Cat Supplies

Ultimate Guide to Buying Cat Supplies in the UK: Top Stores, Best Picks, and Smart Shopping Tips

Why choosing the right cat supplies matters

Think of your cat’s kit as a toolbox for a happy life — the right equipment keeps them healthy, mentally sharp, and curious. From food and litter to toys and carriers, each choice affects your cat’s comfort and behaviour. Picking the wrong litter can lead to accidents, the wrong diet can cause weight gain or digestive upset, and a flimsy carrier can turn a vet trip into a nightmare. So yes, it’s worth investing a little time to learn where to shop and what to buy in the UK. You’ll save money, avoid stress, and keep your feline friend purring.

Top UK retailers for cat supplies — quick overview

If you’re staring at a long shopping list, where should you go first? The UK has a mix of specialist pet retailers, supermarkets that carry essentials, and online-only shops. Some stores specialise in premium ranges and vet-grade food, while others focus on budget buys and household basics. The trick is matching the retailer to your need: convenience, price, specialist advice, or fast delivery. Below I walk through the major options and what they’re best known for.

Pets at Home — one-stop shop for everything feline

Pets at Home is one of the most visible pet chains in the UK, useful if you want to browse in person and get expert advice. They stock a wide range of cat foods, litter types, toys, bedding, and carriers. If you’re after loyalty perks, their reward schemes and grooming services can be handy. Think of this store as a reliable high street option when you need to inspect a cat tree in real life before you buy it.

Pets Corner — boutique-style support with friendly staff

Pets Corner is a smaller chain that often leans towards higher-welfare products and boutique brands. If your cat has dietary sensitivities or you prefer natural ingredients, this is a great place to explore. Staff tend to be knowledgeable, and many shops offer personalised feeding advice, making it easier to navigate premium dry and wet food lines without guessing.

Zooplus and PetsPyjamas — online specialists for savings and selection

Want a huge range without leaving home? Retailers like Zooplus and PetsPyjamas specialise in online cat supplies and often run large sales on bulk purchases. They’re perfect if you buy cat food by the bag or need to stock up on litter, flea treatments, or special dietary foods. Delivery can be quick and price-competitive, especially if you buy in bulk or use subscription options.

Amazon UK and supermarket chains — convenience and value

Amazon and supermarkets such as Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Ocado are great when convenience matters. You’ll find household-name brands and supermarket ranges that cover basics like food, litter, and toys. Supermarkets often have cheaper own-brand options and frequent online discounts. If you need something ASAP, these retailers are reliable for last-minute buys and multi-buy offers.

B&M, Wilko and discount stores — great for bargains

Budget-focused stores like B&M and Wilko are the place to go for low-cost litter trays, beds, and toys when you’re watching the pennies. Quality varies, but for temporary or spare items — a cheap travel bowl, a spare scratching post, or an extra brush — these shops offer serious value. Just check durability if you expect heavy wear.

Where to find specialist and veterinary cat products

Not all cat needs are created equal. If your cat requires prescription diets, allergy-friendly options, or medical-grade pet furniture, you’ll want specialist channels. Vets and licensed online pharmacies stock prescription diets and therapeutic treats, and they often offer professional guidance that general retailers can’t. Independent pet boutiques also stock niche brands, eco-friendly litter and handmade beds if you prefer artisanal or high-welfare options.

Prescription and hypoallergenic diets

If your cat has a medical condition—kidney disease, urinary issues, or food allergies—prescription diets from your vet or authorised online pharmacies are often the best choice. These formulas are designed to manage specific issues and should be used under vet guidance. You may have to pay a bit more, but they can prevent costly vet visits down the line.

Independent boutiques and eco-friendly brands

Small retailers are fantastic for unique finds: natural wool beds, biodegradable litter, and wooden cat trees that look like furniture. These shops often prioritise quality and sustainability. If you want something that fits your home décor while being cat-friendly, independent stores are where you’ll find more bespoke options.

Choosing the right cat food in the UK

Food is the single biggest recurring cost for most cat owners and directly impacts your cat’s health. Should you pick wet or dry, premium or supermarket own-brand? The answer depends on your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and health. Here’s how to think about it so you can make sensible purchases from your chosen UK retailer.

Wet vs dry food — pros and cons

Wet food helps keep cats hydrated and often appeals to picky eaters; it’s usually higher in protein and moisture. Dry food is convenient, less messy, and often cheaper per meal, but can be higher in carbohydrates. A mix of both works for many cats — wet food at mealtimes and dry food for free-feeding — but if your cat has urinary or kidney issues, vets often recommend higher wet-food ratios.

Ingredients and what to avoid

Look for named meat sources at the top of the ingredient list — chicken, turkey, salmon — and avoid vague terms like “meat meal” if you can. Watch out for excess fillers and added sugars. Premium brands tend to list clear ingredients and avoid artificial colours and preservatives. For sensitive cats, limited-ingredient diets can reduce reactions. If in doubt, speak with a vet or a specialist at Pets Corner or your chosen online retailer.

Budget vs premium — where to spend

Not every cat needs a top-tier brand, but skimping on protein can cost in health later. Spend where it counts — quality protein and appropriate calorie content — and save on accessories if needed. Bulk-buy discounts from online retailers or supermarket own-brand deals can help balance the budget without sacrificing nutrition.

Cat litter and litter boxes — essentials for a tidy home

Picking litter is part science, part personal preference. You want something your cat accepts, easy to clean, and that controls odour. Across UK stores you’ll find clay-based clumping litters, silica crystal litters, and biodegradable options made from wood, corn, or paper. Each has pros and cons: absorption, dust levels, tracking and environmental footprint should guide your choice.

Types of litter and recommendations

Clay clumping litters are popular for ease of scooping but can be dusty. Silica gel litters control odour well and last longer between changes, while plant-based litters are eco-friendlier and flushable in small amounts. If your cat has respiratory issues, low-dust litters from specialist retailers may be best. Try small bags first to see what your cat prefers — many shops offer trial packs.

Litter box size and placement

Choose a litter box that’s at least one size larger than your cat. For adult cats, a tray around 22 to 24 inches wide is comfortable; bigger cats will appreciate extra room. Keep boxes in quiet, low-traffic spots and avoid putting food nearby. If you have multiple cats, aim for one litter tray per cat plus one spare to prevent territorial issues.

Toys, enrichment and scratching posts — keeping cats engaged

Bored cats can be destructive. Toys and scratching posts aren’t luxuries — they’re tools for mental and physical health. Look for a mix: interactive toys that mimic prey, puzzle feeders to slow eating, and sturdy scratching posts that satisfy the need to mark territory and stretch muscles. Rotating toys keeps novelty high without breaking the bank.

Choosing safe and durable toys

Avoid tiny parts that could be swallowed and watch out for long strings which can pose a strangulation risk. Durable materials like sisal for posts and rubber for interactive balls last longer. Many high-street stores and online retailers sell toy bundles so you can test preferences without committing to expensive individual items.

Where to find bargains on enrichment

Discount stores and supermarkets often sell seasonal toys and novelty items at low prices; set these aside as rotation pieces. Specialist online sites and pet chains run regular sales on cat trees and scratching posts. Buying during seasonal sales or using subscription discounts at online retailers can save you a lot over the year.

Carriers, beds and cat furniture — safe travel and comfy naps

Your cat’s carrier and resting spots are crucial for stress management. A good carrier should be sturdy, well-ventilated and the right size for your cat to turn around in. Beds come in many styles — caves, bolsters, heated mats — and the best choice depends on where your cat likes to sleep and how much warmth they prefer.

Choosing a carrier — size and safety tips

Pick a carrier that allows your cat to sit and turn comfortably. For an average adult cat, carriers around 20 to 24 inches in length usually work, but measure your cat first. Hard-shell carriers offer protection and are easier to clean; soft carriers are lighter and foldable. Look for secure latches and consider top-opening models for less stressful vet access.

Cat trees and furniture that last

Solid construction and replaceable scratching posts are signs of a quality cat tree. Carpets and cardboard degrade quickly, so sisal-wrapped posts and durable platforms last longer. If you’re tight on space, look for wall-mounted shelves or compact condo-style trees sold by online specialists and major pet retailers.

Saving money on cat supplies in the UK

Being a savvy shopper doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality. Use loyalty cards at chains, look for multi-buy deals at supermarkets, and check online retailers for subscription discounts on food and litter. Price comparison sites help you find the best current offers across retailers so you don’t have to hop between multiple sites. Buying in bulk and choosing long-lasting items will reduce per-month costs significantly.

Subscription services and bulk buys

Many online shops offer subscription plans where food or litter is delivered automatically at a small discount. This reduces trips to the store and often gives better unit prices. For non-perishable items like dry food or litter, bulk purchases tend to work out cheaper, but balance savings with storage space at home.

Seasonal sales and clearance hunting

Keep an eye on seasonal sales — Black Friday, end-of-season clearances and holiday promotions — for big discounts on cat trees, carriers and bedding. Local classified sites can also be good for secondhand finds in good condition. Just vet the item carefully to ensure it’s safe and clean.

Practical delivery and storage tips

Buying online is convenient, but you’ll want an organised space for bulk food and litter. Store dry food in a cool, dry place and keep litter sealed to prevent moisture. If you have limited space, split large bags into smaller sealed containers for freshness. For fragile or heavy items like large cat trees, check assembly instructions and measure doorways and staircases at home before ordering.

Conclusion

Buying cat supplies in the UK can be straightforward when you match your needs to the right retailer. High-street chains like Pets at Home and Pets Corner offer advice and convenience; online specialists like Zooplus and PetsPyjamas deliver selection and savings; supermarkets and discount stores cover basics and bargains. Prioritise food quality, litter suitability, and sturdy enrichment items. Shop smart with subscriptions, multi-buys and comparison tools, and you’ll keep both your cat and your wallet happy.