Cat Person Review 2024: Designer Food for Cats?

Overview

I've examined Cat Person thoroughly. Founded in 2020, it gained some attention not just for its cat food but for its collaboration with fashion designer Jason Wu. This partnership led to a unique line of cat accessories. Alongside these, the brand emphasizes high-protein cat food, aligning with the needs of obligate carnivores.

Overall, I think Cat Person is an interesting service with high quality products. However, it’s more expensive than many strong competitors, including Smalls , our top-ranked cat food delivery service. Keep reading for my full analysis, which provides insight into the brand's ethos, product standards, and what makes it stand out in the pet care domain.

Cat Person's Meals: Impressive List of Dry Kibble & Wet Food Options

Plans & Recipes: Choose From a Variety of Flavors and Combinations

Cat Person offers a diverse menu with 19 recipes. Among these are wet food options that come as shreds in broth and pates. Recipes span a variety of flavors including Chicken, Tuna, Duck, Beef, and a unique Mackerel & Bream combination.

I like that you can choose from 2 different wet food types. If you're caring for a cat that’s older or has chewing issues, the pates might be particularly suitable, providing an easier-to-consume alternative to firmer kibble.

If your cat prefers Dry kibble, there are 3 distinct combinations. You have the choice of:

• Salmon & Tuna

• Duck & Turkey

• Chicken & Turkey

To further enrich your cat's diet, there are also 5 treat variants. These are branded as Goodness Blends banner: Digestive Support, Immune Support, Cognitive Health, Skin & Coat, and Bone & Joint.

Beyond food, Cat Person extends its product range. Cute animal-shaped catnip toys, functional accessories like cat beds and bowls, and even apparel with the Cat Person branding are on offer.

To get an introduction to a range of products, there’s a Starter Box. Just note that purchasing it automatically enrolls you in a 4-week subscription plan; it's not sold separately.

Ingredients: Grain-Free & Meet Industry Quality Standards

Ingredients matter when choosing cat food. Cat Person's recipes are grain-free with a focus on high-quality proteins. This approach aligns with the dietary needs of cats.

Knowing where the food comes from can offer peace of mind. Cat Person produces its wet food recipes in Thailand by a manufacturer with experience in human-grade food production. 

Cat Person recognizes the need for sustainable sourcing. The seafood ingredients in these wet foods, as well as in the Goodness Blends, carry an MSC certification.

These are the ingredients in the wet food Chicken recipe: Chicken (54%), chicken broth (38%), sunflower oil, tapioca (2%), tricalcium phosphate, natural flavor, fish oil, salt, potassium chloride, taurine, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, vitamin e supplement, thiamine mononitrate, dried celery, zinc oxide, niacin supplement, reduced iron, Vitamin A supplement, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, copper amino acid complex, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, potassium iodide.

The dry food products are manufactured in the US, adhering to certain quality standards. Importantly, both product lines are free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and flavorings. This provides cats with a more natural and nutritious meal.

These are the ingredients for the Salmon & Tuna dry recipe: Salmon (61%), salmon meal, peas (18%), tuna meal, pea protein (9%), tuna, chicken fat (7%), flaxseed, dried beet pulp, natural flavor, choline chloride, DL-methionine, glycerine, vitamins (Vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, thiamine supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin), cane molasses, taurine, lactic acid, minerals (zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), citric acid, rosemary extract.

Nutrition: Meet Daily Hydration & Protein Requirements for Cats

Cat Person aligns with AAFCO standards. This ensures its recipes meet or even surpass the nutrient profiles recommended for all life stages of cats.

For the wet food varieties, 2 textures are available. These supply most of the daily hydration requirements for your cat. Remarkably, these recipes have 85% more protein than what's typical in the industry. 

To illustrate, here's a breakdown for the Chicken recipe:

• 1280 kcal/kg or 99 kcal/cup 

• Carbohydrates – 6.9%

• Crude Protein – 10.0% min.

• Crude Fat – 2.0% min.

• Crude Fiber – 1.0% max.

• Moisture – 83.0% max.

• Ash – 4.0% max.

Among the dry food offerings are dehydrated meat bites. These little nibbles are protein-rich with an impressive 75% more protein than the industry average. Peas and pea protein are primary sources for fiber in these recipes. 

The nutritional profile of the Salmon & Tuna recipe is as follows:

• 3732 kcal ME/kg; 446 kcal ME/cup

• Carbohydrates – 10%

• Crude Protein – 40.0% min.

• Crude Fat – 18.0% min.

• Crude Fiber – 4.0% max.

• Moisture – 10.0% max.

What Makes Cat Person Different

High-protein diets: Cat Person places a significant emphasis on high-protein recipes. Both wet and dry food selections have a protein content substantially higher than the industry standard. This is crucial, as cats are obligate carnivores, meaning protein-centric diets are essential for their overall health and well-being.

Great range of meal types: Offering versatility, Cat Person has a variety of meal textures and types. The wet food recipes come in a couple of distinct textures, ensuring even the pickiest eaters find something they love. Dry food recipes stand out with the inclusion of dehydrated meat bites. 

Unboxing: Boxes Can Double as Mini Houses

Your Cat Person order arrives in a distinctive cardboard delivery box. Not only are these boxes recyclable, but with a touch of creativity, they can be transformed into a fun play palace for your feline friend. If you're curious about how, Cat Person's website offers some handy instructions.

The packaging of the wet food is made from #5 plastic. Before recycling, it's crucial to check your local guidelines, as not all regions accept this type of plastic. However, be mindful with the dry food bags; unfortunately, they aren't recyclable and need to be disposed of in the trash.

Each product comes marked with a "Best By" date for freshness. If you've opened a wet food container, it can be covered and stored in your fridge for up to 2 days. The dry food, on the other hand, is designed with resealable bags, ensuring they stay fresh when stored in a cool, dry location.

Your order includes a guide to assist in transitioning your cat to Cat Person's recipes. Serving spoons are also part of the package, making mealtime even more convenient. 

Prices: Food, Treats & Toys Are Reasonably Priced

Starter plans are designed to last 2 weeks. You have 2 options: the Wet & Dry Starter at $33.50 or the Wet starter priced at $38.00. Don't forget to make use of our exclusive coupon code: No active deal for additional savings.

Individual product pricing is straightforward: Wet food is set at $9.50 for packs of 5 x 2.75 oz cups. If you're interested in dry food, it's priced at $14.50 for a 2 lb bag. The Goodness Blends treats come in at $19.50 for a box of 14 pouches. Catnip toys are a flat $7 each, while accessories and apparel begin at $25.

When it comes to shipping, it's free for Meal Plan orders totaling over $45. Similarly, a la carte orders benefit from free shipping if they're above $50. Any orders below these amounts will have a shipping fee of $7.95.

There's a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee, but this applies to first orders only. To initiate a refund, simply reach out to customer service via email. Keep in mind, clothing and accessories might have different terms, so it's wise to check before making a purchase.

Shipping & Delivery: Available In US, Except Alaska and Hawaii

Cat Person primarily ships to the contiguous US using the USPS. However, it's worth noting that it currently doesn't extend its delivery services to Hawaii or Alaska. Bulkier orders are transported by UPS Ground, ensuring that larger packages arrive safely.

As for the timeline, orders typically land on your doorstep between 4 to 8 business days. If you happen to be located near the company's warehouses, either in Nevada or Indiana, you're in luck! Living closer to these locations generally means your delivery takes the least amount of time.

How Cat Person Works (Step-by-Step)

You can choose from a subscription plan or place an a la carte order. You have the flexibility to shop on Cat Person either as a guest or by choosing to create an account. These are the steps to help you make your first order.

How to Sign Up (Complete the Process in 6 Simple Steps)

1. Click on Get Started.

2. Choose your starter plan option.

3. Complete the short quiz. It asks about how many cats you have, their preferred proteins, any allergies, and their favorite food texture.

4. State how much food your cat, or cats, currently eat per day.

5. Check and edit your starter box.

6. Check your meal plan as this order will recur every 4 weeks.

After selecting your starter box, you'll have the flexibility to add extras through your account. Keep in mind that the initial offerings aren't tailored specifically to your cat, so it might require some time and adjustments to determine the most suitable quantity and delivery frequency for your feline friend.

Managing Your Subscription

With Cat Person's online account management, you can easily switch flavors, add treats, or incorporate other items to your order right from your account. If you wish to adjust the shipment date or modify the quantity of food, the platform makes it seamless. And if for any reason you need to cancel your order, that option is available too.

To keep you updated, Cat Person ensures you're well-prepared. It sends you an email reminder 3 days before your shipment date, providing ample time to log in and change shipment dates. You can’t pause or skip the meal plan directly, but you can cancel and then restart or simply modify your delivery date to suit your needs.

Customer Service: Only Email & Text Support is Available 

For a boutique cat food delivery service, the contact options are a bit disappointing. Currently, it offers limited avenues: you can either reach out to them through email at [email protected] or send a text to 855-918-2287. 

To check for responsiveness, I tested out the customer service by sending an email. To my relief, despite the limited contact methods, the reply was both thorough and amicable. Even more impressive, the response time was swift, landing in my inbox just within 1 working day.

I was expecting a bit more, particularly something like a live chat feature, given its niche market positioning. On the brighter side, its FAQ section is notably comprehensive, addressing a wide range of concerns.

Cat Person Recalls: None So Far

As of September 2023, there have been no Cat Person recalls.

How Cat Person Compares to Other Pet Food Services

• Cat Person vs. Smalls: Like Cat Person, Smalls prioritizes high-quality ingredients in its recipes. However, a distinct difference between them is that Smalls has fresh recipes as opposed to wet and dry, offering a different dimension in pet food options.
• Cat Person vs. Open Farm: Open Farm provides high-quality cat food but also ensures consumers are well-informed about the sources of the ingredients. Also, Open Farm is recognized for its ethical sourcing practices, setting it apart in the pet food market.

The Bottom Line: Is Cat Person Worth It?

If diversity in your cat's diet is your top priority, then Cat Person does stand out. It has a large variety and emphasis on a high-protein diet. The option to choose from an array of textures, allowing you to mix and match your order, can be particularly appealing to many pet owners seeking variety.

However, there are areas where Cat Person might fall short for some. The lack of custom pre-portioned meals means you do the measuring. Given the premium nature of the service, I’d expect a more personalized approach. Another consideration is the grain-free composition of the diet, which could potentially contribute to hairball issues in cats.

FAQ

Is Cat Person food good for your cat?

Cat Person food prioritizes high-protein content, which is essential for cats as obligate carnivores. Its recipes incorporate premium ingredients, offering a blend of different textures to cater to your cat's preference. However, it's always advisable to consult with your vet before making any significant dietary changes for your feline friend.

Is human-grade cat food worth it?

Human-grade cat food ensures quality and safety standards comparable to what humans consume. Opting for such a standard can provide peace of mind about the purity and source of ingredients. Still, the final decision should consider your cat's specific needs and your budget.

How much does Cat Person cost?

Costs for Cat Person vary based on the specific products and plans chosen. Generally, premium ingredients and specialized recipes come with a higher price tag. For a detailed breakdown, it's best to visit the Cat Person website or consult their customer service.