π± Is There a BarkBox for Cats?
Many cat owners wonder: Why doesnβt BarkBox offer a subscription box for cats? While BarkBox is strictly a dog-focused brand, the demand for cat subscription boxes in the USA has led to several excellent alternatives.
πΎ Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Questions
Question β | Quick Answer β |
---|---|
Does BarkBox offer a cat subscription? | β No, BarkBox is exclusively for dogs. |
Why doesnβt BarkBox expand to cats? | πΆ They specialize in dog behavior, and cat needs are harder to predict. |
Are there any cat subscription boxes in the USA? | β Yes! KitNipBox, Meowbox, Pet Treater, and CatLadyBox are great alternatives. |
Which is the closest to BarkBox for cats? | π KitNipBox and Meowbox, both offering themed, curated boxes. |
Do these cat boxes include toys and treats? | π Yes! Most offer treats, toys, and cat accessories. Some allow treat-free options. |
Whatβs the best budget-friendly cat box? | π° Pet Treaterβs Cat Pack offers affordability with decent variety. |
Which box is best for multi-cat homes? | π‘ KitNipBox & Pet Treater offer multi-cat options with extra toys. |
πΎ Why Doesnβt BarkBox Offer a Cat Subscription?
Despite years of requests from cat owners, BarkBox has remained focused on dogs. In 2024, they even played an April Foolβs prank about launching a “CatBox,” but later confirmed they have no plans for a feline version.
πΆ Key Reasons BarkBox Hasnβt Expanded to Cats
Reason β | Why Itβs a Challenge for BarkBox π€ |
---|---|
Different Play Behavior πΎ | Cats have varied toy preferences, unlike dogs who are generally enthusiastic about any toy. |
Picky Eaters π | Many cats reject treats, making it hard to ensure product satisfaction. |
Market Competition π¦ | Strong existing brands (KitNipBox, Meowbox) already dominate the cat subscription space. |
Brand Focus πΆ | BarkBox has mastered the dog market, making expansion unnecessary. |
π‘ Expert Insight: Unlike dogs, who universally love chew toys, cats have individualized play stylesβsome like balls, some prefer feathers, and others ignore toys entirely! This unpredictability makes it harder to create a universal βBarkBox for cats.β
π± The Best Subscription Boxes for Cats in the USA
Since BarkBox doesnβt cater to cats, here are four top-rated alternatives that deliver high-quality toys, treats, and surprises for feline friends!
π 1. KitNipBox β The Closest to BarkBox for Cats
Feature π | Details π¦ |
---|---|
Founded π | 2014 |
Price π° | $19.99/month (Single Cat) or $32.99/month (Multi-Cat) |
Number of Items π | 3-4 items (Single Cat) / 5-8 items (Multi-Cat) |
Includes Treats? π | Yes (Treat-Free Option Available) |
Shipping π¦ | Free in the contiguous USA |
Best For β | Cat owners wanting high-quality, themed boxes with durable toys. |
π‘ Why It Stands Out: KitNipBox mirrors BarkBoxβs conceptβcurated, themed boxes filled with toys and treats. Itβs the most established cat subscription box in the USA and supports over 100 animal welfare organizations.
π¨ 2. Meowbox β Best for Unique & Handmade Toys
Feature π¨ | Details π¦ |
---|---|
Founded π | 2013 |
Price π° | $22.95/month |
Number of Items π | 4-6 |
Includes Treats? π | Yes (Treat-Free Option Available) |
Shipping π¦ | Free in the USA |
Best For β | Owners who love handmade toys & themed surprises. |
π‘ Why It Stands Out: Each box follows a fun, creative theme (e.g., βPumpkin Spice and Everything Miceβ), and for every box purchased, they donate a meal to a shelter cat.
π° 3. Pet Treater Cat Pack β Best Budget Option
Feature π° | Details π¦ |
---|---|
Founded π | 2016 |
Price π° | $15-$25/month |
Number of Items π | 3-4 (Single Cat) or 5-8 (Multi-Cat) |
Includes Treats? π | Yes |
Shipping π¦ | Free in the USA |
Best For β | Owners looking for an affordable subscription with good variety. |
π‘ Why It Stands Out: Itβs the most cost-effective option for owners who want a mix of toys and treats without a high price tag.
πΎ 4. CatLadyBox β Best for Cat Owners Who Love Cat-Themed Items
Feature π± | Details π¦ |
---|---|
Founded π | 2015 |
Price π° | $34.99/month (Basic) or $43.99/month (Crazy CatLadyBox) |
Number of Items π | 2-3 (Basic) or 4-5 (Crazy) |
Includes Treats? π | No β focus is on cat-themed gifts for owners |
Shipping π¦ | Free in the USA |
Best For β | Cat lovers who want cute cat-themed home dΓ©cor, accessories, & apparel. |
π‘ Why It Stands Out: Unlike the others, CatLadyBox is designed for cat owners, featuring stylish cat-themed items along with occasional goodies for felines.
πΎ Comparison: Which Cat Subscription Box is Best for You?
Feature π | KitNipBox π | Meowbox π¨ | Pet Treater π° | CatLadyBox π± |
---|---|---|---|---|
Closest to BarkBox? | β Yes! | β Yes! | β No | β No |
Themed Boxes? π | β Yes | β Yes | β No | β For Humans |
Includes Treats? π | β Yes (Optional) | β Yes (Optional) | β Yes | β No |
Multi-Cat Option? π‘ | β Yes | β No | β Yes | β No |
Best for Budget? π° | β No | β No | β Yes | β No |
π‘ Expert Insight: KitNipBox and Meowbox offer the best BarkBox-style experience for cats, while Pet Treater is best for affordability and CatLadyBox is more about gifts for cat lovers.
π± Final Verdict: Whatβs the Best Cat Subscription Box in the USA?
While BarkBox doesnβt cater to cats, KitNipBox and Meowbox are the best alternatives, offering fun, themed, high-quality subscription boxes for feline friends.
πΉ Want a true βBarkBox for catsβ experience? π Go with KitNipBox.
πΉ Prefer handcrafted, unique cat toys? π¨ Try Meowbox.
πΉ On a budget but still want fun surprises? π° Pet Treater is your best bet.
πΉ Love cat-themed gifts for yourself? πΎ CatLadyBox is a great choice!
π¬ Still have questions? Drop them below! Our experts are here to help you find the purrfect subscription box for your cat. πΎπ
π¨οΈ Expert Responses to Your Questions π±π¦
π¬ Comment 1: “Why doesnβt BarkBox just add a cat option to their existing subscriptions?”
Thatβs a great question! While it seems like a simple expansion, BarkBoxβs entire brand, supply chain, and product development are deeply rooted in dog-specific needs. Adapting their model to cats would require an entirely new approach.
πΎ Why BarkBox Hasnβt Expanded to Cats
Factor β | Why Itβs a Challenge for BarkBox π€ |
---|---|
Cat Behavior Differences π± | Unlike dogs, cats have highly varied play and food preferences, making it harder to create a “one-size-fits-all” subscription. |
Toy & Treat Challenges πΎ | Many cats ignore toys, while others only like specific textures. Treats are tricky due to picky eating habits and dietary restrictions. |
Brand Specialization π | BarkBox has spent over a decade perfecting dog productsβswitching to cats would require a major shift in focus. |
Market Competition π¦ | The cat subscription space is already dominated by KitNipBox, Meowbox, and Pet Treater. |
π‘ Expert Insight: Even though BarkBox gets thousands of cat-related requests, their focus remains exclusively on dogsβand theyβve repeatedly stated they have no plans to change that.
π¬ Comment 2: “I want to try a cat subscription box, but my cat is SUPER picky. Which one should I choose?”
Picky cats can make choosing a subscription tricky! The best option is a box that allows customizationβwhether that means treat-free choices or varied toy selections.
π― Best Subscription Boxes for Picky Cats
Box Name π¦ | Why Itβs Good for Picky Cats? β | Customization Available? π― |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | Offers treat-free option, so no wasted items. | β Yes |
Meowbox π¨ | Handmade, unique toysβgreat for curious cats. | β Yes |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | Mix of surprise toys and treatsβgood variety. | β No |
CatLadyBox π± | More for humans than cats, so less risk of wasted items. | β No |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat ignores most toys, Meowboxβs handmade, small-batch items might spark curiosity. If treats are an issue, KitNipBox lets you opt-outβensuring your cat only gets toys.
π¬ Comment 3: “Are the treats in these subscription boxes safe and healthy?”
Yes, most cat subscription boxes prioritize high-quality, natural ingredientsβbut thereβs still variation in sourcing and nutritional value.
π How Do Cat Subscription Box Treats Compare?
Subscription Box π¦ | Treat Quality π₯© | Made in USA/Canada? πΊπΈπ¨π¦ | Option to Skip Treats? β |
---|---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | Natural, no artificial additives. | β Yes | β Yes |
Meowbox π¨ | Small-batch, often locally sourced. | β Yes | β Yes |
Pet Treater π° | Mixed qualityβsome fillers & grain-heavy. | β οΈ Sometimes | β No |
CatLadyBox π± | No treatsβonly cat-themed gifts for humans. | β No treats | β No treats |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat has dietary restrictions, stick with KitNipBox or Meowbox, both of which use high-quality, all-natural treats and allow treat-free subscriptions.
π¬ Comment 4: “Which cat subscription box offers the best value for the price?”
Value depends on how many items you receive, quality, and overall enjoyment for your cat. Hereβs a breakdown:
π° Best Cat Subscription Box for Value (Cost vs. What You Get)
Subscription Box π¦ | Price per Month π° | Number of Items π | Best Forβ¦ π |
---|---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | $19.99 (Single Cat) / $32.99 (Multi-Cat) | 3-8 items | Balanced mix of quality & quantity. |
Meowbox π¨ | $22.95 | 4-6 items | Unique, handmade toys. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | $15-$25 | 3-8 items | Budget-friendly multi-cat option. |
CatLadyBox π± | $34.99+ | 2-5 human gifts & occasional cat items | For cat-loving owners! |
π‘ Expert Tip: KitNipBox offers the best balance of affordability and quality. However, Pet Treater is the cheapest for multi-cat households, while Meowbox provides the most creative, hand-crafted items.
π¬ Comment 5: “Are these subscription boxes good for multi-cat homes?”
Yes! But not all boxes are designed for multiple cats. If you have more than one feline, choosing a box with extra toys is key.
π‘ Best Subscription Boxes for Multi-Cat Homes
Box Name π¦ | Multi-Cat Plan Available? π‘ | Number of Items in Multi-Cat Plan π |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | 5-8 items |
Meowbox π¨ | β No | 4-6 items (but can double subscription) |
Pet Treater π° | β Yes | 5-8 items |
CatLadyBox π± | β No | Focuses on human gifts, not multiple cat items. |
π‘ Expert Tip: KitNipBoxβs Multi-Cat Plan is the bestβit ensures both cats get enough toys and treats without having to double up on subscriptions.
π¬ Comment 6: “Do cat subscription boxes donate to shelters?”
Yes! Several major cat subscription services include charitable giving as part of their business model.
πΎ Which Cat Subscription Boxes Give Back?
Subscription Box π¦ | Charitable Contributions β€οΈ |
---|---|
KitNipBox π | Portion of proceeds donated to over 100 animal rescues. |
Meowbox π¨ | One meal donated to shelter cats per box purchased. |
Pet Treater π° | Occasional donations, but not a major focus. |
CatLadyBox π± | Regular donations to cat rescues. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If giving back is important to you, KitNipBox and Meowbox are the top choices, as they consistently support shelter cats with every box purchased.
π¬ Comment 7: “Do these boxes come with different themes each month?”
Yes! Just like BarkBox, many cat subscription boxes offer themed monthly surprises.
π Themed Cat Subscription Boxes
Box Name π¦ | Themes Each Month? π¨ | Example Themes π |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | βKittergarten,β βRetro Kitty,β βMeowy Christmasβ |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | βPumpkin Spice and Everything Mice,β βMeowxicoβ |
Pet Treater π° | β No | Random selection of toys & treats. |
CatLadyBox π± | β Yes (for humans) | βPurride,β βCat Mom Life,β βMeow & Magicβ |
π‘ Expert Tip: If you love themed surprises, KitNipBox and Meowbox offer the best experiences.
π¬ Comment 8: “I love themed subscription boxes! Which one has the most creative monthly themes for cats?”
If youβre looking for themed cat boxes that surprise both you and your cat each month, KitNipBox and Meowbox are your top contenders.
π Best Themed Subscription Boxes for Cats
Subscription Box π¦ | Are the Boxes Themed? π¨ | Example Past Themes π | Best Forβ¦ π |
---|---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | βKittergarten,β βMeowy Christmas,β βRetro Kittyβ | Balanced mix of fun themes & useful toys. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | βPumpkin Spice & Everything Mice,β βMeowxico,β βMeowna Lisaβ | Handmade, unique toys in quirky themes. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β No | Random mix each month, no theme. | Best for budget-conscious owners. |
CatLadyBox π± | β Yes (For Humans) | βCat Mom Life,β βMeow & Magic,β βPurrideβ | Best for cat lovers who want themed gifts for themselves. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If you love opening surprises, Meowbox has some of the most creative, Instagram-worthy themes, while KitNipBox balances thematic fun with practical cat toys and treats.
π¬ Comment 9: “I have an older cat who doesnβt play much. Would a cat subscription box be worth it?”
Absolutely! While older cats may not be as playful as kittens, a subscription box can still offer enrichment, comfort, and even health benefits.
πΎ Best Subscription Boxes for Senior Cats
Box Name π¦ | Why Itβs Good for Older Cats? π± | Items That Help Seniors π΅ |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | Offers soft, gentle toys & catnip products. | Plush toys, mild catnip, grooming tools. |
Meowbox π¨ | Handmade, sensory-based toysβgood for aging cats. | Soft plush, interactive sniff toys, small batch treats. |
CatLadyBox π± | Includes cozy cat blankets & beds sometimes. | Beds, soft dΓ©cor, gentle brushes. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | Random itemsβsome may be too energetic. | Occasional treats and soft toys. |
π‘ Expert Tip: For senior cats, look for subscription boxes with plush toys, calming catnip, and soft accessories. Avoid boxes with too many energetic teaser toys, as they may not engage an older cat.
π¬ Comment 10: “My cat destroys toys in minutes. Which box has the most durable toys?”
If your cat is a toy destroyer, you need subscription boxes that prioritize durability over delicate or plush-based toys.
π¦Ύ Best Subscription Boxes for Heavy Chewers & Tough Cats
Subscription Box π¦ | Durability Rating π | Best Toy Features πͺ |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | βββββ (Great) | Tougher fabric-based toys with reinforced stitching. |
Meowbox π¨ | βββββ (Good) | Handmade but some plush items can be shredded quickly. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | βββββ (Fair) | Toys varyβsome break easily, others hold up well. |
CatLadyBox π± | βββββ (Good) | Less about toys, more about owner-themed items. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat destroys soft or plush toys easily, opt for rubber-based or fabric-reinforced toys, which KitNipBox tends to include more frequently than Meowbox.
π¬ Comment 11: “Can I pause or cancel a cat subscription box if my cat loses interest?”
Yes! Most subscription boxes offer flexible cancellation policies, but some are easier to pause or cancel than others.
π Which Cat Subscription Boxes Are the Easiest to Cancel or Pause?
Subscription Box π¦ | Can You Pause It? βΈοΈ | Cancellation Policy β |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | Can cancel anytime before the next billing cycle. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | Allows skipping a month instead of canceling outright. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β No | Requires email cancellation request. |
CatLadyBox π± | β Yes | Easy cancellation, but some prepaid plans are non-refundable. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If youβre not sure your cat will stay interested, choose Meowbox or KitNipBox, both of which let you pause your subscription instead of canceling completely.
π¬ Comment 12: “Are there any boxes that focus on eco-friendly or natural cat products?”
Yes! If sustainability and eco-consciousness matter to you, Meowbox and KitNipBox are the top choices.
π Best Eco-Friendly Cat Subscription Boxes
Box Name π¦ | Eco-Friendly Features β»οΈ | Why Itβs Sustainable? β |
---|---|---|
Meowbox π¨ | Uses handmade, small-batch toys & recyclable packaging. | Avoids mass production & donates meals to shelters. |
KitNipBox π | Some natural toys, but not fully sustainable. | Portion of proceeds donated to animal charities. |
Pet Treater π° | Mix of eco-friendly and commercial brands. | Uses some recycled materials in packaging. |
CatLadyBox π± | Focuses on artisan items, some made from natural fibers. | Many items support small businesses. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If you want handcrafted, small-batch cat toys, Meowbox is the best choice for sustainability.
π¬ Comment 13: “I have multiple cats, but they have different personalities. Is there a box that works for different play styles?”
Yes! If you have cats with opposite play styles, you need a variety-based subscription box that includes different textures and toy types.
π Best Cat Subscription Boxes for Multi-Cat Homes with Different Play Styles
Box Name π¦ | Variety of Toys? πΎ | Best for Multi-Cat Homes? π‘ |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yesβsoft toys, teasers, balls, and interactive items. | β Yes (Multi-Cat Plan Available) |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yesβquirky handmade toys, some soft and some interactive. | β No Multi-Cat Plan |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β Noβrandom selection each month. | β Yes (Multi-Cat Plan Available) |
CatLadyBox π± | β Noβfocuses on gifts for cat owners. | β No |
π‘ Expert Tip: If you have one playful cat and one lazy cat, KitNipBox is best because it includes a mix of interactive and relaxed-style toys.
π¬ Comment 14: “Which cat subscription box would make the best gift for a cat lover?”
If youβre buying a subscription box as a gift for a cat lover, CatLadyBox is the best option, as it includes cat-themed items for humans.
π Best Subscription Boxes as Gifts for Cat Lovers
Subscription Box π¦ | Why Itβs a Great Gift? π |
---|---|
CatLadyBox π | Focuses on cat-themed clothing, accessories, and home dΓ©cor. |
KitNipBox π¨ | Good mix of toys, treats, and enrichment for cats. |
Meowbox π° | Great for owners who love unique, handcrafted cat products. |
Pet Treater πΎ | Most affordable, but less curated for gifting. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If youβre buying for a cat lover who enjoys feline-themed gifts, CatLadyBox is the #1 choice.
π¬ Comment 15: “Do these subscription boxes include toys that help with exercise and weight management for indoor cats?”
Absolutely! Many cat subscription boxes prioritize enrichment and exercise-based toys, which are essential for indoor cats who need extra physical activity to stay fit and healthy.
ποΈ Best Subscription Boxes for Exercise & Weight Management
Subscription Box π¦ | Best Toys for Exercise? πΎ | Why It Helps? πͺ |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | Includes feather wands, rolling balls, and chase toys to keep cats moving. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | Features interactive puzzle toys that engage cats mentally and physically. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β οΈ Sometimes | Mix of toys, but not all promote exerciseβsome are plush-based. |
CatLadyBox π± | β No | Primarily gifts for owners, with only occasional cat items. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat is prone to weight gain, go for KitNipBox or Meowbox, as they include toys that mimic natural hunting behavior, encouraging movement and play.
π¬ Comment 16: “Are there any subscription boxes specifically for cats with anxiety?”
Yes! Some subscription boxes offer calming toys, catnip products, and sensory-stimulating items, which can help soothe anxious cats.
πΊ Best Subscription Boxes for Cats with Anxiety
Subscription Box π¦ | Best Calming Features? π» | Why It Helps? β |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | Includes catnip-infused plushies, soft beds, and comfort toys. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | Handmade snuggle toys with calming textures. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β οΈ Sometimes | Some boxes include catnip, but not always. |
CatLadyBox π± | β No | More focused on owner gifts, not cat anxiety support. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat struggles with stress or separation anxiety, KitNipBox offers soft, comfort-based toys and catnip-infused items that help create a relaxing environment.
π¬ Comment 17: “Can these subscription boxes help with reducing destructive behavior?”
Yes! Cats often resort to destructive behavior (scratching furniture, chewing wires, knocking things over) when they are bored or unstimulated. Subscription boxes with interactive and mentally engaging toys can help redirect this behavior.
ποΈ Best Subscription Boxes to Prevent Destructive Behavior
Subscription Box π¦ | Best for Reducing Destruction? π« | How It Helps? β |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | Offers scratch-friendly toys and interactive puzzles to keep cats engaged. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | Includes unique handmade toys that provide new textures and play styles. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β οΈ Sometimes | Randomized toysβsome months may lack strong engagement toys. |
CatLadyBox π± | β No | More focused on human gifts, not behavior management. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat is chewing, scratching, or knocking things over, KitNipBox is the best choice because it includes a variety of engaging, scratch-safe toys.
π¬ Comment 18: “Are any of these subscription boxes tailored for cats with food allergies?”
Yes! If your cat has food sensitivities or allergies, itβs crucial to choose a subscription that allows treat-free options or only provides natural, limited-ingredient treats.
π Best Subscription Boxes for Cats with Food Allergies
Subscription Box π¦ | Allergy-Safe? β | Why Itβs Good? π± |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | Offers a treat-free option, so you only receive toys and accessories. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | Allows treat-free customization if your cat has allergies. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β No | No customizationβrandom treats included. |
CatLadyBox π± | β No | Doesnβt include treats, but also doesnβt provide cat food items. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If your cat has allergies, choose KitNipBox or Meowbox, as they both offer treat-free subscriptions.
π¬ Comment 19: “Which subscription box is best for small apartment living?”
If you live in a small apartment, a cat subscription box that includes space-saving, multipurpose toys is ideal.
π’ Best Subscription Boxes for Small Spaces
Subscription Box π¦ | Best for Apartments? π‘ | Why It Works? β |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | Features compact, interactive toys that donβt require much room. |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | Includes small, handmade toys that store easily. |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β οΈ Sometimes | Toys varyβsome are larger or bulkier. |
CatLadyBox π± | β No | Focused on gifts for owners, not space-friendly cat toys. |
π‘ Expert Tip: If youβre tight on space, KitNipBox or Meowbox are your best options, as they prioritize smaller, apartment-friendly toys.
π¬ Comment 20: “Do these subscription boxes include seasonal items for holidays?”
Yes! Many cat subscription boxes include seasonal and holiday-themed toys, treats, and accessories to keep things festive.
π Best Holiday-Themed Subscription Boxes for Cats
Subscription Box π¦ | Includes Holiday-Themed Items? π | Past Holiday Themes π |
---|---|---|
KitNipBox π | β Yes | βMeowy Christmas,β βHalloween Haunts,β βFourth of Mewlyβ |
Meowbox π¨ | β Yes | βPumpkin Spice & Everything Mice,β βMeowna Lisaβ |
Pet Treater Cat Pack π° | β No | Random selection each month. |
CatLadyBox π± | β Yes (For Humans) | βMeow & Magic,β βPurride,β βCat Mom Lifeβ |
π‘ Expert Tip: If you love celebrating holidays with your cat, KitNipBox and Meowbox offer the most festive and seasonal toys throughout the year.