Odd Pet Products You Can Buy

Pets keep life interesting—these oddball gadgets keep it fun and functional. Here are some wonderfully weird picks that earn their keep, plus quick pros and cons and a buyer’s guide at the end.

Treat Launcher Toy

Yes, it is a snack cannon. Load a few kibbles, aim, and watch your pet sprint for tasty target practice. Great for indoor play breaks. Treat launcher toy

Pros

• Fun enrichment between walks
• Works with most small kibble
• Good for training recall

Cons

• Supervise to avoid overfeeding
• Some pets get too rowdy—set rules

Slow-Feed Puzzle Bowl

The maze design looks silly, but it slows gobblers and helps digestion. Bonus: it turns mealtime into a brain game. Slow-feed puzzle bowl

Pros

• Slows eating and reduces bloat risk
• Mental stimulation at every meal
• Non-slip bases on many models

Cons

• Some dogs need time to learn
• Choose depth/maze based on snout size

Window-Mounted Cat Perch

A hammock that sticks to glass with giant suction cups. It looks odd, but cats love the sun and the view. Window-mounted cat perch

Pros

• Big sun puddles with zero floor footprint
• Washable covers; easy to vac fur
• Many models support two cats

Cons

• Needs squeaky-clean glass for adhesion
• Re-seat cups every few weeks

LED Collar for Night Walks

Glows like a tiny neon necklace so you can see your buddy on late walks. It looks extra, but it makes spotting them at the park a breeze. LED night collar

Pros

• Visibility for dusk and night
• Rechargeable and trim-to-fit
• Multiple brightness modes

Cons

• Add reflective leash for best safety
• Check water resistance rating

Portable Paw Washer Cup

Dip, twist, done. Soft silicone bristles clean muddy paws at the door so your floors stay clean. Portable paw washer cup

Pros

• Fast post-walk cleanup
• Gentle on paws
• Good for sand, mud, and salt

Cons

• Bring a towel for drying
• Size up for giant breeds

Pet Water Fountain

Circulates and filters water so picky drinkers stay hydrated. Running water encourages cats and small dogs to sip more, which supports kidney health.

Pros

• Encourages hydration
• Replaceable filters improve taste
• Quieter models won’t spook cats

Cons

• Needs weekly cleaning
• Requires outlet nearby

Lick Mat

Textured silicone pad you smear with yogurt or wet food to slow licking and reduce stress (great for nail trims and bath time). Freeze for longer sessions.

Pros

• Calming enrichment for anxious pets
• Slows down treat time
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons

• Supervise chewers to protect the mat
• Choose food-safe silicone only

Calming Donut Bed

Raised bolsters and soft faux fur create a cozy nest that can help some anxious dogs and cats relax. Pick a washable cover to keep it fresh.

Pros

• Cozy, den-like feel for nervous pets
• Machine-washable covers available
• Lightweight and easy to move room to room

Cons

• Not chew-proof—supervise power chewers
• Can run warm in summer without AC

Reusable Fur & Lint Roller

A reusable roller with a hair-collecting chamber makes quick work of fur on sofas and car seats—no disposable sheets needed.

Pros

• Zero refills; cost-effective
• Works on couches and car upholstery
• Easy to empty and rinse

Cons

• Not ideal on delicate fabrics
• Needs a few passes for heavy shedding

Pet Backpack with Bubble Window

Hard-shell backpack with a porthole so small cats or dogs can peek out safely. Great for vet trips or short city walks for well-socialized pets.

Pros

• Hands-free carry in crowded areas
• Ventilation ports plus bubble view
• Protects from rain vs soft totes

Cons

• Size limits—check dimensions carefully
• Not for anxious pets who dislike confinement

See also: 7 Weird Pet Products That Actually Work and Strangest Kitchen Gadgets.

FAQ

Which odd pet gadget should I try first?

Start with a slow-feed bowl for fast eaters or an LED collar for night walks—both offer daily value for most pets.

Will a window perch damage my glass?

Quality models use large suction cups and spread weight well. Clean glass before mounting and check cups weekly.

How to Choose Odd Pet Products

• Safety: Look for BPA-free materials and check size/weight limits.
• Ease: Prefer dishwasher-safe parts and washable covers.
• Behavior fit: Pick enrichment that matches your pet’s drive (puzzle feeders vs lick mats vs launchers).
• Supervision: Reserve launchers and treat cams for supervised sessions.
• Space: Favor compact, collapsible tools in small apartments.

How We Pick and Test

We look for everyday utility (enrichment, safety, cleanliness), wide availability, and owner reviews that mention durability over months, not just days. When possible, we prefer dishwasher-safe parts and washable fabrics. In head-to-head trials, we favor items that pets actually use without coaxing.

Quick Picks

• Best for fast eaters: A deep Slow-Feed Puzzle Bowl with a non-slip base and dishwasher-safe plastic.
• Best for night safety: A bright, rechargeable LED Collar for Night Walks paired with a reflective leash.
• Best low-mess upgrade: The Portable Paw Washer Cup by the door + a small towel hook next to it.
• Best apartment enrichment: A Lick Mat you can freeze for longer sessions without zoomies.
• Best for window-watchers: A Window-Mounted Cat Perch with oversized cups and a washable cover.

Budget and Value

Prioritize items you’ll use daily (slow bowls, LED collars, paw washers) over fancy one-offs. If you’re testing a new category—like a treat launcher—start mid-priced with solid reviews rather than the cheapest plastic. When upgrading, keep backups in the car or at a sitter’s house to extend value.