18 Cat Hacks Every Pet Parent Should Know

Simplify life with your cat using these vet-approved hacks for feeding, litter box care, grooming, and more.
A cat stepping out of a cat tunnel surrounded by toys

Photo by Chewy

Being a cat parent is a joy—but it’s not always a breeze. From cleaning the litter box to trimming nails and entertaining your curious kitty, caring for a cat takes daily effort. 

The good news? A few simple cat hacks can help you save time, reduce stress, and keep your feline friend purring. 

Key Takeaways

  • Cat hacks save time, reduce stress, and make daily care easier for you and your cat.
  • Feeding tips can prevent waste and ensure fresh, healthy meals.
  • Grooming tools and techniques make cleanup less of a hassle.
  • Litter box hacks support better hygiene and odor control.
  • Enrichment ideas keep indoor cats mentally and physically stimulated.

Cat Feeding Hacks


cat eating

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1. Use a Puzzle Feeder To Slow Down Fast Eaters

Interactive feeders turn meals into playtime and help prevent stomach upset due to too-fast eating. 

2. Elevate the Food Bowl

A slightly raised bowl supports better digestion and is especially helpful for senior cats. 

3. Set up Autoship for Food and Litter

Autoship helps you never run out of essentials again—and save money with regular deliveries. 

4. Store Dry Food in an Airtight Container

Sealed containers help keep kibble fresh, pest-free, and delicious longer. 

Cat Litter Box Hacks


cat litter

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5. Scoop the Litter Box Daily

This simple habit keeps your home odor-free and encourages your cat to use the box consistently. 

6. Try a Top-entry Litter Box

Top-entry litter boxes help reduce litter scatter and provide privacy for shy cats. 

7. Use a Litter Mat To Trap Stray Litter

Place a textured mat under the box to catch litter before it spreads across your floors. 

8. Add Baking Soda to Your Cat’s Litter

Just a sprinkle can help control odors between full litter changes. 

9. Keep an Extra Box for Multi-cat Homes

The golden rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Spread them around your home so your cats have easy access wherever they like to hang out. 

Cat Grooming Hacks


cat being groomed

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10. Use Grooming Wipes Between Baths

Cat grooming wipes are perfect for spot-cleaning paws, fur, or dander. 

11. Keep Nail Trims Short and Sweet

If your cat’s new to nail trims, do just a claw or two at a time and offer a treat after each successful clip. As your cat’s tolerance increases, you can work your way up to a whole paw—and eventually, all four. 

12. Try a Grooming Glove

Cat grooming gloves make brushing feel like petting and reduce shedding. 

13. Brush Daily During Shedding

A quick daily brush helps control hairballs and keeps fur off your furniture, especially during the fall and spring shedding seasons. 

Cat Enrichment Hacks


cat toys

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14. Rotate Your Cat’s Toys Weekly

Keep playtime exciting by switching up cat toys every few days. 

15. Set up a Bird-Watching Window Perch 

Install a perch or place a cat bed near a sunny window to provide natural entertainment. 

16. DIY a Cardboard Box Maze

Turn leftover shipping boxes into tunnels and hideouts to satisfy your cat’s curiosity. 

17. Schedule Short Play Sessions Throughout the Day

Cats benefit from several five- to 10-minute bursts of activity to mimic their natural hunting cycles. 

18. Offer Catnip or Silvervine

Not all cats respond to catnip, but silvervine can be a great alternative for stimulation and fun. 

This article was created with assistance from AI tools. The content has been reviewed for accuracy and edited by a human. 

Attributions


Chewy Editors

Chewy Editors

Hannah Hart, DVM

Hannah Hart, DVM

Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health