The Growing Global Cat Supplies Industry

The global cat supplies market has seen rapid expansion in recent years, driven by the humanization of cats, a desire for independent pets, and the surge in adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have contributed to an explosion in cat ownership worldwide, leading to growing demand for premium products, innovative offerings, and the expansion of online sales channels.

Rising cat ownership

Around 380 million cats live in the world as of 2024, with the United States having the largest population at 74 million, followed by China at 53 million and Russia at 23 million. Due to the widespread belief that cats are independent, low-maintenance pets, cat ownership is on the rise everywhere. With 92% of owners seeing their cats as members of their family, almost 55% of cat owners say they keep their pets to help with stress management, loneliness, or just for company.

Since 90% of cat owners spend time petting or stroking their animals regularly, there is a growing emotional bond between humans and cats. These relationships have not only boosted the global cat population but have also led to a dramatic rise in spending on pet wellness. More and more pet owners are investing in their animals' health and well-being, whether with high-quality food, medical supplies, or accessories.

With customers spending more on high-end items prioritising health and nutrition, pet wellness has emerged as a key factor driving the cat supplies industry. The U.S., which accounted for 45.8% of the global cat food market in 2022, exemplifies this trend. Demand for premium and customized cat food has surged due to a greater understanding of pet nutrition, especially about specialized and organic products.

The global cat food market remains diverse, catering to different preferences and nutritional needs. Wet food leads the market with a 48% share in 2023, followed by dry kibble, which holds around 40% of the market. While the raw food segment is smaller, it is growing rapidly, accounting for around 8-10% of the cat food market. This transition to high-quality, nutritional food has been driven by pet owners' growing concern for giving their animals the finest care possible, pushing manufacturers to innovate and provide customized goods that meet changing consumer tastes.

Cat supplies spending

Cat goods, including toys, litter, and health-related items, are growing steadily in addition to food. Cat litter accounts for approximately 20% of overall spending, making it the second-largest expense after food. Eco-friendly and sustainable options are becoming more popular, as 26% of cat owners now choose organic litter. 64% of owners prefer clumping litter, which is still the most popular alternative, and 57% prefer mineral litter.

Toys account for about 15% of overall expenditures, and the most popular types include interactive toys, scratching posts, catnip toys, and cat trees. Health-related products, such as vitamins, prescriptions, and treatments to prevent fleas and ticks, account for around 10% of total spending. The market for professional cat grooming services is also expected to expand as more people realize how important it is to provide their pets with the care they need. To meet the demands of discriminating pet owners, grooming services have broadened to cover a greater range of offers, from basic care to more specialized treatments.

In the cat supplies industry, e-commerce has become an essential sales channel. Pet food and treat sales on the Internet are expected to increase from 45% to 54% of total sales by 2025. The convenience and choice that online shopping offers consumers is driving this growth. Meanwhile, brick-and-mortar stores are expected to see their share of sales decline, with mass-market retail accounting for 29% and pet specialty stores comprising 11%.

The pet supplies sector is transforming due to the increasing trend of online shopping. Major firms are investing in digital platforms to meet the growing demand for e-commerce. Marketers offer a smooth and customized purchasing experience to maintain customer loyalty as consumers increasingly turn to online merchants for their pet product needs.

With cat owners investing more in their pets' health, happiness, and general well-being, premiumization, product innovation, and the shift towards e-commerce are reshaping the market.