Joybuy Insights

Cat products: how to choose the right food, litter and accessories

Buying cat products is not simply about comparing prices or choosing the most attractive packaging. Between odour-control claims, “premium” recipes and accessories advertised as silent, certain details can quickly turn a practical purchase into an unnecessary expense.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, pay particular attention to the product category, its dimensions, its conditions of use and whether it is suitable for your cat’s age, size and habits.

Common pitfalls when buying cat products

1. Confusing complete food with treats

Wet cat food or other wet food labelled “complete food” can make up a meal, provided you follow the recommendations on the packaging. By contrast, liquid or meat-based treats are generally complementary food. They should therefore not replace main meals.

Always check the legal designation, analytical constituents and recommended daily quantity. Requirements vary according to the animal’s weight, age, activity level and body condition.

2. Choosing litter solely for its odour-control claim

Scented litter is not necessarily the most suitable option. Some cats prefer an unscented formula, while very fine grains can create more dust when the litter is poured.

Non-clumping mineral litter does not work in the same way as clumping litter: it absorbs liquids but does not necessarily form a clump that can be removed. You must therefore remove waste every day and replace all the litter once it becomes saturated.

3. Overlooking dimensions and compatibility

This pitfall applies to both a cat water fountain and a cat flap. A model that is too small, a poorly positioned opening or an incompatible adapter can make the installation unusable.

For a cat flap installed in glass, the glass cut-out and compatibility with the exact model are essential. If the glass needs to be drilled or modified, it is best to entrust the work to a glazing professional.

Criteria to check before ordering

Cat food and treats

When comparing several foods, check:

  • whether it is labelled complete food or complementary food;
  • the target age: kitten, adult cat or all life stages;
  • the weight of each portion and the number of pouches;
  • the moisture, protein, fat and crude ash content;
  • storage instructions after opening.

For example, the Purina One multipack contains 12 x 85 g pouches, with veal and tuna recipes. The product details state a moisture content of 79% and a crude protein content of 12%. The Gourmet Perle pack contains 24 x 85 g pouches, with several recipes. This information allows you to compare the formats and composition without drawing medical or nutritional conclusions that cannot be established from the product details alone.

Cat treats, such as the Vitakraft liquid portions, should remain an occasional addition. The product details specify that this is complementary food, to be included while taking the cat’s usual ration into account.

Cat litter and daily maintenance

Before choosing cat litter, check:

  1. The type of grains: mineral, plant-based, clumping or non-clumping.
  2. Whether it is scented: an unscented formula may suit households wishing to avoid added fragrances.
  3. The volume and weight: a 10-litre bag may represent several kilograms to transport and store.
  4. The cleaning routine: with a non-clumping formula, faeces and saturated areas must be removed regularly.
  5. The safety instructions: avoid inhaling dust when pouring the litter and do not flush large quantities down the toilet.

The CATSAN Hygiene Plus products featured here are mineral litters made from chalk and quartz sand, with no added fragrance. Depending on the product, the instructions recommend a layer of approximately 5 to 10 cm. How often the litter needs replacing depends on the number of cats, the size of the tray and the level of saturation observed.

Fountains, cat flaps and accessories

For a cat water fountain, check the capacity, filter type, availability of replacement filters and access to the various parts for cleaning. A 2-litre reservoir can be convenient in a household with one or more small pets, but it still needs to be washed regularly.

For a cat flap, measure the required passage width and height. The PetSafe PAC19-12500 adapter is designed to fit a large PetSafe cat flap in a glass door or window. It measures 4.0 × 36.7 × 0.57 cm and is made from UV-resistant polymer. The product details specify that the adapter must be installed on both sides of the glass and recommend professional installation.

Our selection for different shopping profiles

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
Purina One Wet Cat Food Veal & Tuna - 12 x 85g

Purina One – wet cat food, veal and tuna – 12 × 85 g

Why this choice suits this profile : The pack of 12 x 85 g pouches lets you start with a measured quantity and two different flavours, so you can see which one your adult cat prefers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details clearly identify it as complete food for adult cats and provide analytical values along with portion recommendations.

Main benefit and key features

12 individual 85 g portions, two recipes and simple storage before opening.

Recommended for : Premium shoppers
Gourmet Perle Filettine in Sauce Cat Food Variety Pack - 24 x 85g

Gourmet Perle – sliced cat food in sauce, variety pack – 24 × 85 g

Why this choice suits this profile : The multipack of 24 pouches is ideal for households that want to vary the recipes and reduce leftovers thanks to the individual portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details provide guideline quantities for a 4 kg adult cat and remind you to adjust portions according to individual needs.

Main benefit and key features

24 x 85 g pouches, four recipes and a moisture content listed at 82%.

Recommended for : Specific needs and frequent use
Petsafe Adapter Large Cat Flap for Glass

PetSafe – adapter for fitting a large cat flap in glass

Why this choice suits this profile : This accessory is intended for owners of large cats who want to install a cat flap in a compatible glazed door or window.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Compatibility with the PetSafe Big Cat Flap model must be checked before ordering, and the glass cutting is explicitly described as work to be carried out by a professional.

Main benefit and key features

UV-resistant polymer, stated dimensions and cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Recommended for : Households looking for a simple maintenance routine
CATSAN Hygiene Plus Cat Litter 10L

CATSAN Hygiene Plus – cat litter, 10 l

Why this choice suits this profile : This non-clumping mineral litter is suitable for users who prefer a traditional unscented format and a daily waste-removal routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its format and non-clumping nature are clearly stated; you know that you need to remove waste and replace the litter once it becomes saturated.

Main benefit and key features

10 litres, mineral grains made from lime and quartz sand, unscented formula.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat products

Which food should you choose for an adult cat?

Start by distinguishing complete food from treats. Then compare the analytical constituents, portion sizes and the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your cat has specific needs, ask a vet for advice before changing its diet.

How long can wet cat food be kept after opening?

Place any remaining portion in the fridge and follow the instructions on the packaging. The product details for the products featured generally recommend consuming them within 24 to 48 hours of opening. Serve the food at room temperature afterwards and discard any portion if its packaging or smell seems unusual.

Is a cat water fountain expensive to run?

The cost mainly depends on electricity consumption, filter replacement and how often it is cleaned. Before buying, check how many filters are included, whether replacements are available and the reservoir capacity. A fountain that is maintained regularly is less likely to become clogged and will help keep the circulation system working properly.