The following post contains affiliate links, which sends me a small percentage of any sales at no cost to you.
Blanche turned 12 earlier this year, and while I’ve mentioned her plenty of times on the blog (join our non-committal book club), I recently realized I’ve never put together a list of her favorite things.
And let me tell you — Blanche is picky. It’s taken years of trial, error, and many turned-up noses to build this collection. But now? We’ve got it down.
These are the products that make Blanche’s life more comfortable, fun, and healthy — and I love sharing what’s worked for us in case it helps you and your feline friend.
🐾 Kong Naturals Catnip Spray
This spray is a staple in our household. I use it on Blanche’s toys, her scratch pad, even her bed. Blanche has anxiety, and licking can be a self-soothing behavior for cats — this spray encourages that in a safe and happy way. We’ve gone through multiple bottles over the years. If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-impact enrichment tool, this is it.
🐾 Pet Honesty Joint Support Chews
Blanche might be a senior, but she’s still got moves. I serve these joint support chews with her breakfast, and they’re always the first thing she eats.
They have a crunchy outer shell with a creamy filling, and are made without corn, wheat, or soy. The blend of glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, calcium fructoborate, and manganese helps support joint health and mobility — all while being super tasty (according to Blanche).
🐾 Stella & Chewy’s Wet Food
We’ve been loyal to Stella & Chewy for years. Blanche rotates her favorite flavors, but she consistently enjoys both the Savory Shreds and the pâté formulas. I researched a ton of ingredient lists before choosing this brand, and it continues to be the best fit for her. It’s great knowing she’s getting high-quality food she actually wants to eat.
🐾 Stella & Chewy Digestive Support
Blanche’s anxiety sometimes shows up in her tummy, and this probiotic has made a huge difference. It took a full year of trial and error to find a routine that supported her digestion, and now she has this every day. Sometimes I mix it into her food, sometimes I serve it on the side — variety is the spice of life! Since we added this to her daily meals, she’s felt so much better.
🐾 Scratch Pads
Blanche is a proud claw-carrying cat who needs her scratch time.
We go through scratch pads regularly because she shreds them — and honestly, it’s the best money I spend. They keep her active, satisfied, and (mostly) away from the furniture.
🐾 Halo Holistic Sensitive Stomach Dry Food
Blanche gets a mix of wet and dry food, and Halo has been her go-to for years. It offers a high-quality protein blend and includes probiotics and postbiotics to support digestion and immunity. I love that this food was designed with real cat wellness in mind — and Blanche just plain loves the taste.
🐾 Fishie Fun Feed Mat
Yes, this is a slow feeder shaped like a fish. And yes, Blanche eats every meal from it. She used to inhale her kibble, but this mat helps her pace herself while turning mealtime into an enriching activity. It’s non-slip, easy to clean, and cute enough to travel with — which we absolutely do.
🐾 Shameless Pets Treats
I discovered Shameless Pets while shopping at Imperfect Foods, and now I’m a loyal customer. These treats are made from upcycled ingredients like sweet potato and salmon that would otherwise go to waste. Blanche likes all the flavors, but “Catnip and Chill” is the undisputed favorite.
🐾 Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows
A new treat on the scene, but Blanche is hooked. These crunchy, whole minnows are freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor. They’re protein-packed, naturally sourced, and an easy way to support her diet with a raw-food-style snack.
🐾 Heating Pad
Even though we live in Austin, Texas, Blanche lives for her heating pad. I keep it on the lowest setting, tucked under her favorite blanket or bed, and she melts right into it. I call this her “melted down” state — eyes closed, paws stretched, completely content. Whether or not she feels aches and pains as she ages, the gentle heat seems to bring her real comfort.
🐾 A Mobile Vet Service
Taking Blanche to the vet used to be a nightmare. After discovering a mobile vet service that comes directly to our apartment, everything changed. Blanche can get her exams, vaccines, and even dental cleanings in a calm, familiar space — our living room! It’s more expensive, but if you can swing it, it’s worth every penny for the peace of mind and consistency in care.
Blanche may not be the easiest to please, but she’s taught me a lot about patience, compassion, and the importance of tailoring care to the individual — yes, even when that individual is a finicky 12-year-old cat. If you’re on the hunt for some new kitty favorites, I hope this list gives you a few ideas that could work for your feline friend, too!
Got a cat product you swear by? Share it in the comments — Blanche is always taking suggestions (with a healthy dose of skepticism, of course).
To see more writing from me, be sure to subscribe to The Bitter Lemon by clicking “subscribe” on the right side of your screen. Want even more? Subscribe to my newsletter to get roundups, book recs and lifestyle tips.
The Bitter Lemon 