Cat Food Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033)

The cat food market value is expected to total USD 44,744 million in 2023, as per the recent Future Market Insights (FMI) study. The overall sales are expected to reach USD 60,951.4 million by 2033, capturing a CAGR of 3% from 2023 to 2033.

Consumer awareness regarding organic cat food products is overgrowing, especially since they are exploring healthier food options for their pets. As per FMI, competition is expected to soar in the coming years.

Attribute Details
Cat Food Market Size (2033) USD 60,951.4 million
Cat Food Market Size (2023) USD 44,744 million
Cat Food Industry Size (2022) USD 43,023.00 million
Cat Food Industry Size (2018) USD 38,560.0 million
Cat Food Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3%
Cat Food Market CAGR (2018 to 2022) 2.8%

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How are Cat Ownership Trends Influencing the Cat Food Market?

The primary driver of the cat food industry is the increase in cat owners. This is fueling the demand for nondiscretionary and discretionary products such as treats, toys, and other foods.

Millennials, the aging population, and single-person households have shown higher pet ownership. The increasing adoption of cats as companions for families is driving sales in the cat food industry.

How is the Humanization of Pets Affecting Innovations in Cat Food?

Pets have evolved into members of the family. Pet owners consider pets as their children, which has made humanization a key trend, driving the global cat food industry for pet food in general.

Pet food manufacturers have noticed this and are developing an inclusive range of pet food similar to human cuisine. Marketing and labeling pet foods also reflect the ideology of humanization, presenting photos of mouth-watering pink salmon, steaks, broccoli, and carrots to attract pet owners.

Mars Incorporated, Purina, The J.M. Smucker Company, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Affinity Petcare SA are expected to remain top players, accounting for 25% to 30% of sales in 2023.

Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

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2018 to 2022 Sales in Comparison to Cat Food Demand Outlook for 2023 to 2033

Cultural trends had a significant impact on the rise of pet ownership. This, coupled with pet-humanization trends, is becoming increasingly popular. To some extent, this trend is prevalent among Generation Z and millennial shoppers.

As a result, households dominated by younger generations have a more significant propensity for pet ownership, making them a lucrative demographic for the cat food industry.

Growing consumer awareness about natural and vegan pet food products has compelled producers to avoid synthetic to natural ingredients. This has emerged as one of the primary forces influencing the global market.

The cat food industry expanded at a CAGR of 2.8% between 2018 and 2022. Forecasts for growth remain optimistic, with the market predicted to thrive at a CAGR of 3% between 2023 and 2033.

Country-wise Insights

Why is Plant-based Cat Foods Demand High in the United States?

Country The United States
Market Share % (2022) 32%

According to a recent study conducted in the United States, it is estimated that the country account for more than 81.9% of the North America cat food industry in 2023. In the previous decade, human diets with less or no animal meat have grown in popularity. Cat owners have a higher level of empathy for animals than non-pet owners.

As a result, many cat owners are focusing on feeding their cats healthier meals. Plant-based and vegetarian diets have recently been introduced to the cat food industry. These foods propose a possible solution to the moral dilemma faced by vegans and vegetarians who live with omnivorous and carnivorous cats.

What are the Growth Prospects of the Canada Cat Food Market?

According to the report, the demand for cat food in Canada is estimated to be more than USD 2,907.6 million in 2023. Cat food is characterized as functional, fortified, gourmet, natural/organic, and natural/organic.

Gourmet foods packaged in little trays or pouches are typically higher quality, which consumers are willing to pay for their cats. Cat food is also increasingly being created according to a cat's various life stages.

The pet population in Canada is aging as a result of pets having longer lives, and manufacturers are responding by developing product lines or versions specifically for older cats.

How is Intense Competition in Thailand’s Cat Food Market Impacting Growth?

According to FMI’s analysis, Thailand is forecast to capture a CAGR of 7.5%. On the supply side, well-established local producers, such as top Thai food producers, are expanding into the pet food industry, and multinational corporations with production units in Thailand dominate the cat food industry.

Players use a variety of marketing techniques to increase market share, including releasing quality goods, offering low prices in the economy-medium pet food segment, and transitioning to the premium pet food category to enjoy higher profits.

Overall, the Thai pet food market, particularly in the premium segment, is expected to continue to perform well. Though the industry offers chances for market entry, there are different issues to consider to reduce risks.

How is the Pet Humanization Trend in China Driving Demand for Cat Food?

Country China
Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 6.7%

In East Asia, China accounted for 50.8% of the market share in 2023. The expansion of the middle class, growing urbanization, an older population, and delayed childbirth contributed to China becoming a pet-owning and loving country.

Pet humanization is on the rise in China. Social networking and the adoption of the Western lifestyle have affected the increase in pet ownership among younger generations, creating lucrative opportunities for the foreseeable future.

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Category-wise Insights

Are Organic Cat Food Products Witnessing Higher Demand?

Organic cat food is expected to register a CAGR of 5.8%. The growth is due to better-informed customer behavior regarding pet food and its ingredients. As natural and organic foods become more popular for human consumption, several pet owners are looking for comparable qualities in pet food.

Customers demand their cat food be free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavoring, synthetic hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. Manufacturers are releasing numerous brands with a wide selection of organic cat food items to leverage the current market trend.

Is the Demand for Insect Protein Increasing in the Cat Food Market?

According to FMI's analysis, the insect-derived source is forecast to record a CAGR of 7.0%. Moreover, several companies are focusing on providing new flavors in their products. A majority of animal feeds contain corn, wheat grains, and soy, which are blended with animal fats to give them meat flavor. There are only a few cat foods on the market that contain insect proteins, but as people seek a lower-impact, more sustainable, and less expensive source of pet nutrition, this field is likely to grow.

Why is Wet Food Among the Sprightly Growing Cat Food Types?

Wet cat food is popular among consumers reflecting a CAGR of over 5% through the assessment period. These products guarantee a balanced flavor profile, including vitamins and minerals, to stay healthy and hydrated.

Wet pet food is considered to be suitable for young pets who can't chew owing to missing teeth, improperly aligned jaws, or tiny mouths.

Which Pet Type is Expected to Hold a Dominant Position?

Food products aimed towards senior cats are estimated to account for more than 81% of the market share in 2023, owing to the extended life of cats and fast growth from kittens to adults. The segment is expected to reach USD 46,830.4 million by 2033.

Which Packaging Type is preferred by Cat Food Manufacturers?

Cat food packed in bags is estimated to account for more than 37.8% of the value share in 2023, which is expected to witness a growth rate of 3.1% over the forecast period to reach a value of USD 20,856.0 million by 2033.

Which is the Rapidly Growing Distribution Channel for Cat Food Products?

Online retailers are expected to witness a growth rate of 5.9% CAGR over the forecast period to reach a value of USD 8,939.4 million by 2033. Online retailers are among the leading factors boosting the prospects of the cat food industry.

Electronic media has opened another sales channel for the growing market. It provides access to an expansive array of products on the same platform. With the help of online retail, a product can be quickly delivered to consumers.

Market Players are Concentrating on the Go-to-market Tactics to Gain More Customers

The true potential for growth in the global cat food industry lies in targeting emerging economies that are fast becoming hotbeds for pet sales. The dramatic increase in cat owners' increased disposable incomes, a high rate of urbanization, and increased disposable incomes led to a rise in living standards and discretionary spending.

Geographic expansion is no longer a secondary business strategy for manufacturers. Manufacturers are focusing on organic growth in addition to sophisticated go-to-market strategies such as collaborations, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and divestitures.

  • In April 2021, Catit announced the launch of Catit Nuna, a kibble for cats made from up to 92% insect-based protein sourced from whole grubs, as a sustainable offering.
  • Nestle Purina's Fancy Feast cat food brand launched a new cookbook for recipes aimed towards cat owners to promote sales of their premium products.
  • In June 2021, Mars Petcare’s Indian arm announced the launch of wet cat food under the brand Whiskas to leverage growing pet ownership in the country during the covid- crisis.

Key Players in the Market

  • Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc.
  • Mars Incorporated
  • Purina
  • Hill's Pet Nutrition
  • Affinity Petcare SA
  • Nutro Products Inc.
  • Dave's Pet Food
  • Boulder Dog Food Company
  • Rollover Pet Food Ltd.
  • Real Pet Food Company Pty Ltd
  • Freshpet
  • Burgess Group PLC
  • Nature's Variety
  • Fromm Family Foods LLC
  • JustFoodForDogs
  • The J.M. Smucker Company
  • Steve's Real Food
  • Natures Goodness Pet Food
  • Party Animal, Inc.
  • Iams

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Market Analysis USD million for Value
Key Countries Covered The United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, GCC Countries, Northern Africa, and South Africa
Key Segments Covered Nature, Source, Product Type, Pet Type, Packaging Type, Distribution Channel, and Region
Key Companies Profiled Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, Inc.; Mars Incorporated; Purina; Hill's Pet Nutrition; Affinity Petcare SA; Nutro Products Inc.; Dave's Pet Food; Boulder Dog Food Company; Rollover Pet Food Ltd.; Real Pet Food Company Pty Ltd; Freshpet; Burgess Group PLC; Nature's Variety; Fromm Family Foods LLC; JustFoodForDogs; The J.M. Smucker Company; Steve's Real Food; Natures Goodness Pet Food; Party Animal, Inc.; Iams
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Cat Food Industry by Category

By Nature:

  • Organic
  • Monoprotein
  • Conventional

By Source:

  • Animal Derived
    • Fish
    • Chicken
    • Duck
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Venison/Game
    • Lamb
    • Turkey
  • Plant Derived
  • Insect Derived
    • Crickets
    • Mealworms
    • Black soldier flies

By Product Type:

  • Kibble/Dry
    • Extruded
    • Baked
    • Coated
  • Treats and Chews
    • Pastes
    • Cremes / Cream-Snacks
    • Crunchy snacks
    • Chew sticks
    • Tablets
    • Biscuits
    • Cat Milk / Milk snacks
  • Dehydrated Food
  • Freeze-dried Food
  • Freeze-dried Raw
  • Wet Food
  • Frozen
  • Raw Food
  • Powder

By Pet Type:

  • Kitten
  • Senior

By Packaging Type:

  • Pouches
  • Bags
  • Folding cartons
  • Tubs & Cups
  • Can
  • Bottles & jars

By Distribution Channel:

  • Store-based Retailing
    • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
    • Convenience Stores
    • Mom and Pop Stores
    • Pet Stores
    • Discounters
    • Independent Grocery Retailers
    • Drugstores
    • Other Retail Formats
  • Online Retailers

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Oceania
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the cat food market?

The cat food market is valued at USD 44,744 million in 2023.

Who are the key cat food market players?

Some of the key players in the cat food market are Nestle, Mars, and Purina.

Which is the key segment by product type?

Dry food is likely to remain preferred through 2033.

Which is the go-to-market strategy?

The players opt for mergers and acquisitions.

Which are the key Asian countries in the cat food market?

India, Japan, and China dominate the Asian cat food market.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Nature
		5.1. Organic
		5.2. Monoprotein
		5.3. Conventional
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Source
		6.1. Animal Derived
			6.1.1. Fish
			6.1.2. Chicken
			6.1.3. Duck
			6.1.4. Beef
			6.1.5. Pork
			6.1.6. Venison/Game
			6.1.7. Lamb
			6.1.8. Turkey
		6.2. Plant-derived
		6.3. Insect-derived
			6.3.1. Crickets
			6.3.2. Mealworms
			6.3.3. Black soldier flies
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Product Type
		7.1. Kibble/Dry
			7.1.1. Extruded
			7.1.2. Baked
			7.1.3. Coated
		7.2. Treats and Chews
			7.2.1. Pastes
			7.2.2. Cremes / Cream-Snacks
			7.2.3. Crunchy snacks
			7.2.4. Chew sticks
			7.2.5. Tablets
			7.2.6. Biscuits
			7.2.7. Cat Milk / Milk snacks
		7.3. Dehydrated Food
		7.4. Freeze Dried Food
		7.5. Freeze-Dried Raw
		7.6. Wet Food
		7.7. Frozen
		7.8. Raw Food
		7.9. Powder
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Pet Type
		8.1. Kitten
		8.2. Senior
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Packaging Type
		9.1. Pouches
		9.2. Bags
		9.3. Folding cartons
		9.4. Tubs & Cups
		9.5. Can
		9.6. Bottles & jars
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Distribution Channel
		10.1. Store-based Retailing
			10.1.1. Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
			10.1.2. Convenience Stores
			10.1.3. Mom and Pop Stores
			10.1.4. Pet Stores
			10.1.5. Discounters
			10.1.6. Independent Grocery Retailers
			10.1.7. Drugstores
			10.1.8. Other Retail Formats
		10.2. Online Retailers
	11. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		11.1. North America
		11.2. Latin America
		11.3. Europe
		11.4. Asia Pacific
		11.5. MEA
	12. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	17. Key Countries Market Analysis
	18. Market Structure Analysis
	19. Competition Analysis
		19.1. Evanger’s Dog & Company, Inc.
		19.2. Mars Incorporated
		19.3. Purina
		19.4. Hill's Pet Nutrition
		19.5. Affinity Petcare SA
		19.6. Nutro Products Inc.
		19.7. Dave's Pet Food
		19.8. Boulder Dog Food Company
		19.9. Rollover Pet Food Ltd.
		19.10. Real Pet Food Company Pty Ltd
		19.11. Freshpet
		19.12. Burgess Group PLC
		19.13. Nature’s Variety
		19.14. Fromm Family Foods LLC
		19.15. JustFoodForDogs
		19.16. The J.M. Smucker Company
		19.17. Steve's Real Food
		19.18. Natures Goodness Pet Food
		19.19. Party Animal, Inc.
		19.20. Iams
	20. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	21. Research Methodology
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