13 Pet Products You Didn't Know You Needed

Take some of the work out of caring for your pet with these clever gadgets and gear.

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May 04, 2022

There are some things — like food and water bowls, a crate or carrier, toys, etc. — that every pet parent knows to purchase before getting a cat or dog. And then there are the things that only seasoned pet parents know to purchase, usually after many years of trial and error. (Or, in my case, asking my dog over and over again, "Why are you like this?")

To spare you the long and sometimes expensive search for items that will make both of your lives easier, I've put together a list of clever products that solve common, pet-related problems. Scroll on to see my top picks for cats and dogs that you didn't know you needed but won't be able to live without.

$16.79

The reviews don't lie; cat parents everywhere consider this Frisco litter box a total life-saver. Though it looks like your standard kitty container, this smart solution actually has high sides to successfully trap stray litter and curb cat spray. It's also made from durable plastic that's BPA-free and incredibly easy to clean.

Photo By: Sarah Busby
$12.99

Speaking of selfies, this handy gadget is perfect for pet parents. Most dog owners have tons of blurry photos on their camera roll from when their pup looked so cute but just moved too fast for a quality photo. This clever attachment is here to help you get that perfect photo. It clips to the top of a smartphone and holds a tennis ball that captures a dog's attention to look at the camera. It works for both selfies and solo dog portraits.

From $9.30

Bathtime doesn't have to be such a bad thing. Take a page out of the positive reinforcement playbook and keep your pup busy in the tub with this silicone treat dispenser. Nubs across the front help slow down their licking so you can clean with little resistance, while a suction wings make it easy to remove and toss in the dishwasher.

$54.99

Now here's a cat condo that you can both agree on. With its sleek, cube-like design and curved cutouts, this inconspicuous play structure easily passes for a work of modern art — and so few people will guess that it's actually a hangout for your feline, complete with fluffy cushions they can curl up in. Stick it in the corner, and everyone will think it's just a cool sculpture.

$24.95

If you love your pet but hate all the hair that collects, this brush takes lint rollers to the next level and does a great job removing pet fur and lint off any fabric surface, furniture, bedding, clothing, car upholstery — you name it, it works.

$6.60

These hypoallergenic, coconut-derived wipes are safe for cats and dogs — and will keep them clean between baths with aloe to soothe and vitamin B5 to nourish coats. This is great for paws after a muddy walk, too.

$8.93 (Set of 2)

Let no wet food go to waste with a set of these ORE can covers. We love that these covers are made from flexible, food-safe silicone and can stretch to fit three different can sizes. They're also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Photo By: Sarah Busby
$169

Whether you're not at home and miss your furry best friend or just upstairs on a Zoom call, the Furbo pet camera allows you to check in on your dog from anywhere via your phone and even lets you dispense treats to them with the tap of your finger. The app can also send you alerts to notify you when your dog barks.

From $12.99

If your pup refuses to go when it's raining out, then do yourself a favor now and invest in this water-resistant coat from Frisco. It will keep them dry and encourage them to do their business instead of hightailing it back inside. Plus, you'll love the adorable rubber ducky print and the small leash hole for extra convenience.

$17.90

Because playtime shouldn't have to end when the sun goes down, right? Help your pet stretch their legs, no matter what time of day it is, with this glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball from Chuckit! The toy runs on bright light (so you don't need to worry about harsh chemicals or batteries), floats on water (so you can use it anywhere) and helps make your pet more visible after dark.

$49.99

Take some of the work out of packing for an overnight trip by scooping up this pet-specific weekender. Though compact enough to fit anywhere in the car, the bag is big enough to fit two collapsible bowls for food and water, leashes, waste bags, toys and more. The gear practically sorts itself out!

$13.06

The puzzle-like design in this slow feeder helps dogs who eat too fast (and can get sick after) pace themselves — which can help support digestive health. It won't move around easily and is dishwasher-safe.

Photo By: Sarah Busby
$69.99

If you have trouble sticking to a regular feeding routine or feel like you're always asking your family members, "Have you feed the dog yet?" then you might just need an automatic pet feeder. The Arf Pets food dispenser automatically feeds your pet up to four times a day. It features built-in portion sizes to easily control your pet's diet. The food compartment holds just over one gallon of dry food, and the lid magnetically locks in place to keep food safely out of a paw's reach. As a fun little bonus, you can record up to 10 seconds of a voice command that plays when food is dispensed.

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