Cat Litter Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Clumping, Conventional), By Raw Material (Clay, Silica), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Specialty Retail Stores, Convenience Stores, Online/E-commerce), By Life Stage (Adult, Kitten), By Nature (Natural, Conventional), By Type (Scented/ Fragrance, Unscented/ Without Fragrance) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2022-2030

Market Overview

The global cat litter products market size was valued at USD 10.82 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 16.44 billion in 2030 expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.76% from 2022 to 2030.

In addition to food, litter is one of the most important things that a cat owner must always have on hand. A cat's waste products, including urine and faeces, are often collected in a litter box. Most people who own pets throughout the world view their animals as part of their families and, as a result, are looking for high-quality care alternatives. Most people who own cats choose not to allow their pets outside for a variety of reasons, including the potential for conflict with other people and inclement weather. It is anticipated that these factors will boost consumer demand for the product during the course of the time under consideration. It is anticipated that both the expanding movement toward humanising pets and the rising number of households with pets in the United States would contribute to the expansion of the worldwide market for kitty litter.

It is anticipated that a rise in the cat population, as well as an increase in the number of households with many cats, would fuel the expansion of the market for cat litter. The transition from the concept of "ownership" of pets to the concept of "parenting" of pets has been a significant trend, particularly in nations with high levels of affluence. In addition, more and more people who have cats are choosing to replace traditional cat litter with alternatives made of natural materials such as maize, wheat, walnut shells, and pine. This can link to the fact that consumers have gained a greater awareness of the influence that their actions have on the environment, which has prompted a change in consumer expenditure away from conventional litter and toward natural and sustainable ones.

At this time, businesses are taking longer to deliver orders, particularly in places where there is advice to remain indoors and a compulsory closure of firms that are not absolutely necessary. In addition, the supply chain for the sector is being disrupted in many different countries throughout the world. On the other hand, food for pets and litter for cats are significant commodities that generate market demand. When it comes to non-discretionary pet supplies, such as food and litter for cats and dogs, consumers are more inclined to choose less expensive options. Negative effects are being experienced by businesses; one such result is that even while businesses are successfully fulfilling increased client demand, farther down the supply chain they are encountering difficulties with distribution and inventories.

Market Dynamics

Global Cat Litter Products Market Drivers

It is anticipated that the market for cat litter would grow because of the rise in the number of households that have more than one cat and the overall increase in the cat population. The number of cats living in the United States reached around 95 million in 2017, according to data published by the American Pet Products Association. This represents a substantial rise from the 73 million cats living there in the year 2000. This figure is increasing, and it is anticipated that it will continue to increase over the forecast period. This transition refers to the responsibility of caring for and training a pet. About one-third of families in affluent nations have at least one animal companion of some kind.

In addition, the weather has a significant influence on the amount of trash that is purchased, with sales going up during the winter and when it is raining. As a result of the severe and unfavourable weather conditions, cat owners do not let their cats go outside, which leads to a rise in the need for cat litter. A further aspect that is anticipated to result in an increase in demand for cat litter is the rising expenditures that cat owners are making on products for the maintenance of their pets.

The market for kitty litter is going to have a lot of chances open as people become more conscious of the need of keeping their pets healthy.

Global Cat Litter Products Market Restraints

The market for cat litter is held back by the high cost of the product and the poor quality of the product; nonetheless, the rivalry between manufacturers will be a barrier to market expansion.

Regional Analysis

In 2021, Europe held the largest portion of the market, accounting for 40.27% of the total. Consumers' growing fondness for cats is to blame for this development. In addition, throughout the course of the last few years in Europe, the population of cats has been expanding, which has led to an increase in the number of families that require housing for more than one cat. According to estimates provided by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), there were more than 110 million cats living as pets in Europe's 88 million households in the year 2020.

A compound annual growth rate of 6.7% is anticipated for the Asia Pacific region between the years 2022 and 2030. The majority of the expansion may be credited to a rise in both the number of nuclear households and the amount of money that is considered disposable. In addition, rising rates of pet ownership in the area, together with rising levels of expenditure on items for their healthcare, nutrition, and waste management, are anticipated to have a favourable influence on the market throughout the course of the projected period.

Segmental Analysis

The market for Crop Micronutrients is segmented into the following categories: Product Type, Raw Material, Distribution Channel, and Region.

In 2021, the clumping product category had the largest market share in terms of sales, accounting for 75.6% of total market revenue. The convenience of being able to eliminate cat pee and excrement without having to empty the litter box is one reason why clumping litter is gaining popularity among consumers. In addition, the growing popularity of clumping cat litter due to the functionality and numerous advantages it offers is projected to attract the attention of consumers and improve product sales throughout the course of the projection period.

It is anticipated that the conventional product category would record a CAGR of 4.0% between the years 2022 and 2030. Demand for conventional litter products is being driven by a rising consumer preference for completely eradicating the stench associated with cat pee and excrement. This preference has resulted in a growth in the number of households that have cats. The increasing preference among consumers for low-priced litter products because of the frequent usage of these goods is helping to raise sales of conventional cat litters.

Based on raw material the market is divided into Clay and Silica. Clay raw material held the lion's share of the market in terms of revenue in 2021, accounting for 83.6% of the total. This may be attributed to the increased use of clay in the production of cat litter products. Clay's high absorbency and solid-formation capabilities are driving the expansion of the segment, which is why clay is being used more often. Clay-based products are also less expensive than goods made from other materials, making them a popular choice among households with many cats and middle-income households. In addition, the absence of dust and odour from these products helps to reduce the likelihood of developing respiratory issues.

It is anticipated that the market for silica would grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% between 2022 and 2030. Crystals made of silica gel are the main component of silica cat litter. These crystals are commonly employed as a preservative in packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, and other products that are easily harmed by an excessive amount of moisture. It is anticipated that the demand for silica as a raw material for cat litter products would increase as a result of its ability to absorb moisture, eliminate dust, and regulate odours. Recycled paper, wood, maize, walnut shells, coconut husk, and grass are some examples of the items that fall under the category of "other raw materials."

In 2021, the retail and supermarket distribution channel held the largest part of the market in terms of revenue, accounting for 76.3% of the total. This can be added to the growing preference among consumers for shopping experiences that include only a single location. Most customers choose to purchase kitty litter goods from mass merchandisers and supermarkets like Walmart due to the convenience of these retailers' locations as well as the items' broad presence on these platforms.

During the period under consideration, it is anticipated that the online distribution channel would expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The expansion of this market segment may be due to technical improvements as well as an increasing preference among customers for the online distribution channel to acquire kitty litter goods. This desire is especially prevalent among consumers who have busy schedules. Consumers are drawn to choose online marketplaces for the purchase of cat litter goods for a number of reasons, including the availability of a diverse selection of international brands, substantial savings, free shipping, and straightforward policies about returns.

Impact of covid-19

When the world witnessed the noble Coronavirus breakout, it disrupted all nations' economies. The government imposed lockdowns to slow the disease's rapid spread. Productions were stopped, all workplaces were closed, public interactions were limited, and temporary manufacturing and trading operations suspensions were implemented globally. Implementing the lockdown and public exchange caused interruption causing a cutting down of the market's operations. The social distancing norms of the government also disrupted the supply chain. Because of lockdowns imposed by the government, businesses and employees could not use the equipment. This forced the farmers to lean towards the help provided by autonomous tractors pushing the autonomous tractor market growth further.

The South Korean nation faced many problems due to the social distancing and public interaction restrictions imposed by the government, which resulted in a workforce shortage. Travel restrictions imposed also restricted the movement of emigrant laborers into the nation. So the country had to ultimately shift towards using autonomous machines to continue their production and operations, to generate income during tough times. But still, during the era of covid, the market had to face a few bumps, such as the level of participation by the companies in the market declined, suppliers and distributors also slowed down their operations, and this negatively affected the farm machinery industry supply chain, resulting in a delay of deliveries of agricultural machinery.

Recent Developments

Fresh Step Clean Paws, the first minimal tracking litter formulated with a combination of big particles and designed to stay in the litter box and adhere less to the cat's feet and fur, was introduced by the Fresh Step brand in 2018. The brand launched the "Cats on Glass" campaign, utilising visual storytelling to raise awareness of the new breakthrough in a novel way. As a result, in 2018, the company produced an Instagram-worthy exhibition in New York City dubbed the "Cats on Glass Gallery" that showcased the playful nature of cats.

Mars Inc. will introduce the CATSAN Hygiene Plus non-clumping litter brand to India in October 2020. It will be sold on Amazon India's website. This may be a fantastic addition to India's product line, giving it a solid foothold in the domestic market.

The Clorox Company's Fresh Step brand unveiled Clean Paws in January 2018, a low-tracking litter that was a first. In order to prevent cats from tracking messes throughout the home, this particular mixture was created to prevent litter from clinging to their paws. The world will be a friendlier place for cats and their owners because to this invention.