Do Cat Stores Sell Supplies?

Cat stores sell a comprehensive range of supplies including food, litter, toys, beds, grooming tools, and health products. These retailers operate through various formats—from specialty boutiques focusing exclusively on feline products to large chains offering supplies for multiple pet types.

The availability and selection vary based on store type. Specialty cat stores typically stock 200-500 SKUs of cat-specific items, while large chains like Petco and PetSmart carry 1,000+ products across all pet categories, with cats representing roughly 30% of their inventory.

What Types of Cat Stores Exist

The cat supply retail landscape includes distinct store formats, each serving different customer needs.

National Pet Chains

Petco and PetSmart dominate the market with over 3,000 combined locations. These stores stock mainstream brands like Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo alongside premium options. A typical chain location dedicates 2,000-3,000 square feet to cat supplies within their 12,000-15,000 square foot footprint.

Both chains offer similar core inventory: dry and wet food, clay and alternative litters, basic toys, scratching posts, and grooming supplies. Petco focuses more on boutique brands and natural products through its Unleashed concept stores. PetSmart emphasizes convenience with in-house veterinary clinics (Banfield Pet Hospital) in over 1,000 locations.

Specialty Cat-Only Stores

Approximately 8-12 independent cat-only stores operate across the United States. Just Cats Store in Denver, The Cat Connection in Dallas, and Cat’s Exclusive in Chicago represent this niche segment. These boutiques curate 150-400 products specifically for cats, eliminating dog-related inventory entirely.

The selection at cat-only stores skews toward premium and specialized items. You’ll find limited-ingredient diets, prescription foods, handcrafted toys, and designer furniture that rarely appear in mass-market chains. Staff expertise tends to be higher, with many employees having feline-specific certifications or extensive cat ownership experience.

Online Retailers

Chewy captured significant market share since its 2011 launch, reaching $10.8 billion in annual sales by 2024. The platform stocks 2,000+ cat food products and 5,000+ non-food cat supplies. Autoship subscriptions account for 75% of Chewy’s revenue, offering 5-10% discounts on recurring orders.

Amazon’s pet supplies segment generated approximately $4.5 billion in 2024, though exact cat-specific data isn’t disclosed. The marketplace model allows third-party sellers to list specialty items unavailable through traditional retail.

Big-Box and Grocery Stores

Walmart, Target, and grocery chains allocate limited space to pet supplies. A typical Walmart dedicates 400-800 square feet to all pet products, with cats receiving 30-40% of that space. Selection focuses on value brands and bestsellers: Meow Mix, 9Lives, Fancy Feast, and Tidy Cats dominate the shelves.

Prices at big-box stores typically undercut specialty retailers by 10-25% on comparable items. A 16-pound bag of standard dry cat food costs $18-22 at Walmart versus $24-28 at Petco for similar formulations.

Essential Supply Categories Available

Cat stores stock supplies across seven primary categories, each with varying depth depending on store type.

Food and Treats

Dry food (kibble) represents 44.6% of cat food sales. Stores carry 15-200 different dry food options depending on format. Budget brands ($0.50-1.00 per pound) include Meow Mix and Friskies. Premium brands ($2.00-4.00 per pound) like Wellness, Taste of the Wild, and Orijen appear in specialty stores and larger chains.

Wet food sales increased from 47% household penetration in 2005 to 61% in 2022. Most stores stock 20-150 varieties in 3-ounce pouches, 5.5-ounce cans, and larger formats. Prices range from $0.60 per serving (Fancy Feast) to $3.50+ for premium brands (Weruva, Tiki Cat).

Treat selection varies from 10 options at grocery stores to 50+ at specialty retailers. Freeze-dried treats, dental chews, and catnip-infused products dominate the category.

Litter and Cleanup

Cat litter sales reached $6.9 billion in 2024, growing 9.5% annually since 2019. Traditional clay litter accounts for 65% of sales despite increasing interest in alternatives.

Standard stores stock 5-15 litter types. Options include:

Clay (clumping and non-clumping): $8-20 per 20-pound container
Silica gel crystals: $15-30 per 8-pound bag
Plant-based (corn, wheat, pine, tofu): $12-25 per 15-pound bag
Recycled paper: $10-18 per 12-pound package

Litter box selection ranges from basic plastic pans ($8-15) to automatic self-cleaning units ($200-600). Most stores stock 3-20 box options including covered boxes, high-sided boxes for large cats, and specialty designs.

Toys and Entertainment

Toy inventory reflects the playful nature of cats while varying significantly by store type. Budget retailers stock 10-20 toy options priced under $5 each: feather wands, mice, balls, and simple laser pointers.

Specialty stores carry 50-150 toy varieties including:

Interactive puzzle feeders ($12-35)
Battery-operated motion toys ($15-45)
Premium catnip products ($8-20)
Handcrafted or artisan toys ($10-30)

The cat toy market values engagement and durability. Toys with natural materials, unpredictable movement patterns, or food-dispensing features command higher prices and generate stronger customer loyalty.

Furniture and Scratching Solutions

Cat furniture represents a growing category as owners increasingly provide environmental enrichment. Basic scratching posts cost $15-30 while multi-level cat trees reach $150-400 at specialty stores.

Larger stores display 10-30 furniture pieces. Smaller retailers stock 5-10 options or operate on special order. Material quality varies significantly—carpet-covered posts ($20-40) wear faster than sisal-wrapped alternatives ($30-80).

Cardboard scratchers gained popularity as economical, recyclable options. Priced at $8-20, these temporary solutions appeal to budget-conscious owners and cats that prefer horizontal scratching.

Beds and Comfort Items

Cat bed selection includes basic cushions ($12-25), enclosed caves ($25-45), heated beds ($35-80), and elevated perches ($30-60). Specialty stores stock 15-40 bed styles while mass retailers carry 5-12 basic options.

Material composition affects pricing. Synthetic fleece beds cost $15-30. Orthopedic memory foam beds for senior cats range $40-70. Luxury options with removable, washable covers reach $60-100.

Health and Grooming

Grooming tools include brushes ($8-25), nail clippers ($6-15), and specialized items like de-shedding tools ($25-40). Stores stock 8-50 grooming products based on format.

Over-the-counter health products encompass:

Flea and tick treatments ($15-60 for 3-month supply)
Hairball remedies ($8-15)
Dental care products ($10-20)
Supplements for joints, skin, or digestion ($15-40)

Pet pharmacies at chains like PetSmart offer prescription medications and preventive care products. Specialty stores typically refer customers to veterinarians for prescriptions.

Accessories and Travel Gear

Accessories represent the smallest but most diverse category. Products include:

Collars and ID tags ($5-20)
Harnesses and leashes for cat walking ($12-30)
Carriers for transport ($25-80)
Feeding bowls and water fountains ($8-50)

Automatic feeders and water fountains gained traction among working pet owners. Programmable feeders cost $40-120 while recirculating water fountains run $25-60.

Price Comparison Across Store Types

Understanding pricing patterns helps owners make informed purchasing decisions across different retail formats.

A comparison of identical products reveals pricing hierarchies. A 22-pound bag of Iams ProActive Health Indoor Cat Food costs:

Grocery store: $28.50
Walmart: $27.99
PetSmart: $29.99 (sale: $29.99)
Petco: $29.97 (sale: $29.97)
Amazon: $26.80-32.50 (varies by seller)
Chewy: $29.97 (Autoship: $26.97)

Specialty cat stores price this item at $32-35, reflecting smaller purchasing power but offering personalized service and expertise.

Premium brands show different patterns. A 12-pound bag of Orijen Cat & Kitten formula costs:

Not available at most grocery stores
Not available at Walmart or Target
PetSmart: Previously carried, now limited availability
Petco: $49.99-54.99
Chewy: $52.99 (Autoship: $50.34)
Amazon: $49-57 (multiple sellers)
Specialty stores: $54-59

The pricing structure reveals that mass-market chains compete aggressively on popular brands while specialty retailers differentiate through unique products and service.

Shopping Patterns and Trends

Cat owner purchasing behavior shifted significantly between 2019 and 2024, influenced by e-commerce growth and changing preferences.

Online versus In-Store

E-commerce accounted for 9% of pet supply growth in 2024 compared to less than 1% for brick-and-mortar locations. Convenience drives online adoption—recurring deliveries eliminate last-minute shopping trips for heavy litter bags or bulk food.

Subscription services appeal to 35-45% of cat owners. Chewy’s Autoship, Petco’s Repeat Delivery, and PetSmart’s subscription programs offer 5-10% discounts plus free shipping above minimum thresholds ($49-$75).

Physical stores retain advantages for immediate needs, product inspection before purchase, and impulse buys. Roughly 55% of cat supply purchases still occur in-store despite e-commerce growth.

Premium Product Demand

Premium and super-premium cat food sales grew 12-15% annually from 2020-2024, outpacing standard food growth of 2-4%. Owners increasingly prioritize:

Grain-free formulations
High protein content (40%+ dry matter)
Limited ingredient diets
Raw or freeze-dried options
Human-grade ingredients

This trend lifted average transaction values. Median monthly cat supply spending reached $65-85 in 2024, up from $45-60 in 2020.

Multi-Channel Purchasing

Cat owners increasingly shop across multiple channels. A typical purchasing pattern includes:

Routine food and litter: Subscription delivery (35%) or big-box stores (30%)
Special treats or toys: In-store impulse at chains (40%) or specialty stores (15%)
Health products: Online research then veterinary purchase (45%)
Furniture: Online for selection, in-store for inspection (balanced)

Younger owners (ages 25-40) show stronger e-commerce preference—60% of their purchases occur online. Older owners (55+) maintain 65-70% in-store shopping rates.

Store Services Beyond Products

Many cat stores expanded beyond product sales into services that build customer loyalty and recurring revenue.

Grooming Services

PetSmart and Petco operate grooming salons at most locations. Cat grooming services include:

Bath packages: $40-70
Lion cuts or sanitary trims: $60-90
Nail trimming only: $12-15
De-shedding treatments: $25-40

Cat grooming requires specialized training and patience. PetSmart groomers complete 800+ hours of training including cat-specific handling techniques. Demand for cat grooming remains lower than dog grooming—cats represent 15-20% of grooming appointments.

Specialty cat stores sometimes offer mobile grooming or partner with independent groomers who work exclusively with cats.

Adoption Programs

Most chain stores partner with local shelters for in-store adoption centers. Petco’s Love Program facilitated 6.5 million pet adoptions since its inception. PetSmart houses adoption centers in over 1,600 stores.

These programs benefit all parties. Shelters gain visibility and foot traffic. Stores build goodwill and capture supply sales from new adopters. Cats find homes faster when displayed in high-traffic retail locations.

Education and Community Events

Larger stores host periodic events:

New cat owner workshops
Nutrition seminars with brand representatives
Cat socialization meetups
Holiday photo opportunities

Specialty cat stores often provide deeper expertise through one-on-one consultations about behavior, nutrition, or health concerns. This personalized service justifies premium pricing and builds loyal customer relationships.

Finding the Right Store for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate store depends on individual priorities and cat requirements.

For Budget-Conscious Owners

Walmart, Target, and grocery stores offer the lowest prices on mainstream brands. A monthly supply budget of $35-50 covers basic needs for one cat using value brands.

Combining big-box stores for staples with online shopping for occasional premium items optimizes spending. Subscribe-and-save programs at Amazon or Walmart reduce costs another 5-15% on recurring items.

For Premium Product Seekers

Specialty cat stores and Petco’s Unleashed locations provide the widest selection of natural, organic, and limited-ingredient products. Staff knowledge helps navigate complex nutritional claims and identify appropriate foods for cats with allergies or sensitivities.

Online retailers like Chewy offer comparable selection with convenience of home delivery. Reading verified customer reviews helps assess product quality before purchasing.

For Convenience Prioritizers

PetSmart’s integrated services—supplies, grooming, veterinary care, and training—enable one-stop shopping. Same-day or curbside pickup options accommodate busy schedules.

Subscription deliveries from any major retailer eliminate shopping trips entirely. Setting up Autoship for food, litter, and recurring items ensures you never run out unexpectedly.

For New Cat Owners

Visiting a physical store initially helps new owners understand product options through direct comparison. Staff at specialty stores or smaller chains often provide more personalized guidance than employees at large-format retailers.

Starting with a physical store for major purchases (carriers, initial supplies) then transitioning to online ordering for routine items offers a balanced approach.

What’s Not Available at Cat Stores

Understanding limitations helps set realistic expectations about cat store inventory.

Most stores don’t stock:

Prescription medications (requires veterinary authorization)
Exotic or homemade diet ingredients
Extremely specialized medical equipment
Custom-made furniture beyond standard dimensions
Live animals (cats and kittens) from breeders

Prescription diets for kidney disease, urinary health, or other conditions require purchase through veterinary offices or licensed online pharmacies with prescription verification. While stores stock wellness supplements, they cannot provide medical advice or diagnosed treatments.

Some ultra-premium or imported brands maintain selective distribution, appearing only in specialty stores or direct-to-consumer channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do grocery stores have everything I need for my cat?

Grocery stores stock basic supplies—food, litter, treats, and simple toys. They cover essentials for routine care but lack variety in premium foods, specialty litters, or quality furniture. Budget-conscious owners can meet basic needs at grocery stores, though selection limitations mean fewer options for cats with specific dietary requirements or preferences.

Can I buy cat supplies at stores that aren’t pet-specific?

General retailers like Target, Walmart, and many grocery chains allocate space to pet supplies. These locations work well for routine purchases of mainstream brands at competitive prices. Availability concentrates on bestselling items rather than comprehensive selection.

Are specialty cat stores worth the higher prices?

Specialty stores justify premium pricing through curated product selection, staff expertise, and personalized service. Owners managing complex dietary needs, seeking unusual products, or valuing expert consultation find value in specialty retailers. Price-sensitive shoppers prioritizing mainstream brands get better value at chains or online.

How do online cat supply stores compare to physical locations?

Online stores excel at selection, convenience, and competitive pricing on routine purchases. Subscription services eliminate reordering. Physical stores advantage immediate availability, product inspection, and in-person assistance. Most owners benefit from hybrid approach—online for staples, in-store for new items requiring evaluation.

Cat stores provide reliable access to essential supplies through diverse retail formats. From nationwide chains to specialized boutiques and e-commerce platforms, options accommodate different priorities around price, selection, and service. The category continues adapting to owner preferences for premium products, subscription convenience, and informed purchasing.