If you have a dog who likes to swim, water toys can be a fun and enriching way for them to enjoy water time. even more. Water toys come in a great many varieties, from balls to sticks to flying discs. We’ve tested dozens of dog toys and even tried out a variety of dog-friendly pools with our pets. 

We also spoke with Liv Healy, CBCC-KA, FFCP, Atlas CT, who co-owns Clickstart Dog Training Academy in Orange County, California. When choosing a water toy, Healy looks for visibility, durability, and safety. “Long floating bumper toys with handles tend to be the easiest to grab when the dog is swimming,” Healy told The Spruce Pets. “Toys should also be durable — even bite-proof, if possible.” 

Healy also emphasized that safety is key with dogs and water play. Always supervise your dog closely, and build in breaks, even if your dog doesn’t seem to want them. “Overexcited dogs who love toys may be exhausted, but won’t want to stop,” said Healy. For this reason, it’s up to us humans to enforce break time. Lastly, it’s always a good idea for your dog to wear a life jacket when swimming.

Our favorite pick for a dog water toy comes courtesy of ChuckIt!, one of the most prolific and trusted makers of multipurpose recreational accessories for eager pups. At the Spruce, we also love their resilient Classic Ball Launcher, for an easier and more sanitary fetch game, as well as their durable rubber Ultra Ball and others.

When it comes to water-specific toys, however, ChuckIt’s Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float Toy is the brand’s standout offering. Made of nylon, rubber, and memory foam, it is maximally protected against potential water damage, no matter how much you use it or how long you leave it floating. (This also makes for easy cleaning.) 

The Chuckit Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float is one of Liv Healy’s favorite water toys. “It’s affordable and soft, and dogs love it,” they said. “Plus, it doesn’t sink when punctured.”

The toy is easy to throw a long distance without losing control of the knotty rope or letting the handle slip out of your hand. This is thanks to the friction built into the ergonomic handle design.

Chuckit makes the toy in orange and green colors that are visible to both you and your pup from a significant distance, making play additionally easy and fun. It is available in two different sizes, and you can also select the model that is ideal for your dog’s size. (Generally, the models particularly excel with smaller pups.)

The only potential downside is that, because of the lightweight material and modest size, the ChuckIt Float Toy is not ideal for very prodigious chewers. Its foam holds out pretty well against most wear and tear, though. Also—with its appealing $10 price tag—it isn’t hard to upgrade if your go-to Chuckit gets gnawed to bits.

Available in orange or green

We love this durable, floatable fetch stick for long days at the pool, lake, pond, beach, or for use during more intensive water-training sessions. It has safe beveled edges all around, an audible water-resistant squeaker (sealed for protection), and an enticing food-like scent to thrill your water-loving dog.

This chew stick comes in two sizes: the medium size (1.75 x 2 x 6.5 inches) for dogs up to 50 pounds and a jumbo size (2.25 x 2.5 x 8 inches) for larger breeds and more powerful chewers. The jumbo size is slightly lighter than the medium bone because of the different rubber density used to keep it floating. You’ll even be able to get a value pack of two medium-sized bones. The chew stick can float because it’s made from rubber with air pockets inside that provide the toy’s buoyancy.

Your dog will likely appreciate the multiple foodlike scents embedded in the rubber fetch stick. You have your choice of beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, chicken, or peanut butter. The scent is Playology’s patented technology that embeds the scent in the rubber (it’s not just applied to the surface) and won’t wash away, though it may decrease over time. Many reviewers report that the scent lasts for months, and even over a year. Each flavor/scent is a different color, meaning beef is red, chicken is yellow, peanut butter is blue, bacon is purple, and cheddar cheese is the color of cheddar cheese.

Available in medium or jumbo size

How We Picked

Testing: We selected best-selling, highly-rated dog toys for real-world testing. Tests were conducted with dogs. Our testers primarily tested the products in swimming pools or kiddie pools, and were also tested on dry land when applicable. 

Throughout testing, our volunteer testers followed a methodology created by our testing and research team to ensure we received consistent notes from tester to tester. Testers provided feedback in the following categories: ease of use, engagement, durability, quality, and value. 

Equipped with their first-hand observations and scoring feedback, our editors then ranked and categorized our top picks for the best water toys to suit your dogs’ needs.

When we were unable to test products due to logistical restrictions, we based our recommendations on market research, reviews, and personal experience. We also asked pet parents about their experience with water toys. In addition, we consulted with Certified Behavior Consultant Liv Healy, CBCC-KA, FFCP, Atlas CT.

More We Recommend

Best Ball: It goes without saying that a ball is the most classic go-to toy for a dog, and especially perfect for burning some puppy calories and healthy teething. There are a lot of options for excellent recreational balls for dogs who like to swim, but the Project Hive Pet Company Ball Toy is our favorite. It works in and out of water, with a durable, hard rubber and plastic design that bounces erratically (when used out of water). 

Our tester puppy thoroughly enjoyed playing with this toy, both in and out of the water. Impressively, her shark-like puppy teeth did not even come close to denting it, which her parent appreciated. This puppy loved batting the Project Hive Pet Company Hive Ball around in the water, and out of the water, the erratic bounce pattern kept her entertained for long stretches of time.

The Project Hive Pet Company Ball is yellow and comes in one size (2.53 x 2.69 x 2.42 inches). This ball will stand up to rough play, but always supervise your pet while they’re playing with any toy.

Made from rubber and BPA-free plastic

Best Fetch Toy: Kong’s floating fetch toy is an entertaining, multi-purpose option for handler-dog play, whether a game of standard fetch or getting a little more serious with some tug-o-war. The adaptable toy is also available in two sizes for different types of dogs, with its classic model designed for pups between 30-65 pounds. The playfully shaped toy floats easily, thanks to its form core. 

Despite its lightness, the Kong Aqua is exceptionally resistant to damage, either from rough play, teething, or water. (For a product for very heavy biters and chewers, we recommend the Kong Extreme model, which is extra-durable.) Kong fetch toys are not heavy on the pocketbook, but they are an extra good investment because they work equally well in and out of the water.

Available in medium or large

Best Frisbee Toy: The Earth Rated Flyer Dog Toy is a floppy ring toy made from thermoplastic rubber. It’s designed to be used like a Frisbee, and can be played with both in and out of water.

We tested this toy with a very active 4-year-old Schipperke who really loved playing with it. The toy floats well in water and is also fun outside of the water, bouncing with an enticing irregular pattern that many dogs love. His parent appreciated the toy’s durability, noting that she didn’t see any teeth marks on the toy even after many rounds of tug and fetch. She also noted how easy it was to clean, as you can rinse it off quickly.

The Earth Rated Flyer Dog Toy is yellow and comes in small or large, with the large measuring 10.43 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches. 

Comes in small and large

Best Big Ball: It goes without saying, perhaps, that a ball is the most classic go-to toy for a growing dog, perfect for burning some puppy calories and healthy teething. There are a lot of options for excellent recreational balls for dogs who like to swim, but QDAN’s Dog Toy Soccer Ball is perhaps our favorite. It works in and out of water, with a durable polyurethane design that bounces far and erratically, in an entertaining way that makes for enjoyable play. If you’re worried about safety issues of any kind, worry not: the ball is designed to fit the same standards as children’s soccer balls.

The key to the vibrant-looking, brightly colored Dog Toy Soccer Ball is its nylon straps, which allow owners to hold it while playing with their dog in a variety of ways, outside of just fetch. The ball is also lightweight—while being resilient against wear and tear—allowing for it to float and bob easily. The medium size of the product is meant for medium-sized dogs between 20 and 40 pounds; the company also makes a larger ball designed for larger and heavier pups between 30 and 90 pounds.

Available in three sizes

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This article was updated by Allegra Ringo, a writer for The Spruce Pets. Allegra has completed over 300 hours of supervised dog training and hopes to become a certified CPDT-KA. dog trainer in late 2024. For this article, Allegra consulted with Certified Behavior Consultant Liv Healy, CBCC-KA, FFCP, Atlas CT, co-owner of Clickstart Dog Training Academy.

A previous version was written and researched by Andrew Whalen, a senior editor for The Spruce Pets. Andrew has hundreds of hours of experience testing pet products. For this roundup, he selected from hundreds of tested dog toys and sought personal recommendations from dog parents.

Tug toys for dogs can be straps with balls, squeaky plush animals, or rubbery sticks. You grab one end of the toy, your dog grabs the other with their mouth, and then you start a serious game of tug-of-war.

Veterinarians recommend avoiding rope toys because they increase the likelihood of a dog swallowing a strand of fiber, which then passes through their intestines. For some, it can be life-threatening, so to be safe, we’re not including any rope toys in our lineup.

We asked pet owners, trainers, and fosters for their favorite tug toys and tested a wide range with dogs at home and at dog parks, evaluating each on its durability, size, design, and how well it enables play.

Our favorite overall pick is the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Toy. It’s made of soft, bendy material that stretches to twice its length. It even floats in water. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe. But there are several other options our dogs also love—and rigorously tested. 

What to Look For

Size and Shape

It’s important to choose a toy that is an appropriate size for both you and your dog. 

“You should hold the toy comfortably with fingers mostly closed around the handle,” says Curtis Kelley, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Pet Parent Allies in Philadelphia. “Your dog should be able to close her mouth around the toy mostly. If it’s too thick, it may cause jaw injuries.” 

Materials and Durability

Many tug toys aren’t meant to double as chew toys. Your dog should not be left with them unsupervised. But even when tugging, some toys don’t last very long. Kelley suggests looking for a strong, sturdy material that is tear-resistant. If it’s fabric, check for double- or triple-stitched seams.

Extras

Some tugs have squeakers to make them more entertaining. Others might have a ball on one end or incorporated into the toy, which is so tempting for Labs and other fetch-obsessed pups. The extra that Kelley likes the best is a comfortable handle. 

“The handle is a must-have for me,” he says. “The strain on your wrist and elbow can become high enough to risk injury quickly, especially when tugging with a bigger dog. You should be able to hold your wrist straight.”

Kelley also likes a tug toy with special sections. Clearly defined areas make it obvious where your dog should have their mouth when tugging, he says. If your dog loves water, you might want to choose a toy that floats.

FAQ

• Are tug-of-war toys good for dogs?

  They definitely can be, trainers say. “Tug toys are great for dogs to relieve tension, reduce stress, and get exercise. Tug can help dogs calm themselves after a stressful moment and alleviate frustration about a challenging training task,” Kelley says.

  Tug toys can also help you teach your dog how to play appropriately, so they learn which behaviors are okay.

• Do tug toys make dogs aggressive?

  Tug toys won’t turn a dog aggressive, but they can get a pup really worked up. “Some dogs become over-aroused when they play tug; some assess the tug toy as a very valued resource and seek to keep it away from you,” Kelley says. 

  But he points out that the dogs that become over-aroused would likely act that way in many situations. “Dogs who resource-guard a tug toy might display other possessive tendencies. Tugging is actually a great way to encourage your dog to exercise more self-restraint and learn to share if they struggle with that.”

• Are rope toys safe for dogs?

  Many tug toys are made from long knotted ropes that are actually made up of hundreds or thousands of tiny strands. During play, your dog can unravel the fibers and swallow them. That can lead to intestinal blockage or what vets call “linear foreign bodies.” They can wrap around the intestines and be life-threatening. Be sure to store toys out of sight when not in use.

• How do you play with a tug toy?

  Kelley suggests following these tips for a good game of tug:

  • Don’t let your dog tug so hard it hurts you. “If you’re tugging with a dog that’s stronger than you are, it’s up to you to let go if they pull too hard or abruptly. If they want to keep tugging with you, it benefits them to modulate and tug at an acceptable strength level.”

  • Don’t let your dog move their grip closer to your hand. “Dogs often try to move their grip closer. They are excited and invested in the game! But that will make it easier for him to hit you with his teeth, and that’s a big no.”

  • If your dog takes the toy away, they have to bring it back to keep playing. “If you chase your dog around when they win the toy, they learn they should run away with it! You can encourage them to take prosocial actions and resume playing only when they have brought it back.”

  • If you take the toy away, everyone takes a quick break. Kelley suggests, “10 or 15 seconds is fine, just long enough so he’s not lunging back into it the second he loses his grip.”

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

For this roundup, Mary Jo DiLonardo talked to dog owners, trainers, and fosters about their favorite (and least favorite) tug toys, including Curtis Kelley, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Pet Parent Allies in Philadelphia. She also tested many tug toys and looked at online reviews. They were evaluated on how fun they were, how durable they were, and extras, like handles and balls.

DiLonardo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered nearly 60 dogs and puppies. They have all tugged on their share of toys, some more successfully than others. She is always trying different products to keep the dogs in her care entertained, healthy, and safe.

From road trips to running errands, your dog needs well-fitting protection to stay safe when you hit the road. While unsettling to think about, pets can be injured or ejected from a vehicle during a traffic accident. But even a turn that’s too sharp or a sudden stop can result in injury for an unsecured dog.

According to Dr. Jamie Richardson of Small Door Veterinary in New York City, keeping your dog “secure and as immobile as possible” is essential for safety in a car. While harnesses, carriers, and crates often make safety claims, there are no official standards or test requirements in place to verify protection for dogs in car collisions. For our real-world testing of car seats, we consulted with Lindsey Wolko, founder of the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety (CPS), which conducts independent crash tests on travel products designed for dogs.

Five of the nine dog car seats and restraints that we recommend were independently evaluated and certified by CPS, and three have been crash-tested in a lab setting, either by Automotive Safety Engineering, an Australian testing and engineering company recognized in the United States and Europe, or by their manufacturer to adhere to standards set for child restraints (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or United Nations ECE R129).

We tested a selection of dog car seats, harnesses, and carriers, sending each to a volunteer tester to try out with their dog over several weeks and in variable driving conditions. Following a testing methodology written in advance, our testers evaluated each safety product for its ease of use, ease of cleaning, security, size, and overall value.

How We Tested

We researched independently crash-tested and certified safe dog carriers, crates, and harnesses from the Center for Pet Safety in the United States and Automotive Engineering Safety in Australia, and then selected 13 products for real-world testing in a car with a dog.

Each testing duo received a car seat or restraint designed for their dog’s size. For three weeks, our canine test subjects were buckled up and taken for rides both long and short. All the while, each human counterpart observed and provided feedback within the following categories: ease of use, ease of cleaning, security, size, and overall value.

At the end of our trial period, we gathered and analyzed the data and information provided by our testing teams. We then ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the right car seat or restraint to keep your dog safe.

What to Look For in Dog Car Seats

Independent Testing

Many harness and car seat makers claim that their products have been crash-tested, but there are no industry standards for car pet restraints. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for crash testing that’s been conducted by independent third-party groups.

For example, the Center for Pet Safety performed crash tests by using a dog crash test dummy, allowing it to create safety standards and requirements to evaluate pet travel items. So far, only a few products have received the center’s crash test certification, but others are working to be certified.

The safest products are typically more expensive than other car restraints, but they are well worth it, according to Center for Pet Safety founder Lindsey Wolko, who has seen the results of the crash tests and heard many accident stories.

“We recommend that [pet parents] look at this as an investment. These are going to be more expensive, because there’s more due diligence conducted on the products,” Wolko said. “Something is better than nothing to prevent distraction, which can prevent a crash in the first place. However, if you are in a crash, and your pets are in the wrong products, there can be serious consequences.”

Size

Always pay attention to the size and weight guidelines to make sure that a seat or harness will fit your pet correctly. If a restraint doesn’t fit right, your pet might be able to escape, which could cause a distraction or be dangerous if you were to have an accident.

Placement in Vehicle

You should place your dog in the appropriately sized carrier, crate, or harness—ideally one that has been crash-tested by an independent party—and they should ride in the backseat, similar to where you place a human child. For larger dogs in a crate, the cargo section is also suitable, but it is never recommended to have a dog in the front seat of an automobile.

FAQ

• What is the best way to keep a dog car seat or other car carrier clean?

  Wipe down your harness or car seat regularly. Most can be kept clean with a damp cloth, but some have linings that can be machine-washed—like dog car seat covers—or hosed down. Always check the manufacturer’s directions.

• Is it safe for dogs to ride in the front seat?

  “Never, ever, never ever,” says Wolko. That’s because airbags can deploy and hurt them, and also because dogs can become a major distraction while you’re driving. Then you’re paying attention to your pet instead of the road.

• Are dog car seats or restraints required by law?

  Most states don’t have laws that require dogs to be restrained, but some do, so it’s always a good idea to check. Rhode Island, for example, requires pets to be secured with a harness or crate, or in some other way.

  In other states, drivers may be charged under existing distracted-driver laws if a loose pet is the reason they get into an accident. Securing your pup with a sturdy dog seat belt is just a good preventive measure.

  “Those are consistent across the country,” says Wolko. “If you’ve got a dog that’s climbing over your shoulder while you’re driving, and you get pulled over, the police officer will ticket you for distracted driving, no matter where you are.”

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

After real-world testing, this roundup was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy Pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

A previous version was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, who has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than three dozen dogs and puppies. Pet health and safety are very important to DiLonardo, and she’s always researching the latest products to keep the dogs in her care healthy and safe.

For this story, we consulted with respected safety expert Lindsey Wolko of the Center for Pet Safety. We also interviewed Dr. Jamie Richardson of Small Door Veterinary for background on the dog car seats Richardson likes, what to look for in a car seat for your dog, and why dog car seats are important to own.

The 6 Best Dog Harnesses for Hiking, Tested On Real Trails With Wagging Tails

If you’ve ever had a cat that constantly tries to escape, you’ve spent a lot of time watching doorways and racing outside to catch your feline Houdini. But there may be a day when you’re not fast enough. Any cat that risks getting lost can benefit from wearing an Air Tag cat collar. Air tag cat collars aren’t perfect GPS trackers, but they help locate missing cats when paired with the right collar and give you more peace of mind.

We’re exploring how air tag collars for cats work, when you should use a cat tracker collar, and what to look for as you shop for AirTag cat collars that prioritize feline safety and comfort.

Placed inside a cat collar, AirTags are small, round tracking devices that use Apple’s Find My network and Bluetooth to track a cat’s location. You can pull up the Find My app on your iPhone or iPad to see where they are. 

Through Apple’s Find My app, you can play a loud sound on the AirTag’s speaker, which can help you identify your indoor-outdoor cat if they’re nearby. You can also activate “lost mode,” which makes the AirTag detectable by others. Enter your contract information so others can contact you if they find your missing cat.

Since AirTags use Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My network instead of GPS, they’re not as reliable in remote settings and work better in populated areas. 

AirTags don’t replace microchipping. Escape-prone felines may be taken to a veterinarian for identification in a pet recovery database or may slip their collar. Microchipping is still the best way to keep your cat safe, but AirTag cat collars are an added layer of security.

What to Look for in an AirTag Dog Collar for Cats

The best Air Tag cat collars fit comfortably and securely hold AirTags and are designed to maximize visibility and safety. Consider these factors as you shop for cat trackers:

• Breakaway safety: Cats are known for getting into small spaces and risk getting stuck or strangled if their collar gets snagged. All AirTag cat collars should release under pressure to prevent harm.
• Lightweight design: Cat Airtag collars should be wearable for long periods and made of soft materials like nylon that won’t irritate feline necks. AirTags add a bit of 
• Secure AirTag fit: An Air Tag cat collar should keep the AirTag close to the neck without dangling or bouncing.
• Durability and comfort: Soft materials that won’t irritate your cat’s neck.
• Visibility: Reflective strips and bright colors help you identify cats in low-light conditions.
• Ease of cleaning: Cats can get messy. Choose a collar that’s easy to wipe clean.

Best AirTag Cat Collars to Consider

The SimpleThings AirTag cat collar has 11 different color options, more than competitors. A reflective strip runs down the middle of each collar, and it has a removable bell. 

The collar size is adjustable (8.6 to 13.7 inches) and narrow, at about one centimeter wide. The cat collar AirTag is made of two layers of nylon and a waterproof AirTag case, so it shouldn’t irritate your cat. This cat tracker collar is lightweight and has a breakaway buckle, so cats stay safe even as the collar stays securely on them.

Highlights

• 11 colors to choose from
• Affordably priced

Things to Consider

• The double nylon is harder to clean
• Not ideal for cats who get messy outdoors

Unlike other air tag collars for cats, Odokele’s collar comes with a QR code that people can scan to get contact information immediately. Odokele’s AirTag cat collar is elastic, so it can slip off a cat’s neck if it gets snagged on something. The collar’s detachable bell and two reflective strips create more visibility. The AirTag holder is made to stay smooth and stable so the AirTag doesn’t dangle off the cat’s neck.

This nylon collar, available in two sizes, should feel comfortable on any feline. It also comes with a 30-day warranty.

Highlights

• Durable
• Reflective
• Made out of Nylon and TPV
• Two sizes: extra-small (7-9 inches) and small (9-13 inches)

Things to Consider

• Pricier than other options

The AirTag collar is lightweight and made out of Nylon, so it doesn’t irritate your kitty. Its AirTag holder is silicone, making it waterproof and easier to clean. The breakaway buckle will unclasp so your cat can escape dangerous situations. Dgerp’s airtag cat collar comes in eight colors with a large reflective strip down the middle and a detachable bell, so you can identify them easily. The collar can be manually adjusted so it fits your cat perfectly.

Highlights

• Eight colors
• Reflective
• One size fits 8.6 to 13.7 inches

Things to Consider

• Some customers report that the bell is easy to break off

Unlike most cat trackers, this AirTag cat collar is made from silicone, so it’s waterproof and gentle on a sensitive cat’s skin. The strap is completely adjustable (up to 11.4 inches), so you can fit it snugly on your cat’s neck. The collar is also one centimeter skinnier than other collars, which is ideal for cats that get irritated easily by nylon collars.

The cat tracker collar has an optional bell, ID tag, and glow-in-the-dark sticker. However, it isn’t made of reflective materials, so it’s not as noticeable at night.

Highlights

• Six color options
• Made out of silicone
• Breakaway clasp

Things to Consider

• Not reflective
• Not as soft as nylon

Your cat should be microchipped, and an ID tag should be worn on a cat collar. Since cats can escape Air Tag cat collars with breakaway buckles, there’s a chance your beloved cat will be outdoors with nothing more than a microchip to identify them by.

Some cats get irritated when wearing a collar, so you may need to give them time to adjust. If they’re having issues with a nylon collar, a hypoallergenic silicone one is worth a try. Check the condition of the AirTag cat collar regularly, as nylon can fray over time, and collars can show wear and tear.

What to Avoid in AirTag Cat Collars

Avoid AirTag cat collars designed for other animals or built without breakaway buckles. Cats who love to climb can easily be caught on a branch, and a breakaway collar can be the difference between life and death. The best Air Tag cat collar will keep AirTag holders close to your cat’s neck–holders that dangle or swing can get caught, break, or lose AirTags. Never stick an AirTag in a keychain holder. Those aren’t made to withstand pet use, and you may risk losing your AirTag.

Airtag cat collars, microchipping, and ID tags allow pet parents to provide cats with safer outdoor experiences. Select Airtag cat collars made specifically for cats out of durable materials, so they have another layer of protection as they venture outdoors.

Featured photo: Image by kaylaflam from Pixabay

Cats can be difficult traveling partners, but preparing them for a road trip and choosing the best cat carrier can make a car trip with your cat much easier. At the very least, a cat carrier for car travel should be comfortable, secure, and safe.

Some cat carriers even include seatbelt attachment points or have proven crash test certifications from non-profit organizations like the Center for Pet Safety, including our favorite cat carrier for the car, the Tavo Pets Maeve Car Seat.

“Carriers should be sturdy with multiple ways to access the cat,” says Elizabeth Czerwonky, DVM, a veterinarian at the VCA Cat Hospital of Chicago. “When not in use for transport, we recommend keeping the carrier or carrier bottom half in the environment as another resting space.”

To find the best cat carrier for car travel, we tested more than 40 highly rated and bestselling pet carriers in real-world conditions, and 5 carriers came out on top.

How We Tested

We selected six car seats and tested them in multiple categories, including design, quality, and portability. Each product was tested for multiple days with one of our tester’s cherished pets to make sure that it holds up to scrutiny. Equipped with this first-hand knowledge, we ranked and categorized our top picks to meet the needs of any cat parent. All of our recommendations are safe for travel and can be trusted when used properly. 

Buckling Up Your Cat for Travel

Most pet carriers need to be secured, especially if they’ll be placed in the backseat by themselves. According to Dr. Czerwonky, cats should never be let out of their carrier or left in the car alone since they could cause themselves harm. Look for carriers with specialized straps for securing the waist belt of a standard car seatbelt across the side of the carrier. Some carriers also advise threading the diagonal shoulder strap through the top straps on the carrier, while others instruct users to loop the carrier’s shoulder strap behind the headrest for additional security. 

Ventilation

Most pet carriers come with multiple holes for ventilation on the sides or top. It’s important when traveling not to completely block them off since that air flow is crucial for comfort and safety. On car rides, especially longer ones, cats need to feel safe and taken care of, or else neither of you will have a good travel experience.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

This article was written by Steven Asarch, a writer and product expert for The Spruce Pets. A devout cat dad of two, he understands how to take care of felines in enclosed spaces (like an apartment) for long periods. In his search for the best car carriers, Steven prioritized practicality, durability, and safety. To get the best understanding of what makes a great cat carrier for travel, he spoke with Dr. Elizabeth Czerwonky, a veterinarian at the VCA Cat Hospital of Chicago.

Steven has also researched the best treadmills, specialized cat foods, litter box furniture, and even the best Tamagotchi.

When your pet is home alone, there’s a lot of trouble they could get up to, and it’s up to you to ensure the home environment is safe. Especially in the hot summer months or the cold of winter, you may be wondering what the best thermostat setting is for pets when you’re not home. 

How Temperature Affects Pets

Like humans, pets are affected by the temperature extremes of winter and summer. Without proper precautions, dogs and cats can experience hypothermia or frostbite in the winter and heat exhaustion or heatstroke in the summer.

As long as the thermostat is set at a reasonable temperature and your power is working, your pet is unlikely to experience the dangerous side effects of temperature extremes within the comfort of your home. However, you can still set the thermostat to a temperature that is comfortable for your pet. 

Signs that your pet is too hot include:

Please note that if your pet has bright red gums or is vomiting, disoriented, or having trouble breathing, they could be experiencing heatstroke. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment.

On the other hand, signs that your pet is too cold include:

• Shivering
• Lethargy
• Seeking warm beds or other heat sources
• Whining (in dogs)
• Hunched posture
• Tail tucked (dog) or curled around body (cat)

What is considered “too cold” or “too hot” to your pet is affected by their species, breed, age, coat length, and heat status. For example, most cats tend to like slightly warmer temperatures than most dogs. A French bulldog with a brachycephalic (flat) facial conformation may struggle more than a chihuahua. Puppies and kittens are more sensitive to temperature than adults. And lastly, some health conditions, such as obesity, kidney disease, or heart disease, can affect how your animal responds to temperature.

Recommended Temperature Ranges

In the summer, most dogs and cats will do well with a thermostat setting of 75–78°F. If your dog is showing signs of being too hot at this temperature, then you can decrease the thermostat setting until you find a comfortable temperature for your pet. Cats can enjoy even warmer temperatures into the mid-80s, though this may not be a reasonable setting for your household.

In the winter, your dog is likely to be comfortable with a thermostat setting of 65–72°F. However, cats enjoy warmer temperatures. They may find 69–72°F more comfortable, and even then, you may need to provide blankets and warm beds for them to snuggle into.

If no one is home and you’re looking for safe, comfortable range for all pets in any season, 68—75°F is generally tolerable.

Smart Home Solutions

Smart home solutions allow you to monitor your pet even when they’re home alone.

If you are anxious about the thermostat, consider installing a thermostat with remote monitoring. Some smart thermostats allow you to set the temperature from your phone. Consider setting a schedule for your thermostat to ensure it moves to a temperature that is comfortable for your pet when you’re away at work.

You can also install pet cameras that allow you to check in on your pet while you’re away. Some pet cameras have temperature monitoring systems that can alert you via phone if the temperature drops below or rises above a certain range.  

Special Considerations

As with all things related to pet care, there are special considerations to take into account when setting the thermostat

Multi-Pet Households

Your individual pets may have different temperature ranges at which they’re most comfortable. Choose a happy medium that works for most and then provide options for heating and cooling, such as warming beds or rooms with ceiling fans, to help your pets stay comfortable.

Medical Needs

Some pets may tolerate temperatures differently due to medical conditions. For example, an obese dog with Cushing’s disease or a cat with hyperthyroidism may not tolerate heat as well. For these pets, you may have to keep the thermostat on the lower end of the range for your pet’s comfort. 

Age of Pets

Neonatal animals are sensitive to heat and cold. Even with the thermostat set at an appropriate temperature, you may need to provide additional heat sources, such as warming pads. This is especially true if they are a nursing animal without access to their mother. Senior animals may also be more sensitive to hot and cold. 

Finding the Sweet Spot

A safe way to find a good thermostat setting is to pick a setting within the ranges we’ve listed and then see how your pet does. You can make small adjustments until you find something that works.

Remember, pets thrive with consistency! Regular temperature regulation is a great way to help your pet stay comfortable and safe while you’re away from home.

Sometimes cats prefer to nap on a private perch or in the safety of a hidden nook, but sooner or later, most cats end up sleeping on their owner’s lap, chest, or even head. Yes, your cat may do this to bond and feel closer to his favorite human, but the behavior is mostly the result of biological instincts—for example, kittens socializing with their mothers and siblings or adult cats interacting with one another in the wild.

Below are some of the most common reasons why your cat sleeps on you.

Marking Their Territory

Cats have scent glands that release pheromones all over their body. Marking humans with these pheromones means that their humans are part of the cat’s in-group; groups of cats in the wild learn this behavior to distinguish members of the pack from non-members. When a cat sleeps on you, it marks you with its scent for reassurance that you smell familiar and safe. Even cats who enjoy solitude may rub and head-butt their owners as part of the same scent-marking process.

Staying Warm

Many cat owners have seen their cat sleeping in a sunny patch on the bed, or even knocking over plants and whatever else is in the way to get an ideal window-napping position. Warmth induces relaxation and sleep in cats. And, few spots in the house are warmer than being directly on top of a person. Warmth may also contribute to the initiation or maintenance of restorative sleep in cats, meaning that seeking warm spots for sleep can help them stay healthy.

Feeling Safe

Animals are more vulnerable to attack while sleeping, and cats are no exception. As a result, cats who see their owners as a sign of safety and security may enjoy sleeping on or near them. In your kitties’ minds, sleeping with you means they won’t get attacked while unconscious because they trust you to keep them safe. Sleeping with their back to you—even if it feels like rejection—is actually another sign of trust.

This cat behavior can also be traced back to kittenhood. When young cats are growing, they’re typically in large litters with other cats, nursing from their mother, and sleeping together in a group, sometimes stacked on top of one another. Particularly without other cats in the house, humans may have a substitute role in this cat dynamic.

Bonding With You

In experiments to stop cats from destructive scratching and urine-marking behaviors, scent-marking proved a powerful way to preserve cat-human bonds. When your cat sleeps on you and marks you with their scent, he creates a powerful olfactory reminder that you both belong to the same group. Being close to humans also allows cats to hear and feel familiar and comforting sounds, like a beating heart or rhythmic breaths during sleep, reminiscent of safe sleeping spaces with a mother cat and siblings.

Cats are most active at night and early in the day, but some will adjust their habits to reflect those of their owners, to maximize time spent together. See, cats do care, even if they like to act standoffish!

Showing Affection

A recent study on cat-human bonding demonstrated that cats aren’t the solitary creatures they’re often portrayed as. In the wild, cats comfortably live in matriarchal societies and exhibit group bonding behaviors including mutual grooming, allorubbing (when two members of the same species rub against each other), and sleeping together. Sleeping with their owner is one way cats show affection and caring.

Why Cats Sleep on Different Parts of Your Body

Cats have been known to sleep in a variety of locations on and around their owners, including their human’s head and neck, chest, and lap.

Head

It has long been assumed that cats like to be near their owners’ heads because that’s where the most heat escapes, but the human head releases about the same amount of heat as the rest of the body. That said, the head moves less when people toss and turn in their sleep, so cats may stay near the top of the bed for safety. In addition, cats use their gaze to communicate with their owners and other cats, so kitties may like being close to their owner’s eyes.

Chest

Kittens spend a large part of their formative development period sleeping on or near other kittens, leading veterinarians to theorize that the sounds of regular breathing and a beating heart nearby may comfort cats and help them sleep more easily. You might also be a calm sleeper, making your chest a perfectly cozy space for a nighttime nap.

Lap

Most cat owners know what their cat wants when it jumps into their lap to sleep—to be petted and receive attention—though there isn’t definitive research to attest to this. Laps are the perfect spot to keep warm and be easily reachable by owners; what cat lover hasn’t spent an entirely inconvenient amount of time sitting in one place to let a peaceful cat continue resting comfortably?

Are There Reasons Not to Sleep With Your Cat?

Your preferences will be quite personal, of course, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about letting your cat sleep with you. If you’re a light sleeper, the presence of a cat in your bed might disturb your sleep and make it harder to fall into a deep restorative slumber. Additionally, some cats track kitty litter into the bed, which raises hygiene concerns. And, you don’t want to inhale cat fur, especially if you have respiratory issues. Remember too that it’s unsafe to let a cat sleep with a child under the age of five, and a child of any age could startle a cat and cause it to scratch.

 The “stay” command is a crucial basic dog instruction. Nearly as important as the recall command, “stay” can protect your dog from danger. It helps keep your dog calm during chores, while entertaining guests, or in public.

Training this command is not difficult. Practice consistently for five to ten minutes, two to three times daily. A successful stay means your dog remains in place. Start with one to two-second intervals, gradually increasing to several minutes.

Gather Supplies

Before you begin, you’ll want a dog collar, extra-long leash (15 to 30 feet if possible), and training treats that your dog loves. You can use this training on a dog that already knows the cues for sit and/or down. If your dog doesn’t know these commands, go back and work on those commands first.

Prepare Your Dog

Put the collar and extra-long leash on your dog. While eventually, the leash won’t be necessary, it’s useful at first if your dog doesn’t stay.

Give the Command

Instruct your dog to sit or lie down. If your dog is excited or restless, starting in the down position might be easier. Say “stay” clearly and firmly, while raising your hand with the palm out, signaling “stop.” Reward and praise if your dog stays put.

Release and Repeat

Release your dog from the command by saying “OK” and encouraging the dog to move. Instruct your dog to sit or lie down again and praise it when she or he complies. Say “stay” again with the hand motion while taking a step or two back. If the dog stays, walk toward it slowly. You may need to keep your hand signal in play. If the pup still stays, give it a treat and praise. If it moves, start over from the beginning.

Add More Time and Distractions

Repeat this process five to six times, gradually taking more steps back and increasing the time period between “stay” and “OK.” Once your dog can stay for 30 seconds or more at the end of the long leash, gradually begin to add distractions, change locations of the training, increase distance, and try leaving your dog’s line of sight during the stay.

Problems and Proofing Behavior

Train in distraction-free areas. Without a yard, avoid busy parks too distracting for learning. Try an empty park (early mornings) or ask to use a neighbor’s yard for quiet practice. Avoid assuming your dog will always follow the command after a few sessions. With a newly trained dog, use caution. Keep it leashed and avoid risky situations where the stay command might fail amidst distractions.