North America Cat Food Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

North America Cat Food Market Outlook

The North America cat food market size reached USD 15.07 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2024 and 2032, reaching almost USD 22.22 billion by 2032.

Key Takeaways:

• Based on data from the American Pet Products Association (2023-2024), pet ownership is prevalent in 66% of U.S. households, totalling 86.9 million homes. Among pets, dogs hold the top spot with 65.1 million households owning them, followed by cats (46.5 million households) and freshwater fish (11.1 million households).

• As per industry reports, millennials constitute the largest segment of current pet owners at 33%, followed by Gen X at 25% and baby boomers at 24%.

The North America cat food market, centered around the production and sale of cat food products in the United States, encompasses a variety of offerings including wet food, dry food, treats, and specialty diets. This segment of the broader pet food industry is experiencing significant growth driven by factors such as expanding pet ownership, evolving consumer preferences toward premium and natural pet foods, and the burgeoning influence of e-commerce.

Key growth drivers include the rising number of pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition for their cats, leading to increased demand for premium and natural cat food options. The proliferation of online shopping platforms has also created new avenues for manufacturers to connect with consumers and innovate their offerings. To stay competitive, manufacturers are continuously enhancing their products through innovative formulations, packaging, and marketing strategies.

Cat food is specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of cats, which are obligate carnivores requiring high levels of animal-based protein and fats. This includes protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, and beef, along with essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and fats crucial for growth and maintenance of overall health.

The trend of pet humanisation, where pets are treated as family members, is influencing consumer behaviour towards seeking premium and nutritious pet foods that mirror human dietary standards. In the U.S., cat ownership is prevalent, with approximately 46.5 million households having cats as pets, reflecting a growing market for cat-related products.

The adoption of cats as pets has risen in North America due to various factors including the need for companionship, the convenience of owning cats over dogs in urban environments, and the work-from-home culture accelerated by the pandemic. Millennials, comprising a significant portion of pet owners, are driving this trend with a preference for younger cats and a propensity for pet store purchases benefitting the North America cat food market development.

Market Segmentation

North America 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 Country

• United States of America

• Canada

Competitive Landscape

Major players are increasing their market share through investments in new product launches, mergers, and acquisitions.

• Nestlé S.A.

• Mars, Incorporated

• Schell & Kampeter, Inc.

• Colgate-Palmolive Company

• General Mills, Inc.

• Wellness Pet Company, Inc.

• The J.M. Smucker Company

• Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

• PLB International

• Heristo AG

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report