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

Cat Food Market Overview

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 Growth

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 using 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.

Key Trends and Development

Global Cat Food Market Trends

The cat food market is experiencing growth driven by trends like premiumisation, with owners increasingly opting for human-grade, organic, and sustainably sourced products. E-commerce has surged, with online shopping making up 27% of pet product sales in 2024, due to convenience and home delivery. Sustainability is also a focus, with eco-friendly packaging and alternative proteins reducing environmental impacts. Additionally, innovations in cat food formulations, such as personalized nutrition and health-specific products, are creating new market opportunities and improving pet wellbeing.

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. 

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 market faces challenges due to volatile costs of raw materials of cat food, which can be impacted by inflation and a growing demand for high-quality, organic ingredients. 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 can also be negatively impacted by supply chain disruptions, influencing the sourcing essential ingredients and packaging materials, such as aluminium. Global shipping delays and increasing transportation costs can also lead to product shortages in certain regions.

Cat Food Industry Segmentation

Cat Food Market Share

By Product Insights

Dry cat food holds the largest share of the cat food 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.

Cat treats are increasingly gaining popularity as they are designed to serve specific purposes such as weight management, joint support, dental health, and weight management, among others. The availability of cat treats in various formulations, flavours, and textures is aiding the market.

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.

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. 

As per the cat food industry analysis, speciality stores caters 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. Meanwhile, pet owners prefer online stores to purchase cat food as they offer 24/7 availability, have various brands and products, and boast competitive pricing.

Cat Food Market Regional Insights

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Innovative Cat Food Startups

Startups are increasingly adopting cultured proteins, such as lab-grown chicken, as sustainable alternatives to traditional animal sources to lower the environmental impact of pet food production and appeals to pet owners looking for ethical options. Many startups in the cat food market are also targeting the growing market of pet owners seeking plant-based or organic food options. 

Nom Nom

• Based in Nashville, the United States, Nom Nom focuses on developing customised pet food for both cats and dogs. 
• It develops personalised meal plans using high-quality, human-grade ingredients. 
• It offers pet owners the facility to easily fill out an online quiz to provide information about their pet's specific requirements, such as age, weight, and dietary restrictions, among others, formulating recipes catering to specific nutritional requirements.

Basepaws

• Basepaws, based in Los Angeles, the United States, focuses on DNA testing for cats. 
• The company provides home testing kits that deliver valuable information about a cat's breed, characteristics, and possible health concerns, empowering pet owners to make educated choices regarding their cat's nutrition and overall care. 

Competitive Landscape

Key cat food market players are focusing on meeting the growing demand for high-quality, nutritious cat food and flavourful snacks amid the growing trend of pet ownership. Cat food companies are also expanding their product lines to address specific health concerns. They are further investing in high-protein options and grain-free recipes that cater to various dietary needs, including hairball management and health support for senior cats.

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, ...

Schell & Kampeter, Inc.

Schell & Kampeter, Inc., also known as Diamond Pet Foods, is a family-based pet food company. The co...

General Mills, Inc.

General Mills, Inc., headquartered in Minnesota, United States, is a prominent player in the food an...

*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*

Other cat food market players are Colgate-Palmolive Company, 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.