Cat Food Market

Market Perspective

The global Cat Food Market was valued at USD 29.54 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 40.70 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.29% from 2024 to 2031.

The global cat food market is experiencing robust growth, driven by various factors such as increasing pet ownership, evolving consumer preferences, and the growing trend of humanization of pets. The market is witnessing a shift toward premium and natural ingredients, as pet owners become more conscious about their pets' health and well-being. This shift is further fueling the growth of the market, as manufacturers strive to meet the evolving demands of consumers. Furthermore, the cat food market is poised to experience robust growth, driven by several factors such as innovation in product offerings, expanding distribution channels, and increasing disposable incomes in emerging markets.

Analyst’s Review

The rising demand for functional and specialty cat food is driving the growth of the market. Pet owners are increasingly seeking cat food products that offer specific health benefits or cater to particular dietary requirements of their pets. This trend is particularly evident in the growing popularity of functional ingredients such as probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to promote digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being of cats. Specialty cat food, including grain-free, hypoallergenic, and organic variants, is witnessing increased demand as pet owners prioritize premium and natural ingredients for their feline companions. Overall, the market for functional and specialty cat food is projected to experience sustained growth in the forecast years, driven by several factors such as increasing awareness of pet health, rising disposable incomes, and the growing humanization of pets.

Market Definition

Cat food refers to specially formulated food products designed to meet the nutritional needs of domestic cats. These products come in various forms, including dry kibble, wet canned food, and semi-moist pouches, offering different textures and flavors to cater to the preferences of cats.

Additionally, cat food is available in specialized variants such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, and natural formulas, targeting specific dietary requirements and preferences of pet owners. The distribution channels for cat food encompass supermarkets, pet specialty stores, online retail platforms, and veterinary clinics. Several factors contributing to the growth of the cat food market include increasing pet ownership, rising awareness about pet health and nutrition, and the growing trend of humanization of pets, wherein pets are considered integral members of the family and are treated accordingly.

Market Dynamics

Increasing cat adoption is a significant factor boosting the growth of the global cat food market. As more people choose to adopt cats as pets, the demand for cat food products has witnessed a substantial surge. Adoption of cats from animal shelters, rescue organizations, and breeders has become increasingly common, driven by factors such as the desire for companionship, emotional support, and the aspiration to provide a nurturing environment to animals in need. This growing trend of cat adoption is contributing to the expansion of the cat food market, as pet owners seek high-quality and nutritious food products to ensure the health and well-being of their feline companions. Additionally, the bond between pet owners and their cats is strengthening, leading to increased spending on premium and specialty cat food products that offer specific health benefits and cater to individual dietary preferences.

Rising pet allergy concerns among consumers present a notable restraint to the expansion of the global cat food market. Pet allergies, including those related to specific ingredients such as grains, artificial additives, and common protein sources such as chicken or beef, have become a growing concern among pet owners. As a result, pet owners are increasingly seeking hypoallergenic and natural cat food products that contain limited ingredients and are free from potential allergens. This trend poses a challenge for manufacturers in the cat food market, as they need to develop formulations that address various dietary sensitivities and allergies while providing complete and balanced nutrition to cats. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of pet allergies among consumers highlights the importance of ingredient transparency and product labeling in the cat food market, as pet owners actively seek information about ingredients and potential allergens when choosing food products for their pets.

Segmentation Analysis

The global cat food market is segmented based on type, distribution channel, and geography.

Based on type, the market is classified into wet food, dry food, and snacks/treats. The wet food segment dominated the market with a share of 47.42% in 2023 owing to its high moisture content, palatability and perceived freshness. Wet cat food, also known as canned cat food, typically contains higher levels of protein and lower levels of carbohydrates compared to dry kibble, making it a popular choice among pet owners aiming to replicate a natural diet for their cats. Moreover, wet cat food is available in a variety of flavors and textures, catering to different preferences and dietary requirements of cats. Additionally, the convenience of individual servings and easy portion control offered by wet cat food products contribute to their popularity among pet owners. As a result, the wet food segment continues to dominate the cat food market, with manufacturers introducing innovative formulations and packaging designs to meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Based on distribution channel, the market is classified into online, supermarkets & hypermarkets, specialty stores, and others. The online segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.64% over 2024-2031, majorly due to the increasing penetration of e-commerce platforms, convenience of online shopping, and expanding product offerings. Online retail channels provide pet owners with a wide selection of cat food products from various brands, allowing them to compare prices, read product reviews, and make informed purchasing decisions from the comfort of their homes. Furthermore, the growing popularity of subscription-based models and auto-replenishment services offered by online retailers enables pet owners to conveniently schedule regular deliveries of cat food products, ensuring a steady supply of their pets' preferred food. Additionally, online retailers frequently offer discounts, promotions, and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers, thereby driving the growth of the online segment in the cat food market. As a result, manufacturers and retailers are increasingly focusing on enhancing their online presence and investing in digital marketing strategies to capitalize on the growing demand for cat food products through online channels.

Geographical Analysis

Based on region, the global cat food market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America dominated the market in 2023 with the highest valuation of USD 13.47 billion, attributed to factors such as high pet ownership rates, increasing spending on pet care products, and growing demand for premium and natural cat food products. The United States and Canada are the leading markets for cat food in North America, driven by the growing trend of pet humanization, wherein pets are treated as family members and provided with high-quality food products.

Moreover, the presence of established pet food manufacturers, extensive distribution networks, and robust e-commerce infrastructure contribute to the dominance of North America in the global cat food market. Additionally, the region is witnessing increasing demand for functional and specialty cat food products, as pet owners prioritize pet health and wellness, driving regional market growth. Overall, North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the cat food market in the near future, supported by ongoing innovations in product offerings, strategic marketing initiatives, and the evolving preferences of pet owners.

Competitive Landscape

The global cat food market study will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions. Expansion & investments are the major strategic initiatives adopted by companies in this sector. Industry players are investing extensively in R&D activities, building new manufacturing facilities, and supply chain optimization.

The major players in the Cat Food Market are:

• ADM
• Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• General Mills Inc.
• heristo aktiengesellschaft
• Mars, Incorporated
• Nestle S.A.
• Wellness Pet, LLC
• PLB International
• SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. (Diamond Pet Foods)
• The J.M. Smucker Company

Key Developments

• January 2024 (Launch): Wellness Pet introduced a new program, WHIMZEES, aimed at enhancing feline dental care, thereby aiding pet owners in nurturing their pets' overall well-being.

The global Cat Food Market is segmented as:

By Type

• Wet Food
• Dry Food
• Snacks/Treats

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America