Litter & trays
Clumping vs non-clumping cat litter: practical differences
The useful distinction is what you remove, what stays behind and when you empty the whole tray.
Practical advice. Considered purchases.
A good life with cats.
A little less guesswork.
Useful advice on what to buy, what to keep and what might be perfectly fine already. With clear sources, honest limitations and a cat who has not agreed to any of this.
Start with the first-cat checklist ↗
Choose it. Clean it. Cost it.
Start with the litter tray.
Litter & trays
How to calculate monthly cat litter costs
The price on the bag is easy. Working out how much of it you get through takes a little more honesty with a measuring jug.
Litter & trays
How to choose cat litter: materials, clumping and cost
A bag can promise quite a lot. Start with what you need it to do, and what your cat will actually use.
Before you add to basket
Choose what works for your cat.
Litter & trays
Top-entry vs front-entry litterboxes: which suits your cat?
Entrance height, cleaning space and what your cat will actually use. Goldfish takes the roof. This is not compulsory.
Feeders & fountains
How to choose an automatic cat feeder
Dry food or wet, timers or apps, battery backup and the portion that actually reaches the bowl. Start with the job you need done.
Used in a real home
Living with it.
Litter & trays
Sanicat Cotton Fresh clumping litter review
It works well for us. Other owners are more divided about clumping, dust and tracking. A measured look at the 10L Cotton Fresh litter.
Feeders & fountains
Nestsplus automatic cat feeder review: two years of use
Four feeding times, battery backup that has handled minor outages, and a dispensing quirk Goldfish considers a personal victory.
Make room. Know the costs.
Life at home
First-cat essentials: what to buy before bringing a cat home
Start with the things that do a job. The matching accessories can cope with being disappointed.
Costs & buying
Cat ownership costs in the UK: build your own budget
The cat is unlikely to contribute. A budget should probably allow for that.
What are we dealing with?
Litter & trays
Choosing litter, comparing trays and working out what it actually costs.
Explore the topic ↗Feeders & fountains
Bowls, automatic feeders and water fountains, with the running costs included.
Explore the topic ↗Scratchers & play
Scratchers, toys and ways to make more of what you already have.
Explore the topic ↗Less waste
More useful purchases, clearer claims and fewer things destined for the cupboard.
Explore the topic ↗Life at home
First-cat setup, living spaces and the everyday business of sharing your home.
Explore the topic ↗Costs & buying
Purchase prices, repeat orders and what it costs to keep using things.
Explore the topic ↗Carriers & travel
Choosing and maintaining a carrier for the journeys you actually make.
Explore the topic ↗