Global Cat Food Market Expected to Reach USD 49.8 Billion by 2033- IMARC Group

Global Cat Food Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The global cat food market size was valued at USD 37.1 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 49.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.99% from 2025 to 2033.

As more people adopt cats as pets, the demand for cat food naturally increases. For instance, according to an article published by Dogster, nearly 2.1 million cats are adopted each year on an average. Cats are often considered low-maintenance pets, which makes them popular, especially in urban environments. Furthermore, cats require less space to live than dogs and can stay alone in a home for longer periods of time when no human is present to care for them. For example, between 2017 and 2022, more than 70% of pet parents, including cat owners in Russia and the United States, saw cats as family members, friends, or children. Cat ownership is expanding, and there is an increased awareness of cats' health and well-being, which is boosting demand for cat food. 

Moreover, the rising health-consciousness among cat owners has a significant impact on the cat food market. Pet parents spend most of their money on food because they are worried about their cats' well-being and want solutions that address specific health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and food allergies in pets. For example, in 2022, pet food accounted for about 42.4% of total pet expenses in the United States. In the United States, approximately 40% of pet owners purchased premium pet food in 2022, and in Hong Kong's cat food industry, the premium pet food sector accounted for 75% of pet food sales that year. Besides this, manufacturers are rapidly investing in extending their operations to offer a diverse range of specialized goods, including those with functional benefits such as improved immunity, digestive health, and coat condition, which is expected to increase the size of the cat food industry. For example, in October 2023, Nestlé launched two new production units at its Purina pet food factory in Hungary, increasing output by 66%. The expansion increased the facility's yearly production capacity from around 150,000 to 250,000 metric tons. Apart from this, several prominent market participants are expanding their investment in R&D operations to provide cat food with a variety of flavors, textures, and increased nutritional content. For instance, in March 2024, Omni, a UK vegan pet food company, launched nutritionally adequate cat chow with produced chicken meat, adding to its growing product selection.

Global Cat Food Market Statistics, By Region

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America is the largest market for cat food, owing to high pet ownership rates and easy availability of product variants. 

North America Cat Food Market Trends:

North America cat food dominates the overall market. A strong culture of pet ownership and a high level of pet humanization are contributing to the region’s growth. For instance, as of 2023, more than 66% of people in the United States, or around 87 million households, reported owning at least one pet, a 10% increase from the beginning of the survey era. Popular brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo have led the way in providing high-quality formulas tailored to various dietary needs, such as those for kittens, senior cats, or those with specific health concerns.

Western Europe Cat Food Market Trends:

The number of households with cats in Western Europe has been steadily rising. More people are adopting cats as pets due to their independent nature and low-maintenance care compared to other pets, such as dogs. For instance, according to the European Pet Food Industry, there were over 90 million cats in Europe in 2020, and the number has been steadily increasing. This growth in the pet population naturally boosts the demand for cat food.

Eastern Europe Cat Food Market Trends:

Countries like Russia, Poland, and Hungary are key players in the region, with growing demand for both affordable and premium cat food products. Wet cat food is particularly popular in this region, as it aligns with consumer preferences for more palatable and hydrating options. E-commerce has also begun to play a larger role, with online platforms gaining traction as consumers increasingly seek convenience in purchasing pet food.

Asia-Pacific Cat Food Market Trends:

The number of pet owners, particularly in countries like China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, has been rising steadily. Cats are gaining popularity as pets due to their low maintenance and adaptability to apartment living. China, with its large and growing pet population, has seen an influx of both international and local brands, such as Mars Petcare's Whiskas and local players like Guangming Pet Food, which focus on value-driven options while catering to evolving consumer tastes.

Latin America Cat Food Market Trends:

The number of households with pets, including cats, has been steadily increasing in Latin America, driven by changing societal attitudes and the growing role of pets as family members. The increasing urbanization in the region also contributes to more people owning pets due to smaller living spaces. For instance, countries like Brazil and Mexico are experiencing an uptick in pet adoption rates, leading to a corresponding increase in demand for pet food, particularly premium products.

Middle East and Africa Cat Food Market Trends:

Pet ownership is increasing rapidly in both the Middle East and Africa, as people increasingly view pets, including cats, as family members. This trend is particularly notable in urban centers across countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt. Furthermore, regional brands like Al Ain and Pro Paws in the UAE are catering to more localized preferences.

Top Companies Leading in the Cat Food Industry

Some of the leading cat food market companies include Mars Petcare, The J.M. Smucker Company (Big Heart Pet Brands), Colgate-Palmolive (Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.), Nestle Purina PetCare, Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., and CANIDAE Pet Foods, among many others. For instance, in August 2024, Mars Petcare collaborated with Big Idea Ventures, a global investor in foodtech and agritech, to create the Next Generation Pet Food Program.

Global Cat Food Market Segmentation Coverage

• On the basis of the product type, the market has been bifurcated into dry cat food, cat treats, and wet cat food, wherein wet cat food represented the largest segment. Wet cat food offers several benefits, including higher moisture content, which aids in hydration and urinary tract health, driving the segment’s growth.
• Based on the pricing type, the market is categorized into mass products and premium products, amongst which mass products accounted for the largest market share. Mass-produced pet food brands provide a range of products, such as dry kibble and canned food, designed to fulfill the basic dietary needs of pets.
• On the basis of the ingredient type, the market has been divided into animal derivatives and plant derivatives. Among these, animal derivatives represented the largest segment. Animal-derived ingredients provide important nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle development, energy levels, and overall well-being in cats.
• Based on the distribution channel, the market is bifurcated into supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, online stores, and others, wherein supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share. Consumers often choose these outlets due to their accessibility, competitive pricing, and the ability to physically inspect products, making them the largest segment in the market.

Browse IMARC Related Reports on Cat Food Market:

• Saudi Arabia Cat Food Market Report
   
• GCC Cat Food Market Report
   
• UAE Cat Food Market Report