The $207 billion global pet care market is undergoing a fundamental cha
The $207 billion global pet care market is undergoing a fundamental change, with cat food emerging as the fastest-growing category!
New data reveals that cat food recorded a remarkable 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2020 and 2025. For perspective, dog food grew at a slower 3.8% CAGR during the same period. This trend isn’t slowing down, either, with cat food forecast to grow at a 4% CAGR in value by 2030.
What’s Driving the Feline Takeover?
The shift largely comes down to economics and lifestyle. As consumers face rising pricing pressures and economic uncertainty, many are choosing pets with lower associated costs and maintenance. Cats fit this bill perfectly, often requiring less space and less intensive daily care than dogs.
This phenomenon of rising cat favoritism is no longer just regional. It’s reshaping spending patterns even in areas traditionally dominated by dogs, like North America and Western Europe, and is strong in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, where factors like strict dog regulations also boost cat popularity.
The Dog Market Nuance
Despite the faster growth rate in cat food sales, dogs still account for the majority of global pet food volume.
However, even the dog segment is reflecting this cost-conscious trend. In North America, for instance, the population of large dogs is expected to drop, while the share of small dogs is set to increase significantly. This shift toward smaller pets also translates to lower food consumption and overall expense, echoing the consumer’s move toward more economical pet ownership.
Across both categories, owners are universally prioritizing proactive health management, driving strong growth in functional foods and pet dietary supplements.
- Pet Food Industry
