Global pet care market leans toward cats as economic pressures shift consumer choices

WORLD – Global consumer behaviour is reshaping the pet care industry, with cats increasingly becoming the preferred companion in both mature and emerging markets. 

According to Euromonitor International’s World Market for Pet Care 2025 report, the worldwide pet care market is expected to reach US$207 billion in 2025, and cat food is set to lead that growth as owners respond to tighter budgets, urban living and lower-maintenance pet needs.

Euromonitor’s data shows that cat food posted a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% between 2020 and 2025, outpacing dog food’s 3.8% CAGR over the same period. 

By 2030, cat food is projected to grow at a 4% CAGR in value, reinforcing the global shift toward feline ownership.

Sahiba Puri, global insight manager for pet care at Euromonitor International, said economic pressures are playing a defining role in consumer decisions. 

“Economic uncertainties are a growing headwind for the pet care industry,” she said. “Despite the industry’s relative resilience exhibited in the past, consumer patience is wearing thin as continuing pricing pressures are stretching consumer wallets.”

Changing pet demographics and cost dynamics

The move toward cats reflects shifting lifestyles, especially among younger owners living in urban environments. 

Cats are generally less costly to maintain than dogs, a distinction that is becoming more significant as inflation and economic volatility shape household budgets worldwide.

Euromonitor notes a marked decline in large dog ownership: the share of large dogs is expected to fall to 27% of the global dog population by 2030, down from 32% in 2020. 

Higher living costs, including food, veterinary care and housing restrictions, are driving many potential dog owners to choose smaller pets or shift entirely toward cats.

The trend is widespread. Regions traditionally identified as dog-centric, including North America and Western Europe, are seeing a measurable increase in cat ownership. 

Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as the strongest growth engine for feline care, driven by stringent dog ownership regulations, religious considerations and rapid urbanisation.

In markets like China, Thailand and the Philippines, the surge in cat ownership is fueling demand not only for food but also for health-oriented and premium products tailored to feline needs.

Asia Pacific leads the charge

The Asia Pacific region is registering some of the fastest household growth rates in cat ownership. Between 2024 and 2025, cat-owning households increased 6% in Singapore, 7% in Vietnam and 9% in the Philippines. In contrast, dog ownership grew at far slower rates—2.3%, 1.8% and 4.1%, respectively.

This surge is reshaping future market value. Euromonitor forecasts the Asia Pacific cat food segment to account for 56% of combined dog and cat food value sales by 2030, underscoring cats’ growing economic clout. 

In North America, however, dog food is still expected to dominate, representing 68% of future value sales by 2030.

Beyond food, pet product categories are also rising sharply in Asia Pacific. Pet accessories, litter, and smart pet devices recorded a 7% CAGR over the past five years, driven primarily by rising cat ownership and evolving consumer expectations.

Healthcare spending for pets is also shifting. Dietary supplements posted the strongest global growth over the last five years, reflecting a broader move toward preventive and wellness-focused pet care.

As economic and demographic shifts continue, the global pet care industry appears firmly on track for a feline-focused decade.

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