Joybuy Insights

Products for cats and kittens: how to choose the right food, treats and toys

Buying products for cats and kittens online lets you quickly compare sizes and prices. But packaging and marketing claims don't always tell you what really matters. A kibble that's marketed as high in meat may actually contain a significant amount of cereal; a very tempting treat might be only a complementary food; and a cat chew toy can become dangerous as soon as its fabric starts to fray.

To avoid disappointing purchases, it's best to check the animal's age, the food's status, its ingredients, usage recommendations and how sturdy the accessories are.

Common pitfalls when shopping

1. Confusing complete food with complementary treats

Cat treats are not a replacement for your cat's usual diet. They're for rewarding your pet or adding a little fun to playtime, but they should be given only occasionally and in limited amounts. Catisfactions, for example, are described as complementary foods. If you give them regularly, you'll need to factor them into your cat's daily food allowance.

On the other hand, kitten kibble and some adult cat kibbles are formulated as complete foods. This must be stated on the packaging or product page.

2. Choosing by taste rather than by age

A growing kitten has very different nutritional needs to an adult cat. Kitten food must match the growth stage specified by the manufacturer. Purina One Bifensis Kitten Food Chicken is intended for kittens after weaning and up to 12 months, as well as for pregnant or nursing females.

Similarly, kibble for neutered cats isn't automatically suitable for kittens. WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food is designed for neutered adult cats aged at least 1 year and clearly states it is not suitable for kittens.

3. Blindly trusting toy promises

Catnip, silvervine for cats and crinkly paper can attract some animals, but every cat reacts differently. These features don't guarantee the toy will be used for long. What matters most is inspecting it regularly and replacing it as soon as the fabric, stitching or stuffing shows signs of wear.

What to check before you order

Age, nutritional status and portion size

Start by identifying your pet's profile:

  • Kitten: look for a product explicitly designed for growth and check the minimum age for use.
  • Adult cat: check the recommended daily amount based on weight, activity level and body condition.
  • Neutered cat: choose a formula designed for neutered adults when this matches your cat.
  • Occasional reward: pick chicken cat treats or salmon cat treats, without exceeding the recommended limit.

Analytical data is also useful for comparing products more objectively. For example, Purina One Bifensis Kitten Food Chicken 450 g contains 41% crude protein and 20% fat, while WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4 kg has 30% crude protein and 11.5% fat. These figures alone won't tell you the ideal food, but they do help you read a product page with a more critical eye.

Ingredients and regulatory labelling

The ingredient list is presented in descending order by weight. A claim like "with chicken" should be read carefully: in the Catisfactions products detailed here, chicken makes up 4% of the recipe. This is a chicken-flavoured treat, not a food that's mainly meat.

Also check for the terms complete food or complementary food, the net weight, nutritional additives and storage instructions. After opening, many products recommend resealing the pouch carefully and using the contents within a specific time frame.

Toy safety and maintenance

For a cat toy or cat chew toy, check the following:

  1. The size, to avoid small parts that could easily be swallowed.
  2. The strength of the fabric and stitching.
  3. Whether there are any fibres, stuffing or plant stems inside.
  4. The supervision and replacement guidelines.

ZEZE toys made with catnip and silvervine measure approximately 90 × 100 mm. Their product page recommends supervising your pet, inspecting the toy regularly and throwing it away if the fabric is torn or the filling becomes accessible.

Our selection by shopping profile

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners
CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

Why this suits this profile: The small size lets you try chicken cat treats without committing to a large pack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page clearly states it's a complementary food and recommends no more than 12 treats per day for an adult cat.

Main advantage and key features

60 g size, crunchy texture with a soft centre, no artificial colours or preservatives according to the product page.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 1.5 kg

Why this suits this profile: This 1.5 kg size is for owners who want a product specifically for kittens and would like to try a cod recipe.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is clearly labelled as dry kitten food, which reduces the risk of accidentally choosing an adult formula.

Main advantage and key features

Kitten-specific product, cod recipe, handy medium size for testing whether your pet likes it.

Recommended for: Specific needs and heavy users
WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4kg

WHISKAS Croq Chicken Dry Cat Food 1.4 kg

Why this suits this profile: This product is for households with a neutered adult cat who need a 1.4 kg bag for daily feeding.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The target age and neutering status are clearly stated, with a gradual transition recommended over 7 to 10 days.

Main advantage and key features

Complete formula for neutered adults, indicative portions based on weight, dual-texture kibble.

Recommended for: Specific needs and heavy users
ZEZE Lemon Silvervine Cat Toy

ZEZE Lemon Silvervine Cat Toy, Natural Chew Play Toy for Kittens

Why this suits this profile: This toy combines silvervine, catnip and crinkly paper to provide varied stimulation during playtime at home or when you're away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page reminds you to supervise your pet, inspect the toy regularly and replace it if it's torn or the filling is exposed.

Main advantage and key features

Lemon-shaped, 90 × 100 mm, blend of silvervine and catnip, crinkly paper for added sound stimulation.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a complete, real-time selection of products that meet these exacting standards and European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat and kitten products

What food should I choose for a weaned kitten?

Choose a complete food that's explicitly intended for kittens, with a clearly stated minimum age for use. Any new food should be introduced gradually, adjusting the portion according to your pet's weight, activity level and development. A vet's advice is recommended if your kitten has specific growth needs, food sensitivities or if you're making a major dietary change.

How many treats can I give my cat?

The limit depends on the product, your cat's age and weight. Catisfactions chicken treats recommend up to 12 per day for an adult, while Catisfactions salmon treats recommend up to 20 for an adult and 6 for a kitten from 2 months old. These products remain complementary and should not replace meals.

When should I replace a cat toy?

Replace it as soon as a seam comes undone, a piece of fabric comes loose, the stuffing becomes accessible or an internal stem is damaged. Even a much-loved toy should be checked regularly, especially if your cat chews it for a long time or plays unsupervised.