Pets

More Pets Posts

  • A selection of litter boxes that we tested to find the best one of 2023.

    The Best Cat Litter Boxes

    by Mel Plaut

    After testing 27 litter boxes, we found five that are durable and easy to clean, with plenty of space inside for a cat to feel comfy as they go about their business.

  • A close-up of a cat walking on a litter mat.

    The Best Cat Litter Mat

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    After testing 19 mats with dozens of cats and retesting our picks against new models, we like the Gorilla Grip Cat Litter Trapping Mat the best.

  • A close up of a gray cat sleeping on a cat bed.

    The Best Cat Beds (According to Our Cats)

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    After researching more than 60 cat beds and testing 13, we’ve picked seven different styles we think will impress even the pickiest feline companion.

  • Top view of a cat walking in to a litter box.

    The Best Cat Litter

    by Mel Plaut

    Good cat litter helps keep smells down, clumps well, and is easy to clean. After six years, we still think Dr. Elsey’s Ultra is the best litter for most cats.

  • A dog eating out of an automatic pet food dispenser.

    The Best Automatic Feeder for Cats and Small Dogs

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    If you want to feed your cat or small dog when you’re out, the PetSafe 5-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder is accurate, affordable, and hard for a pet to break into.

  • The Best Cat Scratchers

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    After putting 13 scratchers up against the claws of 74 cats, we think Pioneer Pet’s SmartCat The Ultimate Scratching Post is the one that stands tall.

  • An illustration showing graphic representations of our five test dogs on a background of DNA strands.

    The Best Dog DNA Test

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    The Embark Breed + Health Kit is the most accurate dog DNA test we’ve found and will help you unravel your pet’s specific breed background.

  • An assortment of dog grooming tools, including a brush, a toothbrush, and our two picks for best dog nail grinders.

    The Best Dog Nail Grinders

    by Kaitlyn Wells and Susan Arendt

    If your dog doesn’t mind the sound and feel of a grinder, the Dremel PawControl is cordless and quiet, and you can’t accidentally cut your pet.

  • A small dog sitting on a cushion inside one of our top picks for the best dog crate.

    The Best Dog Crate

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    We tested 17 dog crates with our own escape-artist pups and those from area rescues. And our longtime pick, the MidWest Ultima Pro, still came out on top.

  • An assortment of pet dental hygiene products, including brushes, dental treats and toothpaste, in front of a pet carrier bag.

    How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    It takes just a couple of minutes a day to banish your dog’s bad breath and plaque for good.

  • Seven dogs of various sizes and different breeds lined up in horizontal order, outside near a lake.

    The 12 Best Dog Toys, According to Our Pups

    by Wirecutter Staff

    The dogs of Wirecutter share their favorite toys for chewing, fetching, food dispensing, and destroying. These will keep your dog engaged longer than the rest.

  • A dog shown indoors seating on a pillow inside a dog pen.

    How to Potty Train Your Puppy

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    Potty training a puppy is an exercise in patience and vigilance. But these expert tips can make the process run as smoothly—and as puddle-free—as possible.

  • A small-to-medium sized dog with cream colored fur sitting next to its human companion, who is holding a leash.

    How to Shop for the Best Pet Insurance

    by Kaitlyn Wells and Mark Smirniotis

    Buying pet insurance is an exercise in confusing language and policies—so we’ve put together some advice to help you find the best option for you and your pet.

  • A pair of dog nail clippers against a grey background.

    The Best Dog Nail Clippers

    by Susan Arendt

    After testing nine models, we think the affordable, sharp, and widely praised Millers Forge Professional Nail Clip is the best way to trim your dog’s nails.

  • A person walking a short dog on a two handled leash.

    The Best Everyday Dog Leash

    by Eve Batey

    After taking 5 dogs on 40 walks, we found the Max and Neo Double Handle Heavy Duty Reflective Leash is the best everyday leash for most pups and their people.

  • Photo: Michael Murtaugh

    The Best Pet Subscription Boxes

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    We tested eight different pet subscription boxes with seven pets to find that Meowbox and PupJoy Box are the best for your cats and dogs, respectively.

  • A person carrying a dog in a pet carrier with a taxi in the background.

    Flying With Your Cat or (Small) Dog

    by Christine Ryan

    After much research and hundreds of air miles traveled, Wirecutter pet owners have learned to rely on this gear when flying with cats or small dogs.

  • Our four favorite cat trees for apartments standing in a room.

    The Best Cat Trees for Apartments

    by Linda Lombardi

    After testing nine cat trees, we think the stable, spacious, well-built New Cat Condos Premier Triple Cat Perch is the best lounging space for your cats.

  • The Best Dog Poop Bags

    by Susan Arendt

    After 30 hours of research and testing, we found that AmazonBasics Dog Waste Bags are the best dog poop bags overall. They’re sturdy, easy to open, and cheap.

  • A dog sniffs one of the 20 boots arrayed in front of it.

    The Best Dog Boots

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    We tested five pairs of dog boots over four weeks with three dogs and found the Original All-Weather Muttluks will best protect your dog’s paws come winter.

  • A small brown and white doc in a plastic medical cone.

    The Best Dog and Cat Cones

    by Kaitlyn Wells

    More comfortable than a cone from the vet, the affordable and transparent Remedy + Recovery E-Collar is the best cone for most dogs and cats.

  • A dog sitting behind a dog gate installed in a doorway.

    The Best Dog Gates

    by Doug Mahoney and Kevin Purdy

    The best baby gate is also the best dog gate. The Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special is perfect for keeping both fur babies and human babies corralled.

  • A dog sniffs the grass next to three retractable leashes.

    The Best Retractable Leash

    by Audrey Pavia

    We researched 60 retractable leashes and tested six, and the sturdy, safety-oriented Flexi New Neon is the best for most dogs and their owners.

  • Three dog collars sit on a red surface.

    The Best Dog Collar

    by Holly Aguirre

    We tested 10 collars on big and small dogs and found that Orvis's Personalized Collar is best. It’s tough, reflective, and customized with your contact info.