Navigating the endless aisles of pet products can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Our “Shop Picks” features a hand-curated selection of must-have gear, innovative toys, and wellness essentials that meet our high standards for quality and durability. Whether it’s a “tough-chewer” approved toy or a bed that actually stays fluffy, these are the products we stand behind.
A water fountain is one of the simplest, most effective tools for nudging a cat to drink more — but only if you pick one your cat will actually use and one you’ll actually keep clean. Slimy reservoirs, loud pumps, and impossible-to-disassemble parts are how good fountains end up in the back of a cabinet.
A good cooling mat doesn’t replace fresh water, shade, or air conditioning, but it does give your dog a dedicated cool-to-the-touch surface that pulls heat away from their belly and chest — the areas where dogs offload the most warmth. The catch is that “cooling mat” covers wildly different technologies.