Pets
More Pets Posts
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.
The WeatherBeeta Dog Coat Will Turn Your Pup Into a Walking Highlighter, and That’s a Good Thing
by Annemarie Conte
I’m not the type of person to dress my dog, but when I saw him shivering in the cold, the warm—and flashy—WeatherBeeta coat came to the rescue.
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.
You Need a Dog Poop Bag That Works Every Time. Our Top Pick Does Just That (at a Super-Cheap Price).
by Annemarie Conte
Dog poop bags have one job: Pick up poop cleanly. These bags get it done right every time for about 2¢ per scoop.
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.
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.
Ask Wirecutter: How Can I Convince My Prima Donna Pooch to Go Outside in Bad Weather?
by Annemarie Conte
If you can’t get your dog to leave the house in the snow or the rain, these tips are for you.
Don’t Let Pets Destroy Your Bedding. Use These Tips Instead.
by Jackie Reeve
If you share your bed with a pet, some simple strategies and durable gear can help protect against accidents and keep your space clean and comfortable.
Wirecutter’s 50 Most Popular Picks for Cats and Dogs in 2022
by Wirecutter Staff
These useful pet items were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks for our readers’ furry friends in 2022.
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.
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.
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.
Ask Wirecutter: How Do I Stop People From Throwing Poop Bags in My Garbage Can?
by Annemarie Conte
This edition of the Ask Wirecutter advice column is about dealing with thoughtless strangers’ dog poop.
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.
The Best Automatic Cat Litter Box (But We Don’t Recommend It)
by Kaitlyn Wells
Self-cleaning litter boxes are expensive and more work than they're worth. The Litter-Robot III Open Air is the least bad, but we don't recommend one.
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.
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.
The Best GPS Dog Collars and Pet Trackers
by Kaitlyn Wells and Nick Guy
The Whistle Go Explore is the best and most accurate pet GPS tracker for finding lost pups and wayward cats.
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.
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.
The Best Fish Tank, Heater, Light, and Accessories
by Sabrina Imbler
The Marina 20G LED Aquarium Kit is the best aquarium kit to get started with freshwater fish—but we have recommendations for assembling your own tank, too.
How to Keep Your Pets Cool in the Summer Heat
by Haley Sprankle
You’re not the only one looking for ways to beat the heat—here’s how to keep your dog or cat cool.
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.
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.
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.
What Is Fresh Pet Food and Is It Actually Better?
by Haley Sprankle
Uncovering what makes fresh pet food different from the traditional stuff—and why you might consider it.
3 Puzzle Toys to Keep Your Dog Entertained in Quarantine (and Beyond)
by Kaitlyn Wells
An enrichment toy will keep your dog busy and stimulated during lockdown, and beyond.
Vets Are Using Telemedicine to Help Care for Your Pets (and Keep You Safe, Too)
by Kaitlyn Wells
Telemedicine options for vet care were already growing in availability, but may be especially helpful under isolation and social distancing guidelines.
No, You Shouldn’t Just Get an Automatic Pet Feeder and Skip Town
by Kaitlyn Wells
Most pet owners (especially cat owners) have left their pets behind for a long weekend—but an automatic pet feeder is no substitute for a loving human.
Want to Gift Someone a Pet? Here’s What to Do First.
by Kaitlyn Wells
Gifting a pet to a family member can be a bad idea. Here's how to do it the right way, from consulting everyone in the home to giving a voucher.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.