Online vs In-Store: Where Cat Parents Buy Food and Why

Picture this: it’s 9:47 p.m., your cat is standing by the bowl like a tiny, judgmental nightclub bouncer, and you realize the food bin is basically a sad echo. Do you panic, order and pray for two day shipping, or do you throw on shoes and speed run the pet store aisle like you’re on a game show?

That moment right there is the whole story of ecommerce vs retail for cat food. Most cat parents are not purely “online people” or “in store people.” They are “whatever gets my cat fed with the least chaos” people. And honestly, relatable.

Let’s break down where cat parents shop, what influences shopping preferences, and how buyer behavior changes when you are buying a need now essential versus a planned monthly restock.

The real answer: most of us shop both

The pet world is extremely omnichannel. In an APPA National Pet Owners Survey snapshot, 57% of buyers shopped both online and in store, while 39.7% bought exclusively in store and only 3.35% bought exclusively online.

NielsenIQ has echoed the same vibe: pet care is getting more omnichannel, with a big share of spending coming from shoppers who bounce between channels.

Translation: the average cat parent is not picking a team. They are picking a solution.

Why cat parents buy cat food online

When people buy cat food online, it is usually because life is busy and cats are creatures of routine. Online wins when you want predictable, repeatable, low effort wins.

Here are the biggest drivers.

Convenience and auto repeat everything

Online shopping became a “new normal” post pandemic, and subscriptions are a major reason it stays sticky. APPA reports that online shopping includes subscription based purchases and that many pet owners increased online buying over the past year.

In 2024, APPA cited in industry coverage showed 52% of pet parents used subscription based purchasing, with pet nutrition products being the most common subscription items.

If your cat eats the same food every day (because of course they do, until they randomly don’t), autoship feels like having a personal assistant who specializes in “preventing feline riots.”

Easier comparison shopping

Online makes it simple to compare:

• price per ounce
• ingredient panels
• reviews and photos from other cat parents
• delivery timing and return policies

You can do all of that in pajamas, which is a very powerful form of self care.

More niche options and broader selection

Depending on where you live in North America, your nearest store might have a great selection, or it might have twelve flavors of chicken and one mysterious salmon option that smells like regret. Online retailers often carry more specialty diets, limited ingredient recipes, and less common formats, so people use online for variety or specific needs.

Why cat parents still love buying in store

Online is convenient, but brick and mortar is not dead. It is just… evolving, like your cat’s ability to open cabinets.

The “I need it today” factor

The number one reason cat parents buy food in stores is urgency. If you ran out, your cat is not accepting “shipping updates” as a valid excuse.

Trust and the ability to inspect

Some people simply trust what they can see. In store you can:

• check best by dates
• inspect dented cans or torn bags
• read labels without zooming in like a detective

This is especially true for cautious shoppers or anyone who has ever received a box that looks like it got into a wrestling match with a forklift.

Better for browsing and impulse upgrades

In store shopping is where a cat parent goes for food and somehow leaves with a new wand toy, a topper, and a seasonal collar their cat will hate. The tactile browsing experience is real, and it shapes buyer behavior in a way ecommerce cannot fully copy.

Pet retail channels and how they shape shopping preferences

Let’s zoom out: the “where” matters because pet retail channels all have different strengths.

• Big box and mass retailers: strong on price, convenience, and one stop shopping.
• Pet specialty stores: stronger on curated selection, staff guidance, and premium brands.
• Online retailers and marketplaces: strongest on repeat ordering, broad selection, and reviews.
• Direct to consumer brand sites: strongest on brand trust, subscriptions, and exclusive flavors or bundles.
• And yes, people mix and match. A lot.

In 2024 reporting tied to APPA data, 51% of pet parents purchased pet products online and 47% purchased them in store, with Millennials and Gen Z leaning more online.

So the channel you choose often depends less on your personality and more on your week.

How to choose the right channel for your cat, without overthinking it

Here is a simple “cat parent logic” guide.

Buy online when:

• you want routine restocks (especially litter and heavy food)
• you have a cat on a consistent diet and do not want surprises
• you are price checking or buying larger quantities
• you like subscription convenience

Buy in store when:

• you ran out and need food now
• you are trying something new and want to inspect packaging
• your cat is picky and you are testing small sizes
• you want guidance from staff or prefer supporting local shops
  

And if you do both, congrats, you are normal.

Brand Highlight: Salty Cat’s take on the great shopping debate

At Salty Cat, we are very pro “feed the cat well, without the drama.” Our whole thing is simple, honest nutrition at smart prices, with a vibe that says: no fillers, no junk, no B.S.

That is also why we love meeting cat parents wherever they like to shop. Some people want the ease of ordering from their couch, others want the joy of grabbing goodies in person. We are here for both.

Prefer shopping in-store? We have retail partners and even some exclusive in store offerings, plus a range of canned cat food alongside our functional and everyday treats.

However you shop, the goal is the same: cats first, always.

Conclusion

The online versus in store debate is not really a debate. It is a toolkit. Online shines for convenience, subscriptions, and planning ahead. In store shines for urgent needs, browsing, and confidence checks.

Most cat parents end up using both, because real life is messy and cats are needy little angels with very strong opinions. Pick what works for your preferences, then keep a tiny emergency stash so you never have to experience the midnight “why is the bowl empty” stare down again.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy cat food online or in-store?

It depends. Online can be cheaper when you use subscriptions, bulk sizes, or free shipping thresholds, while in store can win with weekly promos and loyalty deals.

Do most cat parents buy cat food online now?

Most cat parents use both channels. Survey data shows many shoppers are omnichannel, buying both online and in store, rather than choosing only one.

What type of cat food is best to buy online?

Staples you reorder often are best online, like your cat’s main diet, especially if you want autoship convenience. New foods you are unsure about can be easier to trial in store.

How can I shop smarter across pet retail channels?

Use a split strategy: buy recurring essentials online for convenience, then use in-store trips for emergency refills, trying new items, and grabbing deals when you spot them.