Joybuy Insights

Cat accessories: how to choose practical products suited to your home

A cat accessory can make everyday life much easier. However, you need to choose a model suited to your home, the number of pets you have and your companion’s habits. Some ideas that look good on paper can quickly become disappointing after a few weeks of use.

Three pitfalls come up regularly:

  • A size that is too small: a litter tray, drinking fountain or cat tree may suit a kitten, then become uncomfortable for a large cat or a multi-cat household.
  • Consumables that are difficult to find: a self-cleaning litter tray may require proprietary bags. Without checking the compatible reference, running costs and restocking times can quickly mount up.
  • Appealing but restrictive features: a connected app, LED lighting or rechargeable battery are only worthwhile if maintenance, power requirements and safety genuinely suit the way you use the product.

The key is therefore to compare cat accessories based on practical criteria: dimensions, maintenance, power supply, compatibility and safety.

What to check before buying

1. Dimensions, stability and capacity

For a large cat tree, start by measuring the available floor space and the ceiling height. A 170 cm model may offer several levels, but its base must be sufficiently wide and stable. If you have several cats, also check the width of the platforms, the number of sleeping areas and the stated maximum load.

The same care is needed when choosing a litter tray. With its stated 60-litre capacity, the Furbulous Box may meet the needs of a large cat or a multi-cat household. However, you will need to place it in a clear, accessible location that is easy to clean and close to a socket if the appliance runs on mains power.

For a cat water fountain, a 2.2-litre reservoir means you can refill it less often, but it does not replace regular water changes. The manufacturer of the EZIclean fountain recommends cleaning the reservoir and changing the water every week.

2. Maintenance and the cost of consumables

An automated product still needs maintenance. A self-cleaning litter tray must always be emptied, cleaned and refilled with suitable litter. Bin bags are often specific to each model: the CATLINK Baymax bags, for example, are stated to be compatible with the SCOOPER-SE and SCOOPER-SE Lite models. The product listing mentions a pack of 40 bags spread across two rolls.

Before placing your order, check:

  • the exact litter tray reference;
  • the number of bags per roll;
  • the bag dimensions;
  • the estimated replacement frequency;
  • local waste-disposal guidelines.

For fountains, the composite filter with activated carbon and resin in the EZIclean Nutribot Water Max must be replaced every three to four weeks, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The pump must never run dry, and the base containing the electrical components must not be immersed in water.

3. Safety, power supply and supervised use

A cat nail clipper with an LED light can make it easier to see the lighter part of the claw. The PETKIT model featured also has a clipping collector and a foldable file. However, the light does not remove the need to proceed gradually: only the transparent tip should be trimmed, to avoid the quick.

With a cat toy containing catnip, regularly check the condition of the fabric, stitching and small parts. USB-C rechargeable toys must be charged with the supplied cable or a compatible power supply. During charging, keep the cable out of the animal’s reach.

Interactive cat toys, such as animated fish or sea-animal toys, should be used under supervision. Remove them as soon as the stuffing is torn or internal components become accessible.

Our selection for different uses

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners
PETKIT Thinning Scissors LED cat nail clippers

PETKIT Thinning Scissors LED – LED Nail Clippers

Why this choice suits this profile : This accessory is designed for people who want to groom their pets’ claws at home using a compact tool suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits and small animals.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The LED illuminates the claw more clearly and the collector catches the clippings. Nevertheless, trim only a small section at a time.

Main benefit and key features

Stainless-steel blades, foldable file, non-slip handle and three LR44 batteries included.

Recommended for: Premium users
Furbulous self-cleaning cat litter tray

Furbulous World’s First Automatic Cat Litter Box

Why this choice suits this profile : Its large capacity and app control are ideal for households that want to automate litter-tray management as much as possible.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The proximity, weight and infrared sensors are designed to limit operation when the cat is nearby. However, check bag compatibility before buying.

Main benefit and key features

Stated 60 L capacity, app control, one-click emptying and a stated noise level from 37 dB.

Recommended for: Specific uses and intensive users
Large cat tree 170 cm

Large Cat Tree Tower 170 × 50 × 40 cm

Why this choice suits this profile : Its six levels, resting areas and sisal surfaces are suitable for large cats, indoor cats and households with several pets.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The reinforced base and anti-tip system help reduce the risk of instability. Even so, measure the space and secure the structure according to the instructions.

Main benefit and key features

17 posts, including 8 covered in sisal, two washable cushions and several resting areas.

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners
EZIclean Nutribot Water Max cat water fountain

EZIclean Nutribot Water Max, 2.2 L fountain

Why this choice suits this profile : It is suitable for owners who want to refill the fountain less often and monitor its operation through a Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi app.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The infrared sensor starts the water flow when the animal approaches, but the water must still be changed and the reservoir cleaned every week.

Main benefit and key features

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, low-consumption 1–2 W pump and activated carbon and resin filter.

Toys and complementary accessories

For an indoor cat, varying textures and movements is sometimes enough to renew their interest in play. The Petgravity fishing toy with catnip contains three fish, offers several movements and recharges via USB-C. The Petgravity interactive lobster-shaped toy includes three sea characters and a rechargeable motor. The Petgravity animated duck combines flapping wings, sounds and a catnip compartment.

Inspect every toy regularly. Supervision is particularly recommended for cats that chew fabrics or go for small parts.

Replacement bags should also be chosen according to the litter-tray model. Discover the CATLINK bags for Baymax and always check compatibility before buying.

Looking for more options ?

We have brought together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting selection criteria as well as European safety standards.

Frequently asked questions about cat accessories

Which water fountain should I choose for an indoor cat ?

Compare the reservoir capacity, filter type, ease of cleaning and power supply. A 2.2-litre model can reduce how often you need to refill it, but the water must remain fresh and the filter must be replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How much do the consumables for a self-cleaning litter tray cost ?

It depends on the price of the bags and filters, as well as how often they need to be replaced. Before choosing a model, note its exact reference and estimate how many bags are used each month. Two different appliances will not necessarily accept the same consumables, even if their formats appear similar.

How can I get a cat used to a new accessory ?

Introduce the product gradually in a quiet location. For a fountain or litter tray, leave the old equipment nearby during the transition period if possible. With an interactive toy, start with short supervised sessions and observe your pet’s reaction.