Cat Food Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Dry Cat Food, Wet Cat Food, and Snacks & Treats), By Pricing (Economy, Medium, and Premium), By Packaging (Pouches, Cans, Bags, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Pet Food Stores, Online Channels, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global cat food market size was valued at USD 45.45 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 47.64 billion in 2026 to USD 74.95 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.83% during the forecast period. 

Cat food encompasses a diverse range of products, including dry kibble, wet formulations, treats, functional snacks, and veterinary-grade diets. Over the past decade, consumer spending on cats has increased considerably as households have increasingly treated cats as emotionally significant companion animals. Cat treats and indulgence-focused products are also rising in popularity and contributing to category premiumization. Steady growth is driven by increasing cat ownership, rising awareness of feline nutrition, premiumization trends, and the emergence of specialized diets tailored to digestive health, immunity, aging, and weight management.

The global market is dominated by major players, including Nestlé Purina PetCare, Mars Petcare, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Blue Buffalo (owned by General Mills), and The J.M. Smucker Company. Leading brands are expanding their wet cat food production facilities, particularly in Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, in response to growing demand. Functional ingredients are increasingly driving innovation in the global market, as brands focus on enhancing feline health benefits through formulations that support digestion, immunity, and coat quality.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers

Rising Cat Ownership and Increasing Humanization of Pets to Accelerate Market Growth

The global demographic shift toward smaller families, single-person households, and urban living has increased the preference for cats as low-maintenance companion animals. Cat owners are increasingly willing to invest in high-quality, premium pet foods that improve skin health, urinary health, gut balance, and coat shine. The trend of pet humanization has further intensified the demand for foods with functional benefits and transparent ingredient labeling. This is bolstering the cat food market growth.

• According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), in 2024, Europe is home to a significant pet cat population, currently reported at 129 million, slightly surpassing the dog population of 106 million.

Market Restraints

Stringent Regulatory Compliance Increasing Production Costs to Impede Market Growth 

The global market operates under strict nutritional, safety, and labeling standards, particularly in regions such as the EU, where the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) mandate detailed composition guidelines, allowable additives, and sourcing protocols. Smaller and mid-sized companies often struggle to keep pace with evolving regulations, resulting in slower innovation and reduced market competitiveness.

• For instance, compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) alone is estimated to add USD 130 million in annual costs to the global pet food market, impacting both cat and dog food manufacturers.

Market Opportunities

Expansion of Online Retail and Subscription-Based Cat Food Models to Unlock New Growth Opportunities

The rapid rise of online retail platforms and subscription-based dog and cat food services is creating significant global market growth opportunities. Increasing digital adoption, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia Pacific, has transformed how cat owners purchase food, shifting from traditional in-store shopping to automated monthly deliveries and personalized nutrition plans. The rapid rise of online retail platforms and subscription-based cat food services is creating significant growth opportunities across the global market. Increasing digital adoption, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia Pacific, has transformed how cat owners purchase food, shifting from traditional in-store shopping to automated monthly deliveries and personalized nutrition plans.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2025, the prescription-based pet food product sales rose by 66% increase on online channels in China.

Cat Food Market Trends

Rising Popularity of Wet Cat Food Due to Hydration and Palatability Benefits to Shape Industry 

Wet cat food continues to gain strong traction globally as pet owners become more aware of hydration needs and urinary health concerns common in cats. Unlike dogs, cats naturally have a low thirst drive, making moisture-rich diets essential. This has increased the preference for wet food, especially in urban markets where pet owners emphasize digestive comfort, palatability, and softer textures suitable for aging cats. Manufacturers are responding by launching gourmet, pâté-based, shredded, and gravy-rich wet meals in convenient single-serve pouches.

• For instance, in August 2025, Petcare challenger brand Scrumbles launched a new line of gut-supportive wet cat food in recyclable mono-material pouches, offering pâté, jelly, and shreds in broth formats with added probiotics and high meat content.

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SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Type 

Affordability and Cost Efficiency Led Dry Cat Food Segment Dominance

By product type, the market is segmented into dry cat food, wet cat food, and snacks & treats.

The dry cat food segment accounted for about 58.27% of the global cat food market share in 2025, making it the leading product type among all cat food categories. The large value and sustained growth are linked to the product's competitive price point, which appeals to budget-conscious shoppers, including those in multi-cat households and emerging markets practicing bulk buying. 

The snacks & treats segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.91% over the forecast period.

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Cost-Effectiveness and Mass Market Preference Boosted Medium Segment Growth

On the basis of pricing, the market is segmented into economy, medium, and premium.

The medium segment in the global market is valued at approximately USD 20.62 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a significant compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.15% from 2026 to 2034. The medium segment dominates the global market primarily due to its balance of affordability and quality, catering to the largest consumer base of budget-conscious pet owners. 

The premium segment is expected to grow at a relatively high CAGR of 5.69% during the forecast period.

By Packaging 

Widespread Consumer Adoption and High Purchase Frequency Fueled Bags Segment Growth

On the basis of packaging, the market is segmented into pouches, cans, bags, and others. 

In the global market, bags represent the dominant packaging segment, accounting for the largest share of the category due to their extensive use in dry cat food, affordability, high-volume packaging capacity, and strong presence in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Bags recorded a market value of USD 21.60 billion in 2025, supported by widespread consumer adoption and high purchase frequency, particularly within multi-cat households and cost-conscious markets.

The pouches segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.26% during the forecast period. 

By Distribution Channel 

One-Stop Shop and Attractive Promotional Offers Fueled Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment Leadership

On the basis of the distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty pet food stores, online channels, and others. 

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment accounted for USD 20.77 billion in 2025 and remains the most preferred channel among cat owners. This dominance is attributed to the convenience these retail formats offer, including wide product variety, competitive pricing, and attractive promotional offers. They serve as accessible, one-stop shops for cat owners, accommodating different price levels and dietary preferences, which makes them highly preferred for both impulse and regular purchases.

The online channels segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.58% during the forecast period. 

Cat Food Market Regional Outlook 

Regionally, the report covers the global market analysis across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. 

Europe

Europe is the largest regional market for cat food, reaching a value of USD 17.22 billion in 2025, driven by strong pet humanization, high cat ownership levels, and strict nutritional standards set by FEDIAF that emphasize quality, safety, and ingredient transparency. The region’s mature consumer base demonstrates a strong preference for premium, grain-free, and functional wet cat food products, supporting a stable outlook with a projected CAGR of 5.70% during 2026–2032. Growth is further reinforced by rising demand for sustainable protein sources, recyclable packaging, and veterinary-recommended diets across Western Europe. 

North America 

North America is the second-largest market, valued at USD 16.02 billion in 2025, supported by high disposable income, a strong culture of pet adoption, and increasing use of specialized and prescription-based feline diets. The U.S. leads the region, with premium wet food, functional treats, and human-grade fresh meals witnessing strong adoption, while e-commerce and subscription models continue to reshape purchasing patterns. The region is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.39%, supported by rising awareness of feline hydration needs, digestive health issues, and the expanding availability of tailored formulations across online channels.

Asia Pacific 

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, expanding from USD 8.43 billion in 2025 to USD 16.43 billion in 2034, supported by rapid urbanization, rising middle-class incomes, and a surge in cat ownership in China, Japan, and South Korea. Increasing demand for premium imported products, expanding retail infrastructure, and strong adoption of wet cat food are accelerating regional growth, resulting in a projected CAGR of 7.85%, the highest globally.

South America 

South America, valued at USD 3.16 billion in 2025, is witnessing rising demand driven by the expanding pet population in Brazil and Argentina, greater awareness of feline nutrition, and increasing availability of mid-priced and premium international brands. The region is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.53%, supported by improving access to online retail and growing interest in high-protein diets.

Middle East & Africa 

The Middle East & Africa, though smaller, is expected to register a CAGR of 5.38%, reflecting growing awareness of feline health and nutritional needs. The market is gradually expanding as pet ownership rises in urban centers across the Gulf region and South Africa. Growth is driven by increasing adoption of Western lifestyles, expanding veterinary infrastructure, and rising preference for imported premium cat food. 

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

New Product Launches by Key Players to Support Market Growth 

The global cat food market is moderately consolidated, dominated by multinational companies with extensive brand portfolios, advanced research and development (R&D) capabilities, extensive distribution networks, and strong retail partnerships. Competition is driven primarily by innovation in premium and functional nutrition, expansion into wet and fresh food formats, and increasing investments in sustainability and personalization. Major brands continue to strengthen their market presence by launching specialized diets tailored to urinary health, digestive balance, weight management, hairball reduction, and senior nutrition. 

Key Players in the Cat Food Market

List of Key Cat Food Companies Profiled:

• Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland)
• Mars, Incorporated (U.S.)
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition (U.S.)
• General Mills (U.S.)
• The J.M. Smucker Company (U.S.)
• WellPet LLC (U.S.)
• Unicharm Corporation (Japan)
• Affinity Petcare (Spain)
• Diamond Pet Foods (U.S.)
• Deuerer Group (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2025: Avanti Group, through its subsidiary Avanti Pet Care, launched its first cat food brand called Avant Furst, marking its expansion into the pet food industry. The brand initially focuses on premium cat food, including dry, wet, and treat formats.
• March 2025: Primal Pet Foods launched new product innovations at the Global Pet Expo 2025 held in Orlando. The company introduced three new recipes of their "Kibble in the Raw" product line, specifically formulated for cats.
• February 2025: Purina Europe launched its first transparent jelly-based cat food with tender cuts, part of the GOURMET REVELATIONS range, called Fine Cuts in Gelée. This innovative product combines delicate transparent jelly with finely diced tender cuts of protein, available in flavors such as chicken, salmon, and white fish. 
• January 2025: Allana Consumer Products Ltd (ACPL), one of India's largest private food companies, launched Purrfeto, a premium cat food range designed for both kittens and adult cats. The range includes dry food flavors such as Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Ocean Fish, Chicken & Salmon, and Chicken & Sardine, as well as wet food options such as Ocean Fish in Gravy, Tuna Platter in Jelly, and Mackerel in Gravy.
• March 2024: Pet Care by Rossari launched Toptail’s Wet Jelly cat food. This wet cat food features real chicken and fish embedded in a protein-rich jelly, specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of cats.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global cat food market industry report analyzes the market in depth and highlights crucial aspects such as global market trends, market dynamics, prominent companies, investment in research and development, and end-use. Besides this, the report also provides insights into the global market analysis and highlights significant industry developments. 

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Report Scope & Segmentation