Smalls vs. Cat Person: My Unbiased Review of Two Popular Cat Food Subscriptions

Welcome to AptPaws! I’m [Your Name], and for the past few months, my apartment has turned into a culinary testing lab for my two fussy feline critics, Leo and Luna. In the world of fresh, human-grade cat food subscriptions, two names kept popping up everywhere: Smalls and Cat Person. Both promise healthier, happier cats with superior ingredients delivered right to your door. But which one is actually worth your money?

I signed up for both, paid with my own money, and spent weeks observing everything from the unboxing experience to the, well, litter box results. This is my detailed, unbiased Smalls vs. Cat Person review to help you make the best choice for your furry overlord.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Packaging

Let’s be honest, the unboxing experience matters. It’s our first “hello” from the brand. Here’s how they stacked up.

Smalls: The No-Frills, Efficiency Expert

Smalls arrived in a compact, well-insulated box. Everything was frozen solid, packed efficiently with dry ice. The packaging feels functional and focused on one thing: getting the food to you safely. While it wasn’t a “luxurious” experience, I appreciated the eco-conscious, minimal packaging. It’s a straightforward approach for the practical cat parent. My initial Smalls cat food review starts with a nod to their efficiency.

Cat Person: The Design-Forward, Gift-Giving Vibe

Opening the Cat Person box felt like unboxing an Apple product for my cats. Their branding is top-notch. The food comes in colorful, easy-to-peel-and-serve containers, all neatly arranged. They even included a custom-designed feeding accessory, the “Mesa Bowl,” in my first order. For those who appreciate beautiful design and a more curated experience, Cat Person absolutely nails the first impression. This is a huge plus in any Cat Person review.

The Food Itself: A Head-to-Head Ingredient Showdown

This is the most important part of our Smalls vs. Cat Person comparison. What are our cats actually eating?

Feature	Smalls	Cat Person	My Take
Food Type	Primarily minced, pâté-style fresh food (frozen)	Pâté and “Shreds in Broth” wet food (shelf-stable)	Smalls feels more like “homemade” food, while Cat Person offers more texture variety, which was a hit with my picky eater, Luna.
Protein Source	High-quality, single-source proteins like chicken, turkey, beef.	Named proteins like salmon, tuna, chicken, duck. They often mix proteins (e.g., Tuna & Salmon).	Both are excellent. Smalls is great for cats with potential allergies to specific proteins. Cat Person is great for cats who love fish.
“Human-Grade”	Yes, made with human-grade ingredients in USDA-certified kitchens.	Also made with human-grade ingredients.	This is a major selling point for both and a huge step up from traditional kibble. It’s a tie here.
Carbs & Fillers	Very low-carb. Uses finely minced vegetables for vitamins.	Also low-carb and free of corn, wheat, or soy.	Both brands excel at providing a species-appropriate, low-carbohydrate diet.

For my cats, Luna instantly preferred Cat Person’s “Shreds in Broth,” while Leo, my little food monster, devoured both without hesitation. The key takeaway from my Smalls cat food review portion is its simplicity and high quality, whereas my Cat Person review highlights its appeal to pickier eaters.

Convenience and Ease of Use

How easy is it to serve this food on a busy morning?

• Smalls: This requires some planning. You have to thaw the frozen food pouches in the fridge overnight. If you forget, you’ll have a hungry, impatient cat on your hands (ask me how I know). However, the portions are easy to manage.
• Cat Person: Incredibly convenient. The food is shelf-stable, stored in your pantry. Just peel back the lid, scoop it into the bowl, and serve. For busy apartment dwellers, this is a massive advantage.

The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?

Let’s talk numbers. Neither of these subscriptions is cheap, but you’re paying for quality.

I found that for my two cats, the monthly cost was roughly comparable, but Smalls was slightly more affordable per ounce on their larger plans. Cat Person’s price can add up, especially if you get sucked into buying their adorable toys and accessories (which, of course, I did).

Your final cost will depend heavily on your cat’s size, activity level, and the specific plan you choose. I highly recommend running through the trial or onboarding quiz for both to get a precise quote.

The Final Verdict: My Honest Recommendation

So, after weeks of testing in this Smalls vs. Cat Person showdown, who wins? The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your cat and your lifestyle.

Choose Smalls if:

• You prioritize a simple, high-protein, “as fresh as it gets” food.
• Your cat has food sensitivities and needs a single-source protein diet.
• You are on a slightly tighter budget and don’t mind the planning required for thawing.

Choose Cat Person if:

• You have a very picky eater who craves different textures (like shreds in broth).
• Convenience is your top priority; you want a quick “peel-and-serve” solution.
• You love great design and want a more curated, lifestyle-brand experience.

For my household, I’ve actually decided to use a combination: Smalls as their primary evening meal, and Cat Person’s shreds as a special lunchtime treat. It’s the best of both worlds!

No matter which you choose, you’re making a fantastic decision to upgrade your cat’s nutrition.