Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat supplies: a practical guide to treats, toys and scratching posts

Buying cat supplies seems straightforward until a cat toy breaks quickly, a cat bed goes unused or a scratching post starts to wobble. Cat treats also require some thought: a treat is not automatically suitable as a main food, and a flavour name reveals little about the full ingredient list.

The most common purchasing mistakes are:

  1. Looking only at appearance. An attractive cat tree will not always suit the weight, age or number of cats in your home.
  2. Confusing marketing language with product specifications. Claims such as “natural”, “extra sturdy” or “for all cats” should be checked against the dimensions, materials and usage instructions.
  3. Giving human snacks to a cat. A gift box containing biscuits, herbs or spicy snacks is not a substitute for cat food or treats formulated for cats.

What to look for when buying cat supplies?

1. Check the size, load capacity and stability

For a cat scratching post, the dimensions of the base, the thickness of the posts and the fixing system are more important than the colour. A large cat scratching post should provide enough room for climbing and stretching out. A scratching post for large cats also needs a wide base.

Pay particular attention to:

  • The overall height and footprint, for example 60 × 60 cm or 58 × 45 cm.
  • The weight of the structure.
  • Whether an anti-tip feature is included.
  • The diameter and covering of the scratching posts.
  • The maximum static load capacity, if stated.

A tall cat tree should stand on a level surface. For models measuring 130, 168 or 170 cm, anchoring them to the wall in accordance with the product instructions is an important safety measure. After assembly, regularly check the screws, joints, sisal and resting areas.

2. Match the product to the cat and the space

A kitten does not need the same resting place as an adult or heavy cat. Check the stated life stage and recommended weight. In a multi-cat household, having several resting places and scratching areas is practical. A cat tree for several cats should also be wide enough to reduce collisions and instability when cats jump.

For smaller homes, a compact model with one or two platforms may be sufficient. A cat bed or soft resting area should be easy to access and preferably removable or simple to clean locally. Also consider where you place it: do not wedge a scratching post between furniture; instead, put it somewhere your cat likes to spend time.

3. Check the ingredients, serving size and storage information

Cat treats are generally complementary pet food. They should therefore be given alongside cat food as an extra, not as a complete meal. Check the age guidance, recommended daily amount and nutritional value on the label.

Examples from the range include:

  • Cat treats with salmon may also contain other types of fish, cereals and animal by-products. Always check the full ingredients list.
  • Cat treats with beef may state a high beef content on the packaging, but they are still a treat.
  • A treat with a low number of kilocalories per piece is not automatically suitable in unlimited quantities. Adjust the main meal if you give treats regularly.
  • Store opened treats in a cool, dry place and follow the date or storage period shown on the packaging.

According to the product information, Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout contains, among other ingredients, cereals, animal by-products, and fish and fish by-products. The recommended amount for an adult cat weighing 4 kg is a maximum of 12 grams per day. According to the packaging, Catisfactions contains fewer than 2 kcal per piece and provides separate guidelines for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old.

One important distinction: the Bestore Lucky Cat - Gift Box 1518g is an assortment of human snacks containing ingredients including chilli, sesame, soya and gluten. This product is therefore not cat food or a cat treat. Do not give its contents to your cat.

Recommended choices for different types of cat owner

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Catisfactions Cat snack cheese maxipack 180 g

Catisfactions Cat snack cheese maxipack 180 g

Why it suits this profile: A familiar portion-sized pack for owners who want to start with a limited daily amount.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states a limit for adult cats and kittens and identifies the product as complementary pet food.

Key benefit & advantages

180 grams; fewer than 2 kcal per piece according to the product information; crunchy outside with a soft centre.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
PAWZ Road Wooden Flower Cat Tree

PAWZ Road Wooden Flower Cat Tree, Modern Scratching Post 92cm

Why it suits this profile: A compact cat tree with a subtle look for interiors where size and materials matter.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions a double-reinforced base and recommends checking the joints after assembly.

Key benefit & advantages

92 cm high; natural wooden construction; sisal rope and two platforms; suitable for cats weighing up to 7.3 kg according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & intensive users
PAWZ Road Scratching Post for Large Cats

PAWZ Road Scratching Post for Large Cats Stable Multi-Tier Hammock

Why it suits this profile: Designed for large cats and households where several animals want to climb, rest and scratch at the same time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The construction features 13 sisal posts with a diameter of 11 cm, includes anti-tip advice and offers several resting areas.

Key benefit & advantages

170 cm high; product weight 24 kg; three hammocks, three platforms and a cat house; washable resting and hammock components according to the description.

Suitable for: Playful indoor cats
ZEZE Lemon Silvervine Cat Toy

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

Why it suits this profile: A small cat toy for independent and interactive play indoors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The instructions recommend supervision during first use and disposing of the toy as soon as the fabric tears or the filling becomes visible.

Key benefit & advantages

Size 90 × 100 mm; silvervine, catnip and crinkle paper; store in a sealed bag or box according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Care and safe use

A cat tree will stay useful for longer if you remove loose hairs regularly and clean fabric resting areas according to the instructions. Check the sisal and fixing points before allowing your cat to climb again. A damaged hammock, loose rope or torn plush ball should be replaced.

Cats’ interest in catnip or silvervine varies. A cat toy containing catnip will therefore not appeal to every cat. Keep the toy dry and stop using it if it becomes damaged.

Give cat treats, including salmon cat treats and beef cat treats, according to the packaging. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor are intended for adult cats and not for kittens. The recommended amount is a maximum of one stick per day. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Frequently asked questions about cat supplies

What cat supplies does an indoor cat need at a minimum?

An indoor cat generally needs a suitable place to rest, somewhere to scratch and safe toys. Only add cat food and treats in accordance with the feeding guidelines. Choose the dimensions based on your cat’s weight and behaviour, not just the available floor space.

How long does a cat scratching post last?

Its lifespan depends on how intensively it is used, the materials, assembly and maintenance. A thick sisal post may be more practical for enthusiastic scratchers, while a lightweight structure may wear out or shift more quickly. Check the joints regularly and replace parts as soon as they become loose or damaged.

How much does it cost to use a cat tree?

In addition to the purchase price, you may incur costs for replacement sisal, new hammocks or spare parts. A cat tree with removable, washable components can make maintenance easier. Measure the space beforehand and check whether wall mounting is possible, so you do not buy an unsuitable model.