The love for cats is not limited to Europe anymore. With the feline population steadily growing worldwide, particularly in urban areas, the demand for cat food and related products is on the rise. According to a recent report by Markets and Markets, five emerging markets have caught the attention of the pet care industry, signaling lucrative opportunities for cat food manufacturers and retailers.
China: Leading the pack among the emerging markets for cat food is China. Analysts from Markets and Markets reported that China’s cat care market revenue reached an impressive US$5.80 billion in 2022. The forecast suggests that this figure will soar to US$13.39 billion by 2027, underscoring China’s dominance in the global cat care industry.
Brazil: Not far behind is Brazil, boasting the second-largest cat care market in 2022, with revenues totaling US$884.4 million. Projections indicate a further surge to US$1,107.3 million by 2027, reflecting the country’s growing affinity for feline companionship.
Mexico: Securing the third spot on the list is Mexico, with a cat care market valued at US$545.7 million in 2022. Experts anticipate this figure to climb to US$680.5 million by 2027, highlighting Mexico’s burgeoning cat care industry.
South Africa: As pet ownership gains traction, particularly in urban areas, South Africa is witnessing a surge in demand for high-quality cat food products and accessories. With rising disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class, consumers are increasingly investing in their feline friends’ well-being.
India: Rounding off the list of emerging markets is India, where a growing middle class and rapid urbanization are driving the adoption of cats as household pets. With an expanding consumer base, India presents promising opportunities for cat food manufacturers and retailers.
Collectively, these five countries contributed a staggering US$7.43 billion to the global cat care industry in 2022, according to analysts at Markets and Markets. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.7% between 2007 and 2011, these markets are poised for further expansion, projected to reach a combined value of US$15.42 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 15.7% from 2022 to 2027.
Rising Kitten Population in the United States
While dogs have long been the most prevalent pets in the United States, the number of cats, particularly kittens, is on the rise. According to David Sprinkle, pet market research director at Packaged Facts, data trends indicate a decline in the number of households with puppies under one year old, coupled with a notable increase in households with kittens. This shift has led to a significant rise in the ratio of kitten households to puppy households, signaling changing preferences among pet owners.
Hungary, France, and Austria Lead in Pet Cat Ownership per Capita
When it comes to per capita pet ownership, Hungary, France, and Austria emerge as the frontrunners in Europe. Despite not boasting the highest overall pet cat populations, these nations lead in terms of pet cat ownership per capita. Hungary, in particular, stands out as the top-ranking country in this regard, reflecting a strong cultural affinity for feline companionship.
As the global demand for cat food continues to grow, driven by evolving consumer preferences and demographic trends, the pet care industry is poised for significant expansion, with emerging markets offering promising opportunities for growth and investment.
