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iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain Review

Cat sitting with iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Fountain with blue Tower.

Cats hate normal water dishes. They may not be telling you directly about how much they hate them, but they will typically tell you in other ways, like constantly drinking out of your toilet or from a leaky bathroom faucet. A healthy cat will not let himself become dehydrated, and he will drink from a low quality water source if he needs to in order to survive. But if you give him a tastier source of drinking water than a stagnant dish, he’s going to go for the tasty source in lieu of the dish every time.

Why Consider a Cat Fountain?

It’s important that your cat drinks plenty of water. Failure to drink enough water can cause a number of medical conditions, including dehydration and disorders of the kidney and urinary tract.

Most cats are somewhat reluctant to drink out of a bowl of stagnant water. Changing the bowl frequently helps a bit, but cats typically prefer moving water. As a result, he may get up onto your kitchen or bathroom counter and try to drink out of your sink, especially if it drips or leaks. He also may lap up fresh puddles of water formed at the bottom of your sink or shower after it has been used. This is because your cat craves fresh water, and the water coming out of the tap is as fresh as it gets.

Encouraging Your Cat to Drink

Cats in the wild don’t drink much water. Most of their water comes from the food they eat, which consists of small animals they hunt and kill. Their wild diet is much higher in moisture than a diet of commercial food, especially dry kibble-type cat foods. When a wild cat does need to drink, such as during very hot weather, he will tend to choose a moving body of water, such as a stream. Cats instinctually find a moving body of water more appetizing than a stagnant body. This carries over into your household.

Providing your cat with a source of fresh, clean water that is constantly moving will encourage your cat to drink more. The simplest moving source of water you can provide for your cat is a small circulating fountain.

Circulating fountains provide constant aeration of the water in their basins, preventing the formation of stagnant, anaerobic conditions in the water that may produce bad odors and tastes. Most fountains designed for cats also filter water as it is circulated. Filtering the water removes any debris that may have entered the water, including cat hair and bits of cat food. This improves the overall quality and taste of the water, which your cat will appreciate.

Cat drinking water out of a bathroom faucet

Image Source: Michel Curi

What to Look For When Choosing a Cat Fountain

There are a ton of cat fountains available on the market, so it can be confusing trying to figure out what separates a good one from a piece of junk. Here is a list of criteria you should keep an eye out for whenever you’re picking out a cat fountain for your cat:

  • Manufactured from a durable material that does not leach BPA or other harmful chemicals
  • Contains dishwasher safe components
  • Easy to clean
  • Pump operates quietly
  • Includes filtration
  • Shape is easy to clean and does not contain several crevices and corners
  • Large capacity and ease of access (for households with multiple pets)
  • Suitable length of electric chord between wall outlet and fountain
iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain

iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain Specifications
  • Material: Porcelain
  • Filtration: Foam Roughing Filter + Carbon Filter
  • Pump Type: IP68 AC Pump
  • Pump Power Consumption: 2W
  • Capacity: 71 oz. (2.1 L)
  • Dimensions: 10.7 x 10.7 x 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 7.1 lbs
  • Cable Length: 6 ft.
Description

The iPettie Tritone fountain, produced by iPettie, consists of a large ceramic bowl approximately 10.7 inches in diameter that forms the fountain’s basin. The center of the bowl contains a small dome known as the Tower. The top piece of the Tower contains an opening that is fitted with a rubber grommet, and there is a small wall surrounding the perimeter of the opening. The walls around the opening have slotted sides, forming a lotus design. A small pump conveys water from the bowl up the center of the Tower. Water cascades from the opening top of the Tower, through the slotted sides, and along the surface of the Tower until it returns to the fountain basin.

The fountain design gives your cat the option of drinking from the fountain basin or lapping up water as it runs down the side of the Tower. As water passes through the slotted sides of the wall surrounding the top opening, it briefly free falls before coming into contact with the Tower. This also gives your cat the option of drinking from a free falling stream of water, which many cats prefer.

The fountain utilizes a dual filtration system. An initial roughing filter is used to remove large debris from water as it is drawn from the fountain basin. This includes cat hair and bits of cat food. After passing through the foam filter, water passes through a second filter that uses activated carbon and charcoal to remove finer solids as well as compounds that may produce bad odors or tastes. Filtered water then exits via the opening at the top of the Tower.

Check out the video below for an introduction to the iPettie Tritone fountain:

 

Assessment
Operation

The pump that circulates water through the iPettie Tritone fountain is nearly silent. You won’t have to worry about it scaring your cat away or keeping you up all night.

The fountain will occasionally need to be cleaned. This includes the foam and carbon filters that are used to improve the fountain water quality. Replacement filters are available for purchase, but the filters that are supplied with the fountain can be used for several months as long as they are cleaned regularly.

Make sure you don’t forget to change the water and clean your fountain regularly. Most of the problems that people encounter with pet fountains are caused by poor maintenance and cleaning. Like all pet fountains, the iPettie Tritone fountain will fail if it is not kept clean. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning practices and procedures included in the fountain’s instruction manual.  

You can see how the fountain is assembled using the video below:

 

Design

The iPettie Tritone fountain has an attractive appearance. The white ceramic Tower and bowl will match most kitchen decors. The circular shape and large diameter also allow for easy access by multiple pets simultaneously.

One of the biggest benefits of the the iPettie Tritone fountain is its material of construction. Since the fountain is ceramic and not plastic, you don’t have to worry about the presence of any toxic substances that may leach out of a cheap plastic fountain. The ceramic material is also strong, and the fountain is more difficult to break than your typical cheap plastic fountain. Unfortunately, some of the fountain’s internal components are still constructed out of plastic. This plastic is BPA free, and the reduced amount of plastic in the fountain’s overall design makes it a superior alternative to a fountain constructed entirely out of plastic components.

The fountain bowl and Tower are both dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning a breeze. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the pump at least once every two weeks to ensure that it is operating properly. They also recommend not placing the fountain near your cat’s food dish or litter box. Cats prefer that their water source be in a different location than either of these items, so this is a good practice to follow in general when deciding on a place to keep your cat’s water dish.

The video below shows you exactly what you need to do in order to keep the iPettie Tritone fountain clean:

 

Value

As of October 2018, the iPettie Tritone fountain costs just under $80. This price is a bit steep compared to several other fountains that are available. However, the iPettie Tritone fountain’s durable ceramic construction make it worth the additional cost. Many of the cheaper fountains that are on the market are constructed of much less durable materials and will not last as long as the iPettie Tritione.

Repeated costs associated with the fountain include replacement pumps and filters. Fortunately, the fountain comes with a spare pump, which means you should not need to purchase a new one for quite some time after you first begin using it. The fountain also comes with two spare carbon filters.

One of the complaints noted by some owners of the iPettie Tritone fountain is the cost of replacement filters, particularly the foam filter that is used to remove large debris before water passes through the carbon filters. While the carbon filters will need to be replaced occasionally, the foam filter can simply be rinsed out and returned to use for several weeks beyond the recommended replacement frequency.

A Word on Filters

Carbon filters work by attracting dissolved compounds in the water to the surface of the carbon granules. The compounds stick to the pieces of carbon until they eventually clog up all of the carbon pieces’ pores. When this happens, the filter needs to be replaced. The foam filter, on the other hand, is a mechanical filter, meaning that it works by simply trapping solid material in its pores. Rinsing the filter in a stream of fast-moving water should be sufficient to dislodge any materials that have been captured by the foam filter. The rinsed filter can then be reused.

If you use filtered water to fill the bowl to begin with, the additional carbon filtration is not essential. The main compounds removed by carbon filtration are disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramine, sediments, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may cause bad taste and odor. If you are already running your drinking water through a carbon filtration system, these compounds should already be removed from the water.

If filtered water is used, any compounds that may cause bad tastes or odors will be the result of bacterial growth within the fountain. This may occur if the water is not changed regularly or if the fountain is not cleaned. Tastes and odors caused by bacteria growing on the wetted surfaces of the fountain will not be fully removed by the carbon filter since the filter cannot impact the growth of bacteria on fountain surfaces. As a result, if you supply the fountain with filtered water, you should be able to run it without the carbon filter and achieve sufficient water quality to keep your cat happy. This will save you money on expensive replacement filters. Just make sure to change the water and clean the fountain regularly.

Quality & Durability

The iPettie Tritone fountain is constructed of ceramic materials, making it stronger and more durable than most plastic fountains. However, it is more vulnerable to shattering if it is dropped from a height than a plastic fountain. As long as you don’t drop the iPettie Tritone off of your kitchen counter while you are cleaning it or filling it, it should last a very long time.   

The iPettie Tritone fountain also comes with a spare pump. This will be useful in the event that your pump stops working for any reason. If you make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance instructions for the pump and filters, you should not need to worry about your pump breaking down.

iPettie Tritone Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain components

Pros
  • Encourages your cat to drink more water, keeping him hydrated and preventing medical conditions that may be arise from dehydration
  • Extremely quiet pump operation (you won’t even know it’s there!)
  • Attractive appearance
  • 360° access for multiple pets
  • Large storage volume
  • Dishwasher safe components
  • Decreased concern about leaching of BPA or other harmful substances into your pet’s water supply when compared to fountains manufactured entirely out of plastic.
Cons
  • Fountain may shatter if  dropped from a height.
  • A bit more expensive than fountains made out of cheaper materials such as plastic
  • Limited color options available (white or blue Tower only)
  • Pump does not have an automatic shutoff, which means you will need to keep the fountain filled with plenty of water. If the pump runs dry, it may burn itself out and stop working.

Final Verdict

Based on our assessment, the iPettie Tritone fountain scores an impressive 8.4 / 10.0. We highly recommend going with this fountain if you are in the market for a durable, long-lasting fountain that will keep your cat coming back for more. Check it out on Amazon!

KittyTwister Trio Cat Litter Box Review

KittyTwister Trio sifting cat litter box

Litter box issues are among the most common behavior concerns among cat owners. If a cat is adopted from a shelter, the shelter may have provided some rudimentary litter training. However, as soon as you bring your cat home for the first time, it’s up to you to make sure she knows where the litter box is and how to use it. But that’s not where the litter training should stop.

It’s up to you to pay attention to how your cat seems to respond to the litter and litter box you’ve selected. Do they seem happy and content using it, or do they bolt out of it as soon as they’re done, leaving their waste unburied? Do they seem to purposefully avoid the litter box at all costs, even if it’s clean? 

Speaking of a clean litter box, how much effort do you have to put into keeping your litter box clean? While selecting a litter that works great for your cat is essential, choosing a litter box that works in your favor is equally as crucial. A poor litter box design means that your cat will be more skittish about using the box, leading to more accidents. A bad litter box design may also mean poor ventilation, leading to litter clumping problems.

Choosing a Litter Box

So, what should you look for when selecting a litter box? Here are a few ideas for starters:

Critical Considerations
  • Is it difficult to scoop used litter out of the box?
  • Does it contain corners or crevices that a scoop can’t reach?
  • Is it sized appropriately for your cat?
  • Are the sides too low or too high for your cat?
  • Is it covered? Covered litter boxes are typically not a great idea.
  • Does it feel strong and durable? Ideally, it should be constructed out of heavy duty plastic
  • Is it easy to enter and exit?
  • Does your cat hate it? If so, pick another box.

Ideally, your litter box should work for you, right? It should be a breeze for your cat to use, it shouldn’t smell terrible, and it should make the whole cleaning process easier on both you and your cat. So if a litter box was designed to help make cleaning easier without all of the complexity of a fully automatic self-cleaning model (i.e. the Cat Genie), why wouldn’t you want to give it a try?

Today we’re going to be discussing a litter box that attempts to be your personal litter assistant:  The KittyTwister Trio!

KittyTwister Trio Cat Litter Box

Specifications
  • Material:  PP / PE Plastic
  • Interior Diameter: 18 in.
  • Height: 19 in.
  • Overall Dimensions: 19.8 x 19.8 x 19 in.
  • Weight: 8.3 lbs.
Description

The KittyTwister Trio Cat Litter Box, designed by Haspi Products, looks a bit like a small barrel, but the kind of small barrel you might find in an Apple store. It’s glossy white and contains a hole on its outer surface for your cat to enter.

The KittyTwister Trio contains three pieces: The top tray, the bottom tray, and the litter sifter. The top and bottom trays are identical and can be used interchangeably. This will be an important thing to remember when we discuss the cleaning process.

The pièce de résistance of the KittyTwister is its sifting tray. The sifting tray sits suspended in the litter, which is contained in the bottom tray. Your cat goes to the bathroom in the litter above the sifting tray. Whenever you go to clean the litter box out, you simply pick up the sifter to remove the clumped waste, twist it to shake off any excess litter (hence the name, KittyTwister), and remove the waste. Then you can replace the sifter and start all over again!

If you’re not interested in the sifting tray, Haspi Products also makes an identical version of the Trio that leaves the sifting tray out. It’s basically just a circular, covered litter box, and it’s called the KittyTwister Duo. But for now, we’re going to focus on the Trio, sifting tray and all.

Here’s a video to show you how the KittyTwister Trio works:

Assessment

 

Design

Although the makers of the KittyTwister Trio brag about its size, it ends up feeling a little claustrophobic due to its circular shape. The bottom tray is deep, and a large volume of litter is needed to make sure that the litter level is high enough above not only the bottom tray, but also the sifting tray which sits above it. Overall, the circular shape does not maximize the efficiency of the space it occupies. 

The biggest advantage of the KittyTwister Trio is the distance it maintains between you and the litter during the changing process. The size of the box and the height of the walls give you quite a comfortable buffer of space to separate you from your cat’s waste. This may be ideal for cat owners who are a bit more squeamish when it comes to scooping a litter box with a small scooper.

Unfortunately, not all of your cat’s waste will be caught by the sifting tray. Some of it will pass through, failing to clump immediately. Urine, for example, may not clump in the upper layers of the litter. Instead, it may collect in the lower layers, below the sifter, and form a clump there over time. As a result, you may need to scoop out the bottom of the box from time to time. The difficulty of this process is compounded by the box’s circular shape, which makes it difficult to remove clumps collected around the edges.

Covered vs. Uncovered Litter Boxes

Under most circumstances, a covered litter box is a bad idea. Unfortunately, the KittyTwister Trio does not earn the right to be an exception to this rule. Covered litter boxes have limited ventilation, leading to a host of problems, including poor litter clumping and odor containment. For your cat, a covered litter box is analogous to a poorly-maintained Port-a-John in people world. As a result, cats don’t like them too much.

Another problem with covered litter boxes is that they don’t allow cats the opportunity to survey their surroundings while they’re doing their business. Going to the bathroom puts a cat in a very vulnerable position, and cats in the wild prefer to have a full range of vision to keep an eye out for attackers while going to the bathroom. 

A covered litter box operates counter to your cat’s instinctual desire for an open field of vision, leaving your cat isolated in a small, confined area where they may feel vulnerable to attack. Giving the litter box only one exit / entrance may make your cat extremely nervous. This may cause your cat to avoid the litter box altogether, or to quickly flee it as soon as they are done going to the bathroom, leaving their waste uncovered.

While the default configuration of the KittyTwister Trio is with both the top and bottom trays attached, you also have the option of just using the bottom and sifting trays. This is preferable since it will allow for better clumping of the litter, which will translate into improved performance of the sifting tray. 

Ease of Use

In theory, the KittyTwister is easy to use. You simply pop off the top tray whenever you want to clean the box, pick up the sifting tray, twist, dump, and replace.

However, you can’t just put the top back on. Instead, you need to use the top tray as the bottom tray for the clean box. You can then place the sifting tray in the the empty bottom tray and dump your clean litter over it, using the old bottom tray as the new top tray. Confusing, right? It’s actually not so bad, once you’ve done it a couple of times.

While the cleaning process seems to take advantage of the litter box’s unique design, it is cumbersome in practice. It can be difficult to transfer the waste from the sifting tray to a trash can without spilling extra pieces of litter all over the floor. You almost always end up making a mess during the process, which means you have to clean up afterwards. This adds additional time to the cleaning process, which is a bad thing considering the box is supposed to be saving you time on cleaning. Also, since the KittyTwister Trio is large, the bottom tray can be pretty heavy when it’s full of litter. This can make it difficult to pour the litter over the sifting tray and into the empty bottom tray after a cleaning.

The plastic latches that secure the top and bottom trays together are somewhat difficult to fasten. They take a little getting used to, but are fairly easy to use once you have become familiar with how they operate.

Quality and Durability

The KittyTwister Trio is manufactured entirely out of plastic. Fortunately, the plastic is fairly heavy duty. It does not feel easily breakable, and it is capable of handling the rough toll that litter (and your cat) will place on it. However, while the plastic is strong and durable, the KittyTwister Trio gets handled a bit more roughly than a typical litter box. This is a byproduct of its cleaning process. As a result, the high strength plastic is essential to make sure the box can hold up through several cleanings.

Value

The current price of the KittyTwister as of October, 2018, is just a smidge under $90. Of course, prices are subject to change. But at its current price, the KittyTwister does not present a fantastic value. It’s a fairly high price to pay for a plastic container. It will be interesting to see if this box goes on sale for a heavily reduced price in the future.

The KittyTwister Trio is also larger than the average litter box. As a result, it takes more litter to fill it. Since the litter will still need to be changed occasionally, this means that you’re going to end up using more litter with this box than you would with a standard model.

Pros:
  • Consolidates the litter scooping process
  • Keeps you further away from the litter during cleaning
  • Appears sleek and modern
  • Outperforms other sifting litter boxes
Cons:
  • Covered litter box
  • Users more litter
  • Poorer ventilation, leading to internal odor and poorer clumping
  • Small opening size and overall claustrophobic feeling, making it bad for large cats
  • Makes a mess during cleanings
  • Complicated cleaning process
  • Circular shape, making it difficult to scoop pieces of waste that fall through the sifter

Final Verdict

Based on our assessment, the KittyTwister Trio scores a 6.0 / 10.0. Truthfully, there are better litter boxes out there for your money. If the KittyTwister shape is really your thing or the idea of twisting a big bowl to clean your cat’s litter sounds fun to you, by all means, give the KittyTwister Trio a spin. But most people may be better off going with something a bit more basic.

The 6 Best Automatic Cat Feeders [2018 Buyer’s Guide]

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

If you own a cat, there’s a pretty good chance your cat has woken you up to beg for food on at least one occasion. A hungry cat doesn’t care if you’re supposed to get a couple extra hours of sleep on Saturday morning. He knows when his food comes, and if it’s late, he’s going to let you know about it.

Cats crave regularity. Keeping your cat on a regular feeding schedule has a ton of benefits. If your cat gets fed according to a set schedule, he’s way less likely to beg you to feed him. This means fewer morning wake-up calls, fewer coincidental strolls in front of the TV, and fewer items swatted off of tables. Controlling your cat’s feeding time also can help control when they nap, since cats tend to take pretty heavy naps following a meal. Feeding your cat at night before you go to bed can help your cat sleep while you sleep. Plus, scheduled feeding can help you manage your cat’s weight more effectively by maintaining set portions.

For many of us, maintaining a regular feeding schedule for our cat can be a challenge since our own schedules are full of irregularity. That’s where an automatic cat feeder can be a huge help.

Reasons for Using an Automatic Feeder
  • Allows you to leave your cat unattended for a bit
  • Lets you feed your cat at regular times even if work keeps you out of the house during irregular hours
  • Allows you to manage feeding of multiple cats, feeding different foods to different cats at different times
  • In multi-pet homes, prevents food stealing from other pets
  • Prevents your cat from eating all of his food too quickly
  • Keeps you cat’s food fresh right up until the moment it’s served
Critical Considerations When Choosing an Automatic Feeder
  • Wet vs. Dry: Most models can handle dry food, but only a few can handle wet food
  • Size: Make sure the feeder is capable of handling the kibble size of your cat’s favorite foods. If your cat likes a food with large kibble chunks, make sure to keep this in mind when choosing a feeder
  • Capacity: How much can your feeder hold?
  • Timer: Can you program exactly when feeding occurs?
  • Ease of Use: How hard is it to program the feeder?
  • Power: Is it battery powered or do you need to plug it in?

 

The 6 Best Automatic Cat Feeders of 2018

We’ve assembled a list of the six best automatic cat feeders that are currently on the market in 2018. We plan on keeping this list updated as new models are released, so stay posted!

6. Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder CSF-3

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 15 in.
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Power: AC Adapter
  • Wet Food Compatible?: No
  • Dry Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Capacity: 4.75 cups
Description

The Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder (developed by Super Feeder) has a much more mechanical looking design than the other feeders on this list. It doesn’t hold quite as much as some of the other feeders, but it also has some pretty unique features. It can even be connected to a home automation system such as Alexa.

By default, the Super Feeder is equipped to hold up to 4.75 cups of dry food. However, you can purchase an extension that increases the feeder’s storage capacity. Food is kept safely within the chamber using a polycarbonate lid. It works best with kibbles that are 0.25” in diameter.

The Super Feeder does not give you the option to operate it using batteries. This may be a problem if your cat’s feeding area is in an area where there are no convenient power outlets.

One of the biggest downsides of the Super Feeder is that it cannot be programmed digitally. Instead, you have to use a separate analog timer piece that plugs into your wall outlet. However, the use of the analog timer gives you the ability to program up to 48 feedings per day. That’s way more feedings than you should ever need, but it’s nice to know you have that kind of flexibility.

>> Check it out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value: 7
  • Design: 6
  • Quality & Durability: 7
  • Special Features: 7
  • Easy of Use: 7
Final Rating:  6.2 / 10.0

 

5.  WOpet 7L Pet Feeder

 

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 13.7 x 9.8 x 15.3 in.
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Power: 3 D Batteries or AC Adapter
  • Wet Food Compatible?: No
  • Dry Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Capacity: 7 L
Description

The WOpet 7L Pet Feeder has the highest capacity of any of the feeders on our list. This feeder gives you the option of setting the volume of food to be dispensed at a feeding. You can choose a portion size ranging from 2 teaspoons to up to 4.5 cups. The feeder lets you choose what times during the day it should release food. You can set it to provide up to four meals per day.

The WOpet also gives you the option of recording a custom message to play whenever your cat’s food is released. It comes with a built in microphone and lets you record up to 10 seconds, so feel free to be creative.

The capacity of the WOpet feeder is one of its nicest features. Additionally, the feeding tray is dishwasher safe, and you can remove the food storage container for easy cleaning.

>> Check it out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value: 8
  • Design: 7
  • Quality & Durability: 6
  • Special Features: 7
  • Easy of Use: 7
Final Rating:  7.0 / 10.0

 

4HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder

 

Specifications
  • Weight: 4.3 lbs
  • Power: 3 D Batteries or AC Adapter
  • Wet Food Compatible?: No
  • Dry Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Capacity: 12 cups
Description

The HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder is one of the coolest looking feeders on our list, resembling a small robot. This feeder, developed by HoneyGuaridan, allows you to program in your cat’s portion size, giving you the option of setting a meal size anywhere from 1/32 cup to 4 cups.

The dispenser on the HoneyGuaridan feeder has a twist lock to prevent your cat from prying it open and stealing all of the food. You can program it to feed your cat up to six times per day. It also comes with an infrared sensor that is used to detect the amount of food in the bowl at any given time. If the sensor detects that the bowl is full, it will stop dispensing until the level of the food in the bowl drops.

Check out this video to learn more about how the HoneyGuaridan works:

 

Like the WOpet feeder which also appears on this list, the HoneyGuaridan feeder lets you record a custom greeting to play each time your cat is fed. The built in recorder gives you up to 12 seconds of recording time.

The HoneyGuaridan feeder is not equipped to handle food larger than 0.39” x 0.39”, making it unsuitable for larger kibble sizes. It comes with a one-year warranty.

>> Check it out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value: 7
  • Design: 8
  • Quality & Durability: 6
  • Special Features: 7
  • Easy of Use: 7
Final Rating:  7.0 / 10.0

 

3.  PetSafe 5-Meal Pet Feeder

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 18 in.
  • Weight: 3.28 lbs
  • Power: 4 D Batteries
  • Wet Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Dry Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Capacity: Approx. 5 x 1-cup compartments
Description

If you’re looking for a bargain automatic feeder, the PetSafe 5-Meal Pet Feeder should definitely be your go-to. Developed by PetSafe, it’s easily the cheapest automatic feeder on this list, and it costs less than half the price of the next cheapest feeder. That being said, it also has a lot very positive feedback from tons of satisfied customers. If your cat doesn’t need all the bells and whistles of a fancier feeder, then PetSafe 5-Meal feeder may be perfect for you.

As the name suggests, the PetSafe 5-Meal feeder can hold up to five meals at once. Unfortunately, one of those meals is going to be exposed to your pet as soon as the feeder is set up, meaning that, in reality, you can automatically feed your cat four meals in addition to one manual feeding. On the plus side, it’s wet food compatible, and it’s dishwasher safe.

The PetSafe 5-Meal feeder is fully programmable and allows you to select what time each meal is made available to your cat. You can program the feeder for up to four meals within a single day or for a single meal delivered at the same time on four consecutive days.

One word of caution regarding this feeder: if your cat is particularly motivated, he may be able to force the feeder to advance with his paw. However, for most cats, the feeder is strong enough to prevent your cat from forcing the bowl to advance.

Considering how much less expensive it is than the other feeders on this list, the PetSafe 5-Meal feeder is pretty slick. It gives you just enough flexibility to allow you to regiment your cat’s feeding schedule without crushing your wallet. 

>> Check it out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value: 9
  • Design: 8
  • Quality & Durability: 7
  • Special Features: 5
  • Easy of Use: 9
Final Rating:  7.6 / 10.0

 

2.  SureFeed Microchip Feeder

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 12.6 x 9.1 x 7.9 in.
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Power: 4 C Batteries
  • Wet Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Dry Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Capacity: Approx. 0.5 oz (14.8 mL)
Description

The SureFeed Microchip Feeder, developed by Sure Petcare,  is unlike any other feeder on this list. It interacts with an RFID chip installed on your cat’s collar. Whenever a cat sticks his head through the entrance ring mounted on the front end of the feeder, the feeder automatically scans the cat’s RFID chip.

Using data that has been programmed into the feeder based on your specific cat’s RFID chip, the feeder will open automatically, letting your cat have his dinner. If your cat’s RFID chip does not match the feeder’s programming, the food chamber stays shut. This feeder is perfect for households with multiple cats, especially if one cat is on a restricted diet or is taking a prescription food. The feeder “knows” which cat is trying to eat food at any given time, allowing it to prevent your cats from stealing each others food.

 

You can either use a pre-existing microchip that has been implanted in your cat, or you can use a microchip embedded in a collar that comes with the feeder. In total, the SureFeed is capable of holding data for up to 32 different pets.

One of the downsides of the SureChip feeder is that it has a pretty small capacity. Some of the other feeders on this list are definitely more appropriate if you want your feeder to operate for several meals. However, the SureChip feeder is wet-food compatible, which gives it a large advantage.

The SureFeed isn’t cheap, but at least it comes with a 3-year warranty. It’s also the only feeder on the market that uses RFID technology to identify specific cats and respond accordingly, making it worthy of its price tag.

>> Check it out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value: 6
  • Design: 9
  • Quality & Durability: 9
  • Special Features: 9
  • Easy of Use: 8
Final Rating:  8.2 / 10.0

 

1.  PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

 

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 20.3 x 9.4 x 5.65 in.
  • Weight: 5.65 lbs
  • Power: 4 D Batteries or AC Adapter
  • Wet Food Compatible?: No
  • Dry Food Compatible?: Yes
  • Capacity: 24 cups
Description

The PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder is a cat feeder for the 21st century. It’s jam-packed with ultra-modern features and capabilities. Plus it also holds a large amount of food, so it can be used for an extended period of time.

Check out this video for a brief introduction to the PetSafe Smart Feed feeder.

 

The PetSafe Smart Feed feeder includes a Slow Feed option that gradually dispenses food over a 15 minute period. This is perfect if you have a cat like mine that tends to eat too quickly whenever he’s particularly hungry. This reduces the chance that your cat may throw up after eating too quickly. 

You can program this feeder to provide up to 12 meals per day, ranging in size from ⅛ cup to 4 cups per meal. Food is stored in a hopper with a locking lid and is deposited into the bowl via a cat-proof dispenser to prevent your cat from fishing out extra food. The feeder’s lid, hopper, bowl, and bowl holder area all dishwasher safe.

One of the coolest features of the PetSafe Smart Feed feeder is that it can send you alerts to let it know whenever it has completed a feeding. You can program it by connecting it to your phone using Wi-Fi. Be aware, though, that Wi-Fi is required to program the feeder. If a Wi-Fi signal is lost after it has been programmed, you may not receive alerts, but your cat will still be fed as programmed.

The PetSafe Smart Feed feeder is a bit more expensive than your average automatic feeder. Fortunately, it boasts more unique features than any of the other feeders on our list, making it well worth the price.

>> Check it out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value: 6
  • Design: 10
  • Quality & Durability: 9
  • Special Features: 10
  • Easy of Use: 8
Final Rating:  8.6 / 10.0

 

Final Verdict

Based on our assessment, the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder  (8.6 / 10.0) is the best feeder on the market right now. It’s a little pricey for some, which makes PetSafe’s other offering, the PetSafe 5-Meal Pet Feeder (7.6 / 10.0), a great alternative for the budget-conscious. If you have a multi-cat household and you’re struggling with keeping your cats from eating each other’s food, the SureFeed Microchip Feeder (8.2 / 10.0) may make your life easier. If you really want to greet your pet with a recording, the WOpet 7L Pet Feeder (7.0 / 10.0) or the HoneyGuaridan A26 Automatic Pet Feeder (7.0 / 10.0) will make a fine choice. And the Super Feeder Automatic Cat Feeder (6.2 / 10.0) will be your best bet if you need to schedule several very small feedings throughout the day.

The 5 Best Soft Sided Cat Carriers [2018]

PetLuv "Happy Cat" Premium Cat Carrier

Taking your cat on a trip can be a stressful experience. Unless your kitty is unusually bold or is a seasoned travel veteran, she’s probably not going to be super thrilled about the whole “trip” thing. Especially if there are vehicles involved. Cats typically don’t like carriers, and traveling around to unfamiliar locations with lots of strange smells and sounds will put most cats in a bad state of mind. The last thing you need to be worrying about in this situation is whether or not your cat’s carrier is going to hold up.

Having a solid carrier that you can trust makes every travel experience with your cat ten times easier on both of you. But picking a carrier can be tricky. There are hundreds of options floating around on the internet, and most of them look like junk.

Choosing a Carrier

When deciding which carrier will work best for you and your cat, make sure to consider a backpack carrier. A backpack carrier lets you distribute your cats weight over your back and keeps you from having to use too much arm strength while carrying your cat around. That being said, backpack carriers are not for everyone. If you’re set on a handheld carrier, you’re going to need to decide whether you want hard or soft sides.

Hard or Soft?

Picking between hard and soft sided carriers boils down to storage, weight, and cat comfort. Most soft carriers are collapsable, making them easy to store under a bed or in a closet. Hard carriers require more storage space, and they are typically heavier than soft carriers. Also, a hard carrier may also require the addition of some blankets or pads to make it more hospitable to your kitty, while many soft carriers have matting built in. Hard sided carriers are a bit easier to clean up, but they’re also bulky and awkward to carry around. Plus, most soft sided carriers are washable.

A hard carrier may be worth looking into if your cat is on the heavy side or if you are planning on transporting multiple cats together. But if you’re looking for a lightweight, flexible carrier that’s easy to store and that will keep your cat comfortable, a soft sided carrier is the way to go.

To help make your cat carrier selection process a little easier, we’ve assembled five of the best soft sided carriers on Amazon that we could find. Enjoy!

Critical Features of a Soft Sided Cat Carrier 

Here are some of the most important features we looked for when choosing which carriers to include on this list and how to assess them:

  • Includes a Shoulder Strap and Hand Straps
  • Interior Leash Tether
  • Side and Top Loading Options
  • Within the Carry-on Size Guidelines of Most Major Airlines
  • Constructed of Strong, Durable, Waterproof Material
  • Good Value
  • Holds its Shape
  • Easily Storable
  • Well Ventilated
  • Provides a Comfortable Space For Your Cat

 

Best Soft Sided Cat Carriers

 

5. Pet Magasin Soft Sided Pet Travel Carrier

Specifications 
  • Dimensions: 18” x 11” x 10”
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Material: Polyester and mesh with fleece interior base
Description 

We included Pet Magasin’s Lambo Backpack Carrier as part of our 5 Best Backpack Carriers list, but their soft sided character is an entirely different animal. While the Lambo was designed to provide your cat with ample space, the Pet Magasin soft sided carrier is much more compact. This carrier is better suited for small cats and kittens than larger adult cats. 

The Pet Magasin has a unique appearance compared to several other characters. However, this comes at the sacrifice of more space for your cat to stretch out in. This shape also makes the carrier somewhat awkward to carry.

The carrier is supported by a wire frame that keeps it from collapsing in on itself. It folds up tightly for easy storage when not in use. There’s one mesh pocket on the back side of the carrier, but no zippered pockets.

One of the features that the Pet Magasin carrier is lacking is the inclusion of a removal fleece pad on the carrier bottom. Having a removable bottom pad makes cleanup after a trip much easier. The Pet Magasin still has a padded floor though, so it’s certainly not going to be an uncomfortable ride for your cat. It’s just a bit less luxurious than fleece.

Check out this video from the folks at Pet Magasin:

>>Check it Out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value:  9
  • Design:  5
  • Strength & Durability:  6
  • Comfort:  6
Final Rating:  6.5 / 10.0

 

4.  Pawfect Pets Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 17.5” x 10” x 11”
  • Weight: 2.67 lbs
  • Material: Polyester and mesh with fleece padded mats
Description 

The Pawfect Pets Travel Carrier is perfect for a bunch of different of cat travel applications, ranging from a quick trip to the vet to a cross-country flight. Like most of the carriers on this list, the Pawfect Pets carrier is designed for use as an airplane carry-on and is within the size limits for most major airlines. 

The Pawfect Pets carrier is made of reinforced polyester with mesh panels on all four sides of the carrier and its roof. Each of the side openings and the top opening can be used for loading and unloading your cat into the carrier. A zipper pocket is mounted on the long side of the carrier for storage of treats, food, or other small items. There is also a quick access opening on the side of the carrier so that you can comfort your cat with some pets or slip her a quick treat.

You can carry the Pawfect Pets carrier using either the padded shoulder strap or handles. The carrier also includes a name tag for identification of your pet while traveling via airplane.

The zippers on the carrier contain small buckles, allowing you to fasten zippers together to prevent your cat from getting out. There are seat belt buckles located on the outside of the carrier, allowing you to strap your cat in while she’s riding with you in the car.

The carrier includes two removable fleece mats that can be placed on its bottom, giving your cat a comfortable surface to lie down on during trips. These mats are hand washable, so you can clean them if your pet gets a little scared and has an accident during your trip. Plus, the entire carrier is collapsable for convenient storage.

One of the downsides of the Pawfect Pets carrier is that it is only suitable for small cats under 17”. However, this is one of the drawbacks of getting a carrier that is suitable for use as a carry-on. It dramatically limits the amount of space you can give your cat.

>> Check it Out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value:  8
  • Design:  6 
  • Strength & Durability:  7
  • Comfort:  8
Final Rating:  7.25 / 10.0

 

3.  Mr. Peanut’s Airline Approved Soft Sided Pet Carrier

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 18” x 10.5” x 11”
  • Weight: 2.9 lbs
  • Material: Oxford 900D polyester and mesh with fleece padded mats
Description 

Mr. Peanut’s Soft Sided carrier isn’t going to impress anyone with its unique appearance, but it certainly gets the job done when it comes to transporting your cat. It’s constructed of waterproof materials, and it includes mesh paneling on all four sides and the top for ventilation. Within the carrier is a fleece pad for you cat to lie down on during travel. The pad is removable for easy washing.

In a lot of ways, this carrier is very similar to the Pawfect Pets carrier. The two look very similar in terms of design, but Mr. Peanut’s carrier includes some additional features. The carrier is still top-loadable, but you also have the option of zipping closed a cloth panel over the loading area to keep your cat out of direct sunlight. The straps and trim also have a faux-leather material, making them a bit more stylish than the Pawfect Pets carrier.

Mr. Peanut’s carrier comes with a shoulder strap, padded hand straps, interior leash strap, ID tag, and metal locking clasps on the zippers to make sure the carrier stays closed at all times during travel. It also includes a side pocket for storage of treats, leashes, or other goodies, and it has seatbelt straps so that it can be stabilized in a car seat. It has a capacity of up to 14 lbs. 

>> Check it Out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value:  8
  • Design:  7
  • Strength & Durability:  7
  • Comfort:  8
Final Rating:  7.5 / 10.0

 

2.  Pet Peppy Expandable Pet Carrier

 

Specifications 
  • Dimensions: 18” x 11” x 11”
  • Weight: 3.09 lbs
  • Material: Polyester and mesh with fleece interior base
Description

This carrier is pretty awesome! One of the coolest features of the Pet Peppy carrier is its ability to expand laterally using two extendable panels. Each of the panels folds down accordion style, giving your cat some extra room to lie down whenever you’re stationary. This carrier is a very good option for larger cats, especially for owners who plan on taking their cat on occasional airplane rides. Most cat carriers are designed to meet requirements for carry-ons on most major airlines. As a result, carrier size options are pretty limited. This is one of the few options available that gives your cat some extra room to spread out but still can be brought on board a commercial airplane.

The Pet Peppy carrier includes an internal leash clasp, top and side loading capabilities, plenty of mesh panels for ventilation, and pockets for storing treats. It features self-locking zippers, but no buckles or latches that allow you to fasten your zippers together. It comes with a shoulder strap and padded hand straps, but it also includes a fabric side strap that lets you strap the carrier onto a rolling suitcase. As an added bonus, the Pet Peppy carrier comes with a collapsible plastic bowl so that you can give your cat a quick drink during your trip.

The Pet Peppy carrier folds down to a very small size when not in use. This requires separate storage of the fleece pad, but it allows the carrier to be compressed for convenient storage.

>> Check it Out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value:  8
  • Design:  8
  • Strength & Durability:  8
  • Comfort:  7
Final Rating:  7.75 / 10.0

 

1.  PetLuv “Happy Cat” Premium Cat Carrier

 

Specifications
  • Dimensions: 20″ x 13″ x 13″ (Small)
    • NOTE:  Also available in Large size (24″ x 16″ x 16″)
  • Weight: 8.7 lbs
  • Material: Polyester and mesh with fleece interior base
Description

The PetLuv “Happy Cat” Premium Cat Carrier is a different breed of carrier than the others on this list. Rather than complying with major airline requirements for use as a carry-on during flights, the PetLuv carrier is designed for spaciousness, making this the ideal carrier for trips that don’t involve an airport. You can actually choose between two different sizes for this carrier (Small and Large), making it perfect for accommodating larger felines. The Small carrier can hold cats up to 15 lbs, while the Large is capable of holding cats up to 25 lbs.

The PetLuv carrier has multiple roll-down panels on its sides and top, allowing you to provide your cat with varying degrees of privacy. You can leave the panels full open when the carrier is safe at home, or you can roll down the closed mesh panels to give your cat a window to the outside world during trips. Finally, you can pull down the solid cloth panels when your cat to give your cat some privacy during stressful trips.  It’s supported by a strong steel frame, but it’s fully collapsable and can be folded flat for storage. It gives you both top and side loading capabilities, and it includes an adjustable padded shoulder strap.

The carrier design includes seat belt loops, allowing you to strap it into your car. The interior polyester pillow that comes with this carrier is very nice, and your cat will love it. It’s both removable and washable, making post-trip cleanup a breeze.

>> Check it Out on Amazon!

Ratings
  • Value:  7
  • Design:  9
  • Strength & Durability:  10
  • Comfort:  9
Final Rating:  8.75 / 10.0

 

Final Verdict 

Based on an evaluation of overall carrier value, design, strength, and comfort, we’ve determined that the PetLuv “Happy Cat” Carrier is the best carrier on the market right now! This carrier works great for most people since it has plenty of space and is very well built. However, if you plan on taking your cat on a lot of airplane rides, you may want to consider one of the other options on our list, especially the Pet Peppy Carrier. It’s compact enough for most major airlines, but you can expand it whenever you’re on the ground to give your cat some extra leg room. Hopefully these tips will help you as you decide which carrier is perfect for your cat.

TwinCritters Handmade Wool Cat Cave Bed Review

TwinCritters Wool Cat Cave

Cats are experts when it comes to finding the perfect place for a nap. This makes sense considering that cats sleep 12 – 16 hours per day. You’d be a nap expert too if you slept for over 50% of your life.

Left to her own devices, your sleepy cat will probably curl up on a stack of newly folded towels or pile of dirty laundry. While a cat in a laundry basket is cute, you may not want her sleeping there. It may contain substances that are harmful to cats, such as paints or residues of certain foods.

Sometimes the easiest way to keep your cat from sleeping in places you would like to remain fur-free is to coax her away with a better option. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider getting a cat bed. Giving your cat a comfortable sleeping option means that she is slightly less likely to sleep in inconvenient places. She may still flop down all over the place, but she’s more likely to take her extended cat naps in a common location.

Choosing the Best Cat Bed

So you’d like to get a cat bed for your cat now, huh? The next question you’ll need to ask yourself is, “What kind?”

There are mats, traditional beds, window ledges, combination cat furniture/beds, and countless other varieties of spaces for your cat to lay its fuzzy little head. But how do we pick which one to go with?

The simplest way to pick a cat bed that your cat will use is to look at the types of places your cat sleeps currently and pick a cat bed that closely resembles those. When choosing a place to sleep, cats prefer a location that they feel is safe. Many cats like to be fully enclosed when sleeping, offering a sense of protection. As a result, you’ll often find cats sleeping inside of open suitcases, laundry baskets, and cupboards.

Sleeping cats love their privacy. Pet bed manufacturers know this, and they have incorporated this innate desire to be curled up inside of something into their designs.

The result? Cat caves!

Cat caves are exactly what they sound like: tiny caves for cats to curl up in. Many of them resemble a sort of kitty cat cocoon. They can come in several different shapes and sizes, but all of them contain an inner cavity for your cat to disappear into the moment you say the word “vet.”

TwinCritters Handmade Wool Cat Cave Bed

TwinCritters Handmade Wool Cat Cave Beds are made up of 100% merino wool imported from New Zealand, and no harmful chemicals are used in their production. TwinCritters is an environmentally conscious company. As a result, the cat cave production process is eco-friendly, and the caves are made using sustainable, renewable materials.

Each cat cave is handmade in Khatmandu, Nepal!

HEY! That’s the place the site is named after!

Photo Source: https://www.twincritters.com

Cat Cave Specifications
  • Weight: 1.0 – 2.6 lbs (varies based on design)
  • Length: 20”
  • Height: 12”
  • Opening Width: 9”

 

Assessment
Comfort

The cave shape is irresistible to cats. The bed manages to remain both compact and spacious, giving your cat room to lie down but also enough enclosure to feel secure. The structure is firm enough that it doesn’t collapse in on itself, but flexible enough that it can be flattened into a mat. It’s also strong enough to stand the occasional rabbit kick from a couple of squabbling cats.

If your cat isn’t too crazy about going inside the cat cave, it can be flattened and used as an open-topped cat bed. A lot of cats actually prefer the TwinCritters cat cave in its mat form, but it’s worth experimenting with both to see which your cat likes best.

Design

One of the coolest things about the TwinCritters cat cave is that there are over 15 different designs to choose from.

You can go with something classic and basic:

Something fun and colorful:

Orrrrrr…

The variety is staggering.

Value

The TwinCritters’ cat cave is not the cheapest cat cave on the market. But it’s also not prohibitively expensive, coming in at under $100. Part of the cost goes towards high-quality merino wool, which your cats will no doubt thank you for. The cat cave is also well-constructed, so you won’t have to replace it after only a year like you would with a cheaper model.

Another factor to consider when evaluating the cost of the TwinCritters cat cave is its production. The product is made from sustainable components and is produced using a 100% eco-friendly process. These cat caves are produced by a socially-conscious company that wants to make unique, high-quality cat caves while also limiting the impact on the environment due to their production. It’s nice to know that you aren’t receiving something that has been mass produced using harsh chemicals and cheap materials.

Pros

This cat cave scores points for its ability to convert back and forth between a cave and a mat. The cave is strong enough to hold its shape, but it isn’t too difficult to flatten it into a mat. It’s certainly nice knowing that your cat isn’t going to have to dig itself out of the cave after the walls come tumbling down during a brief nap.

The TwinCritters cat cave is constructed of high quality materials, meaning it will last you for quite a while. It’s also fairly easy to maintain since it doesn’t have to do much besides sitting there and letting your cat sleep on it. Plus there are a ton of design options to choose from, so you can match your cat cave to your cat’s unique personality.

Cons

Some cats simply aren’t into caves. Fortunately, TwinCritters has them covered with its convertible mat option. Wool is also a fur-magnet, but your cat’s bed is going to be matted with a layer of fur regardless of the type of material.

Final Verdict

Based on our rating system here at Mr. Catmandu, the TwinCritters Handmade Wool Cat Cave Bed scores a 9.3 / 10.0. This is definitely a cat bed you should check out!

 

The 5 Best Cat Carrier Backpacks

Blue Natuvalle 6-in-1 Pet Carrier Backpack

Choosing the right cat carrier is tough. It may seem like a pretty inconsequential item, but it ends up playing a crucial role in you and your cat’s lives. Just consider the amount of time you’ll spend lugging your cat to vet appointments, friends’ houses, book signings, etc. A bad carrier can make every trip with your cat into a nightmare. Faulty straps, latches that don’t latch, carriers that collapse in on themselves and force your cat into a tiny little sphere. I’ve seen them all and they all suck. The carrier market is full of options, and, as usual, Amazon offers a buffet of garbage that bears the label “cat carrier.”

Which one should you choose?

Why Get a Cat Carrier Backpack?

The vast majority of carriers that are available to cat owners are your standard, run-of-the-mill box with a handle. It may be hard-shelled, it may be fabric. Either way, you’re going to be carrying it using your arms. And for a lot of people, that’s no problem. But for others, especially owners of large cats, carrying your cat a significant distance using only your arm strength can be exhausting. City dwellers especially know the pain of lugging your cat onto the subway for an annual checkup at the vet. 

Distributing your cat’s weight across your back is better for your overall posture and will make for a more comfortable travel experience for both you and your cat. You don’t have to risk bumping your cat into door jambs and objects sitting low to the ground that may be tough to avoid with a normal carrier. Plus you’ll conserve your arm strength, which can be crucial during a 40-minute round trip journey to the vet’s office.

So what makes a cat carrier backpack great?

Critical features of a cat carrier backpack:
  • Top and side loading
  • Comfortable straps
  • Strong, lightweight material
  • Sturdy body that won’t collapse in on your cat
  • Well-ventilated
  • Even weight distribution
  • Provides a space your cat doesn’t hate

Best Cat Carrier Backpacks

5.  Petsfit Comfort Cat Carrier Backpack

Specifications:
  • Material: High Quality PU & EVA Mesh
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 16” H x 10” W x 13” L

The Petsfit Carrier Backpack is a very average backpack. It didn’t take long for me to find the exact design on Alibaba, and the design offered by Petsfit is essentially the unaltered original.

The Petsfit is capable of holding cats up to 15 lbs. It includes a tether on the interior to secure your cat while you’re traveling. The carrier offers top entry only (no side entry), but it makes up for the lack of a side panel door with large pockets on each side. The design also maximizes the space available for your cat on the interior.

The bag has a solid bottom, which means it doesn’t collapse in on your cat as soon as you load them onto your back. The bottom is also waterproof, so if your cat has an accident during a trip it won’t get all over the place. It also includes a chest clip and waist strap, which makes carrying your cat a bit easier, especially if they’re overly excited to be out on the town.The mesh used for the see-through panels on the sides and top of this backpack are very strong and will not tear if your cat scratches at them.

The Petsfit is undoubtedly the most boring bag on this list. It’s dependable and sturdy, but not quite as glitzy as some of the other options we’ve looked at. Design-wise, it looks classic with some subtle accents. It also looks pretty damn generic, but for a lot of people, ordinary is a desirable aesthetic. Don’t believe me? Go look for yourself…on Amazon!

Ratings:
  • Value:  3
  • Design:  4
  • Durability:  4
  • Cat Comfort:  6
  • Human Comfort:  6
FINAL RATING: 4.6 / 10.0
4.  HBuir Innovative Diamond Traveler Pet Carrier Shoulder Backpack

 

Specifications:
  • Material: PVC & Mesh Fabric
  • Weight: 4.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 13.8” x 10.6” x 18.1”

The HBuir Innovative Diamond Traveler Pet Carrier Shoulder Backpack prominently features a sharp, 3D geometric design and a clear plastic semi-spherical dome that serves as a cat porthole. If you don’t want to have a plastic bubble protruding from your back, you can replace it with a mesh cover that comes along with the carrier. Some owners have reported that the bubble comes off a bit too easily, but others have reported that it feels secure. Either way, it’s nice to have the mesh cover as an option. 

The carrier design gives your cat the opportunity to see the outside world, and with a maximum capacity of approximately 14 lbs, there is enough room for your cat to sit or lie down. The HBuir also comes with a cloth pad that sits on its bottom, acting as a sort of cat pillow to make the trip a bit more comfortable. Ventilation is provided by 8 holes located along the sides of the carrier. The The carrier’s hard plastic shell prevents it from collapsing in on your cat as you walk.

From a design perspective, the HBuir looks particularly uninviting in direct, intense sunlight. It may be better suited for evenings and cloudy conditions. Also, while the holes provide sufficient ventilation for most weather, it is important to consider that plastic traps heat in much more efficiently than most fabrics. As a result, the HBuir may made an ideal carrier for cooler weather, but a much less hospitable environment in the heat of summer.

Go take a look on Amazon to check it out for yourself!

Ratings:
  • Value:  2
  • Design:  8
  • Durability:  6
  • Cat Comfort:  5
  • Human Comfort:  6
FINAL RATING: 5.4 / 10.0
3.  PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack

Specifications:
  • Material: Polyester
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 12.5” x 10.2” x 16.3”

The PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack offers two-way entry, a zip-up mesh window, and sherpa-lined bedding for your cat to snooze on. Who doesn’t love a sherpa bed?

It also includes a safety strap  on the interior and a buckle on the exterior zipper to make sure your cat stays safely in the carrier until you arrive at your destination.

The body of the carrier is reinforced to prevent it from collapsing inward while it’s on your back. It also has pockets on the front and sides for storing treats and other cat necessities. It even comes with a collapsible pet bowl!

The bag has a weight capacity of up to 18 lbs, but it is advised that you stick with a cat weight limit of about 15 lbs.

While the PetAmi resembles many of the cat carrier backpack clones available on Alibaba, the creators appear to have not used a stock design. Instead, it appears that they used a stock design as a starting point and made modifications to the bag design to improve its performance and overall look. It’s also possible they used a stock design and I just can’t find it. Either way, kudos to them.

The resulting product is an impressive backpack that gives your cat a nice view of its surroundings and plenty of space to chill out in. Plus it looks like a kid’s school backpack, which is neat. Check it out on Amazon!

PetAmi is a part of a brand portfolio operated by the Caravan Group. While the other brands operated by this group span a variety of different markets, they all have a focus on cloth and cloth-based products.

Ratings:
  • Value:  7
  • Design:  8
  • Durability:  7
  • Cat Comfort:  7
  • Human Comfort:  8
FINAL RATING: 7.4 / 10.0
2.  Pet Magasin Pet Travel Kennel (aka Lambo the Backpack Carrier)

Specifications:
  • Material: Waterproof Oxford 1680D Fabric
  • Weight: 3.6 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 17” x 13.5” x 11”

The Pet Magasin Pet Travel Kennel functions as a normal carrier, a backpack, and a kennel. It has fold-out wings on each side that can extend the carrier’s size when it’s stationary. This will give your cat enough room to walk around a bit.  

The carrier features both top and side access, which makes trips to the vet a breeze. All your vet will have to do is open the top, give your cat its vaccination, and zip it back up. It’s also collapsable and can be stored flat, making it easy to put away. Plus, lots of cats enjoy hanging out in the Pet Magasin even when they’re not traveling. It offers a nice quiet space where a cat can get some alone time.

Of all of the bags on this list, this one (and possibly the Natuvalle 6-in-1 Pet Carrier Backpack) offers enough space for large cats. The fold-out wings make it even larger when it’s stationary, giving your cat plenty of room to spread out. 

While there are a few generic bags on Alibaba with designs similar to that of the Pet Magasin, none of them appear to match it exactly. Much like the PetAmi, it appears that the Pet Magasin was put together using a base fold-out wing design and adding features, including rubber grips on the bottom of the bag and a sleeker, more space-efficient design. Go take a look on…you guessed it! Amazon!

Ratings:
  • Value:  10
  • Design:  7
  • Durability:  8
  • Cat Comfort:  9
  • Human Comfort:  10
FINAL RATING: 8.8 / 10.0
1.  Natuvalle 6-in-1 Pet Carrier Backpack

Specifications:
  • Material: 600 Denier Oxford Fabric
  • Weight: (Varies, approx. 3.28 – 3.5 lbs)
  • Dimensions: (Varies)

The Natuvalle 6-in-1 Pet Carrier Backpack is the Cadillac of cat carrier backpacks. Unlike the other bags on this list, the Natuvalle comes in multiple sizes to accommodate a wide variety of cat shapes. Available sizes include:

  • Extra Small: Pets 13” Long & 7.8” High, up to 12 lbs
  • Small: Pets 13-15” Long & 11” High, up to 14 lbs
  • Medium: Pets 15-17” Long and 11.5” High, up to 16 lbs
  • Large: Pets 17-19” Long and 14” High, up to 18 lbs

The Natuvalle is flexible. It gives you six different options for carrying it around:

  • Shoulder Bag Carrier
  • Front Pack Pet Carrier
  • Hand Bag Carrier
  • 2 Position Carrier
  • Car Seat Crate
  • Backpack Carrier

Of course, you probably won’t use it in all of those different forms, but the flexibility is a dream come true. The Natuvalle also offers flexibility in terms of carrier openings, providing entrances on both the top and sides of the carrier. 

The Natuvalle is absolutely your best option for a large cat. It has a higher maximum weight capacity (18 lbs) than the other bags on this list. While the horizontal design may feel a little funny on your back since it is not a typical backpack shape, the carrier layout offers an expanded surface area for your cat to lie down. This is especially nice for long or large cats that may feel constricted by a normal-sized carrier. Why not give it a look…on Amazon!

Ratings:
  • Value:  9
  • Design:  10
  • Durability:  10
  • Cat Comfort:  10
  • Human Comfort:  8
FINAL RATING: 9.4 / 10.0
Final Verdict

You can’t go wrong with the Natuvalle (9.4) and the Pet Magusin (8.8) is a close runner-up. If you’re looking for something solid and dependable while still being affordable, go for the PetAmi (7.4). If you really want to stand out in a crowd, go with the HBuir (5.4). And if you’re trying to do nothing more than blend in with the crowd, you may want to try out the Petsfit (4.6). That way you can be sure you will never, ever have the best cat backpack on the block.

Thanks for reading!

CatGenie Self-Flushing, Self-Washing Litter Box Review

Orange cat sitting with a CatGenie self-flushing, self-washing litter box.

CatGenie is a household name in the world of self-cleaning litter boxes. Their systems have a recognizable faux-toilet design, and they have been available to buy online since 2006. Over the years, the folks have PetNovations have introduced subtle improvements to their system, resulting in its modern incarnation: The CatGenie 120.

Why Get a Self-Cleaning Litter Box?

Dealing with cat litter is a huge pain. Cat litter is dirty and gross, it gets everywhere, and it smells. Scooping and changing your cat’s litter box is tedious, and it feels like your cat sort of looks down on you for doing it, even though they’re very grateful for all the clean litter you give them. 

So what’s a cat owner to do?

For one, you could invest in a self-cleaning litter box! Self-cleaning litter boxes have a bit more of an upfront cost, but the luxury of never having to scoop your cat’s litter again makes it well worth it. Plus the higher quality self-cleaning litter boxes on the market can end up saving you money by eliminating or reducing costs associated with purchasing new litter.

Having a self-cleaning litter box means that you never have to worry about who is going to clean up after your cat whenever you go away for a short trip. The stench of dirty litter will be reduced since the box can clean up after your cat much more efficiently than you can all by yourself. Plus, your cat will thank you. Maybe not in any way that is directly perceivable, but trust me, they’re meowing thank you under their breath.

CatGenie Overview

The CatGenie is a fully automatic self-cleaning litter box that does not use traditional cat litter. Instead, the CatGenie uses its own type of litter (Washable Granules™). The litter is made up of permanent plastic granules that are not meant to be changed or thrown away. It is dust free, naturally biodegradable, and safe for disposal down the toilet or sink drain. Cat urine passes through the litter into a collection channel where it is mixed with sanitizing solution before being flushed through the unit’s drain hose, while poop remains suspended in the litter. The poop is then scooped out of the litter and liquified before being disposed out of the drain hose.

One of the biggest benefits of the CatGenie is that is touted as the first “green” litter box. Cat litter production is resource-intensive and produces a significant carbon footprint. Eliminating the use of traditional cat litter makes the CatGenie one of the most environmentally friendly pet products on the market.

Specifications

  • Weight: 25 lbs (11 lb Processing Unit + 14 lb Base Unit)
  • Base Color: Pearl Gray
  • Top Color: Porcelain White
  • Power Requirements: 120VAC, 60Hz (15A Fused)
  • Power Consumption: 20W (Cleaning Cycle – 17 minutes); 1200W (Drying Cycle – 17 minutes)
  • Dimensions: 19.25” wide x 24.5” long x 21” high
  • Bowl Diameter: 19”
  • Water Supply Hose: 8′ Long
  • Drain Hose: 10′ Long

 

CatGenie Diagram with labeled pieces

Source: CatGenie 120 Manual (http://www.catgenie.com)

 

Setup

CatGenie DimensionsThe CatGenie is pretty easy to set up. All you need is a power outlet and a space with some ventilation to prevent the litter box from heating up. This means avoiding furnaces, direct sunlight, or areas where the sides of the litter box are covered. You also need to make sure that the litter box isn’t in a location where it could get wet, such as under a sink or open window.

Suggested locations for the CatGenie include laundry rooms, utility rooms, and bathrooms. Each of these rooms includes a connection to your house’s cold water supply, which the CatGenie will need to operate. Your CatGenie will also need to connect to a drain for disposal of pee and poop. Connecting the CatGenie to the water and sewer systems requires a bit of light plumbing, but the directions provided in the manual are easy to follow and straightforward. The system also comes with a splitter that lets you connect directly to an existing water supply without losing any existing connections.

The system is made up of two main parts:

  • Processing Unit:  Includes the motor, sanitizing solution pump, and all the electronic pieces
  • Base Unit: Holds the Washable Granules; where the cat business gets done

The Processing Unit fits on top of the Base Unit and connects to the Genie Hand, which is used to scoop poop out of the granules. Poop that has been removed is scooped into the hopper, where it is turned into liquid and expelled down the drain via the drain hose. The drain hose can be draped over a toilet rim so that cat waste is dumped directly into your toilet. Or, it can be connected to another drain system that connects to your sewer or septic tank.

Operation

Your gateway to communicating with the CatGenie is the Control Panel:

CatGenie Control Panel

Source: CatGenie 120 Manual (http://www.catgenie.com)

The Control Panel lets you know if an error has occurred or if the SaniSolution is almost empty. It also lets you set the mode of operat

You are able to select from three different settings that dictate how the litter box cleans itself:

  • Cat Activation
  • Auto Start
  • Manual Start

Cat Activation

The CatGenie can be set to automatically clean itself 10 minutes after it senses that a cat has just done a big shit. If the system detects that a cat is sitting in the bowl, it will delay cleaning for another 10 minutes, or until the bowl is clear. Leaving the system in Cat Activation mode conserves SaniSolution since it takes less solution to clean up a “fresh” mess than one that has been sitting around for a while.

Auto Start

The CatGenie can also be set to automatically clean itself after a set period of time. You can can configure the system to automatically clean itself from 1 to 4 times per day. The settings on the control panel allow you to choose what time of day you would like the clean cycle to occur, allowing you to avoid noisy cleanings during the middle of the night.

It is important that the CatGenie be run at least a couple times per day per cat you own. Failing to do so will result in clogs.

Manual Start

You also have the option of manually selecting when your CatGenie cleans itself. While this feature reduces the benefits associated with the system’s built-in automation, it may be necessary for some users who may only be able to run cleaning cycles at specific times that do not always occur according to a predictable schedule.

Under this operating mode, you can start a cleaning cycle with the push of a button. It’s that simple.

 

SHOW ME HOW IT WORKS

Here’s a video of the CatGenie in action:

During cleaning, the CatGenie rotates the granules counterclockwise, and the hand-shaped scoop is lowered into the bowl, sifting out any presents your cat may have left. It collects the waste, liquifies it, and flushes it to the drain. After each flush, the system cleans itself using water and the SaniSolution then uses a blowdrier to evaporate any excess liquid.

Value

Check out the CatGenie on Amazon to get its current market value. You will also need to purchase additional SaniSolution over time to replace what the system uses. 

All in all, the CatGenie is a pretty decent value. While the box itself isn’t cheap, the SaniSolution does not requirement replacement that frequently. To do a fair cost comparison, you need to figure out the amount of money you spend on litter in a month, then compare that to the cost of a month’s worth of SaniSolution. Dividing the cost of the CatGenie by the difference between the litter and SaniSolution costs will give you an estimated number of months before the cost savings associated with not having to buy litter have effectively paid for the CatGenie.

Design

The CatGenie scores points for looking a lot like a human toilet. One downside of the design is that the litter bowl is open, which means that any cat poop that has not been removed or any pee that is trapped in the litter granules may smell.

The design is compact and can easily be fit into a corner or other location where it will be out of the way. The clean cycle tends to be a bit noisy though, so it’s a good idea to place the system away from anywhere you or your family may want peace and quiet.

Common Complaints

One of the biggest problems that people have with the CatGenie is that it produces an awful “baked poop” smell if it fails. Examples of things that can cause failure include:

    • Your cat’s poop is not solid or has pieces that are too small for the scoop
    • Your cat poops in the middle of the bowl

In either of these cases, poop is left to sit in the bowl instead of being removed like it’s supposed to be. Since the bowl heats up, the remaining poop in the bowl will bake, releasing an awful odor.

One of the biggest complaints about the CatGenie is that is not actually “self-cleaning,” but actually requires a decent amount of user cleaning to keep odor under control. This box may be best for young cats as well as cats with fairly regular digestive habits. Cats that do not produce good, solid stools may not get along well with the CatGenie.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Washable Granules™ are dust-free and permanently reusable
  • Fully automatic, meaning you never have to interact with the litter at all
  • Roomy litter compartment
  • 2-year warranty
  • Flexible programming options
  • Does a good job controlling odors as long as it is working properly and has plenty of SaniSolution
  • Your cat probably won’t want to get in the box while it’s cleaning.
  • No more scooping up cat litter!

Cons:

  • Washable Granules™ are proprietary and you can’t use just any litter in the CatGenie
  • Washable Granules™ gradually “disappear” onto your floor or down your drain and are not as permanent as one would hope
  • Drain tube is very thin and can clog.
  • Control Panel is not super advanced and could be more user-friendly.
  • Failure leads to a “baked cat poop” smell
  • Long cleaning cycles (30-40 minutes).

 

Rankings & Final Words

The CatGenie is a well-manufactured piece of machinery, a Jetsons-inspired modern convenience marvel fit for the 21st century. It’s fairly easy to assemble and it operates smoothly. All in all, it’s a great investment, so long as you are OK purchasing replacement SaniSolution and the occasional bag of Washable Granules™. You should be able to save some money on litter over time, or at least break even. Plus you’ll save time that would have otherwise been spent cleaning your litter box. Check it out on Amazon!