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The 10 Best Places to Buy Cat Food & Supplies Online: 2024 Review

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

woman with cat using computer

The 10 Best Places to Buy Cat Food & Supplies Online: 2024 Review

woman with cat using computer

For cat owners, buying food and supplies for their furry friends is more than a chore; it’s an essential task to ensure the health, happiness, and longevity of their pets. Thanks to the convenience of the internet, getting everything you need for your feline companion has never been easier.

With a plethora of online options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which site is the best. To help streamline your shopping process, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to buy cat food and supplies online. Whether you need specialized food, toys, or cat litter, these online stores have you covered.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Chewy Chewy
  • Broad health-specific food range
  • Highly accessible customer service
  • Simplified repeat purchasing
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Amazon Amazon
  • Expansive product selection
  • Collaboration with top pet brands
  • Effortless site navigation
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Petco Petco
  • Friendly user interface
  • Impressive variety of cat food
  • Flexible Autoship orders
  • PetSmart PetSmart
  • Intuitive shopping by pet, category, or brand
  • Mix of in-store and online shopping experience
  • Free same-day shipping on eligible orders
  • Walmart Walmart
  • Wide range of affordable pet products
  • Free shipping with Walmart+ subscription
  • Significant savings on first Walmart PetRx order
  • The 10 Best Places to Buy Cat Food & Supplies Online

    1. Chewy

    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Chat, phone, email

    At the heart of Chewy lies its exceptional versatility. It emerges as a comprehensive hub for pet essentials, extending well beyond cat food to encompass an assortment of treats, bedding, grooming supplies, supplements, toys, and more. Each product category is easily accessible, allowing shoppers to swiftly browse based on pet type, category, or even brand preference.

    The platform exudes convenience with its “Buy It Again” feature, enabling swift reordering of your pet’s favorites directly from the homepage. This is particularly valuable when it comes to purchasing cat food, where Chewy goes the extra mile to facilitate selection.

    You can effortlessly pinpoint exactly what you need by choosing specific categories like food type, flavor, or dietary needs. This extends to specialized feeds, catering to specific health concerns like sensitive skin or urinary tract health.

    Chewy also distinguishes itself with an impressive Autoship service. Not only can you adjust, reschedule, or cancel your Autoship orders with ease, but the service also offers notable savings on initial and ongoing orders.

    Completing the shopping experience, Chewy’s customer service stands ready to assist around the clock. Whether you prefer chat, email, or phone, there’s a support option tailored to your communication preference. Moreover, their user-friendly order tracking and comprehensive FAQ section further streamline the shopping experience.

    Pros
    • Broad health-specific food range
    • Highly accessible customer service
    • Simplified repeat purchasing
    • Fast, efficient shipping
    Cons
    • Certain brands not available

    2. Amazon

    cat food in feeding bowl
    Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Chat

    Amazon, the retail behemoth, while not exclusively focused on pet products, still manages to keep pace with its pet-specific competitors. Its vast inventory transcends pet care, offering a broad spectrum of products and brands, albeit with a notable omission of some popular pet brands.

    Indeed, the inherent variety may prove advantageous for those seeking to consolidate their shopping endeavors. A differentiating factor for Amazon is its marketplace model that invites independent sellers to trade on their platform, a feature absent from Chewy.

    This translates into a more diverse product range. However, it also means Amazon doesn’t possess the same level of control over product availability and quality. From a user perspective, Amazon’s interface promotes ease of navigation and product discovery.

    Shoppers can leverage robust filtering capabilities to narrow down choices, and much like Chewy, Amazon facilitates the creation of personalized product lists. For frequent shoppers, you can use Subscribe and Save to secure discounts, depending on the number of items.

    However, Amazon’s customer service approach contrasts sharply with Chewy’s. Being one of the world’s largest companies, Amazon gravitates toward online resolution methods, including a comprehensive Help section. Direct contact with customer service representatives can prove elusive, resulting in a series of customer complaints regarding their support experience.

    Pros
    • Expansive product selection
    • Collaboration with top pet brands
    • Effortless site navigation
    • Recurring orders for convenience
    Cons
    • Not pet-focused

    3. Petco

    petco logo

    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Phone, chat

    Petco distinguishes itself in the retail pet market with an amalgamation of pet products, services such as grooming and dog training, and an impressive geographical footprint of over 1,500 retail locations across North America. In a nod to market adaptability, Petco also operates nearly 100 smaller format “Unleashed by Petco” locations.

    The online shopping experience at Petco.com mirrors its competitor PetSmart.com, allowing searches by item, pet type, services, brands, or even current deals. Moreover, it presents shoppers with flexible purchase options, such as online purchases with in-store pickup.

    Autoship orders enjoy a generous discount scheme, starting with 35% off the first order and a subsequent 5% off on recurring orders. As with many retailers, adjustments, rescheduling, or cancellations of autoshipments can be easily managed through the customer account.

    In terms of cat food selection, Petco.com caters to a broad array of tastes and nutritional needs. It boasts popular brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Taste of the Wild, along with high-end ones like Orijen, Canidae, and Acana. Adding to the variety, Petco recently launched its in-house brand, WholeHearted, offering affordable cat foods across various categories.

    Petco’s customer service features numerous self-help options online. However, if needed, customers can reach out to their care team by phone seven days a week, from 5 am to 9 pm.

    Pros
    • Friendly user interface
    • Impressive variety of cat food
    • Flexible Autoship orders
    • Own affordable in-house brand
    Cons
    • Slightly restricted brand selection

    4. PetSmart

    PetSmart.com

    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Phone, chat

    PetSmart presents a compelling blend of physical and online shopping experiences. As one of North America’s leading pet companies, it manages over 1,600 physical locations offering pet supplies along with services, including vet care, grooming, pet daycare, and boarding.

    PetSmart.com is intuitively designed, enabling shoppers to browse either by pet or brand. After choosing a pet type, the site presents specific categories like toys, grooming supplies, furniture, and more, thereby simplifying the search process.

    However, while PetSmart.com offers many cat food brands, it does not offer certain high-end ones that consumers prefer. Instead, there seems to be more of a focus on affordable entries. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it ensures there are plenty of options to choose from, many of which are budget-friendly.

    PetSmart is distinguished by its ability to seamlessly integrate online and offline shopping experiences. Customers can conveniently shop online and pick up their orders in-store, sometimes on the same day.

    Some orders may even qualify for free delivery on the same day via DoorDash, enhancing its competitive edge. However, for orders not eligible for such services, shipping is free over $49, with smaller orders incurring a charge. Factor in solid customer service, and PetSmart has positioned itself as a formidable contender.

    Pros
    • Intuitive shopping by pet, category, or brand
    • Mix of in-store and online shopping experience
    • Free same-day shipping on eligible orders
    • Affordable cat food brands
    Cons
    • Limited high-end pet food brands

    5. Walmart

    Walmart Logo

    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Chat

    Walmart, a globally recognized multinational retailer, operates an expansive network of over 11,400 physical locations across 26 countries. Additionally, their online platform features a broad array of product categories, including pet supplies.

    One of the recent innovations from Walmart is the launch of Walmart+, a membership program that provides members with exclusive perks such as free delivery, discounted fuel prices, and a feature called Mobile Scan & Go.

    If you’re interested in exploring their range of pet products, you can head over to the “Food, Household & Pets” section accessible from the main menu or use the search bar to input specific inquiries. The user-friendly design of Walmart’s website makes it easy for customers to narrow down their search based on the type of product or brand, spotlighting major categories such as Dry Cat Food and featured brands.

    Walmart’s range of pet products primarily includes budget-friendly cat food brands such as Iams and Meow Mix. Exclusive brands such as Special Kitty and Vibrant Life are also available. However, customers looking for more premium brands of cat food might have to shop elsewhere.

    In terms of cost-saving incentives, Walmart offers significant benefits, including a 30% discount on the first Autoship order for flea and tick items via Walmart PetRx. Furthermore, members of the Walmart+ program enjoy free shipping, irrespective of the order size.

    Pros
    • Wide range of affordable pet products
    • Free shipping with Walmart+ subscription
    • Significant savings on the first Walmart PetRx order
    • Doesn’t focus solely on pet products
    Cons
    • Lack of high-end cat food brands

    6. Target

    target logo

    Autoship Option: No
    Customer Service: Phone

    Target is a prominent retail company that offers a decent variety of pet products. While their assortment may not be as extensive as that of Amazon or Chewy, they feature an array of both affordable and popular brands such as Blue Buffalo and Purina One, thereby accommodating various budget ranges.

    The process of finding cat food on Target’s website, Target.com, is designed to be simple and straightforward. Customers can refine their search according to brand or type of product and further narrow it down based on factors like life stage, flavor, and specific health considerations. Regular promotions on pet products also provide shoppers with frequent opportunities for savings on their favorite brands.

    In addition to these promotional deals, Target.com offers extra ways to save money. With the Target Circle app, shoppers can get up to 10% off pet products for same-day pickup or delivery, and flea and tick products can attract up to 15% savings under the same conditions.

    On the customer service front, Target.com offers a variety of online help options, much like Walmart and Amazon. However, getting in touch with a live representative can prove a bit challenging. Nonetheless, they do have a customer service number that could potentially lead to a conversation with a support representative.

    Pros
    • User-friendly shopping experience by pet, product, or category
    • Well-known store with lots of resources and options
    • Regular deals on popular pet products
    • Save on delivery or pickup
    Cons
    • Limited brand selection

    7. PetFlow

    PetFlow.com

    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Phone

    As a pet products retailer, PetFlow is unique. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has managed to build a portfolio of nearly 300 different pet brands, including some high-end names like Acana, a brand not even associated with Chewy.

    PetFlow differentiates itself through its business model, which is focused predominantly on recurring orders. Its intuitive interface presents you with a variety of shopping options, either by pet or by brand.

    Moreover, the website offers a Quick Reorder button for easy replication of past orders. Customers benefit from free shipping on purchases over $49, and there’s an appealing 30% discount on the first auto-ship order.

    Browsing for cat food on PetFlow is a breeze. Customers can either type in the desired brand in the search bar or opt to navigate by pet or food type. PetFlow also caters to those looking for specialty diet options like Grain-Free cat food or Allergy Safe diets.

    Pros
    • Carries a large range of high-quality pet brands
    • Significant discounts and free shipping available
    • Easy-to-navigate website
    • Good range of customer service
    Cons
    • Small brand selection compared to others

    8. Only Natural Pet

    OnlyNaturalPet.com

    Autoship Option: Yes
    Customer Service: Chat

    Specializing in natural and holistic pet food options, Only Natural Pet is a niche pet food provider that might not carry all the familiar brands, but it does offer a range of new possibilities for pet owners looking to change their pets’ diets. This company is a subsidiary of PetSmart, which adds the advantage of in-store pickup for orders if you live near a retail outlet.

    A key characteristic of Only Natural Pet is its focus on environmental sustainability, reflected in many of its product offerings. However, this commitment comes with a price – their food products tend to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum due to the quality and nature of the ingredients.

    While OnlyNaturalPet.com could be the perfect shopping destination for those devoted to feeding their pets natural, premium-quality food, it may not cater to everyone’s needs. The website can be challenging to navigate, and some may find the pop-ups irritating.

    Pros
    • Focus on high-end, natural product options
    • Commendable commitment to environmental sustainability
    • Pickup option available due to affiliation with PetSmart
    Cons
    • Some website issues
    • Products can be quite expensive

    9. Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club)

    members mark logo

    Autoship Option: No
    Customer Service: Chat

    Member’s Mark, owned by Sam’s Club (a membership-only retail store), is a brand that may remind you of Costco in its operations but with a more limited international presence. Many people may not know that Sam’s Club is a part of the Walmart family and carries its founder, Sam Walton’s name.

    Notably, Member’s Mark products are sold in substantial quantities, with large bags similar to brands like Kirkland and Victor. This bulk-selling approach aligns with Sam’s Club’s business model and is attractive to pet owners seeking to minimize costs or those who own multiple pets.

    Regarding their product range, Member’s Mark offers a limited selection of cat food recipes, fewer than their dog food range. They provide a single dry food recipe and a handful of wet/canned cat food recipes.

    Unfortunately, they do not offer age-specific cat food but do provide a dry cat food recipe designed for all life stages. The brand uses a range of high-quality meat and fish ingredients, ensuring nutritious food for your pets.

    It’s important to note, however, that their dry cat food recipe is not grain-free and includes corn, wheat, and soy ingredients, which are not the most ideal for cats due to their high carbohydrate content.

    Pros
    • Offers bulk products, beneficial for those with multiple pets
    • Cat food recipes have a decent proportion of protein and fat
    • Products incorporate high-quality meat and fish ingredients
    Cons
    • Limited selection of cat food recipes
    • Use of non-ideal ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy in cat food recipes

    10. Giant Eagle

    giant eagle logo

    Autoship Option: Yes, but only for prescriptions
    Customer Service: Phone, chat

    Giant Eagle is a popular supermarket chain in the United States known for its wide variety of products, including a commendable range of pet supplies. While it is not a specialty pet retailer, its diverse and well-curated selection of pet foods is worth noting.

    One notable feature of Giant Eagle is its offering of both mid-range and premium pet food brands, making it a convenient one-stop shop for a wide variety of dietary needs. From Purina One’s Sensitive Stomach and Skin Natural Dry Cat Food to Blue Buffalo’s Blue Wilderness Cat Food, customers have numerous options at their disposal.

    Moreover, Giant Eagle hosts sales and discounts periodically, allowing customers to save on their favorite brands. The store offers pickup options, and its affiliation with various locations across the country provides accessibility for many customers.

    However, you might find that the costs of some of their premium offerings, like Blue Buffalo products, can be on the higher side. Furthermore, the online shopping experience might not be as streamlined or informative as specialty pet retailers.

    Pros
    • Offers a wide variety of pet food brands
    • Convenient pickup options available
    • Frequent sales and discounts
    Cons
    • Premium brands can be expensive

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    Buyer’s Guide for the Best Places to Buy Cat Food & Supplies Online

    Choosing the right place to buy cat food online requires careful consideration of various factors. With the vast range of retailers available, you want to ensure that you pick one that best suits your needs. Here are some key points to consider to aid you in your search:

    Product Selection

    One of the most crucial factors is the range of products offered. Look for a site that provides a wide variety of cat food brands, types, and flavors to cater to your cat’s unique dietary needs and preferences. You’ll also want a site that sells other cat supplies like toys, beds, grooming products, and litter.

    Specialized Food Options

    If your cat requires a specific diet, such as grain-free, high-protein, low-fat, or food designed for particular health concerns, it’s vital that the retailer carries these specialized options. Opting for one that doesn’t meet your cat’s needs will only serve to create a bad shopping experience.

    Shipping and Delivery

    Consider the retailer’s shipping policies and costs. Some retailers offer free or discounted shipping if your purchase meets a certain amount. Moreover, look for services that provide automatic recurring deliveries, so you never run out of supplies.

    If you don’t like the hassle of shopping in person — with fighting traffic, finding parking, and jostling with other consumers — then buying online can take all the stress out of your shopping experience.

    Customer Service

    Excellent customer service can make your shopping experience significantly more enjoyable. Check if the retailer offers reliable support through various means, like phone, email, or live chat. The more contact options available, the more likely you are to get the service and support you need, when you need it.

    Young woman with cat working on computer at table
    Image Credit by: New Africa, Shutterstock

    Price

    Price is another crucial factor. Compare prices among different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Don’t forget to check for discounts, rewards programs, and Autoship savings. These bonuses can go a long way in enhancing your customer experience.

    Reviews and Ratings

    Before making a purchase, read reviews and ratings for the site and the products you’re considering. This can provide valuable insight into the quality of the products and the shopping experience.

    Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
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    • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
    • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

    If it’s kibble, wet, or a combination of both that your cat enjoys, choosing the right cat bowl to serve it in goes far beyond presentation. Your cat's comfort is at the forefront with the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl! The unique design benefits cats in many ways - dual stainless steel bowls are shallow and wide to aid with whisker fatigue and slight elevation for proper posture. The wide catch tray ensures that all food (and water!) stays exactly where you’d expect it to be - inside of the bowl! Click here to learn more.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Ease of Use

    The website should be user-friendly and easy to navigate, with clear categories and filters. This ensures a smooth and efficient shopping experience. Anything less will be a detriment and make shopping online less than ideal.

    Return Policy

    A good return policy is essential in case a product doesn’t meet your expectations or if your cat doesn’t like the food. Check the retailer’s return and refund policies before making a purchase.

    Remember, the best online store for cat food and supplies is the one that best meets your specific needs and preferences. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the best retailer for you and your feline friend.

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    Conclusion

    After thorough research and review, we’ve ranked Chewy, Amazon, and Petco as our top three choices for the best places to buy cat food and supplies online this year. Chewy takes the crown due to its exceptional versatility and commitment to pet care.

    Coming in a close second, Amazon excels with its expansive product selection and effortless site navigation. And last but not least, Petco distinguishes itself with an impressive variety of cat food and flexible Autoship orders.

    Each of these online retailers provides a unique shopping experience designed to cater to different pet parents’ needs. It’s ultimately about finding the one that suits your specific requirements and aligns with your cat’s dietary needs and preferences.


    Featured Image Credit: ORION PRODUCTION, Shutterstock

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