How we choose and review products

Welfare, reliability and real ownership costs come before novelty.

Last updated: 11 October 2026

The questions we ask

  1. Is it safe and appropriate for the intended cat?
  2. Will a cat realistically accept and use it?
  3. Can the owner keep it clean and working?
  4. Does it solve the problem better than a simpler option?
  5. What does ownership cost over time?

What guides are based on

Published specifications

We compare maker or retailer details against published criteria. This is not hands-on testing.

Hands-on testing

Where testing occurred, the guide states the duration, method and cats involved.

Expert input

A named, qualified person helped define the criteria or assess the product.

What we do not do

  • We do not score products we have not tested.
  • We do not invent or quote fabricated reviews.
  • We do not claim that a product treats or prevents disease.
  • We do not hide meaningful limitations.

Commercial independence and updates

Affiliate links cannot buy inclusion or a favourable conclusion. Sponsored placements are labelled separately. Products and specifications change, so guides state their basis and update date.

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