Install
Cat Gear & Home terms
The things cats use: litter and boxes, trees, scratchers, toys, beds and gadgets.
Automatic feederA device that releases set portions of cat food at programmed times, or only for a cat it recognises by its microchip or tag.Breakaway collarA cat collar with a clasp designed to pop open under strain so the cat can free itself if the collar snags.Cat carrierA secure, ventilated box or bag for moving a cat safely to the vet, on a trip or in an emergency.Cat harnessA set of straps or a vest that fits around a cat's chest and back so it can be clipped to a lead for supervised outdoor time.Cat water fountainA small pump-driven bowl that keeps drinking water moving and filtered, which some cats find more appealing than a still bowl.Cat-proofingChecking a home for hazards a curious cat could chew, swallow, climb, squeeze into or fall from, and removing or blocking them.CatioA fully enclosed outdoor space, from a window box to a garden room, where a cat can enjoy fresh air without roaming free.Microchip cat flapA cat door that reads the ID microchip under a cat's skin and unlocks only for cats it has been taught to recognise.Pheromone diffuserA plug-in device that releases a synthetic copy of a cat's facial pheromone, sold to help reduce stress-related behaviours.Clumping litterCat litter that binds urine into firm lumps you can scoop out, leaving the rest of the box clean and reusable.Litter boxA shallow tray of absorbent material where an indoor cat urinates and defecates, kept in a quiet spot and cleaned daily.Litter box aversionWhen a cat that used to use its litter box begins urinating or defecating elsewhere, often because of pain, stress or a dislike of the box.Litter scoopA slotted shovel that lifts clumps and droppings out of a litter box while letting clean litter fall back through.Multi-cat householdA home with two or more cats, where enough litter boxes, food stations, perches and hiding spots prevent stress and conflict.SprayingWhen a cat stands, backs up to a vertical surface and squirts small amounts of urine to leave a scent message.Cat treeA multi-level piece of furniture with platforms, perches, hideaways and scratching surfaces that lets an indoor cat climb and survey the room.CatnipA mint-family herb whose scent triggers a short burst of playful or mellow behaviour in about two out of three cats.EnrichmentGiving a cat chances to carry out natural behaviours such as climbing, hunting, scratching, hiding and exploring, so it stays well and busy.Predatory sequenceThe chain of behaviours cats use to hunt: watch, stalk, chase, pounce, kill-bite and eat, which good play should echo.Retractable clawsCat claws that rest sheathed inside the toe tips and extend only for climbing, gripping and hunting, which keeps them sharp.ScratchingThe natural habit of raking claws against a surface to shed claw sheaths, stretch, mark territory and relax.Scratching postA sturdy upright or flat surface covered in rough material that gives a cat a proper place to scratch, stretch and sharpen its claws.SilvervineA climbing plant from East Asia whose chewed wood and leaves excite most cats, including many that ignore catnip.Window perchA shelf, hammock or bed that attaches to a window so an indoor cat can sit and watch the outside world.