Cat Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Wet Food, Dry Food, Treats), By Ingredient Type  (Animal Derivatives , Plant Derivatives), By Pricing Type  (Mass Products, Premium Products), By Distribution Channel  (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Cat Food Market Size

The global cat food market size was valued at USD 37 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 50 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Factors such as the growing worries among pet owners, increasing demand for high-quality cat food items, and the expanding number of cafés that cater to pets are driving the market.

Cat food is a specialized variety of pet food that is expressly created to meet the unique nutritional requirements of cats. As obligate carnivores, they necessitate a diet rich in animal-derived protein and lipids. Thus, it comprises animal-derived protein sources such as poultry (chicken and turkey), seafood, or red meat. Furthermore, it includes vital elements like minerals, vitamins, and lipids, alongside protein, to support optimal health and fulfill the dietary requirements of cats. These minerals are crucial for the growth and development of kittens and the preservation of adult health.

In addition, the product market expansion can be ascribed to the increasing number of cat owners, the trend of treating pets as human companions, and a rising global knowledge of the significance of pet nutrition. Moreover, the emergence of e-commerce and the accessibility of cat food on the internet have facilitated pet owners to locate and acquire products that specifically meet their pet’s requirements.

Highlights

• Wet food generates the highest revenue share based on product type. 
• Mass product stores account for the largest market share by pricing type. 
• Plant derivative stores account for the largest market share by ingredient type. 
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets account for the largest market share by distribution channel.

Cat Food Market Growth Factors

Growing Adoption of Cats

Cats are the second most populous kind of pets that are chosen for adoption on a worldwide scale. The cat population constituted 24.8% in 2022, experiencing a growth of 19.2% from 2017 to 2022. Cats have long been regarded as symbols of good or fortune in Europe, particularly in Russia. As a result, the proportion of cats in Europe is expected to be higher, especially in Russia, which has a large population of cats kept as pets.

Additionally, the rapid expansion of the worldwide cat population can be attributed to the increasing trend of pet humanization. Cats require less living space than dogs and can endure more extended periods of solitude in a residence without human supervision. Between 2017 and 2022, over 70% of individuals who own pets, including those who own cats in Russia and the United States, regarded cats as family members, friends, or children. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial rise in cat adoption as individuals were required to remain indoors, and cats could adapt to indoor environments without feeling confined. Cats have a higher degree of silence compared to dogs. 

Similarly, due to the prevalence of remote work arrangements during the pandemic, there was an increased trend in the United States of people choosing to have cats as pets. This was driven mainly by the desire for companionship, particularly among millennials, who comprise a significant portion of the pet-owning population. In the United States, 33% of millennials were pet owners in 2022. The increased prevalence of cat adoption during the pandemic is anticipated to have a favorable effect on the long-term growth of the pet food business. The pet cat population is projected to grow during the forecast period due to a rise in cat adoption and purchase and an increase in pet humanization. This growth is predicted to contribute to expanding the pet food market.

Cat Food Market Restraining Factors

Reliance of Pet Parents on Home-Prepared Food 

The cat food options in the market are expensive and have a restricted range of choices. As a result, pet owners cannot buy it for daily meals. For this reason, adopters provide homemade food like bread, milk, fish bones, meat, etc., instead of specialized cat food. Devotees of homemade cat food may believe that cooking meals at home enables them to customize the diet according to their cat’s health requirements, resulting in perceived advantages for their cat’s well-being. This view can lead to a decrease in the market share of it.

Additionally, the exorbitant costs associated with commercially packaged cat food are beyond the financial means of pet owners daily, prompting many to turn to homemade food instead. This move hinders the growth of the industry.

Global Cat Food Market Opportunities

Increasing Popularity of Organic Cat Food Products 

Owners of pets are increasingly conscious of their pets’ well-being, and as a result, they strive to provide their cats with the highest quality pet food. In response to the concerns of pet owners, manufacturers are developing cat food devoid of artificial coloring, flavoring, preservatives, pesticides, and other similar substances. This is done to exploit the increasing need for organic cat food products. Organic cat meals, which are manufactured without the use of chemicals, are becoming increasingly popular among cat owners.

Similarly, parents have shown a significant interest in adopting environmentally friendly and sustainably produced cat foods in recent years. The main factor driving this change is the increasing awareness among cat owners about the adverse effects of chemical-based food and plastic packaging on their pets’ health. Furthermore, incorporating organic food choices has improved pet well-being and significantly decreased instances of illness, further promoting the acceptance of organic form of it in recent times.

Furthermore, in response to the increasing need for nutritious cat food among pet owners, companies are creating and extending their range of these products. In 2023, Hill’s Pet Nutrition introduced dry and wet complete-and-balanced diets for cats specifically designed to fulfill the dietary requirements of pets suffering from cancer. Therefore, the introduction of improved cat food products, including health-focused components, is expected to appeal to consumers, particularly parents, and consequently, drive the market’s expansion in the future.

Regional Insights

North America is a Dominant region with a 6.2% market share

North America is the most significant global cat food market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period. The prevalence of pet ownership in North America is rising due to several causes, such as a rise in disposable income, evolving perspectives on pets and their place within the family, and advancements in pet care and nutrition. As of 2023, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that 66% of US households, equivalent to 86.9 million houses, possess a pet. This figure represents an increase from 56% in 1988. Dogs are the predominant choice for pets in the United States, with cats and freshwater fish being the subsequent preferences.

Moreover, the surge in pet ownership is linked to the growing urbanization, the trend of seeing pets as family members, and a longing for companionship. In addition, the COVID-19 epidemic has also led to a rise in pet adoption and ownership, resulting in an 11% increase in pet food expenditure in the United States in 2020. 

Europe is the Fastest growing region

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. Europe is expected to have growth during the forecast period. The European Pet Food Organization states that around 90 million European households possess a pet. Out of these, there are 110 million cats and 90 million dogs in 2022. In addition, the pet food business in the region generated a total of USD 28.89 billion in 2021. Therefore, the progress of the pet food business and the increasing number of cat adoptions are expected to boost the demand for the product in the foreseeable future.

The Asia-Pacific  market is booming due to the growing trend of pet humanization and cat ownership, the increasing popularity of private-label retail brands, and the rise in urbanization. The cat population is experiencing a significant increase as more people acquire cats for companionship and security. Furthermore, it is regarded as a mark of social standing in urban areas. The adoption of cats has increased significantly due to spatial limitations in countries like Japan and China, as well as the busy lifestyles of pet owners.

Cat Food Market Segmental Analysis

By Product

The wet food segment dominated the segment in 2023. This share can be due to the pet's high moisture content and adequate nutrients. Cats are inherently carnivorous animals and mainly obtain their hydration from their diet. Therefore, by providing pets with a wet diet, pet owners can guarantee that they supply them with sufficient hydration, which is crucial for preserving their overall well-being. 

The dry food segment is the fastest growing. One of the main benefits of kibble is its convenience. It can be left out for cats to consume at their leisure, which is advantageous for busy pet owners who may need more time to provide many feedings per day. Moreover, it is generally more cost-effective than other alternatives, which makes it a compelling choice for pet owners with limited financial resources.

The treats segment is the second largest. This is attributed to its several advantages, including positive reinforcement during training, mental stimulation, and entertainment, and enhancing the link between pet and owner. 

By Pricing

The mass products segment dominated the market in 2023. Mass-produced cat food is a critical factor in fueling the expansion of the worldwide market. Due to its low cost and wide distribution, it appeals to many consumers, which drives the market's growth. In addition, its convenience and wide range of formulas also serve different dietary requirements, increasing its importance in market expansion.

The premium products segment is the fastest growing. High-quality goods are crucial in driving the expansion of the worldwide market. The demand for premium cat food has increased as discerning pet owners increasingly seek high-quality and nutritionally better solutions for their feline pets. This phenomenon is additionally propelled by increasing discretionary resources and a burgeoning focus on the well-being of pets.

By Ingredient

The animal derivatives segment dominated the market in 2023. Animal by-products are essential for expanding the worldwide cat food industry, as they are used as central components in the production process. Chicken, fish, and beef by-products are excellent sources of high-quality protein vital for cats' health. These protein sources drive customer preferences and market growth due to their diverse product options and nutritional advantages.

The plant derivatives segment is the fastest growing. The worldwide market is expanding due to rising customer demand for natural and sustainable pet food solutions driven by plant derivative products. Plant-based proteins, fibers, and oils provide alternative forms of nourishment. They appeal to both health and ethical concerns, which in turn leads to the market's rise.

By Distribution Channel

The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment dominated the market in 2023. This can be ascribed to the accessibility of distinct and exclusive products. Convenience is a primary benefit of purchasing cat food from a supermarket or hypermarket. These businesses are usually conveniently accessible, offering pet owners a convenient and efficient choice for buying their necessary cat food items. Furthermore, these stores allow clients to assess and contrast different brands and pricing, enabling them to make well-informed choices depending on their budget and quality preferences.

The Specialty stores segment is the fastest growing. Specialty stores encompass independent, locally-owned pet businesses and bigger retail chains that exclusively specialize in pet goods, such as Petco or Petsmart. These establishments prioritize delivering a superior shopping experience to consumers and their pets by offering a diverse range of top-notch pet supplies, including high-quality feeds.

The online segment is the second largest. In recent years, online retailers have gained popularity as a handy and efficient means for pet owners to obtain high-quality supplies quickly. Online retailers provide a variety of choices for individuals who own cats, such as high-quality and specialized food brands that might not be found in conventional brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, the emergence of COVID-19 has additionally led to the heightened utilization of online platforms. Amazon US statistics for 2022 reveal a surge in online cat food consumption, with 13,902 shoppers compared to 10,405 in 2021.

Recent Developments

• April 2024–Purina PetCare planned to introduce a total of 100 new products in the United States by the year 2024. Purina PetCare is the leading contributor to the increase in sales, driven by the ongoing success of high-quality brands backed by scientific research. 
• March 2024– UK buyers may soon have access to canned cat chow made with farm-raised chicken. The product results from a partnership between Omni, “pet” food experts, and Meatly, a developed meat brand. Omni is entering the agricultural area for the first time, having previously focused solely on selling plant-based food for cats and dogs.