Cat Food and Snacks Market Size - By Type (Food [Dry, Wet], Treats & Mixers), By Distribution Channels (Specialized Pet Food Shops, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online), Growth Prospects, Regional Outlook & Forecast, 2023-2032

Cat Food and Snacks Market Size - By Type (Food [Dry, Wet], Treats & Mixers), By Distribution Channels (Specialized Pet Food Shops, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online), Growth Prospects, Regional Outlook & Forecast, 2023-2032

Cat Food and Snacks Market Size

Cat Food and Snacks Market size is estimated to record a CAGR of over 4.2% between 2023 and 2032. The growth is attributed to the burgeoning pet ownership trends.

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According to the report published by Health for Animals in September 2022, over half the global population have a pet, with almost one-fourth of these pet-owners having a cat. Also, in 2021, 70% of the U.S. households had a pet. As more households across the globe embrace feline companions, the demand for high-quality, nutritious cat food and enticing snacks has surged. Furthermore, the growing awareness among pet owners about the significance of providing well-balanced and premium nutrition to their cats has fueled the demand for specialized cat food products.

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Additionally, there is a notable rise in the number of health-conscious consumers who prioritize their pets' well-being. The producers are leveraging this opportunity by developing and introducing products that address specific dietary requirements, such as weight management, dental health, and food allergies. These factors, along with the launch of innovative and diverse cat snacks, are contributing to the robust growth of the cat food and snacks market.

The pet food sector is facing uncertainties owing to the growing regulatory constraints, that in turn is impacting the cat food & snacks industry growth. Increasingly stringent regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of pet food products demand rigorous compliance, often necessitating substantial investments in testing, quality control, and labeling. These constraints pose a particular challenge for smaller manufacturers and limit their ability to innovate and compete effectively. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, companies within the market must adapt and navigate this intricate web of requirements to sustain and expand their operations.

COVID-19 Impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the households worldwide adapted to lockdowns and social distancing measures, due to which pet adoption rates surged, boosting the initial demand for cat products. Consumers also became more discerning, seeking products that prioritized their pets' health and wellness. However, supply chain disruptions, temporary production halts, and economic uncertainties affected the sales. E-commerce emerged as a preferred channel, facilitating the market's recovery. Ultimately, COVID-19 altered consumption patterns and highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the cat food and snacks sector in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Cat Food and Snacks Market Trends

Clean Label Project™, a U.S. based nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and transparency in product labeling, conducted extensive testing of the best-selling dog and cat food products, including both wet and dry varieties, as well as dog and cat treats, based on Nielsen's 2016 reports. The initiative encompassed the evaluation of more than 900 products sourced from 74 different brands.

There is a heightened focus on natural and organic ingredients. Pet owners are increasingly seeking products that mirror their own dietary preferences, emphasizing transparency and clean-label products. This shift towards natural and organic options is driven by the desire to provide cats with healthier and safer nutrition, free from artificial additives and fillers. Consequently, pet food manufacturers are reformulating their products, incorporating high-quality ingredients, and prominently displaying these attributes on their packaging to meet this growing consumer demand.

Another significant cat food and snacks market trend is the proliferation of premium and specialized cat food offerings. As pet owners become more selective, they are looking for products tailored to address specific feline health concerns and dietary needs, such as weight management formulas, grain-free options, or those designed for cats with food allergies. This trend reflects the willingness of consumers to invest in their pets' well-being, spurring innovation in the industry and fostering a diverse range of cat food and snacks that cater to these unique requirements. The focus on adapting to and capitalizing on these trends will shape the future trajectory of the market.

Cat Food and Snacks Market Analysis

As per type, the wet food segment is experiencing a surge in demand and will witness over 4% CAGR through 2032, owing to the importance of maintaining hydration levels for better cat health.

• Pet owners are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of moisture in their cats' diets, as many cats often struggle to maintain proper hydration levels. Wet cat food provides a significant source of moisture, aiding in the prevention of urinary tract issues and promoting overall feline well-being.
• There is a preference for premium, high-protein, and grain-free formulations, and wet cat food often aligns well with these preferences, offering a fresh and meaty texture that appeals to both pet and owner.
• The convenience of portioned servings and the availability of a diverse range of flavors and formulations contribute to the rising popularity of wet cat food.

Based on distribution channel, supermarkets and hypermarkets segment will generate significant revenues for the cat food and snacks market by 2032, due to the extensive reach and accessibility.

• The retail giants offer consumers a wide array of choices, including various cat food brands and formulations, making it a one-stop destination for pet owners. The convenience of finding pet supplies alongside their regular grocery shopping enhances the market's visibility and encourages impulse purchases.
• Supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to invest in expanding their pet care sections and stocking a diverse range of products, offering increased consumer access and driving sales.

Europe cat food and snacks market will experience robust growth over 2023-2032, primarily driven by the increasing pet humanization, where cats are considered as part of the family. This shift in perception has led to a surge in demand for premium and specialized cat food products. Pet owners are willing to invest in high-quality nutrition for their feline companions.

Furthermore, the consumers in the region are becoming more health-conscious for both them and their pets, which has translated into a preference for products made with wholesome, transparent, and sustainable ingredients. As a result, cat food manufacturers are responding by offering a wide array of natural and organic options, adhering to stringent quality standards. The growing awareness of responsible pet ownership will create lucrative growth opportunities for the market in Europe in the coming years.

Cat Food and Snacks Market Share

Nestle, with its extensive brand portfolio including Purina, has leveraged its global reach and significant investments in research and innovation to introduce a wide range of premium pet food products, catering to the evolving preferences of pet owners. Similarly, The J.M. Smucker Company, through its acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands, has strengthened its presence in the pet food sector, offering a diverse selection of well-recognized pet food brands. Their strategic expansion and commitment to product quality and innovation continue to shape the competitive dynamics of the market, setting high standards for product development and customer satisfaction. Other companies in the global cat food and snacks market

• Harringtons
• Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc.
• Colgate-Palmolive
• WellPet LLC 
• Schell & Kampeter, Inc.
• Beaphar
• PetGuard
• Spectrum Brands
• Mars Inc.
• General Mills
• Diamond Pet

Cat Food and Snacks Industry News

• In Oct 2023, Cult Food Science, a Canadian alternative protein platform, introduced a line of vegan cat treats under its Noochies sub-brand. These treats feature the patented nutritional yeast ingredient Bmmune and are freeze-dried. The product has an amino acid profile, which closely resembles that of traditional meat cuts like chicken or lamb, offering high levels of protein and dietary fiber, and a substantial content of essential B vitamins.
• In March 2032, Temptations, the well-known cat treat brand, broadened its product range by venturing into the mealtime category with the introduction of Temptations Dry Cat Food. This new line of meals combines dry kibble with a blend of crunchy and creamy pockets, available in various flavors, offering a comprehensive blend of 35 essential nutrients and are crafted with high-quality protein to promote the development of healthy muscles in cats.
• In February 2023, Nestlé Purina PetCare announced the planned acquisition of the pet treats factory in Miami, Oklahoma, from Red Collar Pet Foods. This strategic expansion signified 22nd facility owned and operated by Purina across North America, enhancing their in-house capabilities for pioneering and producing dog and cat treats.

The cat food and snacks market research report include in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of volume in million kilo tons & revenue in USD billion from 2018 to 2032 for the following segment

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Market, By Type

• Food
  • Dry
  • Wet
• Treats & Mixers

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Specialized Pet Food Shops
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Online
• Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE