#werate

If you have dogs (or, apparently, cats who think they’re dogs), you know dental chews can be a helpful tool to freshen breath and support oral health.

We tried the Minties Dental Chews to see if they’d be a good fit for our crew.

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we’ve used, are using, or would share with family and friends. [Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer.]

What They Are

Minties Dental Chews are vet-recommended dental treats made in the USA. The ones we ordered are mint-flavored bones designed for large dogs over 50 pounds and come in a 36-count resealable bag.

Each chew is formulated to:

Freshen breath with alfalfa, parsley, fennel, dill, and peppermint

Help remove plaque and tartar buildup

Clean teeth as your dog chews

Contain no wheat, corn, or soy

Why We Tried Them

We were looking for something affordable to freshen our dog’s breath and help keep his teeth clean between regular brushings.

The Minties Dental Chews had great reviews, a nice ingredient list, and came in a generous quantity, so we decided to give them a shot.

They definitely smell minty, much stronger than we expected, but not in a bad way. Just very mint-forward with a little of that classic “dog treat” aroma underneath.

Our dog enjoyed the first couple of chews but lost interest by the third one (not all in the same day! He just decided they were no longer exciting).

Ironically, our cats were completely obsessed.

They chewed through the bag to get to them, and occasionally sneak off with one for what we can only describe as “stress relief chomping.”

They never had enough to get sick, just enough to feel sneaky and satisfied.

Things to Keep in Mind

If your dog is picky or easily bored with treats, they might lose interest over time like ours did. Then again, we've been saying he's been trying to be a cat for a while now, so.. 🤷‍♀️

The Minties Dental Chews we ordered are about the size of a large Milk-Bone biscuit, so make sure you pick the appropriate size for your dog’s chewing habits and size.

The bag is a sturdy resealable pouch, which is great for keeping things fresh (assuming your cats don’t punch holes in it).

While these didn’t end up being our dog’s favorite, they could be perfect for dogs who love mintier flavors.

Would We Buy Them Again?

Rating: ★★★★☆

These are good-quality dental chews at a reasonable price point, and we think they’d be a great option for other dogs, just not ours.

We won’t be repurchasing since our dog decided he’s over them (and also thinks he’s a cat), but the product itself does exactly what it claims to do. If your dog likes minty treats, this is worth trying.

At least around here, they’ll get used up, one sneaky cat theft at a time.

Super Quiet, Odor-Controlled, and Cat-Approved!

If you have cats (or several like we do), you know the litter struggle is real. The scooping. The smells. The endless trips to the trash.

We were so tired of scooping litter two and three times a day that we finally decided to try the Teweoa Self-Cleaning, Automatic Cat Litterbox, and it’s been a total game-changer for our multicat household.

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we’ve used, are using, or would happily share with our own family and friends. [Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer.]

What It Is

The Teweoa Self-Cleaning, Automatic Cat Litterbox is a self-cleaning, odor-controlling litter box that looks a little like a futuristic space pod (in the best way). It comes with everything you need to get started, except the litter itself.

Setup is super simple:

Remove it from the box

Attach the legs

Put down the litter-catching mat

Add one of the special plastic bag liners inside the cassette-style tray

Insert the tray

Run a quick alignment cycle (just press the middle button)

Fill with about 20 pounds of litter

Run a quick litter balancing cycle (just press the middle button)

That’s it. Your cat’s new throne is ready for action.

Why We Love It

Honestly, we loved our first one so much we bought a second, and we have a third sitting in our cart, because sometimes our cats just don’t want to share or be too close to each other (cat politics are real).

We can’t say enough about how quiet this thing is.

It’s so quiet you might wonder if it’s working at all, but you’ll see the perfectly smooth litter bed, not smell those specific catbox smells, and you'll know it’s handled business while you weren’t looking.

It’s truly that silent.

One of the things that impressed us most is how safe it is.

The sensor is no joke—it will stop cleaning mid-cycle the instant it senses a cat nearby. The light turns red, the drum freezes, and it waits until the coast is clear before finishing the job. Total peace of mind.

Since switching, we went from scooping multiple times a day to simply changing the liner bag and adding a little fresh litter about every two days.

That’s it. No more daily battles with the scoop or trying to figure out who left a “gift” in the box.

It’s also lifted slightly off the floor so you can sweep underneath, and it tucks neatly under a counter or table if you’re trying to save space.

Things to Keep in Mind

The first time you set up your Teweoa Self-Cleaning, Automatic Cat Litterbox, you might second-guess whether you did it right because it’s so quiet. We definitely peeked in a few times to be sure it was running. (It was. Every single time.)

If you have big cats or ones who don’t like more enclosed boxes, they may take a little time to get comfortable.

Ours figured it out pretty quickly, but it’s something to consider if you have a particularly picky feline.

You'll also need to either stock up on the specialty liners or find some equivalent trash bags. In a pinch, we've rolled down a 13-gallon kitchen trash bag, but it's a waste of half a trash bag. Plastic shopping bags will not work.

Would We Buy It Again?

Rating: ★★★★★

Absolutely, without hesitation. We actually ordered our second one a couple of weeks after the first because we loved it so much!

The Teweoa Self-Cleaning, Automatic Cat Litterbox has saved us time, hassle, and a whole lot of scooping drama.

The cats love it, it keeps everything smelling fresh, and it gives us peace of mind knowing it’s safe, easy to maintain, and reliable.

It even saves us money on cat litter!

We think that's because the waste is scooped out of the litter asap instead of being allowed to absorb into the surrounding litter. Less dirty litter = more clean litter saved.

If you’re tired of feeling like the official household litter scooper, this quiet, automatic litterbox is more than worth it.

[ #WeRate ] Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover: A Game-Changer for Pet Accidents

As pet owners, we’ve all had those moments of panic when our furry friends have an unexpected accident. Whether at home or traveling, dealing with pet stains and odors can be stressful and maybe a bit embarrassing.

Who wants to be known for pet odor?

That's why we're so glad we discovered Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover—a true lifesaver for keeping things clean and fresh.

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we have either used, are using, or would use and share with our family and friends. Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer.

What It Is

Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is specifically formulated to tackle tough pet stains and odors. This one targets those left by cat urine, but there is also a formula for dogs.

With its powerful odor control formula, it not only removes stains but also neutralizes odors, leaving your space smelling fresh and clean.

Why We Love It

We first tried this product when one of our cats had an accident in a hotel. He peed on the mattress, and the urine pooled in a quilted indentation, leaving a yellow stain and a strong odor even though he's neutered.

After a quick Google search, we picked up Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover, and it worked wonders! The mattress was restored to its original color, and the odor was completely gone. The pleasant scent lingered for about an hour, then started disappearing as more time passed.

Now, we keep this product in stock at all times, both in the convenient 32-ounce sprayer and the larger laundry detergent-sized bottle.

We use it to spray the accidents ASAP and add it to our laundry loads when we things like blankets and clothing get the "oh no!" of doom. The faster we can get things washed, the better the outcome.

This product has become a staple in our pet care routine, and we wouldn’t be without it!

Things to Keep in Mind

We’ve noticed that the scent can get a bit more intense if you use a lot of it in one area, so a little goes a long way. Also, Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover can sometimes be hard to find in stores, so we always make sure to have the sprayer and the larger, gallon-sized bottle on hand.

When washing your pet’s gear or anything affected by pet smells, we recommend washing them separately from your regular laundry and adding an amount equal to your laundry detergent to prevent any lingering odors from spreading.

For example, if you use 1/3 laundry detergent, use 1/3 of this product to ensure everything stays fresh and clean.

Would We Buy It Again?

Rating: ★★★★★

Absolutely! Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is a must-have for any pet owner. Its ability to effectively remove stains and odors, along with its pleasant scent, makes it a valuable addition to our pet care arsenal. We highly recommend it for dealing with unexpected pet accidents, whether at home or on the go.

[ #WeRate ] Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray: A Natural Solution for Pest-Free Spaces

Living in the humid Gulf Coast with multiple pets, we know firsthand how relentless fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can be. Keeping these pests at bay is a must, which is why we rely on Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray.

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we have either used, are using, or would use and share with our family and friends. Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer.

Why We Love It

Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray is not just effective; it also has a refreshing peppermint-like smell that our family loves, is smells like fall and Halloween! My kids and I find the scent invigorating, though it fades after a while for those who prefer a subtler fragrance.

What It Is

This 32-oz. bottle of Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray comes with a ready-to-use hose attachment, making it super convenient to apply. The formula's natural oils make it safer to use around plants and pets, which is a big plus for us, especially after one of our cats had a severe reaction to a traditional topical treatment.

How We Use It

We spray our yard after every rain and once a week to keep those pesky insects under control. While we might be overdoing it a bit, living in a flea and mosquito haven like the Gulf Coast means we’d rather be safe than sorry.

Preventing an infestation is far easier than fighting one, especially with multiple pets in the house.

Not only do we use Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray outdoors, but we’ve also found it handy as a quick floor wash indoors to keep fleas from setting up shop.

After spraying (outdoor or indoor), we wait at least 30 minutes before letting our pets back into the treated area. We prefer to wait a couple of hours to be extra cautious, as some pets can be sensitive to even natural oils.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the peppermint scent of Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray is pleasant for us, we know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer less scent-y scents or just don't like the smell, don't worry! It dissipates fairly quickly.

We also love that it’s less chemical-heavy than other pest control products, which gives us peace of mind knowing we’re not exposing our pets to harsh chemicals.

Would We Buy It Again?

Rating: ★★★★★

Absolutely! Vet's Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray is a staple in our pet care routine. It’s a natural, effective solution for keeping pests away, and the peace of mind it brings is worth every penny.

Whether you’re dealing with the humidity of the Gulf Coast or just want a reliable, less toxic option for your pets, this spray is a great choice.

[ #WeRate ] Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box Scoop Free Cat Litter Tray with Microban, Made in USA

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we have either used, are using, or would use and share with our family and friends. Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer.

Living along the Gulf Coast, we’ve experienced our share of utility outages from hurricanes, freezing weather, and grid maintenance issues. So while the idea of an electronic, self-cleaning litter box sounds fantastic, the thought of a power outage leaving us with multiple cats and a litter box that can’t clean itself is just too gross to risk.

That's why we're on the hunt for the easiest-to-use and clean, manual cat litter box.

Today's contestant in our "Perfect Manual Cat Littler Box" is the Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box Scoop Free Cat Litter Tray with Microban.

Here’s how it measured up for us:

Design & Build: 3/5

At first glance, the built-in sifter seemed like a genius idea, promising a cleaner and easier litter box experience. The box itself is made from sturdy plastic and includes Microban technology to help prevent bacteria growth.

However, we quickly ran into issues with the design. The litter would often spill out as we sifted, making a bigger mess than expected. Additionally, waste would sometimes get stuck to the sifter or miss the trash bag entirely, falling out and requiring extra cleanup.

Another challenge we faced was the height of the litter box. Our cats love to dig, and the box isn’t quite tall enough to contain their enthusiastic digging. As a result, we ended up with litter scattered everywhere, which defeated the purpose of using a sifting box in the first place.

Functionality: 2.5/5

We really wanted the Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box to work for us, but the reality was a bit different. The idea of the sifter is great in theory, but in practice, it led to more work and mess than we anticipated.

Each time we swapped from one litter box to the other, we had to clean the one we were swapping, which meant at least twice-daily, full box cleanings—once in the morning and once at night.

Waste sometimes got stuck on the sifter or it tumbled out in unexpected ways (like stinky spaghetti spilling out erratically). We tried different-sized trash bags and even resorted to dumping the contents directly into a trash can, but the issues persisted.

Ultimately, we stopped using the sifter as intended and just used the boxes as regular litter trays, setting the sifter aside.

For smaller, less litter-aggressive cats, this box might work fine, but for our crew of dig-happy kitties, it didn’t quite meet our needs.

Portability & Use During Travel: 3.5/5

Given our lifestyle of frequent travel and the need for reliable pet products, we hoped the Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box would be a good fit for on-the-go use. While it’s lightweight and easy to transport, the issues with litter spillage and waste management made it less ideal for travel.

However, if you’re looking for a manual litter box for your home or apartment, it’s a decent option, especially since it’s easy to clean and made in the USA with quality materials.

Final Thoughts

Overall Rating: 3/5

The Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box is a solid concept that may work well for others, particularly those with smaller or less active cats.

Unfortunately, for our household with multiple cats who love to dig, it didn’t quite hit the mark. We ended up using it as a standard litter box rather than taking advantage of the sifting feature.

It’s not a bad product overall, but it didn’t suit our specific needs.

Pros:

Sturdy construction with Microban technology.

Easy to clean as a regular litter box.

Lightweight and portable.

Cons:

Litter spills out during sifting.

Waste often gets stuck to the sifter or misses the trash bag.

Not tall enough for cats that love to dig.

Would We Buy Again?

[ #WeRate] Capstar (Nitenpyram) for Cats: Fast-Acting Flea Relief That Works

Product: Capstar (Nitenpyram) for Cats, Fast-Acting Oral Flea Treatment

Weight Range: 2-25 lbs

Doses: 6 per pack

Claim: Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we have either used, are using, or would use and share with our family and friends. Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer .

Our Experience:

If you’re like us and have multiple cats, finding an effective flea treatment is a top priority—especially when you’re living or traveling in areas prone to flea infestations.

After trying countless flea collars and topical treatments, we found ourselves facing a terrifying ordeal when one of our beloved cats had a severe reaction to a topical flea drop. Her fur fell out, her skin blistered, and she even lost her bottom teeth.

Thankfully, she survived, but she now experiences occasional seizures. That experience left us petrified of using topical treatments again.

Enter Capstar (Nitenpyram), the fast-acting oral flea treatment that has become a staple in our pet care routine. We absolutely love this product and can't recommend it enough.

Speedy Relief:

Capstar truly lives up to its promise. Within 30 minutes of administering the tablet, we notice fleas dropping off our cats. The quick action is a lifesaver, especially in high-flea areas after it rains.

We buy this product every other month to ensure our cats are protected year-round.

Easy Administration:

Giving our cats Capstar is straightforward. The small tablets are easy to hide in a treat or crush and mix with their food. No more wrestling with our cats to apply topical treatments or dealing with the greasy residue of flea drops!

Safe & Effective:

We’ve had zero negative reactions with Capstar, which is a huge relief after our previous experience with topicals. The peace of mind knowing our cats are safe and flea-free is priceless. We even keep extra doses in our pet first aid kit and bug-out supplies, just in case.

Why Capstar?

Starts killing fleas in 30 minutes – You’ll see results fast!

Convenient – Oral tablets are easy to administer.

No messy residue – Unlike topical treatments, there’s no fuss or mess.

Perfect for travel – Ideal for families on the go like us.

Final Verdict:

15/10 for effectiveness, 5/10 for having to remember the doses regularly!

This product is a must-have for any cat owner who wants fast-acting, reliable flea treatment without the risks associated with topical solutions.

Make sure to make a note in your calendar about how much (whole, half dose) and when you gave Capstar to your cat, AND add a reminder for a future maintenance dose date.

Disclaimer:

This tufted titmouse isn’t going to let anything sneak up on him!