Global Cat Food Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In May 2023, Nestle Purina unveiled its latest addition to the Friskies brand with the launch of new cat treats under the name "Friskies Playfuls - treats." These treats, tailored for adult cats, come in a unique round shape and boast an enticing variety of flavors, including chicken and liver, as well as salmon and shrimp. Designed to appeal to feline taste buds, these treats offer both indulgence and nutrition, providing a flavorful snack option for cats while ensuring they receive essential nutrients to support their overall health and vitality.

• In June 2023, Mars Incorporated introduced its premium cat brand SHEBA to the Canadian market. Through its SHEBA BISTRO line, cat parents in Canada can now indulge their furry companions with a selection of wet formulas crafted to tantalize even the most discerning palate. With a focus on quality and taste, SHEBA BISTRO offers a premium dining experience for cats, showcasing the brand's commitment to providing cats with delicious and nourishing meal options that cater to their sophisticated preferences.

• In July 2023 with the introduction of its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products. Designed specifically for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin, these products are enriched with essential vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. By harnessing the nutritional benefits of marine and insect-based proteins, Hill's Pet Nutrition aims to provide pet owners with a sustainable and nutritious solution to address their pets' unique dietary needs, while also supporting environmentally responsible sourcing practices through MSC certification.

In this report, the Cat Food Market has been segmented by Product Type, Ingredient Type, Sales Channel, Pricing Type, and Geography.

Cat Food Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Cat Food Market has been segmented by Product Type into Dry Cat Food, Wet Cat Food, Veterinary Diets, Treats/Snacks, and Organic Products.

Dry Cat Food

Dry cat food continues to dominate the market due to its affordability, convenience, and longer shelf life. It accounts for over 45% of the total cat food market. This segment is particularly favored by cat owners seeking budget-friendly options and those managing multiple pets due to the ease of bulk storage.

Wet Cat Food

Wet cat food is highly preferred for its higher moisture content and palatability, especially among older cats and picky eaters. This segment contributes to nearly 30% of the market. The growing awareness of feline hydration and digestive health is further boosting the adoption of wet formulations.

Veterinary Diets

Veterinary diets cater to cats with specific health conditions such as urinary tract issues, obesity, or diabetes. Though a niche segment, it is witnessing steady growth and constitutes about 10% of the overall market. Rising pet healthcare expenditures are driving its increasing demand.

Treats/Snacks

Treats and snacks for cats are gaining popularity as pet owners increasingly indulge their pets. This segment holds approximately 8% market share. Functional treats with added benefits like dental care or hairball control are especially driving growth in this category.

Organic Products

Organic cat food is emerging as a fast-growing segment due to increasing consumer awareness around pet health and clean-label products. It currently represents close to 7% of the market but is expected to rise as pet owners seek natural and preservative-free options.

Cat Food Market, Segmentation by Ingredient Type

The Cat Food Market has been segmented by Ingredient Type into Animal-Derived, Plant-Derived, Cereals, and Others.

Animal-Derived

Animal-derived ingredients form the foundation of most cat food products, given cats' obligate carnivore status. This segment holds a dominant share of approximately 55% in the market. Key ingredients include poultry, fish, and meat by-products that provide essential proteins and amino acids like taurine.

Plant-Derived

Plant-derived ingredients are increasingly being incorporated for fiber, vitamins, and digestibility. Accounting for nearly 20% of the market, this segment includes ingredients like peas, potatoes, and legumes. Although not a core dietary need, they support gut health and weight management in cats.

Cereals

Cereals such as corn, rice, and wheat are commonly used as fillers or energy sources in cat food. This segment comprises about 15% of the overall market. However, there's a growing shift toward grain-free formulations due to allergy concerns and rising demand for premium options.

Others

The 'Others' category includes vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and synthetic additives essential for balanced nutrition. Representing roughly 10% of the market, this segment supports product enhancement, shelf stability, and targeted health benefits such as joint support or immune function.

Cat Food Market, Segmentation by Pricing Type

The Cat Food Market has been segmented by Pricing Type into Economy Segment, Premium Segment, and Super-premium Segment.

Economy Segment

The economy segment caters to price-sensitive consumers and holds a significant portion of the market, accounting for nearly 40%. These products offer basic nutrition at an affordable price and are widely available in supermarkets and discount retail chains.

Premium Segment

The premium segment, representing around 35% of the market, includes products with higher-quality ingredients and enhanced nutritional value. Pet owners seeking balanced meals and better health outcomes for their cats are increasingly drawn to this category.

Super-premium Segment

Super-premium cat food is gaining traction among health-conscious pet owners who prioritize organic, grain-free, or vet-recommended diets. This segment currently holds about 25% of the market and is projected to grow rapidly with the humanization of pet food trends.

Cat Food Market, Segmentation by Sales Channel

The Cat Food Market has been segmented by Sales Channel into Sales Channel, Internet Sales, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, and Others.

Specialty Stores

Specialty pet stores remain a preferred choice for many cat owners due to personalized service and curated product offerings. This channel accounts for approximately 30% of the market. These stores often stock premium and health-specific cat food options, enhancing consumer trust and loyalty.

Internet Sales

Internet sales have surged significantly, now comprising about 35% of the total market. The convenience of home delivery, subscription options, and access to diverse brands has fueled online sales, especially among urban pet owners and tech-savvy consumers.

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

Hypermarkets and supermarkets offer easy accessibility and competitive pricing, representing nearly 25% of the cat food market. These retail formats are ideal for bulk purchasing and cater to a wide range of consumer segments with varied product lines.

Others

The 'Others' segment includes convenience stores, local pet shops, and veterinary clinics, which together account for roughly 10% of sales. These channels serve niche or urgent needs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas with limited large retail infrastructure.

Cat Food Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Cat Food Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Cat Food Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds a substantial share of the global cat food market, accounting for nearly 35%. The region's high pet ownership rate, demand for premium products, and well-established retail infrastructure contribute to consistent market growth.

Europe

Europe represents around 25% of the market, driven by increasing awareness of pet health and wellness. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are leading in the adoption of organic and specialty cat food products.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, currently comprising approximately 20% of the market. Rising urbanization, increasing disposable income, and pet humanization trends in countries like China and India are propelling growth in this region.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region accounts for about 10% of the market. Growth is fueled by the expanding pet population in urban centers and a gradual rise in awareness about pet nutrition and wellness products.

Latin America

Latin America holds close to 10% of the cat food market share. Brazil and Mexico lead regional demand, supported by growing pet adoption rates and the entry of international cat food brands into the market.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Cat Food Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Rising Pet Ownership
• Humanization of Pets
• Focus on Health and Wellness

• Product Innovation and Diversity: Product innovation and diversity serve as significant drivers propelling the growth of the global cat food market. Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to introduce novel formulations, flavors, and formats that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of modern cat owners. This emphasis on innovation enables brands to differentiate themselves in a competitive market landscape, capturing consumer attention and loyalty. From grain-free and limited-ingredient diets to specialized formulas targeting specific health concerns such as weight management or urinary tract health, the diversity of product offerings allows consumers to select cat food options tailored to their feline companions' unique requirements and tastes.

  Product innovation extends beyond formulation to packaging, marketing, and sustainability initiatives. Manufacturers are leveraging advanced packaging technologies to enhance convenience, freshness, and portion control while minimizing environmental impact through recyclable or biodegradable materials. Furthermore, marketing strategies focusing on transparency, authenticity, and brand storytelling resonate with consumers seeking reassurance about the quality and origins of the products they feed their pets. By continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and diversification, the global cat food market remains dynamic and responsive to changing consumer trends, driving sustained growth and expansion in the pet care industry.

Restraints

• Price Sensitivity
• Supply Chain Disruptions
• Competition from Alternative Pet Food Options

• Changing Consumer Preferences and Trends: Changing consumer preferences and trends present a significant restraint to the global cat food market, challenging manufacturers and retailers to adapt to evolving demands. One notable trend is the increasing emphasis on natural and organic ingredients, driven by growing awareness of pet health and nutrition among consumers. As pet owners become more discerning about the ingredients in their cat's food, they are gravitating towards products free from artificial additives, fillers, and by-products. This shift requires manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet clean label standards while maintaining taste, texture, and nutritional adequacy, often resulting in higher production costs and pricing pressures.

  Changing consumer lifestyles and preferences are shaping the way cat food is marketed and consumed. Busy schedules, urbanization, and smaller living spaces have led to a rise in demand for convenient and on-the-go cat food options such as single-serve pouches, ready-to-eat meals, and portion-controlled packaging. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of alternative diets, such as grain-free, raw, and hypoallergenic formulations, reflects a broader trend towards personalized nutrition and functional benefits. Meeting these diverse and evolving preferences requires agility and innovation from manufacturers, who must invest in research and development to anticipate and respond to shifting consumer trends effectively.

Opportunities

• Online Retail Expansion
• Sustainable Packaging Initiative
• Customization and Personalization

• Functional Ingredients and Nutraceuticals: Functional Ingredients and Nutraceuticals present a significant opportunity for innovation and differentiation within the global cat food market. As pet owners become increasingly health-conscious and seek products that promote the well-being of their feline companions, there is a growing demand for cat food formulations enriched with functional ingredients known for their health benefits. These ingredients include omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, which support heart health, joint function, and cognitive development in cats. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics are gaining traction for their role in promoting digestive health and immune function, addressing common issues such as diarrhea and food sensitivities. By incorporating these functional ingredients into cat food formulations, manufacturers can meet the evolving needs of pet owners and differentiate their products in a competitive market landscape.

  The integration of nutraceuticals into cat food formulations offers an opportunity to provide targeted health solutions for specific feline health concerns. Nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are known for their beneficial effects on joint health and mobility, particularly in older cats or those prone to arthritis. Moreover, antioxidants like vitamin E and C can help support the immune system and protect against oxidative stress, contributing to overall health and vitality in cats. By leveraging the science behind these nutraceutical ingredients and communicating their benefits to consumers, cat food manufacturers can enhance the perceived value of their products and foster brand loyalty among pet owners seeking holistic solutions for their cats' health and wellness needs.

Key players in Global Cat Food Market include:

• ADM
• Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (Wellness Pet Company Inc.)
• Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.)
• General Mills Inc
• Heristo aktiengesellschaft
• Mars Incorporated
• Nestle (Purina)
• PLB International
• Schell & Kampeter Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods)
• The J. M. Smucker Company

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis