Global Cat Food Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

Cat Food Market Analysis

The trend of pet humanisation has led to an increased demand for high-quality, premium, and specialised cat food products. Pet owners are becoming more selective and seeking products tailored to address specific feline health concerns and dietary needs, such as weight management formulas, grain-free options, or those designed for cats with urinary tract infections and food allergies. This trend has resulted in the growth of the cat food market and the emergence of new product offerings. Brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Merrick offer high-quality, premium cat food products that cater to specific dietary needs, such as weight management and hairball control.

Pet owners are increasingly seeking products that mirror their own dietary preferences, emphasising transparency and clean-label products. This shift towards natural and organic options is driven by the desire to provide cats with healthier and safer nutrition, free from artificial additives and fillers. Companies like Open Farm, Castor & Pollux, and Weruva offer cat food products that are made with natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.

Cat Food Market Trends

The Burgeoning Popularity of Online Shopping

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of e-commerce, with consumers increasingly turning to online channels for pet food and snacks. The convenience of online shopping, doorstep delivery, and the rising collaboration of industry giants with retail e-commerce players have driven this trend of cat food market. Pet food manufacturers and retailers have expanded their online presence, with companies like Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart offering a wide range of cat food products and home delivery services. In addition to these trends, it is essential to note that cat adoption rates have surged during the pandemic, leading to an increased demand for cat food and snacks.

In 2024, online pet food purchases are expected to make up about 27% of total pet product sales as per the data from Packaged Facts. This shift is primarily due to the convenience of avoiding in-store shopping, the time savings it provides, and the opportunity to find better prices. Major online retailers like Chewy and Amazon are anticipated to dominate the US market, together representing roughly 75% of online pet food sales.

Increased Implementation of Sustainable Food Options

As environmental awareness rises, several consumers are seeking cat food that is both eco-friendly and sustainable. This trend includes products that incorporate alternative protein sources, such as insect-based and lab-grown proteins, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional meat-based cat foods. Additionally, companies are advancing packaging innovations, focusing on recyclable, biodegradable, and reduced-plastic materials to appeal to environmentally conscious pet owners and contribute to the cat food market value.

Market players such as Purina have developed cat food treats aimed at reducing carbon emissions. For example, Purina's DualNature line, available in Europe, boasts a 15.7% reduction in carbon footprint by using renewable energy in its production and choosing ingredients with a lower environmental impact. This effort aligns with Purina's larger goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. Moreover, Catit has launched eco-friendly packaging for its cat food products, using Tetra Pak cartons and recyclable materials. These packaging innovations not only reduce plastic use but also include a resealable design that helps keep the product fresh.

Industry News

September 2024

Growel Group, a primary provider of aquaculture feeds, announced the launch of its pet food brand, Carniwel, which caters to dogs and cats in different life stages.

July 2024

Friends & Family Pet Food (FnF) established a partnership with UMAMI Bioworks, a cultivated seafood company, for the development of cat treats made from cultivated fish.

Opportunities in Cat Food Market

There is an increasing demand for natural cat foods that do not contain artificial additives or preservatives. Many consumers are seeking products with minimal ingredients and those marked as "all-natural," showing a preference for transparency and clean-label choices. This trend is especially prominent among younger pet owners who prioritise ingredients free from artificial colours and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), further boosting the cat food market revenue.

Leading brands such as Ziwi Peak and Castor & Pollux Organix are readily offering cat foods made from ethically sourced, high-quality animal proteins such as free-range venison and organic turkey. These products are free of any artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, ensuring they fulfil the essential nutritional needs that align with a cat's natural diet, thus promoting pet health and wellness. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards incorporating organic and natural ingredients, with recipes that include organic vegetables and superfoods like cranberries and flaxseed, known for their antioxidant benefits and positive impact on immune health.

Cat Food Market Restraints

The costs associated with raw materials have increased due to inflation and a growing demand for high-quality, organic ingredients. Many manufacturers are struggling to manage these costs without passing them on to consumers. Companies such as Evanger's and Canidae are addressing this challenge by sourcing ingredients locally and operating their own production facilities to gain better control over expenses. However, the ongoing trend of rising prices raises concerns for both manufacturers and pet owners, as it may limit access to premium products and affect the cat food demand forecast.

The market has also been significantly impacted by ongoing supply chain issues, particularly in sourcing essential ingredients and packaging materials, such as aluminium, which is crucial for wet cat food cans. These disruptions have been further fuelled by global shipping delays and increasing transportation costs, leading to product shortages in certain regions. Manufacturers are also facing difficulties in ensuring a steady supply, resulting in inconsistent availability of popular items on store shelves.

Market Dynamics

AI and precision fermentation technologies are becoming increasingly important in the pet food sector, enabling manufacturers to develop customised cat food recipes and enhance production efficiency. These innovations allow companies to better meet specific dietary needs and preferences, while also supporting sustainable food production through the use of alternative proteins, which can aid the demand of cat food market.

Companies such as Bond Pet Foods have led the way in developing fermentation techniques that produce animal-free proteins, including those sourced from yeast. In February 2024, Bond successfully delivered two metric tonnes of their fermentation-derived protein to Hill's Pet Nutrition, representing a notable advancement in the commercial use of these proteins within the pet food sector. These proteins, which mimic the nutritional profile of traditional animal-based proteins such as chicken and beef, offer similar nutritional benefits while minimising environmental impact by removing the demand for animal agriculture.

Cat Food Industry Segmentation

Global Cat Food Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product

• Dry Cat Food
• Cat Treats
• Wet Cat Food

Market Breakup by Ingredient Type

• Animal Derived
• Plant Derived

Market Breakup by Price Category

• Premium Products
• Mass Products

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Cat Food Market Share

By Product Insights

Dry cat food holds the largest share of the market, mainly due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and long shelf life.  Wet cat food is also gaining popularity as more cat owners seek moisture-rich food options to improve hydration and meet their pets' dietary needs. Wet cat food appeals especially to those who value taste and nutritional benefits, as it generally has a higher content of meat-based ingredients.

By Ingredient Type Insights

Animal-derived ingredients account for a major cat food market share due to their high protein content and nutritional advantages, effectively meeting the dietary needs of carnivores like cats. It includes ingredients such as chicken, beef, and fish and many pet owners prefer animal-based cat food, perceiving it as more appropriate for cats as it provides essential nutrients like amino acids and minerals crucial for their health.

The plant-derived cat food segment has been steadily growing among consumers who prioritise sustainability and seek vegetarian or vegan options for ethical or environmental reasons. Plant-based cat food often contains ingredients like soy, legumes, and grains, which are typically found in speciality products aimed at specific dietary preferences.

By Price Category Insights

Mass-produced cat food occupies a significant portion of the market as they provide a more budget-friendly option for a diverse range of consumers, which can boost the growth of the cat food industry. Mass-market cat foods are easily found in supermarkets and retail stores, appealing to those who prioritise affordability and convenience.

Premium products are gaining popularity due to the rising trend of pet humanisation and consumers' willingness to spend more on high-quality nutrition. Premium cat foods, which feature organic, grain-free, and natural ingredients, attract pet owners who seek to offer better care and nutrition for their pets. This market segment has seen considerable growth, particularly among millennial pet owners, who focus on health benefits and ethically sourced ingredients in their pet food choices.

By Distribution Channel Insights

Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold a substantial share of the market as they offer a wide range of cat food options from budget-friendly to premium brands. This makes them convenient one-stop shops for pet owners. They also offer wider accessibility and competitive pricing, attracting a large customer base.

As per the cat food industry analysis, specialty stores also play an important role, catering to pet owners seeking specific or high-end products. These retailers typically provide high-quality and specialised cat food brands, including organic and grain-free options, which attract customers who prioritise nutrition and quality.

Cat Food Market Regional Insights

Asia Pacific Cat Food Market Outlook

The growth in pet humanisation, where cats are considered part of the family, has also contributed to the demand for high-quality, nutritious cat food and enticing snacks, aiding the cat food demand. Furthermore, younger consumers in the region are increasingly adopting cats due to their suitability for smaller living spaces, typical in urban areas. As per the industry reports, India imported around USD 69.8 million worth of dog and cat food in the first six months of 2024. As per the Indian Commerce Ministry data, Dog and cat food imports have more than doubled from 2019 to 2024.

Europe Cat Food Market Drivers

Europe is experiencing significant growth in the market for cat food, due to a rising preference for natural and organic products, which can enhance cat food market opportunities. Countries such as Germany and France have seen a rise in cat ownership, partly due to the perception of cats as low-maintenance pets that are well-suited for urban living. Moreover, as per the EuropeanPetFood report, 91 million households in the EU own a pet, with cats accounting for around 26% of the pet share. The pet food market also reached a growth rate of 5.1% in 2022 and it is only expected to rise, which can aid the demand for cat food.

North America Cat Food Market Growth

This region occupies a significant market share primarily due to the growing trend of pet humanisation, with many pet owners considering their cats as essential family members. There is a strong demand for premium and natural products, as consumers are placing greater emphasis on health and quality, favouring food products with clear and simple ingredient labels, which can increase cat food industry revenue. As per the Pet Food Industry data, pet owners in the USA spent more than USD 53 billion on food and treats in 2023, which was a 16% increase from 2021 data.

Middle East and Africa Cat Food Market Dynamics

The market growth in this region is driven by the growing trend of pet humanisation, with many pet owners considering their cats as essential family members. The demand for pet food products that promote oral and digestive health, which aligns with the increased focus on health benefits within pet nutrition, also aids the market growth.

As per the cat food market dynamics and trends, the Kafalah Program, offered by the Saudi Industrial Development Fund offers loans of up to USD 5 million to SMEs that want to establish operations in the kingdom. Pet sector businesses can also apply for these loans and boost their market reach.

Latin America Cat Food Market Trends

In Latin America, Brazil and Argentina are increasing the cat food demand growth. Cultural factors and urbanisation are encouraging cat adoption, as cats are often seen as flexible and low-maintenance pets compared to dogs. Pet owners appreciate the convenience of home delivery and the availability of a wide range of brands and specialised products available. Many online retailers in the region offer subscription services for automatic deliveries, guaranteeing a consistent supply of pet food without the need to visit physical stores.

Innovative Cat Food Startups

Startups are progressively adopting cultured proteins, such as lab-grown chicken, as sustainable alternatives to traditional animal sources. This strategy reduces the environmental impact of pet food production and appeals to pet owners looking for ethical options. Many startups in the cat food market are further targeting the growing market of pet owners who favour plant-based or organic food options. For instance, they offer raw and minimally processed cat food that aligns with a natural diet, free from synthetic additives.

Nom Nom

Based in Nashville, the United States, Nom Nom focuses on developing customised pet food for both cats and dogs. The company develops personalised meal plans using high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Pet owners can easily fill out an online quiz to provide information about their pet's specific requirements, such as age, weight, and dietary restrictions, among others, enabling Nom Nom to formulate recipes that cater to those needs.

Basepaws

Basepaws, based in Los Angeles, the United States, focuses on DNA testing for cats. The company offers home testing kits that deliver valuable information about a cat's breed, characteristics, and possible health concerns. This data empowers pet owners to make educated choices regarding their cat's nutrition and overall care, offering tailored options that address specific health needs influenced by genetic factors. The company is aligned with the growing movement towards precision pet care, which emphasises the customisation of pet products to meet the unique requirements of each animal.

Competitive Landscape

Market players are catering to the growing demand for high-quality, nutritious cat food and flavourful snacks, driven by the burgeoning pet ownership trends. Companies in the cat food market are expanding their product lines to address specific health concerns. For example, some companies offer a range of functional treats and snacks enriched with vitamins and minerals, targeting issues like urinary health, skincare, and joint health. Similarly, other market players are investing in high-protein options and grain-free recipes that cater to various dietary needs, including hairball management and health support for senior cats.

Key Industry Players

Nestlé S.A.

Nestlé is a global provider of nutrition and wellness products, owning Purina PetCare. This division offers a wide range of pet food products, including Purina Pro Plan, Friskies, and Fancy Feast, among others. Nestlé Purina focuses on providing high-quality, scientifically-backed nutrition for pets.

Mars, Incorporated

Mars Petcare, a division of Mars, Incorporated, consists of major brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin. The company places a strong emphasis on quality and safety, especially through the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, which focuses on enhancing pet health and nutrition.

Schell & Kampeter, Inc.

Schell & Kampeter, Inc., also known as Diamond Pet Foods, is a family-based pet food company. The company provides a wide variety of pet food products under the Diamond brand, including lines like Diamond Naturals and Taste of the Wild.

Other cat food market players are Colgate-Palmolive Company, General Mills, Inc., Wellness Pet Company, Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., PLB International, M.I. Industries, Incorporated (Instinct Pet Food), and Heristo AG, among others.

Recent Developments

March 2022

ORIJEN launched the GUARDIAN 8™ cat food formula which addresses eight common health concerns in adult cats such as immune support, digestion, and skin health.

March 2021

Blue Buffalo announced the launch of BLUE Tastefuls, a wet cat food line offering high nutritional value., which was developed to appeal to cats that are picky eaters.