Buy cat products cheaply: Consumer tips
Cat litter box
A simple, open tray suffices as a cat litter box, with the edge being extra high and the litter depth at least 5 cm, so the cat does not tip it over when entering and exiting. It should also not be too small, allowing an adult cat to turn around comfortably inside. Cat litter is generally divided into mineral (based on bentonite or sepiolite) or plant-based litter (made from straw or plant fibres), as well as silica-based cat litter products, similar to the fillers in baby diapers. Additionally, there is clumping and non-clumping litter. Clumping litter is more advantageous as it forms clumps when it comes into contact with liquid. These can be easily removed, and only the amount of litter that is taken out needs to be replaced.
Especially with natural litter, it is important to ensure that it does not contain substances like asbestos, glue, or binding agents. However, the declaration "asbestos-free" does not guarantee that the product does not contain other fibres. Fibrous products cannot be identified from the packaging. Lung-penetrating mineral fibres can reach the fine branches of the lungs and remain there. They are suspected of causing cancer - apparently especially if they stay in the body for a long time. Beech and oak wood dust are clearly classified as carcinogenic.
Scratching post
A scratching post should provide a cat kept indoors with an opportunity to satisfy its instinct to keep its claws short by scratching, without causing significant damage to the furnishings. Scratching posts are often elaborately combined with multi-level climbing trees. The scratching post must be large and constructed in such a way that an adult cat can stretch out fully on at least one side of the trunk from the ground. Furthermore, multiple resting areas serve as undisturbed retreats and sleeping spots for the cat. Additional caves and rolls encourage play and hide-and-seek. Always pay attention to high-quality workmanship! The posts must be thick and stable, the sisal wrapping must be tight and of a thick rope thickness, and the resting areas should be large and stable, covered not only on the top but also on the underside.
In cheap looped fabric, the cat can easily get caught with its claws and seriously injure itself! It is advisable to have resting areas arranged in a staggered manner so that the cat can easily climb to the highest resting areas and just as easily descend. Also, pay special attention to protruding nails or staples - these can be life-threatening! Depending on the height of the scratching post, the base plate should be at least 3 - 4 cm thick and ideally larger in diameter than all the parts attached to it.
Cat toys
Cat toys are essential in every cat household as they bring variety to a cat's life, keep them fit, and sharpen their senses. Additionally, cats become nervous, dissatisfied, and aggressive if they cannot follow their instincts and hunt. Cat toys should move, crinkle, dangle, or roll. The range of offerings is vast, including crinkly tunnels, feather wands, balls, and toy mice, as well as cat fishing rods, toys with spring mechanisms, and laser pointers, to toys filled with catnip. Catnip is cat mint, which is irresistible to many cats and encourages them to play. However, the appeal quickly diminishes once the cat becomes accustomed to the catnip scent, so catnip products should be used sparingly.
Cat blanket
Since cats sleep over 60 percent of the day, they should be provided with a suitable and cosy sleeping place, which is also used as a retreat by the cat. Cat blankets are not only a comfortable and pleasant sitting and lying surface on hard ground (like a windowsill), but they also provide warmth – a strong need for cats. Ideal are cat blankets made of lambswool, as they reflect the cat's body heat and thus create a natural warmth field.
Cat transport baskets
For safe and comfortable transport of cats (e.g. to the vet or on holiday), a cat transport basket must be available at home. Here you can choose between rigid plastic boxes, baskets, and bags. Always pay attention to stability, impeccable workmanship, and durable materials. Additionally, you should consider that your baby kitten will grow, so do not buy the transport basket too small, as a cat needs to be able to move a bit during transport.
