14 life hacks for cat owners you'll wish you'd known sooner

Being a cat parent is already amazing, but why not make it even better? With a few simple life hacks for cat owners, you could take your pet-care game to the next level. From genius kitty litter hacks to fun DIY toys you can make at home, these cat owner tips will have your kitty purring from ear to ear.

Key takeaways

• Keep things interesting by providing your furry friend with a variety of things to play with.
• Make the most of any opportunity to bond with your cat, be it grooming or playtime.
• Prepare for the unexpected with pet insurance and a pet care plan for when you’re out of town.

14 life hacks for cat owners

1. Cat litter hacks

Cat litter smells getting you down? Here’s a litter box hack: sprinkle a little baking soda or place dry green tea leaves at the bottom of the box to help absorb odors and keep things fresh. Another trick is to place the litter box in a quiet, private spot away from your cat’s food and water bowls to encourage them to use it more consistently.

Looking for litter box cleaning hacks? Try cutting the top off an old plastic milk jug to use as a DIY pooper scooper – it’s easy to use and can be recycled once it’s past its prime.

2. Make toys out of household objects 

One of the best life hacks for cat owners is to make the most of what you’ve already got. So forget the fancy pet store toys – your feline friend is just as happy (if not more!) with something as simple as a crumpled-up piece of paper. Objects you already have lying around the house such as a piece of string, an empty toilet paper roll, or even a ping-pong ball can provide hours of fun. Just be sure to keep an eye on anything that could be a choking hazard.

And if you’ve got any cardboard boxes lying around, keep them! Cats love hiding, pouncing, and even sleeping in boxes.

3. Use aluminum foil to signal no-go areas

There’s something cats hate about aluminum foil – the feel of it on their paws, the sound of it crinkling, or the reflection of their face in it is enough to deter them. Simply place a strip of foil on surfaces you want to protect – such as house plants and work surfaces – and watch your cat quickly learn they’re off limits. 

4. Put a bell on your cat’s collar

If you’re on the hunt for hacks for cats that love the outdoors, attaching a bell to their collar is a game-changer. It gives potential prey a heads-up (so you won’t find as many “gifts” left at your doorstep), and also lets you track where your sneaky kitty is hiding. Whether they're prowling in the garden or sneaking up on you for a surprise attack, the jingle of their bell will always let you know they’re nearby.

5. Get a TrustedHousesitters membership

When life takes you away from home, having someone reliable to look after your furry friends is a must. With a TrustedHousesitters membership, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that a loving cat sitter will come to care for your kitty in the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re planning a vacation or need to leave town unexpectedly, TrustedHousesitters takes the stress out of pet care for both you and your feline friend.

6. Make time to play

It’s easy to think our furry felines are solitary creatures that prefer lounging in the sun over active play. But most cats love the opportunity to chase, pounce, and bat at toys, and it’s a great way for you to bond with your furry friend. Daily play not only keeps your cat mentally stimulated and physically active, but it can also tire them out – which means you both might enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. From feather wands to games of hide and seek, engaging in some daily play will make your kitty’s life (and yours) all the more fulfilling.

7. Make a DIY cat scratcher 

Cats love sharpening their claws on anything they can get their paws on, so placing some DIY scratchers around the house is your best chance of saving your furniture. Sisal rope wrapped around a wooden post works particularly well, but old bits of carpet or an old welcome mat will also do the trick.

8. Groom your cat often

Grooming your kitty cat regularly has plenty of benefits – it prevents loose fur from ending up all over your house and stimulates the skin’s natural oils, which promotes a shiny, healthy coat. Plus, grooming is another great bonding opportunity.  

9. Use whisker-friendly bowls

Did you know that some cats can suffer from whisker fatigue? When their whiskers constantly brush against the sides of their food or water bowls, it can be overstimulating and really uncomfortable. To avoid this, opt for wide, shallow bowls designed to give your purr pal’s whiskers plenty of space.

10. Use rubber gloves to remove cat hair from surfaces

While vacuums are useful, they often miss the fine layer of fur your cat leaves behind. But you can use rubber gloves to pick up clumps of cat hair that collect on fabric surfaces like couches or cushions, making it a whole lot easier to clean up.

11. Get your cat used to being handled early

If you start getting your furry feline accustomed to being handled when they’re young, it’ll pay off in the long run. Regular handling makes grooming, vet visits, and even nail trimming a lot less stressful for both of you. It’s never too late to start, but the earlier, the better!

12. Teach your cat to come when called

Yes, cats can learn recall, just like dogs! Teaching your purr pal to come when you call their name has so many benefits – it helps you keep them safe, lets you bring them inside more easily, and can even be used to assess whether they’re ready for some attention or not. With patience and positive reinforcement (hello, treats!), your kitty can master this handy trick.

13. Create a cozy window perch

Cats love watching the world go by, and providing them with a cozy window perch is an easy way to keep them entertained. You can make one by placing a comfy cushion or blanket on a windowsill or attaching a hammock-style perch to the window. It’ll give your feline friend the perfect vantage point to watch birds, squirrels, and passersby – a great source of mental stimulation and relaxation for your kitty.

14. Get pet insurance

Having pet insurance is a smart move for all cat owners. Whether it’s an unexpected illness or an accidental injury, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered for those surprise vet bills. It’s one of those cat life hacks you hope you never need but will be grateful for if you do.