Whether your kitty is anxious, overstimulated, or just keeping you up at night, CBD can help. This natural compound is purr-fect for helping cats chill. But how do you find a safe, effective, and easy-to-use CBD supplement for your cat?

Penguin, a premium CBD company, has the answer. This CBD brand prides itself on bringing pure CBD products to the whole family. And that includes spoiled kitties everywhere.

Their salmon-flavored CBD oil makes it easy to add a little chill to your cat’s every day. And their CBD Cat Treats are the perfect, tasty way to take the fear out of your feline during those stressful events.

I had a chance to try both of Penguin’s cat CBD products on my rambunctious one-year-old Domestic Shorthair, Makoa. They worked wonderfully to help him get through a week-long boarding stay without incident and have done wonders to create calmer nights in our household.

Find out what else these products have to offer in my full Penguin CBD brand review, below.

At a Glance: What We Recieved

	Image	Product	Details
		Salmon CBD Oil	Easy to dose oil Salmon flavor for better palatability 5mg of CBD per ml	CHECK PRICE
		CBD Cat Treats	Tasty chewy treats Valerian root for extra calm 3mg of CBD per chew	CHECK PRICE

About Penguin

Penguin CBD took its name from the flightless birds we all love, the ones who “keep their cool under pressure.” Their mission is to make quality CBD products at an affordable price so all people and pets can find the same chill penguins possess.

Who Makes Penguin CBD and Where is it Produced?

Penguin gets all of their hemp from Oregon. It is non-GMO and sustainably grown without pesticides. Once harvested, the hemp is CO2 extracted in the company’s labs and mixed with other pure ingredients to make a variety of products from oils to gummies to pet treats.

Which Types of Cats Is Penguin Best Suited For?

CBD is a multi-talented compound. Studies have shown that it can help with a variety of issues from anxiety and depression to cancer, pain, and epilepsy.

Any cat suffering from these issues is likely to benefit from Penguin’s cat products. Their treats are an especially great option for quick and easy dosing on an as-needed basis. The oil, on the other hand, is great for daily maintenance and is made to be added to meals.

Both these products feature broad-spectrum hemp extract without THC. This makes them extra-safe for pretty much all cats over the age of six months.

Key Features

Here is a quick overview of Penguin’s CBD cat products. We’ll look at the ingredients, CBD content, how to administer them, and what to expect.

Ingredients

Both of Penguin’s CBD cat products start with broad-spectrum hemp extract. This oil is gently extracted from the aerial parts of the plant using CO2 extraction, which helps to preserve the natural terpenes, cannabidiols, and flavonoids. All of these extra compounds help CBD work more effectively once it’s in the body.

The Salmon CBD Oil also contains hemp oil, MCT oil, natural flavors, and added terpenes. The treats contain many natural ingredients, including chicken powder, flax oil, and brewer’s yeast. They also have some added valerian root to help cats relax even more.

CBD Content

Most vets recommend giving your cat 1 to 5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. Penguin certainly had this dose recommendation in mind when they created both of these products.

The oil contains 5mg of CBD per ml (dropper). Since the average cat weighs about 10 pounds, this makes it super simple to figure out the right dose for your kitty.

For those in need of a therapeutic dose for pain, extreme anxiety, or chronic issues, one dropper full is going to be about perfect. For those who need just a dash of CBD to promote calm or for general maintenance, 4 drops of the oil will deliver 1 mg of CBD.

For the treats, each of these soft chews contains 3.3mg of CBD. For most cats, this is going to be a good amount for targeting stressful situations, such as trips to the vet.

How to Administer

With plenty of flavor from chicken and salmon and a delectable texture, the CBD Cat Treats from Penguin are easy enough to administer. Most cats will happily eat them straight.

For the oil, the easiest way to use it is to add the dose to your cat’s meal once or twice daily. The added salmon flavor makes it palatable enough that most cats won’t mind this addition.

Alternatively, you can administer the oil straight into your cat’s mouth. Just be careful that they don’t chomp on the glass pipette during the process.

What to Expect

CBD typically has a quick effect on cats. You should notice a change in their behavior about 30 to 45 minutes after administering it.

But the real magic CBD offers comes with consistent use. This compound works naturally with your cat’s endocannabinoid system to help balance and revitalize the body. But it takes time for this compound to build up enough to have lasting effects.

For specific stressful situations, dosing as needed will work. But for chronic or severe issues, giving your cat CBD every day will yield the best results. Typically, you can expect to see a noticeable effect after about three weeks of daily use.

Other than making your cat noticeably more chill, CBD does not typically have any side effects.

Penguin CBD Cat Product Reviews

1. Salmon CBD Oil

If you’re looking for a daily CBD supplement for your cat, the Salmon CBD Oil from Penguin is a great option. With broad-spectrum, THC-free hemp oil and 5mg of CBD per ml, this oil was made for the sensitive systems of cats.

Each bottle contains 150mg of CBD as well as healthy MCT oil, natural flavors, and added terpenes. Despite the name, this tincture does not contain salmon oil. Rather, the MCT carrier oil is enhanced with natural flavors to be more appealing to cats.

The broad-spectrum oil is refined to ensure no impurities or other potentially harmful compounds are present. This refining yields a fairly clear product with fewer flavonoids and terpenes than raw oil. To help make up for this without compromising the purity that makes it such a great option for cats, Penguin adds pure terpenes back to the final product.

This oil is a great option for older cats dealing with pain, sleep issues, or chronic anxiety. It might also be helpful for epilepsy and certain types of cancer.

The recommended dose is one dropperful daily, to be adjusted as needed to meet your cat’s needs.

2. CBD Cat Treats

If your cat only needs extra help chilling out on occasion, the CBD Cat Treats from Penguin are an excellent option.

These treats have a pleasing, chewy texture and salmon-chicken flavor that most cats love. This makes them super easy to administer, even in stressful situations.

Unlike most CBD cat treats you’ll find, these ones also have a fairly high concentration of CBD per treat, which means it takes fewer treats to get desirable results. Each soft chew—which is about the size of your typical cat treat—contains 3.3mg of CBD. This equates to a moderate dose for a 10-pound cat.

If your cat needs less, they are very easy to split in half.

The other thing I love about these treats is that they aren’t loaded with artificial or questionable ingredients. The flavors used are all natural and all the ingredients are recognizable. Some of them, like flax oil and brewer’s yeast, even come with their own health benefits.

In addition to CBD, these treats also contain valerian root. This natural herb stimulates production of GABA in the brain, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.

Our Experience With Penguin CBD

I am lucky that my cat doesn’t deal with a lot of anxiety. He’s also young and fairly healthy without chronic issues. But what he does have is an excess of energy.

This is problematic on a daily (and nightly) basis. But I was worried it would be especially bad during his one-week boarding stay over the Fourth of July. I couldn’t imagine crazy Makoa locked up in a cage for seven days without losing his mind.

To help with this, I purchased both of Penguin’s CBD cat products. My hope was that by using the oil every day leading up to the boarding stay, I could help him chill out in general. And then I could bring the treats to be used as needed for those moments when being caged caused too much stress.

I started adding the oil to Makoa’s breakfast about two weeks before the boarding stay. He had no issues slurping it up along with the rest of his food. He also showed no digestive upset or other side effects after starting it.

After about a week, I noticed he was sleeping better overnight (and much of the afternoon) and was more affectionate in general. Other than that, he was just as happy as usual.

I also tested the treats out before his boarding stay by giving him one each night before bedtime. After the first night, he’d come running every time I grabbed the jar and would happily eat the treat and beg for more. The addition of the treats before bedtime did seem to help him stay calmer overnight (that is, he never woke me up these nights).

But the real test came when I dropped him off for boarding (I, of course, packed both CBD products with him). While his cage was well-sized, it was still a cage and Makoa is a cat who spends his days prowling around the yard and running zoomies up and down the stairs.

Because of this, I was shocked when the boarding techs referred to him as “affectionate” and “so sweet” the first time I checked in on him. This trend continued throughout his boarding stay. And when I picked him up, the workers only had the sweetest things to say about him.

Since bringing him back from the kennel, I have continued to use the oil in the mornings and give him one CBD treat before bedtime. The combination seems to really help him relax in between his energetic spells.

For my part, I love how easy both these products are to dose and that I can feel confident using them daily given the quality ingredients and cat-specific formulations.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a safe and effective CBD product for your cat, I highly recommend checking out both of these products from Penguin.

The Cat CBD Treats are so easy to use and perfect for those moments when kitty anxiety gets the better of our furry friends. The chewy texture and quality ingredients are hard for any cat to deny and make them easy to dose.

The Salmon CBD Oil is a great option for cats who need daily CBD to help treat chronic pain, anxiety, and more. With 5mg of CBD per dropper and added salmon flavor, this is another Penguin product that most cats and owners will love.

The post Penguin CBD Cat Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Ever wonder what your cat is up to when you’re not around? Or maybe you’re concerned about their eating habits or changes in behavior. Whatever has you curious about what your kitty is doing when you’re not looking, Catlog has your answers.

This cat tracking collar is more than a step counter. It uses advanced AI algorithms to detect when your cat eats, sleeps, grooms, drinks, and more. It takes this information and breaks it out into various formats that allow you to get an in-depth look at your cat’s day so you can keep better track of their health and wellbeing.

As the owner of a very mischievous, disaster-prone kitty, I was excited to try this smart collar out. After a few weeks, I can say it has done what I hoped it would do while offering a lot more than I expected. Find out what I loved about this collar and where it fell a little short in my full Catlog Smart Collar review, below.

About Catlog

Catlog, which is owned by RABO Inc, is a Japanese company started by Yukiko Iyo. In Japan, cats are almost as popular as dogs as pets, making it a fitting setting for this cat-centric company. Iyo started Catlog with a mission to help cat owners everywhere gain a better understanding of their felines so that they can live longer, happier lives.

Where Are Catlog Products Produced?

Catlog products are designed at RABO headquarters in Tokyo. The company makes two products, the Smart Collar and the Litter Box Monitor. Both are made in Japan.

At the moment, only the Catlog collar is available in the USA.

Which Types of Cat Is the Catlog Smart Cat Collar Best Suited For?

Catlog is a great option for indoor cats over the age of six months. Because it requires a constant wifi connection to transmit data, it is not a good choice for outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats. While kittens could wear the collar, the AI algorithms and collar sizes are made for cats who have reached or are nearing their full body size.

While all indoor cats can take advantage of the many features of this product, it is an especially great option for owners who want to keep an extra close eye on their kitty. Whether your cat has behavioral issues or health concerns, Catlog will warn of changes in activity, sleep, and eating patterns that may signal something is wrong. It can also help you determine the right amount of food for your kitty based on their activity, making it a great option for obese and overly skinny cats.

Smart Cat Collar Overview

Here is an overview of the Catlog Smart Collar by RABO Inc. We’ll look at how this collar works, its many features, the phone app, and the cost.

How It Works

Each Catlog Smart Collar kit comes with a base station and a collar. This station acts as both the charging dock and the connection between the collar and your phone.

To get started, you first need to download the app, then follow the prompts to connect the base station and add the collar pendant. To connect the base to wifi you need to ensure your router is running on 2.4GHz and does not use WPA3 security measures.

Once the app is set up, you can add a profile for your cat, including their age, weight, sex, and a photo of them. Once the collar is on them, the app will begin recording data about their activities throughout the day and night.

The collar uses intelligent AI algorithms to interpret your cat’s movements to determine what they are up to.

Each base station can connect to up to four collars.

Features

This intelligent collar has more features than many human fitness trackers.

In terms of basic functions, it detects and records different activities your cat engages in throughout the day and night, including:

In the app, you can see what your cat is up to at the moment and also access the “diary” page to see what they’ve been up to.

You can also take an in-depth look at each specific activity to see how your cat’s habits compare day to day, week to week, and month to month. Once you get enough data on each activity, the app will even tell you how your cat’s habits compare to other cats of similar sizes and ages.

Another great feature of this collar is the ability to compare how much your cat eats versus how many calories they expend each day. To activate this feature, you first must add your cat’s calorie intake.

The app makes this easy by allowing you to choose your food brand and recipe type to add preloaded calorie content. From there, you just need to measure how much you feed in grams and enter it into the app.

Catlog will then compare this number to how many calories your cat burns throughout the day based on its calculations.

One of the most important features this product provides is warning you when there is a change in behavior or activity, such as if your cat’s activity levels suddenly drop off or if they are not eating as often as they usually do.

The Phone App

All of the information Catlog provides is accessed through the phone app. This app is highly intuitive and has a lot of great features.

At the top of the home screen, it displays what your cat is doing right now. This data has about a two-minute lag time, assuming your cat is within range of the home base.

All of the data is recorded chronologically in the diary page, so you can easily look back on your cat’s day or even reference a day from weeks or months ago.

The app also reports the ambient temperature for the collar at any given time. This is a handy feature if your cat is home alone or out in their catio and you’re concerned they may be getting too hot or cold.

The app works smoothly, though gaps in data are common. I’ve also noticed that push notifications do not always go through, which can leave you with a dead battery you didn’t know about.

Cost

The Catlog Smart Collar system is available on Amazon for about $99. This includes the home base, pendant, and collar band of your choice. You can choose from red with a gold pendant or blue with a white pendant.

Collars are available in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large.

In addition to the upfront cost, you must also purchase a monthly subscription in order to connect and use the Catlog collar. This runs about $14 per month per cat.

At the moment, there is no free trial period and no discount for a yearly rate.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Easily Check In With Your kitty From Anywhere

With this intelligent collar, you can check in on what your cat is up to from anywhere. Whether you’re at work and worried kitty might be bored or you just woke up to a crash and want to see if kitty is downstairs playing, all you need to do is open the app. From here, you can see what your cat has been doing since the last time you checked on them.

Track Changes In Behavior

Catlog provides warnings of changes in behavior long before you are likely to notice them. It does this by comparing your cat’s typical activity, eating, sleeping, and grooming habits day after day. Any sudden changes trigger a warning in the app, giving you an opportunity to intervene before things become more serious.

Get Your kitty In Perfect Shape

This collar makes it easier than ever to figure out exactly how much food your cat needs to be healthy and happy. By inputting your feeding amounts and food type in the app, it will calculate how many calories your cat eats per day. It can then calculate how many calories they burn on average based on their daily activity numbers and tell you exactly how much you are over or underfeeding.

Is The Catlog Smart Cat Collar a Good Value?

Catlog is one of very few cat collars on the market made to track activity and behavior. Most options like it are focused more on GPS tracking than recording activity metrics. Truly comparable products range from slightly less than this one to almost twice as expensive.

While the system itself is a good value, keep in mind that you must also pay a monthly subscription fee. While all the features Catlog has make this fee worth it, it is not a small amount of money in the long term. Plus, it comes with no free trial period even with the purchase of a full system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this collar outside of the house?

In order to send data, the collar must be within range of the base station and the base must have a wifi connection. While it is possible to set it up at other people’s homes, it will not work outdoors or at boarding kennels or vets unless you have access to their wifi.

How long does the battery last?

The battery lasts about 10 days and takes about 1 hour to charge.

Is there a warranty?

Each Catlog product comes with a 1-year warranty.

Our Experience With the Catlog Smart Collar

Anyone who has read my reviews before is probably familiar with my crazy rescue cat, Makoa. Among the many unique things about this Domestic Shorthair is his propensity for eating things he shouldn’t. Thanks to this condition, known as pica, he has already had two surgeries for intestinal obstruction in his short life.

While we do everything we can now to keep certain items away from him, the surest method to keep him from going under the knife is to watch his behavior carefully. If he eats something he shouldn’t and we catch it in time, the vet can typically get him to throw it up before surgery becomes a necessity.

This is where I was hoping the Catlog Smart Collar could help us out.

Since this innovative collar detects changes in activity and eating habits, I was hopeful it could help us intervene early if Makoa started to feel off for any reason.

The collar is small, super lightweight, and seems comfortable enough. It does not have a ring for a tag or bell but does have a breakaway clip, just in case. Makoa had no issues transitioning to this collar from his old standard kitty collar.

Unfortunately, getting this product set up proved to be more difficult than I expected, largely because of my internet settings. While I have never had issues with other wifi enabled pet products, this one has very specific requirements. Luckily, the customer support team was helpful and I was able to get the base station and collar hooked up so I could start using the system.

As soon as I signed in, I could see what Makoa was up to and review his activity on the diary page. This diary view is super helpful. It summarizes his activity at the end of each day, including how many times he ate and drank, and how many hours he spent sleeping, resting, and moving around.

From there, I can scroll down and get an hourly summary of his activities. From what I have seen, they are fairly accurate in reflecting his true movements and behaviors.

While Catlog provides some great insight into his activity, it is not comprehensive. Most hours throughout the day are missing an average of 30 minutes of data. This is true despite the fact that the Catlog home is centrally located and in an area where Makoa normally hangs out.

Despite these data gaps, I am able to get a good day-to-day comparison of his habits and activity levels. This means it’s easy to see changes that might indicate a problem.

After using the collar for about three weeks, I have yet to see any dramatic changes and the app has not reported any concerns. I have recently inputted his food amounts and am very excited to get information back about his food-to-activity level so I can better manage his hunger without overfeeding.

Overall, I have been very impressed with the accuracy of this collar and how many activities it is able to track. I also appreciate the many features, including the warnings about changes in activity and the calorie tracking.

Where I have been less impressed is with the large, unexplainable gaps in data throughout the day and night. But I am hopeful, given that this is a newer product for the US market, that these inconsistencies will be alleviated through software updates in the near future.

For now, I am eager to keep using this collar to help keep a better eye on my mischievous kitty.

Conclusion

For cat owners who want more insight into their kitty’s daily routine, the Catlog Smart Collar is a great option.

This intelligent, lightweight collar records your cat’s activities in real time (plus or minus two minutes) so you can see what they’re up to no matter where you are. And the activity comparison functions and daily diaries help you and the app identify behavior behavior changes that might be indicative of a problem.

While you can expect some data gaps and have to pay extra for a monthly subscription for this product, I think it is well worth the downsides given all it offers. This is especially true for cat owners like me who have a good reason to watch their kitty more closely.

The post Catlog Smart Cat Collar Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

There are so many joys that come with owning a cat, including plenty of free cuddles and lots and lots of silliness. There are also some downsides, most specifically, the dreaded litter box.

If you loathe cleaning the cat box, I have a product for you. The Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box was made to handle stinky litter so you don’t have to. But it does much more than that, including reporting your cat’s potty habits, tracking the box’s litter levels, and notifying you when the waste bin is full.

There is no doubt that this automatic litter box is talented, but is it worth the money?

I had a chance to test the Neakasa self-cleaning litter box with the help of my one-year-old kitty, Makoa. As an auto-cleaning litter box newbie, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Now, after having this talented gadget in my home for a couple of weeks, I’m not sure how I ever lived without it!

About Neakasa

Neakasa got their start in 2017 with a line of highly innovative automated cleaning products for the home. Since then, they have expanded their lineup to include everything from kitchen composters to pet grooming vacuums. And they do it all in the name of simplifying and elevating people’s lives with smart cleaning solutions.

Who Makes Neakasa Cat Boxes and Where Are They Produced?

Neakasa is a global company that serves over 60 countries. They have offices located in the US, China, and Hong Kong. Most of their products are made in China.

Which Type of Cat is the M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Box Best Suited For?

This Neakasa self-cleaning litter box is a great option for cats of all ages. The open-top design makes it more appealing to cats used to a traditional litter box, but even those who desire more privacy are likely to acclimate well to this setup.

This cat box is fairly high off the ground so it may not be the best option for cats with mobility issues. The weight sensors can detect cats who weigh between 2.2 and 33 pounds. For kittens lighter than this, it does have a “kitten setting” that ensures pint-sized users stay safe.

M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Overview

Here is an overview of the many features and functions of the M1 self-cleaning litter box. We’ll take a look at the setup, settings, safety features, phone app, and specifications.

Setup

The Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box consists of three main parts that work together to keep your cat’s litter box clean.

At the bottom of this intelligent machine, you’ll find a collapsable silicon waste bin. This 11-liter bin can hold up to 14 days’ worth of waste. The included waste bags fit perfectly inside and are easy to close, tie, and toss for hassle-free cleaning.

The base of the litter box consists of four tall legs, an intuitive control panel, and a motor that makes all the magic happen.

Tucked into this base is the ingenious, half-cylinder litter box. When ready for use, this rounded box sits at a slight angle, allowing cats to use the litter just as they would in a traditional litter box.

Once they’ve finished their business, the box cleans itself by slowly rotating and dumping the clean litter into a screened compartment. The box continues to turn, dropping the clumped waste into the bin underneath. Once it completes the rotation, the remaining litter is released back into the box and leveled so it’s ready for the next use.

General Settings

This Neakasa cat box comes with many different settings so you can customize it to your cat’s needs.

You can choose to have the unit clean automatically after each use, cyclically after a set number of hours, or only when started manually. You can also choose to turn on automatic coverage (to fully cover any poo in cat litter) and auto-leveling (to level whenever new cat litter is added).

You also have the option to set do-not-disturb periods and reminders for cleaning, litter ordering, and more.

Safety Features

Each of these litter boxes features five infrared laser sensors and four weight sensors to help keep your cat safe. The box will not engage in cleaning if your cat is inside or next to the box.

Even when cleaning has already begun, if any of these sensors are triggered, cleaning will pause and the litter box will stop moving. This prevents cats from getting stuck or pinched as the litter box rotates.

My inquisitive cat tested these safety features thoroughly by trying to jump inside the litter box every time it moved for the first few days. Each time, the box would freeze and patiently wait for him to move on to something else.

Phone App

While the basic premise behind this auto litter box is pretty neat, it’s the phone app and wifi connectivity that elevates it above other self-cleaning options.

Once connected to wifi, Neakasa will record every time your cat uses the litter box, including how long they were there and the time of day they entered. If you have multiple cats, you can create separate profiles for each and the box will track them separately based on weight.

With the app, you can also track how much litter is in the box, how full the waste bin is, and look back on the cleaning record from previous days. You can also kick off cleaning from the app, level the litter, and shop for accessories.

Specifications

This litter box is a bit on the chonky side compared to your typical self-clean box. It’s just over 20 inches tall, 23 inches wide, and 20 inches from front to back. The litter box itself is about 17 inches wide and 15 inches across.

This is plenty of room for even big cats to get in. But do note that the size of the litter area is a bit smaller than the opening.

When empty, this hoss weighs about 23 pounds but does have carrying handles, which makes it easy enough to move around.

The phone app is compatible with both iOS and Android.

The starter kit for this litter box comes with two rolls of waste bin bags and a very effective litter mat.

In Summary

Key Features

Self Cleaning Options

With this intelligent self-cleaning solution, you can choose the right cleaning settings for your cat and lifestyle. The “smart clean” mode automatically cleans the litter 5 minutes after your cat leaves the box. Or you can choose to have it clean every set number of hours or only when you tell it to.

You can also set do-not-disturb periods that will prevent the cat box from cleaning itself during the night or other times of the day.

Tracks Potty Habits for Multiple Cats

This smart litter box tracks how often your cat uses the potty throughout the day and night. It records not only when they entered, but also how long they stayed and their weight at the time of using the bathroom.

If you have multiple cats, you can set up different profiles for each. Using each individual cat’s weight, the Neakasa will differentiate between who uses the potty each time.

Intelligent Phone App

In addition to helping you keep track of your cat’s potty habits, the connected phone app also gives you full control of all the features of this box. You can scroll through previous usage records, set cleaning preferences, auto-clean with the touch of a button, track how much litter is inside, and set reminders for manual cleaning, refilling, and more.

Is the Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box a Good Value?

The average self-cleaning litter box costs around $200. But if you want one with wifi connectivity like the Neakasa, you have to up your budget to between $400 and $750.

With a list price of $600, the Neakasa M1 sits comfortably within this average range. Considering its unique open-top design and many extra features, I would say it is well worth that price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need a special litter for this self-cleaning box?

No, any standard clumping, scoopable litter with pieces smaller than 3mm in diameter and 10mm in length will work. Non-clumping, loosely clumping, and nontraditional (such as wood grain) litters will not work with this box.

Do cats take to this litter box easily?

Yes, in general, cats have no issue transitioning to this litter box, especially if you use litter they are already accustomed to. For scaredy cats, it can be helpful to turn off auto-cleaning until they are readily using the box.

How often do I need to empty the waste bin?

The large waste bin of this litter box typically lasts 2 weeks before it gets filled up. However, you may want to clean it more often than this to avoid odor or if you have multiple cats.

Is this litter box safe?

Yes, this self-cleaning box features 9 different sensors to ensure it only cleans when your cat is well out of the way. If your cat comes near it during cleaning, the box will stop moving and wait until they leave to continue cleaning.

Our Experience With Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box

I’m not averse to cleaning the litter box (I’ve been doing it since it landed on my chore list at the age of eight), but finding the time to get it done is a challenge. That’s one of many reasons why I was excited to try out this intelligent self-cleaning box from Neakasa.

Right off the bat, I was impressed with the litter and waste capacity of this thing. I was a little less impressed with how big it was as a whole, though. I ended up having to rearrange my entire laundry room to get it to fit.

On the plus side, it was super easy to unbox and get set up.

I wasn’t worried at all about my cat, Makoa, using this new contraption—he will happily relieve himself in anything that holds a litter-like substance. But just to be sure, I added the clean litter from his old litter box to the unit.

Makoa spent quite a while exploring the new box and was especially taken with the fact that it moved on its own. In fact, he interrupted the first cleaning cycle about thirty times. Luckily, all the safety features of this litter box ensured that no matter how often he tried to crawl inside while it was working, he never once got pinched or stuck.

Getting the box connected to wifi and the app set up was also exceptionally easy. Once this was done, I added Makoa’s profile and set my cleaning preferences.

One feature that I really appreciate is the do-not-disturb setting. Because Makoa has pica and can’t be trusted to roam freely throughout the house at night, he sleeps in the laundry room where the litter box is.

I was worried that the box would never be able to complete a cleaning if he was locked up with it. Him constantly bugging it could lead to the box getting stuck upside down for hours, leaving him no place to potty. Luckily, with the do-not-disturb setting, I’m able to turn off auto cleaning at night and have it resume in the morning.

The other really great thing about this cat box is how it tracks your cat’s usage. The first sign Makoa has eaten something he shouldn’t is a disturbance in his normal bathroom routine. By looking through his potty log on the app each day, I can be sure everything is running smoothly.

I can even tell when he sleeps in the litter box!

This smart box also does a pretty decent job of sealing in odors. I typically clean the cat box twice a week. But with the Neakasa, I don’t notice any smells until about seven days have passed (and this is when using fragrance-free clay litter without any odor absorbers).

As an automatic litter box newbie, I am more than impressed with how easy the Neakasa M1 has made litter box cleaning. But what really sets this option apart from others is the smart app, unique open-top design, and the many customizable options.

Conclusion

Whether you have one cat or a whole pride of them, cleaning the litter box is a chore better left to the robots. If you’re considering a self-cleaning option, I highly recommend the Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

Not only does this intelligent system take all the hassle out of cleaning up after your cat, but it also helps you track their health. The in-depth usage logs tell you when your cat uses the box and for how long. For multi-cat households, it can even differentiate between different users.

This functionality combined with an extra-large waste bin, open-top design, and customizable cleaning options puts this auto-cleaning litter box high above the competition.

The post Neakasa M1 Open Top Self-Cleaning Litter Box Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If our kitties could thrive on love and affection alone, they would all live a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, we know it takes more than cuddles and good intentions to keep felines feeling their best. A healthy, happy life starts with a quality diet packed full of the protein these obligate carnivores need.

But in a world dominated by commercial cat food filled with grains, low-quality meat, and unnatural additives, how do we make sure our cats get what they need? The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co thinks they have the answer.

Their long line of air-dried diets, freeze-dried diets, and natural cat treats are loaded with high-quality meat and a handful of superfood additions. Each recipe contains the best of what New Zealand has to offer, from free-range lamb to king salmon to wild venison.

I had a chance to sample multiple products from this company on my 11-month-old rescue cat, Makoa. He certainly had a lot of good things to say about them and I’m pretty impressed with these foods myself, but is this lineup right for your cat?

Find out that and more in my full review of The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co.

At a Glance: What We Received

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Chicken & King Salmon Air Dried Cat Food	97% meat, organs, and bones Crunchy texture Chicken, lamb, salmon, and green muscle	CHECK PRICE
		Lamb & King Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food	97% meat, organs, and bones Raw meat and superfoods Soft morsels	CHECK PRICE
		Wild Venison Freeze Dried Cat Bites	Soft texture Venison, lamb, tripe, and green muscle Use as treat or topper	CHECK PRICE
		Beef Green Tripe Freeze Dried Cat Treats	Highly palatable Soft texture Prebiotics and probiotics	CHECK PRICE

About The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co

The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co was started in 2016 by friends and pet parents, Amber Cordero and Jacqueline Taylor. They wanted a way to provide beloved pets around the world with high-quality, wholesome food that could help them thrive. And they wanted to do it while also being mindful of the planet.

The company offers two lines of pet food. Their MEOW line features food, treats, and toppers for cats, while their WOOF line offers the same for dogs.

Where is The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co’s Products Produced?

This natural pet food company makes all their recipes in small batches at their New Zealand facility. They source their fair trade ingredients from local farms and suppliers with an eye for sustainability and ethical practices.

Almost all of the meat and superfoods used in their recipes are harvested in New Zealand and the surrounding waters.

Which Types of Cats is The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Best Suited For?

All of the diets and treats this company makes are approved for all life stages. This means they can be fed to kittens, adults, and seniors.

Each recipe is loaded with protein from various meat sources. The vast majority of cats will benefit from the high protein and fat content but some felines with specific health issues, such as kidney disease, may not be a good match for this food.

This company offers a number of different recipe options, including some very novel proteins. For cats with common food allergies, there are likely to be multiple recipes they can eat without issue.

Key Features

There are a number of key features that set The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co’s MEOW line apart from your average cat food brand. Below we’ll take a closer look at what goes into their recipes, how they’re prepared, and the many options available.

Whole Raw Meat Ingredients

Every meal offering from the MEOW line features several raw meat ingredients in their recipes. These ingredients always appear at the top of the ingredient list and make up around 97% of the total recipe.

But what really sets The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co apart from other freeze-dried pet food options is their inclusion of ground bone and organ meat.

Not only does ground bone offer calcium, which your cat needs to thrive, but it also contains bone marrow. Bone marrow is full of important nutrients as well as collagen, glucosamine, and anti-inflammatory factors that can help keep your kitty healthy.¹

The organ meat found in these diets also brings plenty of nutrition. Liver, kidneys, and other organs provide many vitamins and minerals that muscle meat doesn’t. These cuts are also a great source of protein and contain less fat than muscle meat.²

None of the meat ingredients in these recipes are exposed to heat or pressure. Maintaining this raw state means they offer more in terms of nutrients, amino acids, and intact enzymes. All of these factors are important to maintaining optimal kitty health.

Added Superfoods

In addition to the long list of meats in each recipe, these offerings from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co also contain some powerful and unique superfoods.

Kelp is added to most recipes because it contains important amino acids. It’s also a great sustainable source of omega fatty acids. Research has shown that kelp can help boost immune system function and improve dental health in pets.

Another ingredient you’ll find in all meal recipes is New Zealand Green Mussel. This superfood is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its omega fatty acid content and anti-inflammatory properties are well known for improving joint health.

Manuka honey is a superfood you can only find in New Zealand and Australia. That’s because it’s made by bees that pollinate native tea tree flowers. This type of honey has powerful antibiotic and antiviral properties and is also a potent anti-inflammatory.

Most recipes also contain organic virgin coconut oil and hoki fish oil, both of which are packed with health-supporting fats.

Minimally Processed

It doesn’t matter how many great ingredients you pack into a pet food, if you expose that food to heat or pressure, it’s going to be less nutritious. That’s why The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co does not heat or pressure process any of their meals or treats.

Instead, they use freeze-drying or air-drying to finish their recipes.

Freeze-dried raw foods are made by freezing raw ingredients, and then removing the moisture by placing them in a vacuum. This produces a product that contains very little moisture while keeping all of the nutrients and enzymes intact. While this food is still technically raw, it doesn’t contain enough moisture to support bacterial growth, making it much safer to handle.

Air-dried raw food is made by exposing raw ingredients to circulating air until most of the moisture in it evaporates. Like freeze drying, this process leaves the nutrients and enzymes intact while reducing the moisture so that bacteria can’t grow.

Multiple Recipe Options

The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co offers a long list of freeze-dried diets and treats as well as many air-dried options.

The air-dried foods have a crunchy texture but are much less dense than traditional kibble. They are crumbly, which means the pieces themselves come in a variety of sizes from large-kibble to fine topper consistency.

The freeze-dried foods have a very soft texture that can be easily crumbled. They can be fed as is or soaked in water to create a sort of pate. These cylindrical pieces are fairly large but are easy to break apart, even for cats without teeth.

The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co has many different recipe options, most of which are available in freeze-dried and air-dried preparations. Their current meal recipe options include:

Reviews of the The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Recipes We Received

1. Chicken & King Salmon Air Dried Cat Food

The Chicken & King Salmon air-dried food from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co is packed with protein from three different animal sources. All the protein and the bulk of the nutrients in this food come from chicken with ground bone, chicken heart, lamb green tripe, king salmon with bone, and chicken liver.

All those quality, biologically appropriate ingredients make up 97% of what’s in this food. The other 3% consists of superfoods like green-lipped mussel, manuka honey, kelp, and hoki oil. A short list of amino acid mineral complexes is also added to round out the nutrition profile.

The crunchy texture and simple feeding instructions make this air-dried food a great choice for cats transitioning from kibble. It doesn’t require any special preparation and can be added to the bowl just like traditional cat food.

The airy density of this food makes it a bit more crumbly than what most people are used to. This makes it fairly messy but also, in my experience, makes it more appealing to cats. This is especially true for older cats and those with dental problems.

2. Lamb & King Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food

Freeze-dried cat food brings all the benefits of raw in a package that is easier to handle and prepare. This lamb and king salmon diet from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co is no exception.

It’s packed with quality animal ingredients that provide the macro and micronutrients your cat needs to thrive. The first six ingredients are lamb, king salmon with ground bone, lamb green tripe, lamb heart, lamb liver, and lamb kidney.

Like the air-dried formula above, this one contains 97% animal ingredients plus a handful of superfoods. Because of this, it needs only a trace amount of added nutrients. Most of these are in amino acid complex form which greatly enhances their absorbability.

This food comes in relatively large chunks. But these are very soft and easy to break or crumble. In fact, they are soft enough that even kitties without teeth could easily eat them.

As with most freeze-dried pet foods, you have the option to feed these as they are or to soak them in water to rehydrate them into a pate-like consistency. They can also be crumbled onto your cat’s kibble or wet food. My cat happily gobbles this diet up in all forms.

3. Wild Venison Freeze Dried Cat Bites

In addition to food, The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co also makes a line of “bites.” These freeze-dried morsels are very similar to their meal recipes but come in smaller packages. They are meant to be used as toppers for traditional food or as a convenient meal option for travel.

The wild venison recipe contains seven quality meat ingredients. These include wild venison, lamb, lamb green tripe, lamb kidney, and ground lamb bone. Like the full recipes, this one contains a handful of superfoods, including manuka honey, rosemary, and hoki oil.

This recipe option is high in protein and lower in fat than most, making it a great option for less active cats.

The pellets in this freeze-dried option resemble those in the meal recipes. They are fairly large but are easily broken up thanks to their soft texture. This makes them easy to crumble over kibble for an enticing topper that will convince even picky eaters to clean their bowl.

Both the macro and micronutrient profiles of these bites match that of most of the meal recipes. This makes them highly versatile and a great option for travel or special occasions. If you’re considering The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co but aren’t sure if it’s right for your cat, opting for one of these smaller bags is a great way to test out their product line.

4. Beef Green Tripe Freeze Dried Cat Treats

If you’re looking for a cat treat even your picky eater can’t deny, this is it. These beef green tripe freeze-dried treats from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co are highly palatable. And they feature the same soft, chewy texture as the other freeze-dried offerings from this company.

This recipe contains just two simple ingredients, beef green tripe and New Zealand green mussel.

Tripe is made from the stomach lining of ruminants. It has a naturally potent flavor and odor that most cats cannot resist. It also offers many benefits for gut health, including prebiotics and probiotics. The added green mussel provides many health benefits of its own and has a similarly enticing flavor.

As an added benefit, these treats are packed with protein and healthy fats.

This is just one of many freeze-dried and air-dried treat options from The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. One of my cat’s other favorites is the freeze-dried green mussels. These fun treats are made of whole green mussels that still retain their original shape and look.

Our Experience With The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co

My cat, Makoa, has had a sensitive gut since battling multiple infections as a kitten. After finally getting him off antibiotics and strengthening his gut biome with multiple supplements, he is finally at a place where he is ready for less processed, more biologically appropriate food.

That’s why I was so excited about the opportunity to try some of The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co recipes. I got a variety of options to test out, including air-dried food, freeze-dried food, and multiple different bites and treat options.

I started by slowly mixing in the Chicken & King Salmon air-dried food with his normal kibble. From day one, it’s been clear he prefers The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co option. He always picks it out of his bowl first.

At the same time, I started mixing the Lamb & King Salmon freeze-dried food with his canned food at meal times. After a few days, I had transitioned him entirely over to the new food.

It takes a bit more time to prep this raw food than standard canned food, but only because I prefer to let it soak in water. But there is no doubt that he loves it!

In fact, the only thing he likes better than the meal recipes from this company are their treats. He is a big fan of the Wild Venison bites but definitely loves the Beef Tripe and New Zealand Green Mussel treats the best.

After a couple of weeks of eating the new food and treats, he already seems like he has more energy than he did before. His coat seems softer, too. And, remarkably, his sensitive stomach has held up rather well during the transition.

For my part, I am really impressed by the ingredients used in these recipes. Not only are they packed with quality animal meats and unique superfoods, but they also contain many novel ingredients you won’t see in most other cat foods. This is great for kitties with food allergies and provides a different nutrient profile that can benefit all cats.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to seriously up your cat’s nutrition game, I can’t recommend The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co’s MEOW line enough.

Both their meals and treats are packed with protein from quality raw meat sources. For owners looking for a simple dry-kibble substitute, the air-dried line is a great option. Or for those who want raw made easy, the freeze-dried recipes are a wonderful place to start.

My cat Makoa has nothing but good things to say about everything he has tried from this company. And I feel great knowing that he is getting everything he needs to thrive thanks to these wholesome, nutrient-dense options made with sustainable, fair-trade ingredients.

The post The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co Brand Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

There’s nothing better than snuggling with your kitty after a long day. Unless, of course, you happen to be allergic to that loveable feline. 

For every cat owner out there whose love of kitties is at odds with their immune system’s disdain for cat hair and dander, I give you the Austin Air HealthMate.

This medical-grade air purifier was made for homeowners who are serious (and I mean SERIOUS) about clean air. And for cat owners who happen to be allergic to cats, it may just be the remedy you didn’t know you needed.

With a particulate prefilter, true medical HEPA filter, and carbon and zeolite biofilter, this purifier can handle more than cat hair. It’s also been proven to remove over 99% of all airborne particulates, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, and VOCs.

I, thankfully, am not allergic to my cat, but I do have an incredibly reactive respiratory system made worse by all the colds my daughter brings home and any impurities in the air. That’s why I wanted to try out the HealthMate. 

Keep reading to find out how this supercharged air purifier helped me and to see my full Austin Air HealthMate review.

About Austin Air

Austin Air got its start decades ago when founder Richard Taylor set out to help his wife with her chronic respiratory symptoms. Drawing on the fact that his wife only felt relief when in her hospital room, Richard designed a home air purifier with the same medical-grade filters used in hospitals. 

Austin Air was born after Richard saw how much relief this home air purifier offered his wife. Now, over thirty years later, millions have benefited from these purifiers and half a dozen clinical studies have proved their effectiveness.

Where Are Austin Air Purifiers Manufactured?

Austin Air boasts the largest air purifier manufacturing facility in the world. Every one of their air purifiers is made in-house in their Buffalo, New York, facility. The company controls the manufacture of all parts of the units, including the filters and finish paint.

Who Will Benefit Most from Austin Air’s HealthMate?

Austin Air’s purifiers are the only clinically proven air purifiers available for home use. Their powerful filter is effective against 99% of airborne contaminants under 0.1 microns and even more effective against larger particles like cat hair and dander. 

All this is to say that this powerful machine is perfect for anyone who is dead-set on improving their air quality. Whether you have a cat you’re allergic to, want relief from chronic respiratory infections, or just want to vastly improve the air quality in your home, this unit is an excellent choice.

HealthMate Overview

Here’s an overview of Austin Air’s most popular air purifier, the HealthMate. We’ll look at what’s inside this unit, the different settings, the technical specs, maintenance costs, and your ordering options.

The Filter

Each HealthMate unit contains a massive, cylindrical filter with three primary layers.

The first is a prefilter meant to capture any large particles that make it through the metal grate on the outside of the unit. This filter removes things such as cat hair, dander, dust, and any other visible particles in the air.

The second layer is made up of a mix of carbon and zeolite. These two biological materials actively capture and absorb gasses, odors, and chemicals in the air.

The innermost layer consists of a true medical-grade HEPA filter. This powerful filter captures 99.97% of particles over 0.3 microns and 99% of particles down to 0.1 microns. It effectively removes bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic allergens and pathogens in the air.

Austin Air’s filters have been clinically tested with some amazing results. For example, one trial done by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital showed that using a HealthMate air purifier in the bedrooms of asthmatic children overnight reduced hospital visits by 20%.

Settings

To call the HealthMate “simple to operate” would be an understatement. This purifier has only four settings: high, medium, low, and off. 

The single dial on the front controls the speed of the motor. There are no auto settings, filter reminders, or other fancy settings you’re likely to find on other home purifiers. 

For those looking for a purifier that knows a lot of tricks, this is not the unit for you. But if you’re serious about cleaning your air, the downsides of the HealthMate’s simplicity are easily overshadowed by the air-cleaning power it delivers. 

Technical Specifications

The HealthMate is a beast among home air purifiers. It’s made entirely of powdered coated steel and weighs a hefty 47 pounds. It’s about as durable an air purifier as you’re likely to find.

At 14.5″ long by 14.5″ wide and 23″ tall, this is a sizable unit. But none of that space goes to waste. The intake vent extends over all four sides of the base and the filter inside is large enough to thoroughly clean every molecule of air that’s sucked inside.

The unit sits on four sturdy castors so it can easily be rolled around as needed. The high-efficiency motor is extremely powerful, a fact that is obvious the second you turn this beast on high.

Maintenance Costs

One thing you must always consider before purchasing an air purifier is the maintenance costs associated with it. This means taking a hard look at both the cost of running the unit as well as the cost of replacing the filter.

I tested my unit using an electricity usage meter. Here are my readings and cost calculations (based on the national average cost of electricity):

The average air purifier costs about $10 a month or $120 per year to run 24/7. Considering this, the HealthMate is actually very cost-effective to use. This is true even if you crank it up to high and leave it running all day and night.

Another place where the HealthMate shines in terms of value is in the filter replacement department.

The massive cylindrical filter on this unit lasts 5 years. This kind of lifespan is unheard of in the air purifier world. Most filters for home use only last 3 to 9 months.

When it’s time to replace this filter, you will have to fork over some cash. The HealthMate series filters cost about $290 each. 

However, if you break this down by cost over time, you’d be paying less than $15 every three months. Considering the average cost of a three-month air purifier filter is about $30, this filter is actually fairly affordable.

Options

The HealthMate model is available in four colors: white, black, sandstone, and midnight blue. I opted for the midnight blue option and it matches the accents in my home perfectly. 

If you’re looking for a unit that’s a little smaller or one that has an even more powerful filter, Austin Air offers some additional options in other models. 

The HealthMate Plus model does everything the original does plus it better captures chemicals like formaldehyde thanks to the addition of potassium iodide. This option is a great choice for those affected by wildfires and airborne toxins.

For those with intense allergy issues, Austin Air’s Allergy Machine might be the best option. This unit improves upon the base design of the original with increased airflow to reduce airborne allergens in half the time. 

Lastly, Austin Air offers all of their HealthMate units in the “Junior” size. These purifiers are about 7 inches shorter and less than half as heavy as the originals. 

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Clinically Proven Air Cleaning Abilities

Many air purifier manufacturers claim their units are effective at cleaning the air, but only Austin Air has the clinical trials to prove it. 

Through six different clinical trials the HealthMate has been shown to reduce asthma and COPD symptoms, effectively clean air in homes with smokers, and reduce pollution associated with airplane traffic.

Simple Functionality

When allergies are ruining your life, you don’t have time for fancy settings and a long list of features. What you need is powerful filtration that works fast without all the glimmer and glam. And that’s what the HealthMate delivers.

With three speeds and no additional buttons, this machine was made to be turned on to quickly and effectively clean the air.

Cost Effective

Given how powerful this machine is (and, yes, you can hear that power the moment you turn it on), you might be surprised to find out it’s also impressively cost-effective to run and maintain.

Even on the highest setting, this unit only costs about 25 cents per day to run nonstop. On the lowest setting, it will only cost you 5 cents per day to run overnight. Just as impressive, the filter lasts five years and costs about half as much to replace as the average home air purifier filter, when you take lifespan into account.

Is the HealthMate a Good Value?

The HealthMate is a sizeable investment, with new units costing just over $700. However, if you compare it to the competition and consider the performance and power of this model, it’s an impressive value.

Not only does it deliver better performance than most purifiers in this price range, but the maintenance costs are much lower. Most competitor purifiers feature filters that last only 9 months or less and cost, on average, about $100 to replace each time. The HealthMate, by comparison, has a filter that lasts five years and costs only $290 to replace (this equates to about $44 every nine months).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the square footage rating for the HealthMate?

In general, the square footage rating of the HealthMate is about 1500. However, Austin Air doesn’t like to look at performance in terms of square footage or CADR since there are too many variables that affect these numbers. They suggest using the HealthMate in large bedrooms and spaces and the Junior model in small bedrooms and offices.

Does the HealthMate produce any harmful substances?

No, the HealthMate does not use any chemical or ionizing filters and therefore does not release any ozone, ions, or toxins.

How noisy is the HealthMate?

Short answer, fairly noisy. On high it produces a considerable amount of noise (about 60.5 decibels according to my measurements). On low, it has a nice white noise sound and puts out about 37 decibels. This level is not too noticeable but it is noisier than most home air purifiers set to the lowest setting.

Our Experience With Austin Air’s HealthMate

I have reviewed a lot of air purifiers throughout my career. I’ve tested everything from itty bitty countertop units to purifiers made to combat chemical warfare toxins.

One look at the HealthMate and I knew I was dealing with a unit closer to the latter end of the purifying spectrum.

This thing is a beast. The full-steel body and massive filter make clear this unit is built for powerful air purification. In my opinion, this is a good thing, though it did leave me wishing my bedroom was on the first floor!

While I don’t have any allergies to my cat, Makoa, or the other pets in my house, I do have chronic respiratory issues. I have something called “reactive airway,” a type of asthma with no clear cause. Mine seems to be most affected by viruses, but any irritant in the air can make my symptoms worse.

And that’s why it was worth it to haul my HealthMate up the stairs to my bedroom. 

This powerful purifier filters not just cat dander and other allergens, but also 99% of pathogens like viruses and bacteria. I hoped that the unit would help reduce my exposure to everything and hopefully improve my chronic cough and congestion.

I have been using the unit nightly for the last week and have already noticed improvement. Most specifically, I’ve woken up consistently with less stuffiness and have slept more soundly through the night with fewer cough attacks. 

I use the low setting most of the time. It has a pleasing, though not entirely quiet sound. My husband loves it and uses it in place of our white noise machine at night. 

The higher settings are loud enough that they make it hard to watch TV, but I rarely have to use these settings. I typically only crank the unit up after cleaning the cat box, vacuuming, or doing anything else that kicks up a lot of dust. After about fifteen minutes on high, the air quality noticeably improves.

As far as Makoa, my kitty, is concerned, this metal box is a mystery. However, he does seem to enjoy sticking his face in front of the air outlet and letting his whiskers blow in the breeze. For me, though, this purifier is life-changing. 

It has already helped reduce my respiratory symptoms and I’m hopeful it can help prevent me from catching every single virus my kindergartener brings home. I also really love the blue color!

Conclusion

Whether you’re allergic to your cat or just want your kitties and the rest of your family to enjoy better quality air, the HealthMate from Austin Air delivers. 

This powerful air purifier is clinically proven to reduce respiratory symptoms and clean household air of pathogens, pollutants, and allergens. It’s far more utilitarian than your average household purifier but also more effective while still being affordable to run and maintain. For anyone serious about seriously clean air, the HealthMate is worth a look.

• See also: Molekule Air Mini+ Review: A Detailed Look

The post Austin Air HealthMate Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you’re looking for a special gift for the cat lover in your life, nothing beats a customized creation. One company that offers a host of pet-centric gifts in this category is Unifury.

Unifury is most well-known for their hand-drawn family and pet compilations. These unique images can be printed on mugs, t-shirts, posters, pillows, and more. They also have many photo print products to choose from, including the fun, colorful, and stylish Personalized Pet Photo Retro T-Shirt.

This customized gift makes for a great way to surprise and celebrate the cat lovers in your life, whether it be for their birthday, Mother’s Day, or Christmas.

I had the opportunity to get a retro tee printed with my cat’s image. I thought it would be a fun product to check out and review. I had no idea how much I would love it!

To find out more about what makes this product so unique, why I liked it so much, and to see my full Unifury Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt review, keep reading.

About Unifury

Unifury was started in 2014 by entrepreneur and pet lover, Lya Meyers. After a decade in the IT industry, she set out to find a more fulfilling career path. That’s when she decided to combine her love of creative design with her passion for helping people connect, both with their each other and their pets.

Today, Unifury offers dozens of different gift options featuring customized images of people, dogs, and cats.

Where Are Unifury Products Produced?

Unifury has headquarters in California, Vietnam, and Singapore. Most of the printing for products sold in the US market is done at their US facility. The products themselves are sourced from around the world.

The T-shirt I received, for instance, was made in Honduras.

Who Is Unifury Best Suited For?

Unifury offers a wide variety of products, each of which features a customized print or drawing. These images can be of dogs, cats, or humans. This is to say that products from this company are a great choice for anyone who might enjoy clothing, a mug, a blanket, or similar items with the likeness of their favorite people or pets on them.

For cat lovers, Unifury offers many great options, from T-shirts that say “This Human Belongs to (your pet’s name here)” to hand-painted coffee mugs with your cat’s adorable face.

Overview

Here is an overview of one of Unifury’s most popular items for cat owners, the Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt. We’ll look at the options available in this product category, the print quality, the T-shirt quality, and the available customizations.

Product Options

Unifury has a number of different photo print T-shirt options available. I chose the Retro Comfort Colors tee for the bright, fun background image.

Other photo print T-shirt options include:

And many more!

The company also offers many special occasion T-shirts, including eclipse, Christmas, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and more.

Print Quality

The print quality of Unifury’s shirts is exceptionally high. The colors are vivid and the details are clear. And, most importantly, the photo prints look exactly like the image you submit.

The cropping is also impressively well done. You’d never know the portrait image was pulled from a picture with a background. I also really enjoy that, on the retro shirt, a shadow is inserted behind the image to make it look like the cat is in front of the colorful background.

The print section itself is thick and seems like it will last. However, there are careful washing instructions that should be followed to ensure the color and integrity of the image stand the test of time.

The shirts need to be washed inside out on cold and dried on low.

Shirt Quality

I was blown away by the print quality of this product, but less impressed with the quality of the shirt itself. Or, I should say, with the comfort of the shirt.

The shirt is thick and certainly well-made, but it’s far from the most comfy shirt I own. The fabric is a little stiff and the collar is pretty narrow. This is true even though the shirt itself is a bit long and wide for me.

I think the main issue here is that these shirts are unisex. They seem like they would be a much better fit for a man. For women, I recommend sizing down.

The shirts themselves are 100% cotton and do have a nice durable feel to them. I’m hopeful that after a few washes, mine will soften up a bit.

That said, I will still be wearing this shirt often because it’s just too dang awesome.

Customization Options

Most T-shirt products from Unifury come with plenty of options in terms of color and size. The retro shirt is no exception.

It’s available in 21 different colors including some classics like white, black, and gray. And some more unique hues, including mustard, blossom, and heliconia. I chose the blue spruce color.

Each shirt is available in seven sizes from small to 4XL. Unfortunately, there is no extra-small option, which probably would have been the best choice for me.

Pros & Cons

Key Features

High-Quality Prints

These aren’t the iron-on photo print shirts you used to make yourself in your parents’ basement. Each of Unifury’s custom print shirts features a high-quality digital print taken from the photograph you submit.

The colors are vivid and the details are clear. Thanks to the careful cropping, the portrait cutout looks natural against the background and features impressive attention to detail with fur and whiskers sticking out beyond the boundaries of the cat’s body.

Easy to Order

Unifury makes it super simple to order your custom T-shirt or gift. All you need to do is pick your shirt style, pick your color and size, and upload a photo of your kitty. Orders typically take 8 to 15 business days to arrive.

So Many Options

With 21 different color options, seven sizes, and an endless list of different T-Shirt products to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect custom gift for you or a loved one. And that’s before you upload the photo of your favorite furry friend to be featured on the shirt.

Is Unifury’s Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt a Good Value?

There are a lot of companies that offer custom T-shirt printing but the quality can vary greatly as can the price. When comparing Unifury to the most popular photo printing service and their T-shirt options, I found Unifury to be slightly more expensive. However, the more popular print service does not do any cropping of the images you submit.

Considering the high print quality and the detail that goes into cropping the picture to put your kitty front and center, I’d say Unifury is a very good value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I see a proof of my order?

There is no pre-order proof option available for the Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt, unfortunately. But many of the products do offer a proof image before your order is finalized. For products that don’t have a pre-order proof, you can request a proof be emailed before the item ships by going through the Contact Us tab.

How long will it take to receive my order?

On average, apparel prints take 3 to 5 days to create and an additional 5 to 10 days to ship, depending on the destination.

Can I upload pictures of multiple cats?

For the Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt Retro Comfort Colors option, you can only upload one picture as the shirt only features one cat. However, many of Unifury’s shirts are meant to feature multiple cats.

Our Experience With Unifury’s Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt

When I learned I’d have the opportunity to get one of Unifury’s shirts for a review, I was excited—who doesn’t want a shirt with their cat’s photo on it!?

But I had no idea just how much I would like the final product.

The moment I opened the package and laid eyes on the shirt, I was giddy. There’s just something so fun about seeing your cat staring back at you from a piece of clothing.

What makes this specific product even more loveable are the bright retro colors in the background and the fun script that spells out the cat’s name along the bottom. It has such a fun look to it.

The print quality is exceptionally high and I love that Makoa’s whiskers stick out beyond the edge of his body. This combined with the shadow on the background really makes it look like the picture was taken in front of that fun retro backing.

As I mentioned above, this isn’t the most comfortable shirt I own. It has the stiff feel and tight neck of a T-shirt made for men. It’s thick and high quality and 100% cotton, though, which is nice.

And given how much I love the print of Makoa, I will still be wearing it quite often.

As much as I love this shirt, I can say with confidence that my daughter loves it even more. She cute-rages on it every time I wear it. I only wish Unifury made shirts in kids’ sizes so she could have her own!

I’m already planning to gift a Unifury shirt with one of my dogs on it to my husband for his birthday and will definitely be keeping this company in mind for future gift-giving occasions.

Conclusion

If there’s a cat lover in your life, I highly recommend checking out Unifury’s Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirts as a gift option.

These shirts feature high-quality prints with well-cropped portraits that perfectly capture the kitty’s likeness. The shirts are available in over twenty different colors and seven sizes. Plus, Unifury has dozens of different gift options so you can find the perfect one for your friend, loved one, or for yourself.

• See also: All About Vibe Custom Shaped Pet Pillow Review: A Detailed Look

The post Unifury Personalized Pet Photo T-Shirt Review 2024: Our Expert’s Opinion by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

When I think of cat ladies, my mind immediately goes to the crazy cat lady on The Simpsons. That’s exactly the kind of stigma CatLadyBox is trying to do away with. And they’ve come up with a pretty fun way to accomplish that.

Of course, I’m talking about the CatLadyBox subscription. This subscription gift box service delivers fun, fashionable, and fabulous cat-related clothing, accessories, and household items straight to your door. These items are perfect for cat-loving ladies (and everyone else) who flirt with the line between obsessed and crazy but don’t necessarily want to cross it.

I’ve had cats my entire life and am as obsessed with them as I am with pretty much any animal I can cuddle up with. So, I was overjoyed at the opportunity to test out the CatLadyBox subscription for myself. My ever-playful cat, Makoa, insisted I upgrade to the CRAZY CatLadyBox (his words, not mine), so my boxes came with some extra gifties for kitties, as well.

Find out how much Makoa and I loved our subscription boxes and where we saw some room for improvement in my full CatLadyBox subscription review, below.

At a Glance: The CatLadyBox Products We Received

	Image	Product	Details
		Paw-romise Ring	Adorable paw print pattern Sturdy and well-made Gap design for customizable fit	CHECK PRICE
		Paw of Flowers T-Shirt	Super soft material Adorable but understated design Great colors (especially if pet hair is an issue)	CHECK PRICE
		Mewotivational Coasters	Neutral design to go with any decor Fun and inspirational catty quotes Useful around the house and in the kitchen	CHECK PRICE
		Feline Fresh Spring Stackers	Three nesting Tupperware-style containers Twist on lids Super cute and fun spring cat design	CHECK PRICE

About CatLadyBox

This kitty-lover subscription box company was born out of multiple cat-related endeavors by founder, Dorian Wagner.

It started with a blog dedicated to adorable cat videos. With the profits from the blog, Dorian started a toy and treat drive for shelter animals that eventually became a full-fledged volunteer network for transporting homeless kitties to no-kill shelters and new forever homes.

From those humble beginnings, CatLadyBox was born. With every subscription box purchased, CatLadyBox donates to a cat charity or rescue group.

Who Makes the CatLadyBox Products?

Each item that comes in your CatLadyBox is exclusive to the company and many are created by their in-house artists. This means you won’t find these items on the shelf at the store. It also means that every cat toy that arrives in your box will be a one-of-a-kind find.

Many of these products are made for CatLadyBox by outside companies with global manufacturing plants.

Which Types of Cats Is CatLadyBox Best Suited For?

The CRAZY CatLadyBox, which is an upgrade from the original box, contains two cat toys on top of the goodies for you. These toys differ each month, but most are play-focused, including plush kickers, wands, and catnip-filled chasers. With this in mind, these boxes are best for playful kittens and cats.

But I think the real question here is which types of owners is CatLadyBox best suited for. The answer to that is simple: Any cat-loving person who can appreciate adding more cat-centric stuff to their household and closet.

While the company is marketed largely to women, the shirts are all unisex and many of the items can be enjoyed by people of all genders.

Key Features

CatLadyBox is unique because it’s the first gift box subscription service intended for cat owners, rather than just cats themselves. What this fun company offers can be broken down into four key features, which we’ll look at below.

The Box

CatLadyBox offers two subscription levels.

The first box, the Original CatLadyBox, is all about spoiling cat owners. This box contains three to four items each month. A shirt or clothing item is always included along with a variety of personal accessories, household decorations, kitchen items, blankets, outdoor decorations, and more.

The CRAZY CatLadyBox includes the same three or four owner items as the original plus two additional cat-specific items. These are typically toys and can range from simple plush stuffies to catnip-filled kickers to feathery wands.

The difference between the two boxes is only four dollars. So, if you have a cat, I’d suggest upgrading. Otherwise, they might find out you’ve been spoiling only yourself when you could have been spoiling them too!

The Subscription

Once you pick your box type, it’s time to decide how many subscription boxes you want. You can opt for one, three, or six. The more you get, the less you pay per box.

Each month has a different theme. The two boxes I’ve received so far have had the themes “Cats in Bloom” and “Hug All the Cats.” They also do special holiday-themed boxes throughout the year.

Luckily, you can always purchase past items individually or opt for a previous month’s box.

The Donations

Each purchase made at CatLadyBox helps fund cat rescues and other cat organizations thanks to the donations the company makes each month.

Some of the great organizations to receive donations from CatLadyBox include:

You can even nominate your favorite cat rescue organization to receive donations from the company.

Additionally, the company frequently donates boxes of toys to shelters across the country.

The Value

A standard CatLadyBox subscription ranges from $35 to $42 per box depending on which subscription size you choose. The CRAZY box ranges from $39 to $48.

The total value of the items in the box varies each month, but this number is always higher than what you would pay for them individually, sometimes exponentially so.

For instance, in my Cats In Bloom box, the five items had a total list value of $67. Even if you bought this as a single-box subscription, you’d still pay nearly $20 more if you were to buy the same items one at a time. And if you opted for the six-box option, you’d be saving nearly $30.

While you don’t know exactly what you’ll get each month or how much you’ll love each item, the overall value of this subscription service is apparent. Plus you can feel good that some of your money goes to helping kitties in need.

Reviews of Our Favorite CatLadyBox Products

1. Paw-romise Ring

The smallest item in my boxes ended up being my favorite. This adorable little ring features tiny cat paw print cutouts that twirl around your finger.

Thanks to the gap in the ring, it’s slightly adjustable, making it more likely to fit one of your fingers well. Despite that malleability, this ring is impressively sturdy and appears to be made of silver.

The edges of the pattern are rounded and the ring itself is comfortable to wear.

This little accessory makes a great addition to the jewelry box and a fabulous way to remember your favorite kitty.

2. Paw of Flowers T-Shirt

This charcoal-gray tee shirt is one of the more understated patterns CatLadyBox has released. It features a tiny but adorable purple paw and flower emblem in the corner of the chest.

While it doesn’t scream, “I love cats!” it does make for a wonderfully subtle call out to your favorite animal. And the neutral design means you can wear it just about anywhere.

But what I really love about this shirt is how amazingly soft it is. It feels like a cloud against your skin (or a fluffy, well-groomed cat). The material, a blend of cotton, spandex, and polyester, is breathable and lightweight.

Whether you have a white kitty, a black cat, or something in between, the smart charcoal color of this shirt will help you hide those pesky pet hairs.

3. Mewotivational Coasters

If you’re in the market for a good set of coasters that are guaranteed to match your style, these simple but oh-so-fun cork coasters are the way to go.

Each of these 4-inch by 4-inch coasters features an inspirational, paw-sitive quote in simple black letters. Two of my favorites include:

• “Every day is a new chance to pounce on happiness”
• “When the path gets tough, remember you’ve got claws”

These lightweight coasters are great for coffee tables, desks, or the dinner table. You can even use them as mini trivets in the kitchen.

4. Feline Fresh Spring Stackers

Whether you’ve got leftover cat food to store or just want the cutest snack containers ever, these stackers have you covered.

Each piece of this three-set features a different fun, colorful, spring cat design. The bright red-orange kitties, green foliage, and orange flowers are as cheerful as a spring day.

Each of the containers comes with a twist-on lid (in springy bright green). The largest of the containers holds 34 ounces, the medium size holds 16 ounces, and the small size holds 8 ounces. These nest into each other, lids and all, for easy storage.

While these would be perfect for storing cat food and leftover canned food, I’m certain my daughter will claim them for her school snacks.

Our Experience With CatLadyBox

So far, I’ve received two of my CatLadyBox subscription boxes. Both were full of fun items for me and for my ten-month-old cat, Makoa.

I highlighted four of my most favorite items above, but there was little in this box not to like!

The only item I don’t see myself using is the trucker hat (though, I love the saying on it—”I live in the meow!”). Still, I can think of many people to gift it to, so it’s not a total loss.

In addition to the items I received in the boxes, I also got a mystery gift, which comes with all three and six box orders.

My mystery gift was a black metal cat yard decoration. This little kitty now has a home in the garden by my front door and makes me smile every time I come home.

Because I opted for the CRAZY CatLadyBox, each of my boxes also included two gifts for Makoa. He got a fuzzy plush “Cattitude journal,” a huggable plush kicker, a plush mushroom, and a dragonfly wand toy.

All three plush toys had catnip in them, which I imagine would be a big plus for most cats. Unfortunately, Makoa has little to no sense of smell thanks to a bad respiratory illness as a kitten. This means he doesn’t know the joy of catnip.

Still, he has had a blast playing with all of these toys. He especially likes the fun, hairy texture of the journal stuffy and is constantly grooming it.

Overall, I was very impressed with the items I received in my boxes. The cat toys aren’t the highest of quality in terms of material and durability and I didn’t have a use for every single item I got, but I have enjoyed most of them.

I will absolutely be keeping CatLadyBox in mind for Christmas this year. I think the subscription would make a great present for any cat lovers out there. And the fact that each purchase creates a donation for cats in need makes me all the more eager to find others to share this product with.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a cat lover in love with cat stuff or know someone who fits that description, CatLadyBox is worth checking out. This gift box subscription company delivers cat-centric fun straight to your door. And if you have a kitty, they can deliver fun for them too.

I loved the items I received in my gift boxes almost as much as my kitty loved his. The value of the fun accessories, clothes, and decorations definitely exceeds the cost of the box itself and each purchase helps raise donations for cat rescues and organizations. So, as far as I can tell, there’s no reason not to indulge your crazy cat lady side with CatLadyBox.

The post CatLadyBox Subscription Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Lemonade is one of the most well-known pet insurance companies thanks to their viral advertising campaigns. They also happen to be one of the most affordable options out there.

This company offers a simple base plan that covers accidents and illness. On top of this, you can choose from several routine care packages and five add-on options to cover everything from office visits to acupuncture. This on top of Lemonade’s many customizable features within the base policy makes them one of the most versatile pet insurance options out there.

Lemonade Pet Insurance Review

About Lemonade

Lemonade pet insurance is made for pet owners who know where they tend to spend their money the most when it comes to their pet’s care. Like most pet insurance options, this one covers accidents and illnesses. But it also offers additional coverage options for all the other vet-related expenses pet owners experience.

If you have a young kitten who has just joined your family, for instance, you may want to add on Lemonade’s Kitten Preventative Care coverage. This optional plan covers expenses like checkups, vaccines, and spays/neuters.

On the other hand, if you have a 2-year-old kitty, you may want to add the Dental Illness plan or Physical Therapy option. The former covers treatments for dental disease while the latter covers chiropractic and acupuncture treatment related to accidents and illnesses.

Like most other pet insurances, Lemonade does not cover preexisting conditions. They also have some age restrictions that vary by breed and species.

On the plus side, this insurance is impressively affordable and widely available. The only states they do not serve are Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Pricing & Plans (Updated in 2024)

Pet Insurance Cost Comparison

Base Policy

Lemonade’s base policy includes coverage for diagnostics, procedures, and medications related to new illness and injury.

You can expect routine and emergency tests to be covered, including urinalyses, blood work, fecals, x-rays, and scans. If your cat needs procedures such as emergency surgery, hospitalization, or outpatient care, these will be covered as well. Prescription medications and injections are also covered under the base policy.

Basically, this policy covers accidents and illness and anything associated with them. It does not cover routine care, vaccines, behavioral care, or physical therapy. It also doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, even if they lead to emergency care or illness.

Customizations

If you want additional care coverage for your kitty beyond accidents and illnesses, you can add customizable plans. Here, Lemonade offers many different add-on options.

The example prices below of these add-ons are based on a 3-year-old domestic shorthair in Chicago. Prices may vary depending on the age, breed, and location of your cat.

Vet Visit Fees

You can opt to add on vet visit coverage. This add-on costs about $4.70 per month.

This add-on helps pay for the vet visit itself when your cat has an emergency or gets sick. It covers physical exams, office visits, emergency room visits, and additional check-ups.

This add-on does not cover routine vet visits or the care associated with them. It only covers approved expenses up to the annual limit dictated by your base plan.

Dental Illness

The dental illness add-on covers emergency dental care and dental disease care. This is a bit of a pricier add-on at about $13 per month.

This option covers dental diagnostics, crowns, extractions, root canals, and other dental surgeries related to dental illnesses like gingivitis and periodontal disease. It does not cover routine dental cleanings, though another add-on option from Lemonade does.

This coverage maxes out at $1,000 per year. It’s worth noting that cat dental surgery in many regions averages over $1,000 if extractions and other procedures are required.

Behavioral Conditions

For about $3.50 per month, you can add behavior condition coverage to your plan.

This add-on covers diagnostics, therapy sessions, and medications for behavioral issues. It does not cover training sessions or obedience classes, however. It also does not cover pre-existing behavioral conditions.

This add-on has a yearly maximum of $1,000.

Physical Therapy

Another add-on worth considering is Lemonade’s physical therapy plan, which costs about $1.30 for most cats.

This option covers physical therapy sessions, acupuncture, chiropractic care, laser therapy, and more. This coverage kicks in after your vet recommends physical therapy for an injury or illness.

The maximum coverage for this one is the same as the maximum for your base policy.

End of Life and Remembrance

This costs, on average, between $2.50 and $5, depending on the age and size of your cat.

This add-on covers the cost of euthanasia, cremation, and some remembrance items.

There is no deductible for this add-on. It will cover up to 100% of costs up to $500.

Preventative Care

If you want coverage for routine vet care, you can add one of three preventative care plans to your policy.

The standard Preventative Plan covers the most common care needed for adult cats. Per year, this includes:

These plans start at around $11 per month for cats and come with single-item maximums for each service covered. For instance, the wellness exam reimbursement maxes out at $50 while the parasite test maxes out at $35 based on 80% coinsurance.

Preventative Care Plus

For an additional cost, you can upgrade to the Preventative Care Plus plan which offers all of the above coverage plus a couple of extra items.

With this add-on, you’ll also get up to $65 back for flea, tick, and heartworm medications. You’ll also get up to $150 to cover dental cleanings.

The Plus plan, on average, costs about $10 more than the standard plan.

Kitten Preventative Care Plus

If you have a young kitty at home, you may want to consider adding the Kitten Preventative Plan to your policy.

This add-on covers everything that the basic plan does plus one extra vet visit and three extra vaccines. It also covers up to $65 in flea, tick, and heartworm medications. Most importantly, it covers up to $120 toward a spay or neuter and up to $40 for a microchip.

The cost of this add-on typically starts around $38 per month.

Lemonade Price Comparison for Cats

Deductibles & Claims

Lemonade offers many ways to customize your base policy to tailor it to your needs.

For the deductible, you can choose between four options:

You can also customize how much of the cost Lemonade covers. The higher the percentage, the higher the premiums. Here, you have three choices:

Lastly, you can choose your annual coverage maximum. Your policy will only reimburse costs up to this amount per year. Lemonade offers five choices here:

What Does Lemonade Cover?

The base accident and illness plan from Lemonade covers diagnostics, procedures, and medications related to new injuries, illness, and accidents.

For instance, if your cat were to be hit by a car, the plan would cover any blood tests, surgeries, medications, injections, hospitalizations, and aftercare they need. What the plan would not cover is the cost of the emergency room visit or office visit.

Similarly, if your cat started throwing up unexpectedly, your plan would cover the diagnostic to determine what was wrong, saline administration, anti-nausea meds, and any other treatment they needed to recover. Again, the office visit itself would not be covered.

Coverage kicks in after your annual deductible is met and costs are reimbursed at the percentage your plan covers. Once you hit your plan maximum for the year, you’ll receive no more reimbursements for the year.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Like most pet insurance policies, Lemonade does not cover medical issues that are considered pre-existing conditions. This term is applied to a much broader range of conditions in the pet insurance world than it is in the human healthcare world.

Any injury, illness, sign, symptom, or issue that has been treated by your vet before has the potential to be labeled a pre-existing condition. This can apply to something as simple as diarrhea or as costly as emergency bowel surgery.

For instance, if your cat has been treated for an ear infection in the past, it is considered a pre-existing condition even if it has fully healed and gone away. If your cat gets another ear infection, it may not be covered.

The caveat here is that conditions deemed “curable,” such as ear infections and parasites may be covered by Lemonade as long as your cat has gone over 12 months without symptoms.

Waiting Periods

Lemonade has some of the shortest waiting periods in the pet insurance world.

After signing up for your policy, you only need to wait 2 days before your cat is covered for accident claims. You must wait 14 days before they’ll be covered for injury claims. And you have to wait the industry-standard six months before they’ll be covered for cruciate ligaments. Depending on where you live, your waiting periods could be shorter.

Reviews from Customers

Overall, most customers who use Lemonade are happy with the service and results they see.

Compared to other pet insurance companies, this one has one of the quickest approval and enrollment processes. They use online underwriting technology that saves time and money compared to traditional manual underwriting. This means faster results for you as well as lower prices across the board.

Their customer service is also very tech-based, including AI tools and a remote team. This means faster answers but also that it can take longer to speak to an actual person.

Most customers are very satisfied with the speed with which their claims are processed and their reimbursements are made. They also note how affordable this option is compared to other pet insurance policies.

On the downside, some customers have been surprised by which conditions Lemonade labels preexisting. Many also note their disappointment that the vet visits themselves, even for illness and accidents, are not covered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there age limits for enrolling in Lemonade?

Yes, Lemonade does have pet age limits for coverage. They will not cover pets under 8 weeks old. They also will not cover pets above a certain age, but this varies by breed.

How soon can I use my Lemonade insurance?

You can start using Lemonade for accidents 2 days after enrolling. For illness, the waiting period is 14 days. If you opted for a preventative package, you can use those benefits as soon as the date your policy becomes effective. Depending on where you live, your policy could have different waiting periods. If your pet is already hurt or ill before you enroll, insurance will not cover their treatment.

How long does it take for a claim to be paid out?

Around 50% of claims are handled instantly, however some claims may take an average of  12 and 18 days to be processed. The first claim often takes longer while subsequent simple claims typically take less than a week. Actual reimbursement time can be dependent on your bank.

Does my pet need a diagnosis to have a preexisting condition?

No, preexisting conditions don’t require a formal diagnosis. Lemonade and other pet insurance companies consider any illness, injury, sign, symptom, or issue that has been treated before a preexisting condition. Even issues that came with no formal diagnosis may not be covered if they occur after the insurance policy is signed.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for an affordable, highly customizable pet insurance option for your kitty, Lemonade is worth a look.

This is one of the cheapest pet insurance options out there. They also offer multiple add-on options to help you save money where you spend it most. In addition to the base policy that covers illnesses and accidents, you can opt for vet visits, preventative care, dental, behavioral, and/or physical therapy coverage.

In addition to these customizations, you can also choose from multiple deductibles, coverage percentages, and maximum coverage options. All of these choices give you the freedom to find the best plan to fit your cat’s needs and your budget.

• See also: Pet Assure Insurance Mint Wellness Plan Review: A Detailed Look

The post Lemonade Pet Insurance Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Pet Assure is a veteran pet insurance alternative company that has been bringing pet owners discounted care for over 25 years. They entered the market with the first pet insurance employee benefits program. More recently, they have launched their Mint Wellness plan, a novel pet insurance alternative option for pet parents everywhere.

Rather than focusing on covering extraneous vet costs, Mint Wellness provides coverage and discounts for routine veterinary care. The plan is available at set rates to all types of pets, no matter their age or species. Best of all, no pet can be denied based on preexisting conditions.

Pet Assure Insurance Mint Wellness Plan Review

About Mint Wellness by Pet Assure

Mint Wellness is a pet wellness plan, not pet insurance. Where most dog and cat insurance plans focus on accident and illness coverage, Mint Wellness covers routine care.

Not only does it cover annual exams, preventative care, and routine blood work, but it also provides money back for grooming, dental, and more. This plan also includes enrollment in Pet Assure’s Veterinary Discount Plan. With this, you’ll receive up to 25% off veterinary services when you take your pet to a participating provider. These savings can be used on top of reimbursements for routine care.

Because Mint Wellness reduces the cost of expected veterinary care, it’s a great option for owners who may struggle to pay high bills but have the extra funds to pay a set amount for a pet wellness plan each month. It’s also a good option for owners of puppies, elderly pets, and those with pre-existing conditions. While it does not cover extraneous care for these pets, it will cover routine care to bring the overall financial burden of vet care down.

Mint Wellness is available in three plan types. The Basic option covers common routine care services, while the Essential and Premium plans cover additional care your pet may need throughout the year.

Depending on where you live and the cost of veterinary care there, the maximum reimbursement for each service type may or may not cover the full cost of care. Considering the monthly price, the maximum total reimbursement for each plan is on the lower side compared to illness and accident plans.

Mint Wellness is available for pets in all states and can be used by any veterinarian. However, the bonus Veterinary Discount coverage is only applicable to participating vets.

Pricing & Plans (Updated in 2024)

Pet Insurance Cost Comparison

Base Policy

The base policy for Mint Wellness is their Basic Plan. This plan costs $18 per month regardless of pet type, age, and health status.

The Basic plan provides coverage for the most common annual veterinary expenses, including one wellness visit, two vaccinations, routine blood work, and a fecal test or urinalysis. The reimbursement for each procedure is capped at a set maximum. For instance, the annual veterinary exam will be covered up to $100.

The plan has a maximum reimbursement of $350. The Essential and Premium plans extend coverage to additional routine care items and each has a higher maximum yearly reimbursement.

Customizations

Pet Assure’s Mint Wellness Plans are designed to be uncomplicated. That means that the price for each tier option is the same for everyone. Whether you have an 18-year-old cat, an eight-week-old puppy, or a healthy adult chinchilla, you will pay just $18 for the basic option.

Plans

The $18 Basic Plan covers four routine veterinary services. It has a maximum annual reimbursement of $350.

The Essential Plan costs $34 per month and covers an additional three routine services. This plan also offers a higher reimbursement for vaccination. It has a maximum annual reimbursement of $650.

The Premium Plan costs $57 per month and covers all the same services as the Essential Plan, plus it will reimburse up to $100 for dental care. This plan also carries higher reimbursement maximums for many services, including grooming, wellness visits, and vaccinations. It has a maximum annual reimbursement of $1,100.

Plan Comparison

Deductibles & Claims

Mint Wellness is a straight coverage plan. This means that there are no deductibles that need to be met before the plan will kick in. Rather, it can be used immediately to cover any routine care included in the plan type up to the given maximum.

Claims can be submitted immediately by uploading invoices to your account. Reimbursements are paid out quickly, typically within 5 business days.

What Does Mint Wellness by Pet Assure Cover?

The Mint Wellness plan covers only routine and expected veterinary costs. It does not cover illness, accident, or injury-related veterinary expenses. The plan can be used on its own or in conjunction with traditional pet insurance.

Each plan type covers a different number of routine services.

For a healthy adult cat, the Basic Plan might be the best option since routine vet care is likely to include only the bare minimum of services. For a young kitten, it may be worth opting for the Essential Plan to cover more vaccinations and early preventative care. And for a senior kitty, getting the Premium Plan may be worth it for that additional yearly wellness check and dental coverage.

*Basic Plan includes 1 fecal or urinalysis per year.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Because Mint Wellness covers only routine care, it does not reject pets based on pre-existing conditions or health status.

However, these conditions will not be covered by the pet wellness plan since they don’t fall into the category of “routine care.”

If you have a cat with a pre-existing condition, opting for a Mint Wellness plan can help you save money by covering routine care so you have more funds to put toward care for their condition.

Additionally, since Mint Wellness includes Pet Assure’s Veterinary Discount Plan, you have an opportunity to save on pre-existing condition care, as well. All you have to do is choose a participating veterinarian for your cat and you’ll receive up to 25% off all care, regardless of what it is for.

Waiting Periods

One great thing about Mint Wellness is there is no waiting period for coverage to start. That means you can sign your pet up in the morning and take them in for their wellness check that afternoon and still be covered.

Because these plans aren’t affected by health or age, you also don’t have to wait for medical records to be transferred or a health check for coverage to kick in.

Reviews from Customers

Customers cannot say enough about how easy it is to get reimbursements through their Mint Wellness plans. Most have no trouble uploading their invoices to their accounts and almost all experience very quick reimbursement rates—less than five days!

The majority of customers are happy with their coverage and reimbursement rates. However, this varies by location. Customers in regions that experience higher costs for veterinary care report that Mint Wellness’ maximum reimbursement does not always fully cover the cost of care. For example, my dog’s last dental cost about $1,400, which is much more than the Mint Wellness Premium plan’s maximum dental reimbursement.

Customers also have mixed reviews on the Veterinary Discount Plan portion of the coverage. Pet owners in highly populated areas appear to have an easier time finding participating vets than those in smaller cities and towns.

Overall, pet parents who used the most routine care services over the year seemed the most satisfied with their Mint Wellness plan. Those who only utilized some routine care services ended up paying more for their plan than they received in reimbursements.

Before you sign up for a pet insurance plan, or a wellness plan like this one, consider how much you typically spend on routine care each year. If it is a significant amount, odds are you’ll benefit from the coverage Mint Wellness offers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kinds of pets are covered by the Mint Wellness Plan?

Mint Wellness covers any type of animal aside from humans. The cost is the same regardless of pet type, age, or gender.

Where can I use my Mint Wellness Plan?

You can use Mint Wellness at any veterinarian you choose. Once services are rendered and paid for, you simply submit the invoice for reimbursement from Pet Assure.

How are reimbursements paid out?

Reimbursements are paid out to the Venmo or Paypal account connected to your Mint Wellness account. Payments are typically received within five days of submitting.

What is the Veterinary Discount Plan?

The Veterinary Discount Plan is another insurance alternative offered by Pet Assure that is included in all Mint Wellness Plans. With this addition, you can receive instant discounts on vet services when you take your pet to a participating veterinary practice.

Our Verdict

Mint Wellness is an insurance alternative unlike most others out there. It covers only routine pet care to help you save money on veterinary costs you know you’ll encounter each year.

While this plan may not be worth the premiums for pets who only see the vet in emergencies, it is a good option for those who are prudent about preventative care. It is an especially cost-effective choice for kittens and senior cats who require extra face time with their vet and are often subject to more routine care services such as vaccinations, blood work, and dentals.

Mint Wellness comes in three plan types with various services covered under each. The price for every plan is set and does not change based on your pet’s breed, health status, age, gender, or preexisting conditions. Best of all, these plans do not have a deductible and are active the moment you sign up.

• See also: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review: A Detailed Look

The post Pet Assure Insurance Mint Wellness Plan Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Seeing your beloved pet struggle with illness is never easy, no matter how minor or severe the issue is. Often, we as pet parents are left to watch our pets suffer without an option to intervene.

That’s exactly the type of helplessness Zumalka set out to relieve when they created their extensive line of homeopathic pet products.

With dozens of products featuring science-backed, natural ingredients that target everything from ear infections to cancer, Zumalka gives pet owners the power to help their pets thrive. But do these products actually work?

I had the chance to try two different Zumalka products on my ten-month-old kitten, Makoa. After a rough start in life, we are still working to get Makoa back to health. I was hopeful Zumalka’a Piptopet and Probiopet could help. After a month on both products, I have seen some encouraging results.

Keep reading to find out how these products have helped Makoa, what I like and don’t like about them, and to see my full Zumalka product review.

At a Glance: What We Received

	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Piptopet	Fomitopsis betulina mushroom tincture Scientifically proven antibiotic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects Support overall health during illness and recovery	CHECK PRICE
		Probiopet	Contains 9 different strains Great for gut, immunity, and overall health Comprehensive gut supplement with 12 billion probiotics	CHECK PRICE

About Zumalka

Zumalka (formerly Animal Homeopathy) was co-founded by Suzie Cyrenne, a pet owner frustrated by the care her pets were receiving with traditional veterinary medicine.

Adamant that there must be a better way, Suzie started studying homeopathy. Eventually, she launched her own business to provide other pet parents with the same holistic approaches that were working for her furry family.

Where Are Zumalka Products Produced?

Zumalka products are created in the company’s lab located in Quebec, Canada. All products are approved by Health Canada, the country’s version of the FDA. All ingredients are sourced from suppliers who meet the company’s rigorous requirements for purity and safety.

Which Type of Pet is Zumalka Best Suited For?

Zumalka makes products for dogs and cats. Most of their lineup can be used for both cats and dogs and many are safe for use in smaller pets, such as parrots, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

The company’s long list of product offerings means there is likely at least one product to benefit every pet. For instance, they offer a wide range of homeopathic options to treat gut issues, as well as specific products for kidney health, allergies, heart health, and more.

They also sell many products meant to support overall health. These can be used in both sick and healthy animals to help them thrive and extend their active years.

Key Features

Zumalka differs from your typical pet supplement company in many ways. For one, they focus on homeopathic ingredients that are backed by science. These ingredients are packaged in a way that makes them simple to administer and many offer focused uses for specific issues while others have wide-ranging effects.

Homeopathic Ingredients

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. Plant essences and natural compounds are used to stimulate certain responses in the body that are believed to help heal specific conditions.

Homeopathy often involves tinctures and extracts that contain small amounts of the target ingredients. These mixtures are diluted and given in very small amounts. This is because homeopaths believe it only takes a tiny amount of the target property to stimulate the desired response.

Zumalka carries many homeopathic tinctures that are meant to be sprayed in your pet’s water. They also carry capsules, pills, and powders that contain natural herbs, minerals, and compounds.

Backed by Science

While homeopathy and natural medicine in general are less popular in the US, these approaches are widely used in Europe, Asia, and many other parts of the world. In addition to anecdotal evidence supporting the use of many herbal remedies, there is also plenty of science to back it up.

When Zumalka creates its tinctures and supplements, they rely on hard science and data to help them decide which ingredients to include.

Fomitopsis betulina, the active ingredient in Piptopet, for instance, has been widely studied in animals and humans. It has been found to influence a number of pathways in the body and has many potential uses, from preventing cancer to fighting infection. Humans have been using this mushroom for thousands of years as a curative plant for many conditions, including intestinal worms.

Easy Administration

All Zumalka’s supplements are made with easy administration in mind.

The sprays are meant to be added to your pet’s water bowl once or twice a day. The capsules can be opened and poured on your cat’s food and the tablets should be crushed and added to food.

Each product comes with an easy dose guide based on your pet’s weight. Many of the products are made to be used in conjunction with one another and most can be used for cats and dogs.

Focused and Wide-Ranging Uses

Because homeopathic medicines stimulate responses in the body rather than treating symptoms directly, many of them have a broad range of applications.

For instance, Piptopet can be used to support cats with cancer, promote a healthy immune system, and support general well-being.

Some products are more focused on their uses and effects. For example, Probiotpet is meant to support gut biome health and reduce gastric symptoms. But these effects have a broad range of effects from strengthening the immune system to allowing better digestion to promote a healthy coat.

For this reason, you’ll see many of Zumalka’s products included in multiple categories when you “Shop by Concern” on their website.

Reviews of the Products We Received

1. Piptopet

Piptopet is a homeopathic tincture made from Fomitopsis betulina mushrooms (formally known as Piptoporus betulinus). These medicinal mushrooms have a wide range of scientifically proven uses. Zumalka recommends this product for supporting overall health and improving immune health.

This tincture is especially useful for cats with malignant or benign masses. The unique properties of the mushroom help target these mutated cells in the bloodstream and neutralize them. It’s these same properties that improve immune function and general health in ill, aging, and healthy cats.

Whether your cat is picky or happy to eat anything, this product is easy to administer. Simply add 1 to 3 sprays, depending on body weight, to your cat’s water dish twice daily.

Because this product works naturally with your cat’s system to restore imbalances and target symptoms, it takes time to have an effect. But with consistent use, you should see noticeable improvement in about four to six weeks.

2. Probiopet

Probiopet is a powerful probiotic supplement meant to replenish the gut biome, support healthy digestion, and strengthen the immune system.

Each capsule contains 12 billion active cultures. These cultures come from 9 different strains of beneficial bacteria proven to support better health.

S. thermophilus, for instance, has been proven to reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea. Bacteria species in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, which are well represented in this supplement, have been proven to have positive effects on many gastrointestinal diseases, including colon cancer, as well as diabetes, allergies, and dermatitis.

This supplement comes in capsule form and is meant to be poured onto your cat’s food. The flavor is neutral and most cats have no problem eating it up. The dose varies from 1 to 3 capsules a day depending on your cat’s needs, though, this is not well explained on the packaging.

Our Experience With Zumalka

I first found Zumalka while looking for a new probiotic for my cat, Makoa.

This mischievous little cat came into my life as a five-week-old orphan with the worst respiratory infection I’d ever seen. His lungs were filled with fluid, he couldn’t smell because his nose was so stuffy, and both his eyes were swollen shut.

After a lot of care and medications, he did eventually recover. But he still shows signs of his ordeal. His gut is wrecked from antibiotics, he has scar tissue in his eyes, and he gets recurrent respiratory infections anytime his immune system gets stressed.

After I reached out to Zumalka to inquire about Probiopet, they recommended using it in conjunction with Piptopet given Makoa’s history and recurrent infections.

I received both and started using them daily a little over a month ago.

I add Probiopet to Makoa’s breakfast each day. The capsules are coated to reduce oxidation and bacterial breakdown, which means the product doesn’t have to be kept in the fridge. It’s super easy to break the capsules open and mix them in with Makoa’s food.

For the Piptopet, I add this to my pet’s main water bowl each time I rinse it out, about twice a day. Makoa shares this bowl with my dogs, but they are both seniors with issues of their own, so I see having them share as a positive. You can also mix the spray with broth and feed it directly to your pet if you prefer.

The Probiopet seemed to have an effect very quickly. I started testing a variety of different cat food recipes for a different review shortly after starting him on it. This meant switching the proteins in Makoa’s food every day.

Normally, this would’ve caused some diarrhea issues. But with the help of Probiopet, Makoa handled the constant meal switching like a pro. He had no digestive issues and remained suspiciously non-gassy throughout the entire process.

Gauging the effectiveness of the Piptopet has been a little more difficult.

I can say that all my pets, including Makoa, readily drink the water after the tincture is added. And that Makoa has not dealt with any respiratory symptoms since I started him on the product.

One thing I have noticed is a change in the discharge from his damaged eyes. Only time will tell if this is a sign that his eyes are starting to heal.

Overall, I have been impressed with Zumalka’s products. Their ingredients are simple, powerful, and as far as I can tell, effective.

These supplements are a bit pricer than most. But they are also fairly unique in their formulations and uses, which makes it hard to compare them with other companies. What I will say is there are plenty of satisfied customers out there who are more than willing to pay the asking price for these products because they have seen real results.

Conclusion

Whether your cat is suffering from a touchy gut, tumors, or just needs a little help aging gracefully, I recommend taking a look at Zumalka’s product line.

This homeopathic pet company has a long list of quality products made with powerful, scientifically proven ingredients. They are easy to administer and have shown some amazing results.

I was very impressed with the effects Probiotpet had on my rescue kitty, Makoa. And I’m excited to see how Piptopet continues to work over the next couple of months. If the improvements I’ve seen continue, I’m more than willing to spend the money to keep using these products.

The post Zumalka Pet Supplement Review 2024: A Detailed Look by Sara Seitz appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.