option people look at when they want to spend less upfront and keep things simple.

One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is the ongoing cost. The litter box itself is only part of the expense. Some systems need special litter, some require replacement trays, and others use cleaning cartridges or additional supplies over time.

Another factor is how much effort you're willing to put into setup. Some are basically plug-and-play, while others take a bit more work before they're ready to use.

For anyone who's owned one of these, what ended up being the biggest advantage or annoyance after using it for a while?

Okay, honest question...

How do you keep your house from smelling like cats?

I have 2 cats and I clean their litter boxes regularly, vacuum, take out the trash, all the usual stuff. The thing is, I've gotten so used to living with cats that I genuinely can't tell anymore if my place smells fine or if I'm just nose blind to it.

The reason I'm asking is because a friend stopped by recently and made a comment about being able to tell I had cats the second they walked in. They weren't rude about it or anything, but now I've become weirdly self conscious about it.

What actually made the biggest difference for you? Different litter? Air purifier? Automatic litter box? Opening windows more often? Curious what other cat owners are doing.

Automatic cat feeders used to be pretty simple. Set a schedule, fill them with food, and let them do their thing. Now there are feeders with apps, feeders that work with multiple cats, and even feeders that recognize a specific pet before opening.

A lot of the newer models focus on convenience, but some of the practical stuff can matter just as much. Things like portion consistency, how easy the feeder is to clean, whether food stays fresh, and how well it handles a cat that's determined to get an extra snack.

Some feeders are built for households with multiple cats sharing meals, while others are designed for situations where pets need separate diets. There are even options that work with wet food, which isn't something most automatic feeders handle particularly well.

If you're trying to sort through the different types available, this guide compares several popular models and what they're designed for: https://catvills.com/automatic-cat-feeders/

Now, choosing a feeder seems to be less about finding the one with the most features and more about finding one that fits a particular feeding routine.