Cat & Jack is a Kids’ and Baby apparel and accessories line found exclusively at Target. This kids’ clothing line offers a wide selection of fun, affordable items. Yet, with how fast kids grow, and how quickly they become disinterested in certain clothing, I was curious about Cat & Jack’s return policy. Since Cat & Jack is a line sold exclusively at Target, this blurs the line of whether this clothing line has its own set of return policies, or if it follows Target’s return policy. With a bit of digging, I was able to unveil all the secrets you need to know about their generous return policy.

How Many Return Days Do They Allow?

365 days, also known as 1 year.

This is quite a big increase from Target’s normal 90-day return policy.

As long as you have your receipt, you can return any Cat & Jack product to ANY Target store for up to a year after purchase.

Pretty awesome policy.

It’s obvious that Cat & Jack prides itself in providing quality products that last a long time, otherwise they couldn’t afford to do this.

Can I Still Get Store Credit After 1 Year Has Passed?

No.

Cat & Jack offers a “guaranteed for 1 year” (with receipt) where you can receive a refund or store credit.

Therefore, you cannot receive a refund or store credit AFTER that 1-year mark deadline.

See Also: Target’s Return Policy: The Definitive Guide for Shoppers

Do I Need A Receipt To Return My Cat & Jack Items?

Yes… for the most part.

It’s essential you have your receipt when returning Cat & Jack items to Target.

This will ensure you receive a full refund for the amount you paid.

Otherwise, if you don’t have a receipt, inevitably, the ability to return an item without proof of purchase becomes nonexistent.

However, read on to find out when/how you can receive store credit, even if you don’t have a receipt.

What Should I Do If I Lost My Receipt?

If you don’t have a receipt– don’t worry– there are a TWO ways to possibly provide proof of purchase.

1. For online purchases, check your Target account or email to see if you still have your order confirmation or online receipt that you can print out.

2. Ask a cashier to look up your transaction history made on your Target RedCard if you used one, or even your regular credit card.

Update (1/23/24): I recently talked to a Target employee at my local store and was told that her manager has instructed them to stop taking C&J returns WITHOUT a receipt.

She said it just became too big of a hassle with people bringing in bags of worn clothing, with no receipt, expecting a full refund.

So it’s save to assume that your mileage will vary when trying to make these types of returns.

See Also: Old Navy Return Policy: Not Nearly as Good as Cat & Jack’s Policy

Can I Still Return An Item, Even If It’s Been Worn?

Yes.

As long as it’s within the one-year guarantee time frame you can return it.

So, if your kid has worn the item and even ripped, torn, grown out of, or lost interest in the item altogether, you can still return the item for a complete refund.

Update (7/10/23): FYI, a Target employee in the comments has stated that Target will be cracking down on people simply returning outgrown clothing.

Not sure what that means exactly but I thought it was worth sharing. Much more on this at the bottom of this article.

Does the Return Policy “Start Over” on an Exchanged Item?

This question comes from reader Adri in the comments section, and I think it’s a good one worth discussing.

Adri’s question in particular is “If you buy a Cat and Jack item, then return it 364 days later for store credit, then purchase a new Cat and Jack item – does the return policy still apply to the new item?”

The short answer is YES.

Since you’re making a separate purchase, and using store credit to make that purchase, you start over with a new 365 day return policy.

The same thing goes if you’re making a straight exchange as the new item will be considered a new purchase on your receipt.

See Also: Target Shopping Hacks: 5 Brilliant Ways to Maximize Savings

Who Pays For Return Shipping Costs?

Target does.

That’s right, you don’t have to worry about overpriced shipping costs when returning your Cat & Jack items.

Target completely covers the shipping fees when returning via UPS.

However, DON’T expect a refund on the original shipping fees you paid if you bought your Cat & Jack items online.

Unless there was a clear mistake on Target’s end, you won’t receive the original shipping fees you paid to get the item shipped to you.

How Do Online Returns Work?

You can return your Cat & Jack clothing by using Target’s online return center and following these simple steps.

1. Login to your Target.com account or on your Target app.

2. Locate your order and select the item you want to return.

3. Select “Return an Item” then “Return by Mail”.

4. Provide a return reason.

5. Click “Replace Item” or “Refund Item” based on your preference.

6. Select “Shipping Address” and print the shipping label.

7. Pack the item up, put your shipping label on the package, and drop it off at a UPS store.

What If I Got the Item As a Gift And I Don’t Have a Gift Receipt?

If you received your Cat & Jack item as a gift and don’t have a gift receipt, don’t worry.

You can still receive a refund via a merchandise return card.

This is essentially in-store credit you can use on future Target purchases.

See Also: When Does Target Restock? Tips Every Target Shopper Should Know

Can I Return Cat & Jack Items That I Found At a Salvage Store?

As I’ve discussed before, there are more and more Target “salvage stores” popping up across the country.

These stores sell Target items that were either returned, or simply liquidated, and they’re typically bought by the pallet and then sold individually to savvy shoppers looking for a deal.

I recently saw a few pairs of Cat & Jack shoes ay my local salvage store and it made me wonder if someone could scam the system and try to return them to Target for store credit.

I do NOT think this is possible for a couple reasons, first of all, with very few exceptions Target requires a receipt.

Secondly, the shoes that I saw had a black Sharpie line through the tag signifying that they were liquidated merchandise and not to be returned to Target. 

Will This Generous Return Policy Go Away Any Time Soon?

Apparently, word has been getting around “Mommy Groups” on Facebook about this policy, some even encouraging parents to abuse it.

If we continue abusing the policy, and bringing back clothes and shoes that kids have simply out grown, YES this policy will go away.

Keep in mind, Target recently closed stores in cities that were getting hit constantly by shoplifters and violence.

They are a for-profit business, with stockholders, and obviously have ZERO problems eliminating things that cause them to lose money.

So don’t abuse it folks, use it how it was intended, which is only if the item didn’t hold up and has quality issues.

Ask the Reader: What am I missing when it comes to the Cat & Jack return policy? Is it really as good as it sounds?

By Kyle James