Cat Subscription Boxes Compared: What Each One Delivers
What you get in a cat subscription box, and what changes month to month
Cat subscription boxes arrive monthly or every other month with toys, treats, and sometimes grooming supplies or catnip products. The contents vary by box — some focus on interactive toys, others on edible treats, and a few mix both. Most boxes cost between $20 and $40 per month, though prices shift based on what the company sources that month and whether you commit to multiple months upfront.
The main trade-off is predictability versus surprise. You know a box will arrive on a schedule, but you don't control what's inside. Some cats ignore half the contents; others destroy toys faster than the box arrives. Before committing to a year, most companies let you order a single box or three months to see whether your cat actually uses what arrives.
The boxes that work best are the ones where your cat's play style matches what the company tends to send. A cat that ignores toys but loves treats will waste money on a toy-heavy box. A cat that eats treats too fast and then vomits will do better with a toy-focused alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Most cat boxes cost $20 to $40 per month and arrive every 4 to 8 weeks, with contents that change each shipment.
- Boxes divide roughly into toy-focused, treat-focused, and mixed options — pick based on what your cat actually plays with or eats.
- You can usually order a single box or commit to three months before locking into a longer subscription.
- Cancellation is typically free and can happen anytime, though some companies charge a small fee if you cancel within the first month.
- Shipping is included in the monthly price for most major boxes, and they arrive to your door without extra steps.
Toy-focused boxes: Meowbox, KittyBox, and Barkbox for Cats
Meowbox ($25 per month, ships every 6 weeks) emphasizes interactive toys and puzzle toys over treats. Each box typically holds three to four toys, with occasional catnip or silvervine products mixed in. The toys are designed for solo play and multi-cat households. Meowbox lets you note which toys your cat ignored in previous boxes, and they try to avoid sending duplicates. You can pause or cancel anytime without penalty.
KittyBox ($30 per month, ships every 8 weeks) leans toward crinkle toys, feather wands, and balls. The box includes one or two treats but is primarily toy-driven. KittyBox sources from smaller toy makers and includes a mix of brands rather than house-branded items. Cancellation is free, and you can skip a month without losing your subscription.
Barkbox for Cats ($35 per month, ships every 4 weeks) is the toy option from a company known for dog boxes. Each box holds three to four toys plus one or two treat packs. The toys tend toward durable rubber and plush items rather than paper-based toys. Barkbox requires a commitment to at least three months before you can cancel, though you can pause individual shipments.
Treat-focused boxes: Nom Nom Cat and Chewy's Purrfect Pals
Nom Nom Cat ($28 per month, ships every 4 weeks) centers on freeze-dried and dehydrated meat treats. Each box holds four to six treat varieties, often including chicken, turkey, or fish. The box includes minimal toys — usually one small item. This box works well for cats on limited diets or with sensitive stomachs, since the ingredient lists are simple and the company lists allergens clearly. You can cancel anytime.
Chewy's Purrfect Pals ($25 per month, ships every 4 weeks) mixes wet food samples, dry treats, and one toy. The contents change based on what Chewy is promoting that month, so you might get a new food brand one month and treat samples the next. This box is useful if you want to try new foods before buying full-size bags. Cancellation is free and immediate.
Mixed boxes: Kitty Crate and PetDream Box
Kitty Crate ($32 per month, ships every 4 weeks) balances toys, treats, and grooming supplies. A typical box holds two toys, two to three treat varieties, and one grooming item like a brush or nail clippers. The company rotates what type of grooming tool arrives, so you're not getting duplicates if you stay subscribed. Cancellation is free with no minimum commitment.
PetDream Box ($30 per month, ships every 4 weeks) emphasizes variety across all categories. Each box typically includes two to three toys, two treat packs, and one larger item like a cat bed insert or scratching pad. The boxes skew toward novelty — you're more likely to get something you haven't seen before. You can cancel anytime, and the company offers a single-box option if you want to test it first.
Price and commitment differences across boxes
| Box Name | Monthly Cost | Shipping Frequency | Minimum Commitment | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meowbox | $25 | Every 6 weeks | None | None |
| KittyBox | $30 | Every 8 weeks | None | None |
| Barkbox for Cats | $35 | Every 4 weeks | 3 months | None after 3 months |
| Nom Nom Cat | $28 | Every 4 weeks | None | None |
| Chewy's Purrfect Pals | $25 | Every 4 weeks | None | None |
| Kitty Crate | $32 | Every 4 weeks | None | None |
| PetDream Box | $30 | Every 4 weeks | None | None |
Most boxes ship every 4 weeks, but Meowbox and KittyBox space shipments further apart — 6 and 8 weeks respectively — which lowers the annual cost even though the monthly price is similar. If you're watching your budget, the longer intervals mean fewer boxes per year.
Barkbox for Cats is the only box requiring a three-month minimum, but that commitment ends after three months and you can cancel at any point after. The other boxes let you order a single box, three months, or commit to a year. Committing to a year usually saves 10 to 15 percent per box, but you're locked in for twelve shipments.
How to choose based on your cat's preferences
Start by watching what your cat actually plays with or eats at home. If your cat ignores toys and only eats treats, a toy-heavy box wastes money. If your cat destroys toys in days but ignores treats, a treat-focused box won't hold their interest. The mixed boxes work best for households with multiple cats or cats with changing moods.
Most companies let you note preferences or dislikes after your first box. Meowbox specifically asks which toys your cat ignored so they can avoid sending them again. Chewy's Purrfect Pals changes contents so much that preferences matter less — you're getting something different each month anyway.
If your cat has food sensitivities or allergies, Nom Nom Cat publishes full ingredient lists and allergen information upfront. The other boxes list ingredients on their websites, but you may need to contact the company if your cat has a specific restriction.
What happens if your cat doesn't like the box
Most companies let you pause a shipment or skip a month without canceling your subscription. This is useful if your cat has too many toys already or if you want to space out costs. Pausing typically takes one click on your account page and takes effect before the next shipment processes.
If you decide the box isn't working after one or two shipments, cancellation is free for most companies. Barkbox for Cats is the exception — if you cancel within the first three months, you may owe a small cancellation fee, though this varies by region. After three months, Barkbox cancellation is free.
Some people use boxes seasonally — subscribing in winter when cats play more indoors, then pausing in summer. Others order one box every few months instead of committing to monthly shipments. Most companies accommodate both approaches without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change what's in my box or request specific items?
Most boxes don't let you customize contents before shipment, but you can note preferences after receiving a box. Meowbox specifically tracks which toys your cat ignored and tries to avoid sending them again. Chewy's Purrfect Pals changes contents so much that customization isn't really possible — you're getting whatever they're promoting that month.
What if my cat is allergic to chicken or has other food restrictions?
Nom Nom Cat publishes full ingredient lists and allergen information on their website before you order. The other boxes list ingredients, but you may need to contact the company directly to confirm whether a specific treat is safe for your cat. Most companies will work with you to note restrictions, though they can't may provide future boxes will avoid an allergen if it's a common ingredient.
Do I have to commit to a year, or can I cancel anytime?
You can cancel anytime with most boxes — Meowbox, KittyBox, Nom Nom Cat, Chewy's Purrfect Pals, Kitty Crate, and PetDream Box all allow month-to-month subscriptions with no penalty. Barkbox for Cats requires a three-month minimum commitment, but after that you can cancel whenever you want. You can also pause individual shipments without canceling your subscription.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is included in the monthly price for all of these boxes — there are no hidden shipping fees. The boxes arrive at your door as part of your subscription cost, whether you pay $25 or $35 per month.
Can I order a single box to try it out first?
Most companies let you order a single box, though some offer a discount if you commit to three months or a year. Chewy's Purrfect Pals and PetDream Box both make single-box ordering easy. If you're unsure whether a box is right for your cat, starting with one shipment is the lowest-risk way to find out.