Pet Owners Consider These Problem-Solving Purchases The 'Best Money I Ever Spent'

Possibly one of the most mentioned items on our list is the Whisker Litter Robot, a pricy gadget that even our own HuffPost editors have previously endorsed. "It automatically scoops litter by rotating its inner shell, shaking clumped litter through a filter and depositing the soiled litter in a sealed drawer-like compartment underneath the box (which also effectively and blissfully traps odor)," wrote HuffPost shopping writer, Haley Zovickian. Pet owners can also monitor and control its operation using the Whisker app, which makes it easy to track your cat's litter box habits for health-related context as well as notifications like the waste drawer is full. It's available in two colors.

"Hands down Litter Robot. Stupid expensive but worth every dang penny. It uses any clumping cat litter that you prefer. Clumped litter and feces drop into a drawer underneath (which you line with a plastic bag of your choice). The machine lets you know when the drawer is full. I think about a week for a single cat. You can empty the drawer sooner if you want. Every so often you empty all of the litter and wipe it out (or take it outside and spray it with a hose). I was using crystal litter and this definitely saves me money over the long haul." — Michele McDonald, via Facebook

For dogs or cats who have trouble getting up onto beds, couches, cars or other elevated spaces, this pet ramp can be adjusted up to four different heights to make it safer and easier for them. Available in two sizes, the ramp is foldable for easy storage and transport and has a non-slip mat for a more secure passage for your pet.

"Essential for continuing joint health for my arthritic shitzu." — Nicole Luciano, via Facebook

This cozy pet bed combines the security of high soft foam walls with the warming comfort of an electrically heated pad that's thermostatically controlled to automatically warm to your fur baby's normal body temperature, only when your pet is in the bed. It comes in three colors, four sizes and K&H also has a line of heated mats that pet owners say they are also big fans of.

"The K&H heated pet bed. I have to shave my Persian cat every four months so after the cut he’s a little chilly. He just looooves this bed." — Anne Moorhead, via Facebook

"K&H heated cat beds! My cat LOVES hers, she’s glued to it until summer when it’s too warm. It only heats up to her body temp and is pressure sensitive so no worries of overheating. It really helps her creaky bones and muscles now that she’s considered geriatric at 15 years old. They’re washable too!!!" — Karen Lawrence, via Facebook

For car trips or any other kind of travel with your pet, Heather Pope (on HuffPost's Facebook) swears by spill-proof bowls. We found the popular Kurgo bowl which can be used for food or water and is made with a food-grade silicone that makes it easy to fold together for space-conscious storage. The tapered lip helps prevent splash back and the angled base of the bowl ensures that it will lay flat on car seats.

The Nutri-plus gel offers your pet energy support in the form of additional vitamins and minerals. You should always talk to your pet's vet before giving them any kind of supplement and it should never substitute for food in their regular diet.

"Nutri-Gel plus by Virbac is the only gel supplement I could find that is useful when your doggo has to take medicines and refuses food due to illness/nausea." — Francesca Vian, via Facebook

It's no secret that cats feel safer when they are at higher elevations and this wall-mounted scratching post and hammock combo (sold separately) can do just that. The large scratching post, which is wrapped in a jute rope that's meant to be less itchy compared to traditional sisal rope, offers four fixing points for a secure installation. The separate wall-mounted hammock perch can hold cats up to 30 pounds and comes with the necessary mounting materials for a worry-free installation. Also, this isn't the exact Big Nose model that the below pet owner suggested since the brand has been discontinued but it is a very similar option. This one also offers $3 off as long as you clip the coupon before adding to your cart. The lower price will show at checkout.

"We got our cat a Big Nose Wall Mounted Scratching Post with a little basket area for her to lounge. It's her favorite spot in the house. She's high up away from the doggos, she gets her treats on the little shelf, scratches the post, and lounges in the basket. It's her little slice of heaven." — Mandy McWeeney, via Facebook

The Embark DNA test kit for dogs can help provide important information about your dog's breed and ancestral roots. And, depending on the version that you chose, the kit can offer actionable insights in your pup's genetics to provide useful health information and which preventative steps you can take in your dog's care. It came recommended on HuffPost's Facebook by user Tori Fish.

You've very likely heard of Casper's selection of supportive mattresses and now your furry friend can experience that same level of comfort with Casper's beds just for pets. Just the human version, this cushy bed is made from a pressure-relieving memory foam material and features raised foam bolsters around the bed's interior, perfect for head support. Don't worry about the accidental pet mess because the bed is fitted with a removable and machine-washable cover and the bed comes in up to seven sizes.

"My old lady ADORES her Casper bed. We have two due to a customer service issue (which was also excellent) and at 13 it is always her bed of choice. Shes comfortable and supported while you can take it apart and wash it whenever needed. We’ve had it for years and it still doesn’t need replacing." — Leslie Gaminde, via Facebook

The dreaded "cone of shame" isn't always the best option for pets that chronically lick limbs post recovery. The Lick Sleeve is a protective, form-fitting and comfortable garment that fits over your pet's front or hind legs to prevent destructive licking and scratching or against debris from entering into an exposed wound. The Lick Sleeve can be purchased in five different sizes so there's an option no matter the size of your pet.

"My dog had to have knee surgery and instead of the cone of shame we used a lick sleeve. It was like a legging with one pant leg! Because he’s a boy, it was a little more complicated during potty breaks, but it was definitely better for him overall. And he looked super cute!" — Lauren McCarthy-Lewis, via Facebook

Intended for the coats of heavily shedding pets, this rake-style grooming brush from Maxpower Planet, which came at the suggestion of HuffPost's Facebook user Nicolette Rogers, can help de-shed and prevent matting by collecting the undercoat using the row of non-scratching and dual-sided teeth.

The Casfuy electric nail file is a highly rated solution that cat and dog parents everywhere are claiming is the perfect tool for trimming even the most finicky of pet paws. It uses a diamond drum bit grinder to file down nails rather than the traditional clipper method. This allows an operation that’s more precise, significantly less scary and won’t result in jagged nail edges that catch on carpets and fabrics. Reviewers also love that it's "whisper quiet" so it won't startle already anxious pets that don't like loud noises.

"[A] dremel for nail trimming." — Kathleen Kelly Moya, via Facebook

Another great alternative to the cumbersome and uncomfortable cones given at the vet's office comes in the form of this adorable and plush Elizabethan-style collar. It's made from a soft and waterproof material, features an adjustable neck and won't interfere with drinking, eating, sleeping or using the litter box. You can find this in five colors and three sizes.

"My Kukki recently had a mass removed near his leg (benign, thank goodness) and needed to wear one of those horrible plastic cones for 3 weeks. As ALL animals do, he hated it. I found this soft-as-a-down-comforter flower petal 'cone' for him. He walked around with his own pillow and didn't complain a bit. It may not work for all animals or in all situations but it certainly worked for him." — Cindi Miller Herleman, via Facebook

Available in two flavors, these supplement treats for dogs can offer digestive support in the form of fiber, healthy enzymes, probiotics and prebiotics so your pooch has a healthy gut. It can also make bowel movements easier and more solid, which makes cleaning up after them much less of a mess. You should always talk to your pet's vet before giving them any kind of supplement and it should never substitute for food in their regular diet.

"Another fan of Bernie’s Perfect Poop! Yes, it helps make my three dogs’ poop easy to pick up (yay!) but even better, I know it’s helping their gut health! It’s a small, family-owned business in Austin and they just love dogs and love helping them. Any time I’ve called customer service for anything (they have other products too) they have the nicest customer service—you can tell they’re about the dog, not the dollar! My dogs don’t go a day without Perfect Poop!" — Lori Mullins Ennis, via Facebook

Anxious pets may experience a dose of calmness with the ThunderShirt, a comforting and gently compressive design that can come in handy during thunderstorms, fireworks and other noisy conditions. Much like weighted blankets have been proven to lower anxiety by offering deep pressure stimulation, similar research may suggest that animals also experience calm with this time of pressure. You can find ThunderShirts in assorted sizes XS-XXL.

"I adopted a puppy mill survivor who was scared of any noise, and living in Fl with T storms and legalized fireworks it was horrible. I decided to try it as they gave you a 30 day money back guarantee and it was a Godsend if I got it on her ahead of time. I’d turn on lightning alerts on my phone and as soon as I got an alert it was 20 mi away I put it on her. Best money I ever spent ." — Sally Fontaine, via Facebook

This spray is formulated to break down the compounds in pet urine into a gas that evaporates to eliminate stains and odor — no need to vacuum or wash with water afterwards. It works on a number of surfaces from carpets, upholstery, hardwood floor and grout.

"My Pet Peed pet urine remover is the best for accidents" — Kristy Halstensgaard, via Facebook

This nylon chew toy, which comes in a few flavors like real bacon, is a durable toy that can help satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew and promote relaxation. It comes in this ergonomic wishbone design and four sizes.

"Benebones! Great for chewing but don’t cause broken teeth the way antlers do." — Rochelle Boas, via Facebook

The Snoozer car seat for dogs is a boosted bed that allows traveling pups to sit comfortably and look out the window to help reduce anxiety and car sickness. Security straps ensure that the seat stays in place in a moving car. The sherpa-lined interior and waterproof exterior are fully removable and machine-washable in case there are any accidents. You can grab this in tons of different sizes and seat materials and it's a favorite of Irene Alexich Pate, who suggested it on HuffPost's Facebook.

The Roomba 692 features a sleek design and the same three-stage cleaning system as other models from the brand. It uses a dual multi-surface brush that effectively loosens debris for better suctioning and an additional edge sweeping brush reaches corners, along walls and other hard-to-reach areas. Plus, you can schedule customized cleaning routines or control the vacuum using voice commands or other smart home platforms.

"A Roomba. With two dogs it makes all the difference keeping up with the fur and tracked in dirt." — Kathryn A. Pantaleo, via Facebook

This hands-free leash, which can be worn or used four different ways using the reflective strap, claims to offer excellent control when walking or running your pet. It features a shock-absorbing bungee leash to protect both you and your pup from sudden movements or jerking. Be sure to apply the 5% coupon before you head to check out and the discount will show up in your cart.

"I have rheumatoid arthritis and holding a leash can sometimes be a pain, literally. I found this hands-free leash on Amazon that I love. It adjusts to fit the waist or across the chest. The leash even snaps onto my Pomeranians small collar with ease. She can walk with me at a nice pace without tugging or pulling at a leash the entire time." — Crystal Gross, via Facebook

Good kidney function and maintaining hydration are always my main concerns when it comes to my cat's health and, based on the recommendation of my vet, I've always had a water fountain for him and this one from Petsafe is the best one yet. Not only does he love the sound of the bubbling water (he often just lays by it in his little day bed for comfort) but I love that it's made from stainless steel that's easy to clean and won't hold on to bacteria like porous plastic models. The raised center makes it easier for him to access water since he's a Persian and has a flat face and I love that it uses both a pre-filter and carbon filter so I know the water he's consuming is extra clean.

Zovickian previously wrote about this $4 cat toy that doesn't seem like much, but is actually intentionally designed to tap into a cat's hunting instincts, according to feline behavioral experts. It features a springy wire and rustling cardboard tubes and ,according to Zovickian (along with a whole host of reviewers), makes her cat go "absolutely nuts."

Each month, BarkBox delivers a parcel of differently themed goodies for your dog to your doorstep. Usually featuring plush toys, bags of healthy dog treats and more, BarkBox also gives you the option to customize your order for those pickier pups.

"My pups absolutely love everything they receive in BarkBox! Promotional couch cover/blanket is a huge hit!" — Dori Abram Busby, via Facebook

The strategic design of this dual-compartment and dishwasher-safe food and water dish keeps ants and other bugs out of your pet's food using a deep and wide moat that you can fill with water.

"I have 2 TNR cats that live outdoors that I feed every day. I found a double cat food bowl with mote to keep ants out! (Ant Away on Amazon) Works perfectly." — Donna Bauer, via Facebook