Latest news with #catcare
WIRED
09-07-2025
- WIRED
A Smart Litterbox That Can Tell Your Cats Apart Is $250 Off for Prime Day
This automatic cat litter box answers the questions we never asked, and now is at the lowest price we've seen all year. Courtesy of Amazon; Getty Images All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. This automatic litter box, the Petkit Purobot Ultra (8/10, WIRED Recommends) from pet tech leader Petkit, dares to ask the question: Have we gone too far (as a pet-obsessed society)? This automatic litter box uses a camera to monitor litter box usage, logging every time your pet has used it, and even shows your cat's stool so you can closely monitor their health to more easily see when something seems amiss. It's normally $1,000—we've tracked it at that price for most of the last three months—but a Prime Day discount has it down to $749. When you set up the box, you need to upload several pictures of your cat(s) from different angles to help the camera learn which cat is which. Then, the box's software will determine and log when your cat(s) appeared at the box, if they used it, and for how long. Through the app, you can monitor the usage by each individual cat and see what type of bathroom visit they had. Clover, my female cat, used the litter box about twice as often as her brother, Basil, who usually only visits twice a day. Being able to track this is super helpful because male cats are more susceptible to UTIs, which can be potentially life-threatening. The connected app logs usage and lets you review camera footage, so you can review if anything is amiss or if your cat is going to the bathroom less. Plus, the camera is on a swiveling arm outside of the hole, so you can move the camera to pan to the outside or inside of the box. It basically doubles as a pet or security camera for whatever room it's in. This is one of the priciest automatic litter boxes on the market, but it's a great tool to be able to closely monitor your cats' litter box usage and more easily and quickly identify any potential health issues—not to mention is a heck of a lot cheaper and less traumatic to an emergency visit to the vet. And now at $750, this upgrade is the lowest price we'll probably see this year (or at least until Black Friday). I have tested half a dozen other Petkit products, like water fountains, automatic feeders, and other automatic litter boxes, and they have all been really solid. My only gripe is that the app could be a little smoother, and sometimes the English translation of things can be a little off. Petkit's fountains are a great way to get chronically dehydrated cats to drink more water. (Both models above are on discount for Amazon Prime Day as well.) And I recently tested the brand's dual automatic feeder with a built-in camera (below). I have been consistently impressed with it, and my runner-up pick for automatic litter boxes (also below) is the litter box I've been recommending for most people—it's $200 off right now. Pro tip: Check out the Best Prime Day Pet Deals for even more discounts on our favorite pet gear. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .
South China Morning Post
03-07-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Cat-loving Chinese man, 82, plans to leave feline his inheritance, seeks dependable carer
A cat-loving elderly man in China wants to leave his inheritance to strangers on the condition that they provide unconditional care for his beloved feline. Advertisement The wish of the 82-year-old, surnamed Long, from southern China's Guangdong province has sparked a heated discussion on mainland social media. Long is still searching for someone to look after his pet, Xianba, after he dies. Mainland media outlets report that Long has no children and lived alone after his wife died a decade ago. He adopted four stray cats on a rainy day: Xianba and her three kittens. Only Xianba remains with him, prompting Long to begin looking for carers in case he dies before her. Advertisement According to Guangdong Radio and Television, Long said he was willing to give all his inheritance, including his flat and savings, to anyone who is willing to 'take good care' of his cat.
Forbes
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Letting Your Cat Outside: How To Safely Give Them Time Outdoors
Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for challenging scenarios that involve your beloved animal companions. If you have a cat, chances are you've noticed their propensity for trying to escape out of any open door or window possible—and perhaps you've considered giving them a little taste of the outdoors to satisfy their natural instincts to explore. While it might be tempting to give your cats free rein to the outdoors, letting your cat outside without supervision exposes them to a host of risk factors: predators, the potential of being hit by a vehicle, getting into fights with other cats and many other dangerous situations that can lead to serious injuries, disease or death. Letting your cat outside safely may require being patient with harness training until they're ... More comfortable wearing one. Illustration: Forbes / Image: Getty 'There's a lot of evidence that [cats] live longer, healthier lives when they aren't given unrestricted access to the outdoors,' says Annie Valuska, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team. 'That said, if we're not going to give them unrestricted outdoor access, the burden becomes ours to make up for what they're missing by not getting to go out.' There are plenty of ways, however, to safely give your cat experiences outside. 'I think being outdoors can be an amazing source of enrichment,' says Jennifer Van de Kieft, owner of Cat Advocate, a feline behavior consulting company. 'Most of what I see in my practice are behavior issues, and so much of it is related to just boredom. Boredom is stressful.' Allowing your cat outside so they can smell and see novel things—under supervision—can be a huge benefit to their overall well-being. I chatted with Valuska and Van de Kieft, as well as relied on my own expertise (as someone who has lived with cats for nearly four decades) to provide some insights into how you can indulge in your cat's natural desire to adventure outdoors while also minimizing risk. If you've thought about using a harness to allow your kitty to explore, look for one that's easy to put on your cat but difficult for them to get out of, like this Kitty Holster cat harness . When it comes to actually getting the harness on your cat's body, don't expect to simply place it on your cat and be ready to go within minutes, as you would with a dog. You'll need to be prepared to take things slow in order to successfully get them used to the idea of wearing one. Valuska notes that it may be easier to harness train a kitten than an adult cat, but either way: 'It's going to be really important to go at that cat's pace. You might have to start just by showing them the harness.' Van de Kieft echoes that it's all about breaking things down into baby steps and creating positive associations along the way. This means giving them treats when you show them the harness, or using any kind of positive reinforcement that they prefer; that could include brushing them, petting them or giving them playtime if they're not a treat-motivated cat. After reinforcing your cat's every interaction with the harness, you might want to just touch your cat with the harness, doing this on several different occasions and again pairing that with something positive. Once you're ready to try actually putting the harness on, do so for short intervals at a time, providing treats or other reinforcements along the way. Some cats will comfortably wear a harness in a couple days and others may need a few weeks or a month-plus to get there. The safest place for using a harness on your cat is within your own backyard or outdoor space, and you'll of course want to make sure any plants or flowers within reach are nontoxic to cats as well. While this still leaves them vulnerable to aerial predators, or even animals like coyotes that can make their way into your yard, if you're supervising them at all times that is much less likely to happen. Public spaces like parks come with additional risk, but if that's your only option, you'll just want to be vigilant. 'What I worry about if you're taking the cat into a park … is dogs that are not being properly supervised,' says Valuska. 'If you're going to do that, I think it's possible to still do it safely. You just have to be aware of the risks, and scanning at all times and really keeping that in mind—so that you're ready to act and get the cat up and with you away from a dog or any other terrestrial animal.' Bringing a carrier along with you if you're taking your cat beyond the confines of your home can also be valuable for added safety. Van de Kieft likes to use a carrier for several reasons: 'Maybe there's a big dog who's a little bit out of control. Getting your cat in a carrier and kind of having them in a safe space is so much better than your cat freaking out and maybe Houdini-ing out of the harness," she says. 'I really feel strongly about taking some kind of carrier with you that your cat's familiar with.' (I've had the EliteField carrier pictured below for years, and it's not only comfortable to carry but it has also held up very well after frequent use.) She recommends that instead of walking your cat out the door while wearing a harness, like you would a dog, that you instead place them in the carrier and then head off, taking them out of the carrier when you've reached your destination. This also allows them to have access to a safe space if, for instance, you're bringing them to a park and there's too much stimulation for their liking; they can always just retreat back to the carrier. Before giving your cat any access to the outdoors, even if it's just a private catio, you'll want to make sure they're up to date on their vaccines as well as on flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. (Most veterinarians will likely encourage you to keep them on these preventatives even if they're an indoor-only cat, as mosquitos, fleas and ticks can make their way inside your home too.) If you've adopted your pet from a shelter or rescue, your kitty will probably already be microchipped, but if they aren't, it's imperative to go ahead and get that done as well. If your cat ever gets lost, their finder can easily bring them to any local veterinarian or shelter to scan them for a microchip and ensure a safe return home. The Case For A Catio Truly committed cat guardians may want to consider installing a catio (that is, an enclosure for their cats) if they have adequate outdoor space to do so. 'I think the absolute safest option for cats to have outdoor access is some sort of fully enclosed catio,' says Valuska. 'That is going to keep them safe from any potential predators, and they're going to be close to you so you can supervise them at all times.' While one option is to hire a local business to build a custom catio, depending on how handy you are, you may want to craft one yourself; a variety of DIY catio plans are available across the internet. 'In an ideal catio, you would have vertical space, you would have hiding spots, comfortable resting spots, maybe scratching options,' says Van de Kieft. There are also plenty of premade options , from window perches if you're not working with a ton of space to larger, walk-in setups you can purchase from sites like Chewy. Is A Cat Stroller Right For You? Another option for giving your cat a taste of the outdoors without requiring them to walk around on the ground is a cat stroller. I use a stroller to take my cats to vet appointments, and it's a handy way to not only transport them longer distances by foot but also to let them view and smell the world around them while being enclosed in a safe space. While some of my cats have absolutely loved their stroller rides, others have been a little more hesitant or nervous. Van de Kieft corroborates this, noting that going outside isn't necessarily for every cat. As enthusiastic as some cat guardians may be to provide this experience to their pet, 'I think you really have to evaluate whether or not your cat's personality is a match for it,' she says. The Tavo Pets Maeve + Roscoe 3-In-1 Pet Stroller is a high-end option I love that doubles as a carrier and car seat. If you aren't yet sure if a stroller is for you and you don't want to invest too much in one, Pet Gear strollers are also quality products with a lower price tag. Whether you're taking them outside on a harness or in a stroller, be attuned to your cat's body language throughout the process to ensure that every step of the way is a positive experience for them. For instance, if they exhibit fearful-type behavior like dilated eyes, a stiff body with their tail tucked or hiding, don't force them to do anything further. On the other hand, if your cat seems excited, with their tail up and a loose body, you can feel comfortable continuing. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted home team covers a wide range of pet products, from litter boxes to the best cat food , as well as pet care topics, like how to make traveling with pets less stressful and guidance for keeping your dog comfortable on rainy days . Our tips and recommended products are expert- and editor-backed, to help our readers make the smartest decisions for their pets. Emmy Favilla , the author of this story and our monthly 'Pet Peeves' column, is a 20-year media veteran who has spent the last eight years professionally testing and reviewing products, including a variety of pet care items, from dog food delivery services to dog beds to toys. She has worked in a volunteer capacity with both cat and dog rescues and at New York City-based animal shelters for the greater part of the last 15 years, and has cared for dogs, cats and rabbits for most of her life. , the author of this story and our monthly 'Pet Peeves' column, is a 20-year media veteran who has spent the last eight years professionally testing and reviewing products, including a variety of pet care items, from to to toys. She has worked in a volunteer capacity with both cat and dog rescues and at New York City-based animal shelters for the greater part of the last 15 years, and has cared for dogs, cats and rabbits for most of her life. This piece was edited by TKTKT. We consulted Annie Valuska , PhD, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team with over 20 years of animal behavior experience. Valuska is also an animal shelter volunteer and board member at Friends of the Animal Shelter. She regularly shares animal behavior tips and guidance for pet guardians via TikTok and Instagram . , PhD, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team with over 20 years of animal behavior experience. Valuska is also an animal shelter volunteer and board member at Friends of the Animal Shelter. She regularly shares animal behavior tips and guidance for pet guardians via and . We also chatted with Jennifer Van de Kieft, CAFTP, FFCP, PNCC, owner of Cat Advocate , a feline behavior consulting company. She is certified in feline behavior and pet nutrition and provides cat guardians with the strategies, tools and knowledge needed to address their cat's behavior issues. Have a question for us? Email efavilla@ with the subject line 'Pet Peeves.'
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Scoop-free life? Yes, please! Give your kitty the purr-fect potty upgrade with $100 OFF this innovative Litter-Robot in rare sale
When it comes to taking care of your kitty, we know you only want the best, which is why when we stumbled across this innovative Litter-Robot, we knew right away it was a pet owner must-have. From up-and-coming pet brand Whisker, the patented Litter-Robots are changing the way kitties go to the bathroom with self-cleaning, odor elimination, and so much more! Right now, the paw-friendly brand is offering shoppers an exclusive $100 OFF their bundles. Litter-Robot 3 Looking for a functional solution that takes cost into consideration? This classic model of the Litter-Robot is on the more affordable side and is seriously WORKS! One user said: 'This Litter-Robot has made a world of difference!' The machine automatically clumps and disposes of the potty aftermath as soon as your cat exists each time. Note: This model does not connect to the Whisker app, but there is one that does! $499 Shop Litter-Robot 4 Best Friends® Bundle Save lives with this bundle! Whisker is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society to save the lives of cats across America and you can help with your Litter-Robot purchase. Enjoy the top-rated Litter-Robot 4, OdorTrap® 3-Pack, GreatLitter®, and a litter box mat for catching stray messes. $742 (was $842) Shop
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Are Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Worth It?
Even if you love everything about your cat—their piercing eyes, the way they curl up on your lap while you read, even the smell of their breath—you probably don't look forward to scooping their litter box every day. While putting your cat in a carrier comes close, routine litter box maintenance might be the chore that pet owners dread the most. For that reason, you've probably asked yourself the question: Are self-cleaning litter boxes worth it? Automatic litter boxes are large and expensive—but they also allow you to have minimal contact with ... More your cat's waste, which is why many pet owners think they're worth the investment. While these high-tech machines don't automate the entire cleaning process, they do most of the dirty work for you: They separate waste from clean litter, emptying the clumps into a sealed compartment that doesn't need to be emptied every day. 'From a lifestyle perspective, having a Litter-Robot makes things easier for pet parents. It keeps the litter box constantly clean, which many cats prefer and which can encourage regular use," says Dr. Anna Foster, DVM. "Plus, it takes a daily chore off your plate, which gives you more time to focus on enjoying your cat, rather than managing the mess.' (Out of the best self-cleaning litter boxes that we've rigorously over the years, the Litter-Robot 4—a quiet, smart option with advanced safety sensors—is our top pick and the one most recommended by vets.) As popular as they are, though, they aren't without a few drawbacks: They're bulky, expensive and capable of malfunctioning. If you're on the fence about swapping out your standard litter box with one of these advanced devices, here's what to keep in mind as you consider the investment. All models work slightly differently, though most share a similar overarching design. First off, they're equipped with sensors—either motion, weight or a combination of the two—to detect when your cat enters, goes to the bathroom and then gets out of the box. After your cat has fully exited, these sensors trigger the cleaning mechanism, which usually involves a rotating drum or sweeping rake that sifts the litter and captures waste. Then, those clumps get deposited into a waste drawer and bin, some of which have filtration systems or UV light to reduce odors and bacteria. Additionally, some especially high-tech models come with added safety measures, including anti-pinch software and lasers that monitor specific zones in the litter box. There are even models, such as the Litter-Robot 4, that can track health metrics like weight and bathroom usage—in some cases, for multiple cats—on an app. Litter-Robot Thinking about tossing out your litter scoop and investing in one of these automated machines? Here are the main benefits self-cleaning litter boxes offer, based on our experience testing them over the years. No one likes getting their hands close to their pet's waste, which is unavoidable with a standard litter box. Most vets recommend scooping your cat's litter once or twice a day, as well as washing the box and refilling it with all new litter once a week. While you still have to throw away your cat's waste on a regular basis with self-cleaning models, they reduce how often you need to do this—and there's no scooping involved. Every time your cat goes to the bathroom, the machine captures the clumps and dumps them into a sealed waste drawer or bin, which can sometimes hold up to two weeks' worth of messes. Then, you should only have to deep-clean the machine every few months; if you have one cat, Litter-Box recommends tackling this chore every 90 days. Amazon It's also worth noting that some cats won't use a litter box if there's any waste in it, and you don't want to disincentivize your pet from using the bathroom—holding in pee can lead to serious health issues involving the urinary tract. So if you sometimes struggle to keep up with routine maintenance, a self-cleaning litter box can also be an investment in your cat's wellbeing. Even if you stay on top of scooping, litter boxes can get stinky—fast. While not all models offer this, many advanced ones have waste bins equipped with filters to combat odors. The Litter-Robot 4, for example, relies on a carbon filter. One of the best-designed models we've tested, the Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too, uses a bamboo filter—plus it has a UV light, which helps sanitize the fully contained waste drawer. Just keep in mind that filters don't last forever and need to be replaced from time to time. For example, Litter-Robot recommends changing the carbon filter once a month, and a replacement costs $12. Casa Leo Just like smart cat water fountains, which can help track your pet's hydration habits, some advanced automatic litter boxes are capable of monitoring metrics that can speak to your pet's overall wellbeing. The Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too and the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and 4 are all Wi-Fi–enabled and can detect when your cat is using the bathroom. In fact, if you have multiple cats, the Litter-Robot 4 can tell which cat is in the box, based on their weight—though it sometimes gets its wrong. 'It registers my 10-pound cat as weighing 7 pounds," executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, who's tested a handful of top-rated models, writes in a story comparing the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and 4. That said, 'it's still a useful tool for tracking the bathroom habits of each of your pets,' she adds. If you start to notice that your cat is peeing much less frequently, for example, they might be suffering from a urinary tract infection, which demands immediate action and a trip to the vet. Forbes Vetted's editorial team knows a thing or two about pets—not only do a multitude of our writers and editors own cats and dogs, but we regularly review all kinds of pet staples to help keep furry friends happy, healthy and nourished. Most relevantly, we've tested the best self-cleaning litter boxes, but we've also researched and tried out everything from raw dog food to dog harnesses and leashes. What Are The Disadvantages Of An Automatic Litter Box? To many, automatic litter boxes provide an invaluable service: They handle routine litter box maintenance. That said, these machines aren't without their weaknesses. Chief among them, they're significantly larger and more expensive than standard litter boxes. Additionally, seeing as they're mechanical, they can malfunction. In the years that we've been testing top-rated models, though, we haven't had one break down. Do Vets Recommend An Automatic Litter Box? Yes, many vets recommend automatic litter boxes because they can help you stay in touch with their routine. 'Subtle changes in litter box behavior—like how often they go or how much they weigh—can sometimes be the first indication that something's off,' Foster explains. 'That kind of information can be incredibly helpful for your veterinarian when assessing your cat's condition.' Do Self-Cleaning Cat Boxes Really Work? While not all models we've tested have impressed us, our favorite models—including the Litter-Robot 4 and Casa Leo Leo's Loo Too—are effective at sorting clumps from clean litter. The only thing worth noting is that, over time, we've noticed some models don't contain odors as well as when they were brand new. Therefore, it's essential to empty the waste bin regularly and give the machine a more thorough clean every few months.
