Source standard
Nutrition, calorie, litter, breed, and compliance claims should cite credible references. Product facts should be checked against current retailer, brand, or API data before being used in price-sensitive claims.
Cost pages need sources, formulas, and visible limits.
CatCost pages should provide original value through a calculator, formula, data table, cost model, scenario comparison, or methodology explanation. Generic pet content is outside the first version's focus.
Health standard
CatCost can compare cost, calories, package size, and usage assumptions. It should not claim that a product treats, prevents, or cures a condition.
Data freshness
Product comparison pages should show last-reviewed or last-checked dates. Stale, missing, suspicious, or incomplete data should be marked instead of hidden.
Corrections
Corrections that affect formulas, package size, calorie math, prices, retailer links, or compliance language should be prioritized over cosmetic copy changes.
Product selection
Product pages should start from measurable fit: package weight, calories, material group, price visibility, and data completeness. Sponsorship should not determine whether a row is included or how it is ranked.
Original content standard
CatCost pages should add analysis, calculation, transformation, or scenario modeling. A copied product title, a thin roundup, or a plain list of retailer links is not enough for the site.
Affiliate boundary
If affiliate links are enabled, disclosures should appear before product links and close enough for readers to understand the relationship. Price and availability should be verified on the retailer page.
Sources and methodology
- Nutritional Requirements of Small AnimalsMerck Veterinary Manual. Used for calorie terminology, RER context, and conservative nutrition framing.
- Dog and Cat FoodsMerck Veterinary Manual. Used for calorie-content label expectations and diet-label context.
- Nutrition and Weight: Young Adult CatsAAHA / AAFP. Used for adult feline RER starting-point guidance.
- Litter Box ProblemsASPCA. Used for litter box planning context, including the one-box-per-cat-plus-one guideline.
- FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are AskingFederal Trade Commission. Used for clear and conspicuous affiliate disclosure standards.