A Veterinarian’s Guide: 7 Cool Tech Gadgets for a Healthier Cat

I know that sometimes cats can be picky (well at least mine are).  So I was super critical when I made this list of recommendations. I scoured popular cat gifts and only the best technology and cat gadgets made it to this page. Feel free to browse around and then select the ones that will make your cat purrrr with gratitude.

1.  PetSafe Drinkwell 360 MultiPet Stainless Steel Cat Fountain

Veterinarian recommended cat gadgets - Drinkwell cat water fountain

Being a holistic veterinarian, I had to choose the product that had the biggest impact on the whole health of your cat. This pet water fountain can be a strong ally in the battle to keep your kitty healthy. Many functions of a cat’s health depend on hydration.  Moving water is a sound stimulation proven to cause increased water uptake. You can sometimes see this when cats want to drink out of the sink faucet. This can be extremely beneficial in a number of conditions. Cats with kidney failure, urinary crystals, urinary stones or urinary tract infections can greatly benefit from increased water intake.

As the water moves and falls through the air on its way back to the bowl, the water takes up a larger amount of oxygen than standing water does. This increase in oxygenation not only tastes good to your cat but also helps to maintain wellness in all parts of their body.

The filtering of the drinking water keeps food debris, saliva and organisms (bacteria, virus, fungi etc.) from building up and causing problems with your kitty. Cats with dental disease can benefit from clean filtered water with low bacterial contamination. The bowl is also dishwasher safe stainless steel – so this factor further eliminates the growth of bacteria which can benefit kittens, older cats, and feline friends with immune deficiencies. The easily sanitized surface of the stainless steel bowl can also eliminate or reduce unsightly acne, which may occur if porous or plastic bowls are used.  By filtering and using an activated charcoal carbon filter, your cat’s water source can stay clean and safe. I recommend this fountain for ALL of my cat patients over the age of 7.

2. Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

bolt interactive cat toy

This interactive toy is a great way to increase daily exercise for your cat. Keeping your pet active promotes weight loss and increases metabolism. Many indoor cats tend to gain weight from eating high carbohydrate containing foods and not enough exercise. Exercise also keeps your cat strong which prevents injuries to important joints like ankles and knees. Additionally, the random movement of this laser provides an incentive to move in all directions, not just around in a circle.

This random behavior stimulates your pet’s mind and keeps the game interesting. This toy is great as engagement before a meal. Cats have been found to have programmed healthy rhythms of activity which align with a healthy cat-like animal before domestication. This balanced order of activities flows as; “Hunt-Catch-Kill-Eat”, as Jackson Galaxy explains.  Therefore, this is a natural order that your cat’s biology still wants to follow. Additionally, hunting and play-like activity can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

3. SKYMEE Owl Robot Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser, Interactive Toy for Cats

The effects of connecting with your cat while you are away from the house can improve the health of both you and your cat. Subsequently, this special connection can reduce separation anxiety and reduce general anxiety. This improvement in physiological stress status reduces fluctuations of stress hormones such as cortisol. By reducing cortisol, your cat’s body experiences a balanced metabolism, better blood sugar regulation, and a decrease in carbohydrate transformation to body fat. This results in less caloric weight gain as well as improved circulation. The reduction of cortisol also keeps your cat’s immune system strong and streamlines tissue repair, which is beneficial for chronic infections, like Herpes virus, and also autoimmune diseases such as stomatitis, and arthritis.

The mental stimulation that results from using this pet cam can bring a huge benefit to your kitty. Indoor cats often have a problem with boredom and therefore results in less destructive scratching of furniture and other items. This added mental stimulation can also reduce bullying or ambush behavior which some cats will do when bored. Research has proven that humans receive health benefits as a result of interacting with a pet. In return, our pets can receive these same benefits by connecting with us. This can regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and happy chemicals such as oxytocin and serotonin. It is known that these happy hormones reduce pain and discomfort.

4. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

petsafe scoop free litterbox


This automatic litter box may make your life easier, but it could also improve the health of your cat. With automatic cleanup, there will be less potential for sharing or spreading parasites. Consequently, this factor of cleanliness also means that less urine and feces comes into contact with your pet’s feet. As a result, fewer fragments are tracked around your house and living areas. It also means your cat will experience less grooming of these materials off of their feet. Having a cool litter box that does the scooping for you can decrease dust, allergens, and asthma for both you and your pets.

A cleaner box could result in cats going to the bathroom more often instead of waiting for you to clean the pan. This can reduce urinary tract infections, crystals, and urinary bladder stones. One additional benefit for your cat’s wellness involves stability in multi-cat households. With clean common areas and less soiling outside of the box, social levels can remain stable and calm. This can result in a decrease in fighting, less ambushing behaviors, and less severe dominance or aggression.

5. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Mod Dream Pod Heated Pet Bed

thermo cat bed is a cool gadget to keep your kitty safe and warm

This heated bed can be a dream come true for cats with arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint injuries, and back pain. The improvement in circulation can modulate the production of joint fluid and promote internal joint repair. Increased circulation helps to remove inflammation and lactic acid. By flushing inflammation, your cat will feel significantly less pain and discomfort. This could result in a more active, more engaged kitty.

Fundamentally, the increased circulation also brings in energy and oxygen that cells need to stay healthy and vital. The safe heat source itself can relieve pain and relax muscles. This benefit is especially important for older cats, cats with kidney disease, and cat breeds with little to no hair. By being snuggled and surrounded by the bed, cats can feel safe and secure. By reducing vulnerability, your cat can relax completely and can experience deeper rest. When pets feel safe, their body experiences a physical and mental reduction of stress, which optimizes body system healing and maintenance. As one additional bonus, the internal cushion is washable which is great for cats with asthma or allergies.

6. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier

levoit air filter is a must have technology for cats and cat lovers

This modern and pet-safe air filter is exactly what you and your cat need. Unquestionably, indoor air pollution can be a greater health hazard than outside air at times. Chemicals and pollutants can be more concentrated towards the floor where your cat spends a lot of their time. Gases and particles are most often heavier than air and so they sink to the floor. Correspondingly, cats with allergies or asthma can greatly benefit from room air filters. By reducing allergens, mold, dander, and dust mites, you are literally making it easier for your pet to breathe. This can be a dramatic improvement for brachiocephalic breeds like British Shorthairs, Persian and Himalayan kitties. It can enhance the health of cats that have respiratory disorders like pneumonia and asthma.

Suitably, cats can have allergies to ALL of the same items that people are allergic to. Common environmental allergens for pets are pollens, grasses, trees, flies, dust mites, and dander. Yes, pets can be allergic to other animals and even to “human dander”. Cats with cardiovascular disorders, like dilated cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure, can also greatly benefit from cleaner air. This indoor air filter uses modern technology to keep your home clean. Studies over the past 7 years have shown that pets can be negatively affected by air filters that use UV or Ion cleaning methods. While it was originally thought to sanitize the air of bacteria and viruses it has been found to also be damaging to the fragile respiratory tract of cats.

Perfect Near Litter Boxes!

This is the filter you and your cat need to keep your home clean and fresh. In smaller specific areas like near litter boxes, your cats can experience less dust and debris along with less odor and dust for you too. I recommend that my clients keep two air filters in any room that contains a litter box. This way we can eliminate litter with dangerous dust, contaminants, and perfumes.

7. PetSafe SmartFeeder Automatic Pet Feeder

smartfeeder for cats recommended by veterinarian Dr. Candy Akers, DVM

This automatic smart feeder has lots of options and plenty of ways to improve your cat’s health. First of all, this feeder automatically measures and dispenses your cat’s food in the correct portion size. Consequently, there will be no more stomach bloating, gas, or indigestion from a pet gorging themselves on too much food. Controlled portion sizes can help your cat lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Calorie intake is also critical in the management of diabetes. Meals and insulin amounts must be matched and monitored carefully. Controlling the timing of meals can improve digestion, blood sugar regulation, and waste elimination. Most pets need specific cycles of digestion paired with periods of stomach rest to digest optimally. If pets are allowed to eat at all times of the day, insulin and blood sugar are always high. Certainly, with improved digestion cycling, the body is better balanced.

Balanced Technology For Balanced Health

This feeder can send you alerts when your cat eats and also when food is low. By notifying you that their food is low, you can pick up a refill, preventing you from running out of food or having to switch abruptly, which can cause diarrhea and constipation. The feeding bowl is made out of dishwasher-safe stainless steel. So no bacterial or oily build-ups which can cause illness and acne. The feeder can even take pictures of your cat eating, so you can be sure the correct pet is eating the dispensed food.

Food That Stays Fresh Stays Nutritious

Another health benefit to using this smart feeder is that it keeps the food secure and fresh. By reducing air and element exposure to the food, mold, and mildew is less likely to grow. Fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin D and E, will be less likely to degrade or become rancid. Heat, humidity, and air exposure can change the nutrient availability of some foods. The timing and routine flexibility allow you to dispense a meal while you are not at home. You get peace of mind if you are stuck at work or school or just simply have a long day. Above all, this cool technology can keep your cat satisfied, healthy and happy.

Check out our other articles for even more knowledge to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Dog Constipation and How You Can Treat It Naturally

Best Pet Camera And 10 Must-Have Gadgets For Your Dog 2022

Can Dogs and Cats Benefit from Himalayan Salt Lamps?

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Dr. Candy Akers, DVM

Holistic Veterinarian, Veterinary Clinic Owner, Veterinary Medical Supervisory Board Leader, Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist, and Author Dr. Candy completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Delaware and graduated veterinary school in 2009 from Oklahoma State University. In high school, she was drawn to wildlife rehabilitation. Wildlife rehab gave her unparalleled experience in animal healing in a field that has limited resources and a wide variety of conditions to treat. Before vet school, Dr. Akers spent two years working full time providing oil spill response for wildlife all over the country. Since graduating with her Degree of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2009, Dr. Candy has specialized in companion animal nutrition. Extensive education in nutrition has made her a firm believer in species specific-biologically appropriate diets. One of her passions is educating pet parents about the natural alternatives that actually work. She brings the best of holistic health and conventional medicine together in a unique approach to pet health. This approach is often applied to chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. She started her own veterinary practice 9 years ago in Colorado. Overall, she has dedicated her entire life to improving the health and happiness of animals everywhere.

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