At Insider Reviews, we test, research, and review tons of products. Many of us apply those same techniques when buying anything for ourselves — and our pets. 

We asked our team of editors and reporters for the best treats, toys, beds, and accessories that they've personally bought or tested for their pets. While these products have their stamp of approval, they're also beloved by their cats and dogs too.

Prices are accurate at the time of publication. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

1. A sophisticated perch for cats

Kitty Cot Original World's Best Cat Perch, $44.95 at Amazon

Window lookouts are a must in my house, and this perch is a highly coveted nap spot my two cats fight over from time to time… I try to encourage sharing, but hey, they are cats! They're cheap enough that you can buy a couple of them and suction them to the best window views in your pad. — Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

2. An adorable inflatable collar

Vital-Fri Donut Inflatable Collar for Dogs and Cats, $25.99 at Amazon

Though no pet wants to wear a cone or inflatable collar, we needed to buy one for our German Shepherd after she got spayed. This donut checks all the boxes of a solid buy: durable construction, easy storage, and adorable appearance. It was also very effective at keeping her away from her stitches. The innertube inside easily deflates so we can keep it handy for any future uses, too. I'd only avoid using one of these if your dog or cat likes to chew on inflatables — it can definitely pop with enough gnawing. — Sarah Saril, reporter

3. A feeder to placate early-morning eaters

PetSafe Automatic Cat Feeder, $89.95 at Amazon

After one too many 4 a.m. wake-up calls for breakfast from my dramatic cat, I bought an automatic feeder to try and divorce myself from the food-to-cat pipeline. Unfortunately, our chonky mischief-maker quickly figured out how to shove her paw up the chute and get the feeder to drop more food whenever she wanted. I researched cat-proof feeders extensively and landed with the PetSafe. We've had it for more than a year and the cat has yet to find a way to defeat it. — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

4. A scratchable cat perch

K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Scratcher, $27.67 at Chewy

Both my cats love this kitty window seat. They can lounge on it when the sun hits it or scratch it to pieces when the mood strikes. Suction cups help it stick to the window and make it easy to relocate if you need. Every few months, I replace the cardboard portion with a refill. — Jenny McGrath, senior reporter

5. The cutest cat scratchers

Boots & Barkley Double Decker Cat Scratch House, $16.99 at Target

No matter how many fancy cat-scratch posts or towers we've bought for our cat, all she wants is cardboard. Target makes these really cute cardboard cat houses with a scratch-pad base that she loves to lay on and paw at. They're easy to assemble and come in lots of seasonal variations. (We got her a Christmas tree one during the holidays!). Some are even two stories — a real palace for our furry queen! — Sally Kaplan, executive editor

Every season, Target comes out with a new line of themed cat scratchers, and I'm always tickled by the silliness. Past seasons have included a ski chalet, a pirate ship, and a television. Many of the models are also generously sized for chonky beefcats like mine. Our cat loves her Christmas scratcher so much that we still have it up in June. — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Just thirding that Target's cat scratchers are the absolute best. Target can take all my money. — Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

6. A box full of fun for pups

BarkBox subscription, $35 a month or $276 a year from BarkBox

BarkBox is a toy and treat subscription box that caters to your dog's specific tastes. More than just a monthly surprise for my pups, getting one in my mailbox always sparks joy. Each box has a fun, often seasonal theme for the toys and treats, and you never know what's coming next. All of the box's contents are also very high quality: The treats are made with all-natural ingredients and the toys are durable and well-made enough to last for months. — Sarah Saril, reporter

Read our full BarkBox review.

7. A bed to calm skittish pets

Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Cuddler Cat and Dog Bed, $29.99 at Chewy

I bought this bed for my anxious senior pup in 2020, shortly before we moved cross-country in a 16-foot truck. Being in the car is typically a huge anxiety trigger for her, so I was nervous about our move. But she loved snuggling up in this donut bed and napping for long stretches out on the road. — Stephanie Hallett, senior editor

Read more in our guide to the best dog beds.

8. A simple toy cats go wild for

Cat dancer, $1.67 at Amazon

This little contraption is probably the best $2 I've spent, given how much entertainment it provides my cat. It's basically a piece of wire with some rolled-up cardboard on the end, but it's my cat's favorite toy. She goes wild whenever we bring it out: leaping, pouncing, and chasing it like it's a moth or fly. The only downside is that it's not very durable. But for $2, I can live with replacing it every few months. — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor

Read our full Cat Dancer review.

9. A way to keep dogs from scarfing their food

PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat, $33.57 at Chewy

My dog practically inhales his kibble, which can lead to a host of issues. I've tried lots of products that can help slow dogs down while they eat, from dog puzzles to slow feeder bowls, but this mat is the best thing I've found. I just pour kibble on top of the mat, move it around a little so it falls between the pieces of fabric, and then let my dog chow down. Not only does he eat more slowly, but he also gets to exercise his natural foraging instincts by sniffing out the food buried among the fabric. When it needs cleaning, I run it through the washing machine and then dry it on low. — Lisa Sabatini, senior editor

Read our full PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat review.

10. Gogurt for cats

Inaba Churu Grain-Free Lickable Cat Treat Variety Pack, $17.96 at Chewy

I bought these cat treats I refer to as Kitty Go-Gurt after reading our list of essential new cat supplies, and my two cats are obsessed. They go nuts for these things. My vet also recommended them as a healthier treat option, so win-win! — Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

11. A way for pets to beat the heat

The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad, $39.95 at Chewy

On hot days, my dog can be found splayed out on this low-tech cooling mat. The thin pad is filled with pressure-activated nontoxic gel that absorbs a pet's body heat to create a cooling sensation. I place it in his favorite resting spots around the house, but it's great to take on the go, too. — Lisa Sabatini, senior editor

Read more in our guide to the best cooling mats for dogs.

12. A cat tree that you'll actually want to display

Tuft + Paw Milo Cat Tree, $999 from Tuft + Paw

This is just about the fanciest cat tree I've ever come across. Tuft + Paw sent me a sample for review, and while I would not pay $1,000 for such a product, I cannot deny that my cats love it. If you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing cat tree for your home and have the money to splurge, this is a really nice-looking one that your fur babies will love for napping, climbing, and playing. — Ellen Hoffman, editor-in-chief

13. A cat toy … for dogs

Outward Hound Tail Teaser, $16.99 at Chewy

Teaser toys aren't just for cats. This toy that resembles a giant cat wand is my dog's all-time favorite. He's not one to play fetch, but if I bring out the Tail Teaser, he goes wild chasing the plush squeaker attached to the end of the rope. If you have enough space indoors, it's a great way to get some extra exercise in. I also used it to practice the "drop it" cue with my pup — trading him a food treat for the toy. — Lisa Sabatini, senior editor

Read our full Outward Hound Tail Teaser review.

14. A food toy that keeps dogs distracted

Kong Classic, $8.49 at Chewy

This is the most versatile dog toy I've ever come across. Its most popular use — and my dog's favorite — is as a food toy, but it's good for fetch and chewing too. The hollow center of the snowman-shaped rubber toy can be filled with a variety of soft foods, like peanut butter or sweet potato puree. Many people place it in the freezer to make it more of a challenge for their dog to lick the treat out. I always give one to my pup before I leave him home alone to keep him busy. — Lisa Sabatini, senior editor

Read our full Kong Classic review.

15. An Indiana Jones-esque obstacle course for cats

Catastrophic Creations cat furniture, starting at $64 from Catastrophic Creations

Catastrophic Creations sent me some of its wall-mounted furniture to review. I was a little skeptical at first because it is pricey, but both of my cats have a new favorite hangout. They love being up high, and the perch near the bridge is their go-to spot. In fact, they kind of fight over it. But it has stopped my one cat from leaping up on my bookshelves and knocking over all my display items. Mostly. — Jenny McGrath, senior reporter

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