Cats are a lot of company and can bring some seriously entertaining antics to our lives, but taking care of those little furballs can add up. But there are some simple ways you can save on cat supplies.

1. Buy cat food in bulk

Quality food is important to keep your cat healthy, but premium cat food can be staggeringly pricey. Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, but make sure you’re storing it properly to keep it fresh. (You know how cats are—serve them stale food and they’ll write a scathing Yelp review!)

Brigit tip: Buy an airtight storage container to keep food fresh and prevent spoilage. If you try a new brand, buy a small bag first. Cats invented finicky, so you’ll want to make sure any new food meets your feline friend’s high standards before you buy a big bag!

Fun idea: Share bulk buys with your fellow cat peeps! Split a large order with friends or family to get the savings without having to store truckloads of food yourself.

2. DIY cat toys and scratchers

Let’s be honest—cats can be as entertained by a crumpled-up piece of paper as they are by a fancy toy. Get creative and make your own cat toys from things you have around the house!

Ideas to try:

  • Paper roll play: Save your toilet paper rolls and stuff them with catnip for a simple, DIY cat toy.
  • Sock catnip toy: Take an old sock, fill it with catnip, and tie a knot. Your cat will go wild!
  • DIY scratching post: Wrap sisal rope around a piece of wood or a cardboard tube to create a scratching post that’s just as good as store-bought ones.

3. Sign up for pet store rewards programs

A lot of pet stores let you earn points or discounts on the things you buy. Some even have perks like birthday discounts for your cat!

Brigit tip: Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite pet stores. They often send out early sale notices and coupons just for being a subscriber.

4. Shop online for the best deals

Online shopping can be a cat parent’s best friend. Websites like Chewy, Amazon, and even Walmart often have lower prices than in-store shopping. Plus, many online retailers offer auto-ship discounts, allowing you to save on food, litter, and other essentials.

Brigit tip: Use browser extensions like Honey to track price drops and find coupon codes. You’ll never miss a deal again!

Bonus: If you set up auto-ship for your cat’s essentials, you’ll save money and never have to make a last-minute trip to the store again.

5. Look for secondhand cat supplies

Yes, you can find great deals on used cat supplies! Check out thrift stores, online groups like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor. You can find things like cat trees, carriers, and beds at a fraction of their original price.

Brigit tip: Give any secondhand items a deep cleaning to make sure they’re sanitized before you give them to your cat.

Fun idea: If you’re part of a local pet group on social media, organize a ‘Cat Swap’ event where people can trade or give away items their cats no longer use. It’s a great way to get new-to-you supplies for free!

6. Buy generic brands for basic supplies

Things like litter bags, poop scoopers, and simple grooming tools don’t have to be fancy or name-brand. Store-brand products are often just as good (usually even made by the same manufacturers), and they’re usually much cheaper.

Brigit tip: Compare the ingredients and materials between generic and brand-name items to be sure you’re getting similar quality at a lower price.

7. DIY cat treats

Store-bought cat treats can be expensive, so try making your own healthy and tasty treats right at home. You’ll know exactly what ingredients are going into them, so they’re ideal for cats with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Easy DIY Treat Recipe: Mix 1 can of tuna in water (drained) with 1 egg and 1/2 cup of oat flour. Form small balls, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool, and store them in an airtight container.

Bonus: Get your cat involved in the process (which probably just means letting them walk on the counter while you’re baking). It’s a fun way to bond!

8. Groom at home

If you have a long-haired cat or a cat that sheds a lot, regular grooming is important to keep their coat healthy. Instead of frequent trips to the groomer, buy good quality grooming tools to brush them and trim their nails at home.

Brigit tip: For nail trimming, try doing one or two nails at a time if your cat doesn’t like it. It’ll make the process a little less stressful for both of you.

Fun idea: Make grooming time less traumatic by pairing it with treats or a gentle massage. Your cat might even start to look forward to it!

9. Use coupons and cashback offers

Before you buy anything, always check for online coupons or discount codes. Websites like RetailMeNot and Honey can help you find deals you didn’t know existed. If you’re shopping online, use cashback apps to earn money back on your purchases.

Brigit tip: Check with your vet to see if they have any discounts or coupons for prescription food or flea and tick preventatives—they might have coupons or deals that aren’t advertised other places.

10. Repurpose household items for cat beds and hideouts

Cats love a good cozy spot, but fancy cat beds and hideaways can be expensive. Reuse old blankets, towels, or sweaters into a cozy nest for your cat.

DIY idea: Turn a large cardboard box into a kitty condo by cutting out a door and windows and putting a soft blanket inside. Your cat will love their new “home,” and it’ll cost you next to nothing!

Bonus: If you get packages delivered all the time (like most of us—thanks, Amazon!), save a few boxes and rotate them to keep things interesting for your cat.