Global Cat Food Market Outlook to 2028

Market Overview:

The cat food market has been experiencing robust growth, driven by a convergence of factors. The humanization of pets has led to a demand for premium and healthier cat food options, as pet owners view their cats as integral family members. Moreover, the rising number of pet owners, particularly cat owners, has significantly contributed to the market's expansion. Urbanization and changing lifestyles have spurred a preference for smaller cat breeds and apartment-friendly pets, leading to specialized cat food products tailored to their needs.

E-commerce and online retail have played a pivotal role in making pet food more accessible, providing convenience and a wide array of products. Product innovations promoting health benefits, such as joint health and weight management, have further fueled market growth. Additionally, veterinary-recommended diets have gained prominence among pet owners seeking tailored nutritional solutions. The premiumization of cat food with natural and organic ingredients has captured the attention of discerning customers. As the pet population rises in emerging markets, cat food manufacturers have ventured into new geographies for increased sales. Health and wellness trends have also impacted the market, with a focus on nutrition and condition-specific diets. Furthermore, pet food subscription services have flourished, ensuring regular and hassle-free deliveries while fostering customer loyalty. The cat food market's future growth prospects remain promising, subject to continuous market dynamics and emerging trends.

Global Cat Food Market Analysis

• The imposition of the lockdown restriction due to COVID-19 affected the production facilities of several players around the world. The shelf life of cat food varies widely from four months to over a year. This helped manufacturers keep selling their products from existing stock when production was slowed down due to restrictions.
• Pet ownership and purchasing behavior have remained unchanged from May to June 2020. As per the APPA report, there was no significant change in pet owners being financially cautious about their pet product spending, with a majority (64.0%) spending the same amount from May to June.
• Government agencies, pet food manufacturers, and veterinarians play crucial roles in ensuring the safety of cat food and safeguarding pets and their owners. Recent legislation is expected to increase the government's role in regulating cat food and may affect many manufacturers.
• Cats are the second-largest consumers of pet food. They are considered obligate carnivores and require high-quality proteins and meat-predominant amino acids. Though carbohydrates are not mandatory in their diet, they can be utilized if properly cooked.

Key Trends by Market Segment:

By Product Type: By product type, dry cat food is the largest segment in the cat food market. The cat owners prefer dry cat food as it is very economical and can be very handy to leave out for cats that eat slowly as it will not spoil over a day. It is clean, and although harder than wet food, kibble from breed-size specific foods will be small or large enough to be appropriate for the cat's mouth.

By Geography: Europe continues to dominate the global cat food market. The popularity of cats continued to increase during the last century in the region, according to various studies. The number of cat owners increased more than dog owners due to the relative ease of having a cat as a pet in the modern lifestyle. Dry food, wet food, and semi-moist food are the major types of commercial cat food. Germany, the largest economy in the European Union, is a big and promising cat food market. The German industry is mature and somewhat saturated, although it is steadily growing.

Competitive Landscape:

Global Cat food market is highly fragmented without dominant players. Few players are Affinity Petcare SA, Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company Inc., Fromm Family Foods LLC, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Mars Incorporated, Nestle Purina, Nutro Products Inc., Party Animal Inc., Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd., and The J.M. Smucker Company. which have more customers than others. The global cat food market is highly competitive, with multinational companies, regional manufacturers, and niche players vying for market share. Innovation, premium offerings, and targeted marketing campaigns are key strategies to stay ahead. E-commerce platforms also play a significant role in the competition, allowing brands to reach a global audience. As pet ownership rises and consumer preferences evolve, the competition is expected to remain fierce, driving further market expansion.

Recent Developments:

• In November 2021, Hill's Pet Nutrition formed a pioneering collaboration with a leading Boulder-based company specialized in producing meat proteins through fermentation for pet food purposes. This partnership aimed to create a novel alternative to one of Hill's best-selling meat proteins, with a particular focus on meeting the unique dietary requirements of cats.
• Later, in January 2022, Mars Petcare made a strategic move by acquiring Nom Nom Now, a Tennessee-based direct-to-consumer fresh pet food brand known as Nom Nom. The company's offerings include fresh food, treats, and supplements tailored for cats. Mars Petcare plans to integrate Nom Nom into its Royal Canin division, further enhancing its portfolio to cater to the growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition products.

Future Outlook:

• The future outlook of the global cat food market appears promising and dynamic, driven by several factors. The continued humanization of pets and the rising trend of pet ownership are expected to fuel the demand for premium and specialized cat food products, focusing on health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
• As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact, the demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources in cat food is likely to grow. Personalization and customization will also play a significant role, with pet owners seeking tailored diets to cater to their cats' individual needs.
• Additionally, technological advancements and innovations in pet food manufacturing and distribution are expected to streamline the industry further. E-commerce will continue to be a significant distribution channel, enabling both established companies and emerging players to reach a wider global audience. The future of the global cat food market is characterized by ever-evolving trends, expanding product portfolios, and a strong focus on sustainability, offering ample opportunities for growth and innovation in the years to come.