Running out of cat food is a pet owner’s nightmare! You’re scrambling around, checking every cabinet, only to realize you’re fresh out. Your furry feline is anxiously meowing, wondering when their next meal will arrive. Don’t panic just yet; you may be able to pick up some grub at an unexpected place: your local 7-11!
It’s a convenience store emergency that every cat parent dreads. You need answers, and you need them fast. Does 7 11 sell cat food? If so, what kind? Is it of decent quality or just something to get your kitty by for a day? And if they don’t have dedicated cat food, what the heck can you grab off their shelves to satisfy your hungry furball?
Take a deep breath and keep reading; we’re diving into the burning question of whether 7-11 is a viable option for stocking up on cat cuisine. We’ll cover all the need-to-know details so you can be prepared the next time you find yourself in a feline food fiasco! Let’s get into it.
Does 7 11 Sell Cat Food?
The million-dollar question on every cat owner’s mind when they find themselves in a pet food predicament is: does 7-11 sell cat food? The answer is…kind of. While 7-11 doesn’t have an official dedicated cat food section, they do offer some options that can work in a pinch for your furry feline friend.
First up, the obvious option is canned food made for human consumption. Look for simple proteins like tuna, salmon, or chicken packed just in water (no salt/seasoning added). These can provide some much-needed nutrients for your cat when you’re in a bind. Just be sure to drain off any oils or sauces before feeding.
Next, check out the milk section. While cow’s milk isn’t ideal for adult cats long-term, a bit of whole milk can work as a quick hydrating treat and calorie source if you’re really desperate. But don’t overdo it, as too much dairy can upset Kitty’s tummy.
The dry food aisle may also have a small section with bags of dry cat/dog food or treats. The options are usually limited to just generic brands. It’s not going to be of the highest quality, but it can hold your cat over for a meal or two until you can get to a pet store.
If you’re really stuck, don’t be afraid to check the human snack aisles too. Things like cooked chicken breast, plain deli meat, or even bags of unsalted nuts or seeds can work as makeshift crunchy cat treats when desperation kicks in.
What to Expect
Here’s the scoop on what you might find during your 7-11 cat food hunt:
Wet and Dry Delights: Some 7-Eleven stores stock a range of wet and dry cat food options to satisfy our kitties’ preferences. From tender morsels swimming in gravy to crunchy kibbles, they might surprise you with their hidden gems.
Purr-sonal Preferences: Remember, every cat has their own purr-sonal preferences when it comes to food. So, while 7-Eleven might not have the same extensive selection as pet specialty stores, they might still offer a variety of flavors and textures to appease your furball’s taste buds.
Convenience for Cat Parents
One of the great things about 7-Eleven is its widespread presence. These stores seem to pop up at every street corner, making it incredibly convenient for pet parents in need. Whether you’re running late from work or simply forgot to pick up cat food during your regular shopping spree, 7-Eleven is there to save the day.
A Word of Caution
Before you rush out the door in search of feline sustenance, it’s important to note that the availability of cat food may vary from store to store. While many 7-Eleven locations carry a selection of pet supplies, including cat food, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their website to ensure your local store stocks what you need.
Feline Fuel Alternatives
If your local 7-11 falls short in the cat food department, don’t fret! There are plenty of other options available to pamper your whiskered companion:
- Pet Specialty Stores: Pet stores like Petco, PetSmart, or your local boutique pet shop offer a wider selection of cat food brands, flavors, and specialized options to meet your cat’s dietary needs.
- Online Retailers: The digital world is filled with online retailers that deliver pet food right to your doorstep. From well-known platforms to specialized pet food websites, the options are endless.
- Local Veterinarians: Your trusted veterinarian can recommend specific cat food brands tailored to your cat’s unique needs and provide guidance on proper nutrition.
What to Do If You Run Out of Cat Food?
There are some human foods you can temporarily feed your cat to hold them over until you can get proper cat food again.
One of the best options is plain cooked proteins like chicken, turkey, or tuna. Stick to skinless, unseasoned meat to avoid unnecessary oils, seasonings, or other additives that could upset Kitty’s stomach. You can cook up a few extra plain chicken breasts whenever you’re making them for yourself, then shred or dice them up for your cat. Tuna packed in water makes a nice treat as well.
Eggs are another great source of protein that most cats go nuts over. Scramble up a couple with no butter, milk, salt, or pepper added. You can even mix in a spoonful of plain yogurt to add some beneficial probiotics.
When it comes to veggies, go for finely chopped cooked carrots, peas, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes, as these provide some fiber and vitamins. But avoid anything in the onion/garlic family, as these can be toxic to cats.
Many cats also love plain cooked oats, whole grain bread, or pasta as an occasional filler food. Still, be cautious with high-carb foods and don’t overdo it, as too many grains and starches can cause weight gain and other issues.
Dairy is a bit controversial, but a small amount of plain yogurt or a few laps of milk can provide hydration, protein, and the fat kittens need. Just avoid giving too much, as many adult cats have a hard time digesting lactose.
The key things to avoid are excessive fats and oils, sugary foods, highly seasoned/salty items, chocolate, caffeinated foods and drinks, raw dough, and anything containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to cats). When in doubt, stick to lean protein sources.
Why Is Some Cat Food 7+?
As you peruse the cat food aisle, you’ve probably noticed those mysterious numbers on some pet food labels—often “7+” or similar variations. No, it’s not referring to your cat’s nine lives or the number of years good luck is promised. That number actually provides some useful insight into the type of cat that particular formula is intended for.
The “7+” labeling signals that the food meets the nutritional requirements for adult cats, as established by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More specifically, it means the food has been properly formulated with the adequate protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals an average healthy adult cat needs once they reach around 7 years of age.
You see, a cat’s nutritional profile changes as they mature from a kitten to an adult and then into their senior years. Kittens require different levels of certain nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. Senior cats also have slightly differing needs as their metabolism slows. The “7+” designation helps ensure middle-aged and senior cats are getting the right ratios and types of nutrients optimal for their life stage.
But why 7 years old? That’s about the feline age, when cats are considered to have reached full physical maturity. Their bodies have stopped growing, and their nutritional needs have leveled off from the high-energy adolescent stage. So food formulated for the 7+ crowd provides complete nutrition for adult cats in their prime through their golden years.
You’ll also see some variation in those numbers, like “5+” or “11+,” etc. The higher numbers simply indicate a specific formula tailored to provide the ideal nutrient levels for senior cats in those later life stages. Essentially, the higher the number on the label, the more the food has been adjusted to meet an aging cat’s changing dietary requirements as they get older.
Does Quiktrip Have Cat Food?
The short answer is: unfortunately, no, QuikTrip does not sell any actual cat food or cat-specific products. Their inventory focuses mainly on drinks, snacks, and other convenience items geared toward human customers.
However, that doesn’t mean QuikTrip is completely devoid of potential cat noses. While you won’t find pouches of Fancy Feast or cans of 9 Lives on their shelves, there are a few human food items a resourceful cat owner could potentially use in a pinch.
For starters, you may be able to find small cans of tuna or salmon packed in water, which can work as a high-protein, mess-free way to get some food in your cat’s belly quickly. The hot food counter that offers roller grill items like tornados and taquitos is another option; you could grab a couple plain grilled chicken tenders or burger patties and shred them up for your kitty back home.
If you’re really desperate, QuikTrip also sells hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, and even some small bags of unsalted nuts or trail mixes in their snack section. While not complete nutrition, these could work as very temporary treats or supplements until you’re able to get to a proper pet supply store.
The wide range of chip options could potentially work as makeshift cat treats too; plain potato chips with no crazy seasoning blends offer a crispy, salty, starchy snack that many cats seem to enjoy now and then (in moderation, of course).
And if you want to grab a little novelty item, the store’s drink dispensers have been known to offer things like chicken broth for a hydrating drink cats often find irresistible. Although probably not the ideal long-term solution for hydration,.
Avoid These Cat Food Ingredients
While high-quality commercial cat foods are formulated with your kitty’s health in mind, there are still some ingredients that experts recommend limiting or avoiding altogether. Being an educated label reader is key to picking the perfect provisions.
At the top of the no-no list are any vaguely named by-products, like “animal by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal.” These are essentially the rendered remains of other animals’ parts that have been dried and pulverized into a powder filler. Not a very appetizing image, and they provide little nutritional value.
You’ll also want to steer clear of ingredients with a lot of funky chemical names you can’t pronounce, as these are likely artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors that could potentially cause health issues with long-term exposure. Keep an eye out for things like BHA, BHT, propylene glycol, rendered fats, and carrageenan.
Cats have different biological needs than humans or dogs, so be wary of cat foods with high concentrations of plant-based proteins like corn, wheat, or soy. Kitties are obligate carnivores and can’t properly digest or receive complete nutrition from these ingredients alone.
While cats do need some carbohydrates in their diet, try to avoid products that list things like white flour, wheat, or corn as one of the first few ingredients. This indicates a very high carb concentration that could contribute to feline obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues over time.
And of course, anything containing garlic, onions, grapes/raisins, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, or the artificial sweetener xylitol should be strictly off-limits as they can be toxic to cats.
When reading the ingredient panel, you want to see high-quality protein sources like real chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or eggs listed right at the top. After that, look for nutritious pet-safe fruits and veggies, healthy fats like chicken fat or fish oil, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics to support digestion.
Ingredients are listed by weight, so you can get a sense of which components make up the majority of your cat’s chow. Do your research to find reputable brands with shorter, cleaner ingredient lists you recognize and ingredients that are sourced and made specifically for felines.
Do Gas Stations Sell Cat Food?
While not their primary business, many gas stations around the country have started stocking at least a small selection of cat (and dog) food and treats. It makes sense from their perspective—pet owners are some of their most frequent customers, fueling up for travel. So offering convenient pet fares captures an additional market.
Major chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, and even truckstops like Pilot Flying J have expanded their inventory over the years to include basic pet food supplies. Of course, selection and availability vary by location, but almost all will have at least a few bags or cans of dry and wet cat food options on the shelves.
The brands may not be the premium types you’d find at a dedicated pet store, with more generics and private labels represented. But in a pinch, these basic kibbles and canned pates can help get your cat through until you can purchase their regular, high-quality diet.
You’ll also frequently find individual-portion cups or pouches in chicken, tuna, or other protein flavors. These “lunchable” style meals are perfect for mixing up your cat’s menu during travel, supplementing their regular food, or just having something shelf-stable on hand for emergencies.
Depending on the gas station, you may even be able to find some cat treat options like crunchy biscuits, freeze-dried protein bits, or even a small sampling of cat toys and grooming supplies amid the rows of beef jerky and motor oil. Every little bit helps when you need to pick up some essentials on the road.
Of course, don’t expect the same level of variety, quality ingredients, or specialized diet formulas as a premium pet store brand. The gas station options will be fairly basic and generic. But they can work in a time crunch as a stop-gap solution, so you don’t have to worry about your cat going hungry during your travels.
Some pet owners may choose to stock up on a few extra cans, pouches, or bags of kibble when they fuel up, just to keep a supply in their vehicle for unexpected delays or kitty emergencies. Having that backup stash could really come in handy one day!
Does 7 11 Have Cat Litter?
While 7-Eleven is best known for their iconic Slurpee drinks and hot foods like taquitos and Big Bite hot dogs, the convenience store chain has slowly been expanding its inventory in recent years to include more household essentials. And yes, that now includes a selection of cat litter products for on-the-go pet owners!
Of course, product availability and selection can vary from location to location. But a growing number of 7-Eleven stores, especially those located along major highways and interstates, have started stocking basic clay and clumping litter in manageable-sized bags or buckets.
You likely won’t find any premium brands or specialty formulas like you would at a dedicated pet retailer. The litters tend to be more budget-friendly generic or private label varieties. But it can definitely get you by in a pet-care pinch while traveling.
For example, you may find basic scoopable clay litters as well as the classic non-clumping clay crumbles. Some stores offer clumping litters made from materials like wheat or corn. And a few locations even stock the super-absorbent crystal-based styles.
The package sizes are usually fairly compact—think 4-lb bags or buckets. Just enough to give your litter box a good top-off or full refresh until you can get to a larger pet supply store for your regular mega-sized refill bag or subscription order.
You can also sometimes find disposable litter box trays and scoops if you need those accessories while on a road trip as well. So you can completely restock your travel supplies without having to overload your car.
FAQs
What other convenience stores sell cat food and supplies?
In addition to 7-Eleven, other major convenience store chains that may carry basic cat food, litter, and supplies include Circle K, Wawa, Speedway, Pilot Flying J, Love’s Travel Stops, and some Walmart Neighborhood Markets.
Can I feed my cat deli meats from a gas station?
Deli meats can work in a pinch but should be fed in moderation as they are high in salt and preservatives. Plain-cooked chicken or turkey from a convenience store hot case is a better option.
Do gas stations sell cat toys?
While not very common, some larger convenience stores and truck stops may have a small selection of basic cat toys like feather wands or catnip-filled toys mixed in with the dog toys and pet supplies.
What should I do if I can’t find any cat food at nearby convenience stores?
If you strike out at gas stations, look for basic human foods that can temporarily substitute, like canned tuna/chicken, cooked eggs, plain deli meat, or even unsalted nuts. Just be sure to check for potential dangers like onions or xylitol.
How long can I feed my cat convenience store foods?
Convenience store pet foods and human food substitutes should only be fed for a day or two in an emergency situation. Aim to get your cat back on their normal, nutritionally-complete diet as soon as possible.
Is wet food or dry food better from gas stations?
Opt for wet foods like canned pates or pouches if available, as these tend to be higher in protein and moisture than the dry kibble options found at gas stations.
Do I need to transition my cat slowly to gas station cat food?
Since these are unfamiliar foods, it’s best to transition slowly by mixing in the new food with their regular diet to avoid digestive upset.
What cat food brands does 7-11 typically carry?
You’re more likely to find generic store brands or budget labels like Special Kitty, 9 Lives, Friskies, or Puss ‘N Boots at 7-11 rather than premium brands like Blue Buffalo, Instinct, or Wellness.
How much does cat food cost at 7-11?
Expect to pay a bit more than grocery stores, but not excessively so. Individual cans/pouches may be $1–2 each, while small bags of dry food could range from $5–10.
Do 7-11 stores sell cat food cans or just pouches/cups?
Most locations will have both canned pate-style cat food as well as single-serving pouches or cups available. The cup/pouch variety tends to be more abundant.
Is the cat food at 7-11 safe and fresh?
While convenience store stock may turn over slower than pet stores, 7-11 practices proper rotation to ensure food isn’t expired. Just check those best-by dates.
Can you use 7-11 loyalty/rewards on cat food purchases?
Yes, typically, any 7-11 loyalty program discounts or rewards can be applied to pet food and supply purchases, just like human snacks.
Do 7-11s ever have sales or discounts on cat food?
You may occasionally find promotions like 2-for-1 deals or discounted single cans/pouches at some locations, especially if they are overstocked.
Are the cat foods at 7-11 grain-free?
It’s unlikely you’ll find many, if any, grain-free options. Most convenience store cat foods contain grains like corn, wheat, or byproducts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my dear reader, the answer to the burning question, “Does 7 11 sell cat food?” is a resounding “Yes!” So fear not, for your furry friend’s appetite can be satisfied with a trip to your local convenience store. Just remember to check availability, embrace the convenience, and keep those whiskers well-fed!
Brought to you by the feline-friendly folks at 7-Eleven.