Not gonna lie, when I saw Trader Joe's had an Advent Calendar for Cats, I didn't hesitate. I tossed it into my cart faster than you can say "Meow." But just because something is festive and pet-themed doesn't always mean it's a win-at least, not according to my cat.
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The Trader Joe's Advent Calendar for Cats is a holiday-themed countdown filled with 24 days of cat treats. The treats are made with salmon and seaweed, and each day offers a pre-portioned square for your feline friend. The packaging is adorable-think "Instagram-worthy stocking stuffer"-but the contents? That's where things got interesting.
My guest reviewer
While in limited supply, there is now something to make cats happy too. And once again, I am bringing on a special guest reviewer. He is 8 years old and always dressed to impress in his finest tuxedo.
His name is Gary. He is my cat (or at least I am his human servant). His name is a Sponge Bob reference because of the meowing sound he makes from time to time. He enjoys napping, pushing items off the edge of any surface, gets the zoomies around 6 PM, and he also turns into a howler cat around 8 PM before demanding bedtime around 9:30. Did I mention I am summoned every morning at 6 AM for his morning feedings?
He claims he is a starving kitty, yet the last time I brought him to the vet he clocked in at just over 14 lbs. He will also cry of desperate hunger anytime someone enters the kitchen. He will even lift one paw up to pretend like you somehow stepped on him while you are there. So it is only fair that he gets some snacks too.
For $7.99 this is priced the same as the Advent Calendar for Dogs. Depending on how picky your pet is, will dictate whether or not you should pick this item up.
Given how quickly this sold out at my local store, I wouldn't be surprised at all if it makes a comeback next year. However, at my local store, I only managed to see these advent calendars only just once. By the time I came back the following week all signs of the advent calendars being there were gone.
A video review
So once again, the only way to truly test this advent calendar to video his reaction to everything, so please enjoy it. All thoughts and opinions were Gary's own:
Overall
Would I buy this again? For Gary, this item was a total fail. However, this will be the first item I leave up to the audience to rate as my little boy wouldn't even try it.
It should also be noted there were several treats behind each door with the motherlode of fish-shaped treats behind door 25. So since dogs have masters and cats seem to have staff, this adorable seasonal item was lost on my baby. I hope yours is more grateful.
If this is a must-try but your store no longer has them, then you can still find this on Amazon through third-party sellers.
Did your fur baby try it? Let me know what they think in the comments section!
Here is the updated packaging for 2020, however my cat's reaction to this product was unchanged from last year.
FAQs
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
It's marketed as a safe treat, but always monitor your cat the first few times. Some pet owners reported digestive issues.
No, this is an in-store only seasonal item at Trader Joe's.
They're firm, possibly too firm and large for some cats.
Yes! Trader Joe's also has an Advent Calendar for Dogs during the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Advent Calendar for Cats looks like a fun holiday idea, but it really depends on your cat. Mine wasn't interested, and I've heard similar stories from other cat owners. If your cat is food-flexible or has a taste for fishy treats, it might work. Otherwise, it could be 24 days of disappointment in festive packaging.
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Trader Joe's Advent Calendar for Cats
Product Name: Trader Joe's Advent Calendar for Cats
Product Description: Trader Joe's Advent Calendar for Cats is a new seasonal and limited run advent calendar for cats.
Price: $7.99
Currency: USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Summary
Trader Joe's Advent Calendar for Cats is a seasonal offering to balance out the treats for both cats and dogs.
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Value
Pros
- Bold Packaging: Eye-catching, giftable, and holiday-ready
- Affordable: Priced well under $10 for 24 treats
- Cute Concept: Great idea for pet lovers
Cons
- Large Treat Size: Not ideal for small or picky cats
- Mixed Reactions: Some cats wouldn’t eat them at all
- Possible Tummy Troubles: A few reports of digestive issues
Alek says
Your cat is so cute!!! I kinda wanted to pet Gary. Love how you named it.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! I always get funny looks when I tell people my cat's name is Gary. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tana says
I was so excited to see this for my cats this year. They love it! The treats are a little large so we broke them in half.
becomebetty says
Hey Tana! Glad to hear. I tried breaking mine too. He refused. Glad your babies enjoyed. Thanks for sharing!
Rachel says
My kitty also wouldn't try the treats whole or broken into more manageable bites. She LOVES most treats, so this was a disappointment for sure.
becomebetty says
Hey Rachel! I'm so sorry our fur babies came to the same conclusion. I wish they weren't so darn picky. Thanks for sharing!
Robin says
My picky fatty loved them.
becomebetty says
Hey Robin! So glad your hear your baby liked them more than mine did. Thanks so much for sharing!
Leah says
I gave Elvis the Day 1 treat and he loved it! He devoured it in a second. However, he does really love the cat treats that Trader Joe's sells. If he sees me holding the container he comes running!
becomebetty says
Hey Leah! I'm glad to hear Elvis like them so much. Thanks again for sharing!
Debbie says
We had a 50/50 result at our house. My boy Bosley sniffed and walked away. My girl Lily loved the treat (and of course she is the one who needs to lose weight and doesn't need treats). When Bosley saw Lily eating it he walked over and sniffed again...hmmm maybe it's something good...nope, still no way. The treats are very large for cat noshing and have to be cut in small pieces.
PS Gary is adorable
becomebetty says
Hey Debbie! Wish your babies were on the same page with the treats. Maybe since each day is sealed you can portion your baby a bit more. But my boy found the treats too big too. Hopefully they change it for next year. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
Tresa Ward says
A huge fail for my cat, my husband’s cat and even 2 outside strays. I even tried breaking the huge (no cat person involved in making them that size) pieces into several smaller bites. Not one cat I’ve offered them to would eat them. My cat did lick them but then walked away. Was extremely disappointed, was so excited to share the advent calendar with my kitty! 😢
becomebetty says
Hey Tresa! Sorry to hear. My kitty felt the same. Hopefully they change it for next year. Thanks again for sharing!
Paulina says
Both my cat and my friend's cat ate them for the first two-three days and then threw up. Now they both refuse to eat them? My cat never ever throws up, so since she doesn't want the treats anymore, I wonder if they gave her a bad reaction. Also the fish shaped ones are ridiculously large for my tiny chonk and her wonky teeth.
becomebetty says
Hey Paulina! My boy had the same problem again this year. Thanks for sharing. You can always ask for a refund. Thanks for sharing your experience!