Where and how do people buy cat food?

Cats are beloved companions in millions of households worldwide, and just like humans, they need a balanced and nutritious diet to stay healthy. As awareness of pet nutrition has grown, so have the options for purchasing cat food. Today, people have a variety of ways to buy food for their feline friends, ranging from local stores to online platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the most common places and methods for buying cat food.

Whether you’ve just welcomed a new kitten or are looking to switch up your cat’s diet, here are the top places to buy cat food.

1. Pet Stores

Pet stores are one of the most popular places to buy cat food. These stores usually offer a wide selection of brands, including both budget and premium options. Staff members are often trained to help pet owners choose food based on a cat’s age, health condition, and dietary needs.

Examples:

PetSmart
As a pet-specific store, there’s no shortage of cat food options available at PetSmart. Shop by brand, such as Blue Buffalo or Fancy Feast, or category, such as frozen cat food or cat food toppers. If you are looking to choose from a variety of cat food and treats at reasonable prices, then PetSmart is the best store to shop at. They’ve even got an entire deals section if you are on a budget.
Petco:
From reliable veterinary services to organic foods for pets, Petco is a popular place for cat owners to buy their food. Whenever I go on a trip and need to use my automatic pet feeder for dry food, I usually head to Petco to grab the Blue Wilderness Natural Adult Indoor Chicken dry cat food for my Bengal, which she is obsessed with. Petco also carries other popular brands, such as Fancy Feast and Instinct. Overall, Petco is a good place to go for all cat essentials—head there for vet appointments before grabbing cat food, cat toys, and much more.
Local independent pet stores

Advantages:

Wide selection
Knowledgeable staff
In-store promotions

2. Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

Many people buy cat food during their regular grocery runs. Supermarkets typically carry popular, mass-market brands that are convenient and affordable.

Examples:

Walmart:
Walmart is a huge store with everything you need for your home, food, pets, and more. If you’re looking for the best cat food brands at very affordable prices, this is the place to stock up on cat food. For example, the most expensive cat food on their website is the Purina Friskies Shreds Gravy Cat Food for $30.48 at full price. What’s also great about buying cat food at Walmart is that you can modify your search based on fulfilment speed, flavors, health features, and more.
Tesco
Carrefour

Advantages:

Easy access
One-stop shopping
Frequent discounts

3. Online Retailers

E-commerce has made buying pet food easier than ever. Many people now prefer to order cat food online and have it delivered directly to their home. Online platforms often carry a broader range of products, including speciality and prescription diets.

Examples:

Amazon
Amazon, as we all know, is the place where you can find just about anything, so it’s no surprise that they’ve got a large selection of cat food to choose from. Amazon is a great place to buy cat food if you want to choose from a huge selection of brands and flavors, as well as receive your cat food in the mail quickly and efficiently. On Amazon, you can shop the best cat food brands, such as IAMS and Purina, and easily customise your search by selecting options like flavor, container type, cat life stage, and more.
Chewy
Selling more than 3.500 brands, Chewy is a trusted place for pet owners to get all of their pet’s essentials. Chewy is the best place to find what your pet needs at a discount, from toys and accessories to food and medicine. They’re known for their promotions and deals on pet products, such as cat food. At Chewy, you’ll find the best cat food brands on sale, such as Blue Wilderness, ORIJEN, and Purina.
Zooplus

Advantages:

Convenience
Automatic reordering options
Customer reviews for guidance

4. Veterinary Clinics

For cats with special health needs, food prescribed by a veterinarian may be necessary. These can include diets for kidney disease, allergies, or weight management. Veterinary clinics often stock these specialized foods.

Advantages:

Expert guidance
Tailored to health needs
Trusted source

5. Pet Subscription Boxes

Some companies offer subscription services that deliver curated boxes of cat food, treats, and toys. These are convenient and can introduce pet owners to new products.

Examples:

Smalls
Nom Nom
The Farmer’s Dog (for cats in some regions)

Advantages:

Regular deliveries
Often includes fresh or custom-made food
Added variety for picky eaters