Best Cat Accessories for 2026: Our Top Picks
From self-cleaning water fountains to cosy donut beds, we rounded up the best cat accessories available in Europe this year — chosen for quality, safety, and value.
10 January 2026
Cat owners across Europe are spending more on their pets than ever before — and for good reason. The right accessories can improve your cat's health, reduce stress, and make daily routines significantly easier. Whether you have a new kitten or a senior cat with specific needs, this guide covers the essential accessories worth investing in.
Water Fountains: Hydration Made Easy
Cats are notoriously poor water drinkers when given a static bowl. In the wild, cats instinctively distrust still water. A circulating water fountain encourages cats to drink more, which is critical for preventing urinary and kidney issues — some of the most common and costly health problems in domestic cats.
- Look for a fountain with at least 1.5 litre capacity for a single cat
- Stainless steel or ceramic is safer than plastic — plastic harbours bacteria
- Multi-stage filtration removes hair, debris, and taste-altering minerals
- Quiet motor is essential — loud fountains get ignored
- Easy disassembly makes weekly cleaning realistic
Cat Beds: Where Comfort Meets Security
Donut Beds (Most Popular)
Round, deep-sided donut beds are the best-selling cat bed style for a reason. Cats feel secure when surrounded by soft walls — it mimics the feeling of sleeping curled against another animal. Look for beds with a removable, machine-washable cover and a non-slip base. Memory foam inserts are a worthwhile upgrade for older cats or those with joint issues.
Heated Beds (For Cold Climates or Senior Cats)
Self-heating beds use a special inner layer that reflects the cat's own body heat back. No electricity required. These are particularly popular in Northern Europe and for senior cats who struggle to regulate their temperature. Avoid electric heated pads — they carry a burn risk.
Interactive Toys: Keeping Cats Mentally Stimulated
Indoor cats need mental stimulation equivalent to what hunting provides in the wild. Without it, they develop anxiety, aggression, and destructive behaviour. Interactive toys are not optional — they are a welfare requirement.
- Wand toys for daily interactive play sessions (15 minutes twice a day is ideal)
- Puzzle feeders to slow down eating and provide mental challenge
- Automatic laser toys for periods when you are busy
- Crinkle tunnels for ambush play and exercise
- Catnip toys — effective for about 50–70% of cats (it is genetic)
Rotate toys weekly. Cats quickly lose interest in toys that are always available. A toy that has been hidden for two weeks feels brand new when reintroduced.
Grooming Accessories
Even short-haired cats benefit from regular brushing, which reduces hairballs and keeps the coat healthy. Long-haired breeds need daily grooming to prevent matting. A good grooming routine also serves as bonding time and allows you to check for skin issues, lumps, or parasites.
- Rubber slicker brush — gentle and effective for short to medium coats
- Steel comb — essential for medium and long-haired cats
- Grooming glove — ideal for cats resistant to brushes
- Nail clippers designed for cats — human nail clippers can split the nail
Start grooming routines when cats are young and associate them with treats. An adult cat that has never been groomed will resist — but with patience, most cats learn to tolerate and even enjoy it.