Feline Favouritism: How Cats Are Reshaping the Global Pet Market

A seismic shift is occurring in the USD 207 billion global pet care market, with cat food emerging as the fastest-growing category and Asia Pacific leading the charge toward feline preference.

The Numbers Tell the Story

According to Euromonitor International's World Market for Pet Care 2025 report, cat food was the fastest growing category with a CAGR of 6% between 2020 and 2025, significantly outpacing dog food's 3.8% growth rate. This trend is forecast to continue, with cat food projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% in value through 2030.

Asia Pacific Leads the Shift

The most dramatic changes are occurring in Asia Pacific, where cat ownership is surging at unprecedented rates. Households owning cats saw remarkable growth from 2024 to 2025:

• Philippines: 9% growth in cat-owning households
• Vietnam: 7% growth
• Singapore: 6% growth

In contrast, dog ownership growth in these same markets remained modest at 4.1%, 1.8%, and 2.3% respectively.

Why Cats Are Winning

Multiple factors are driving this shift toward feline companionship:

Economic Considerations

"Economic uncertainties are a growing headwind for the pet care industry," notes Sahiba Puri, global insight manager for pet care at Euromonitor International. "Consumer patience is wearing thin as continuing pricing pressures stretch consumer wallets."

Cats generally require lower maintenance costs compared to dogs, especially larger breeds. This economic advantage becomes increasingly important as consumers face financial pressures.

Urban Lifestyle Compatibility

Cats are better suited to urban living environments, requiring less space and outdoor access than dogs. As Asian cities continue to densify, cats offer a practical pet ownership option for apartment dwellers.

Regulatory Factors

Strict regulations on dog ownership in many Asia Pacific countries are boosting cat ownership popularity. Major pet markets including China, the Philippines, and Thailand are increasingly favoring cats, fueling demand for cat-related and health-focused pet products.

Religious and Cultural Preferences

Religious preferences in some Asia Pacific regions also contribute to rising cat ownership, as certain faiths have traditional associations with feline companionship.

Regional Differences

While Asia Pacific embraces cats, traditional dog-centric regions show different patterns:

North America: Still Dog-Dominant

Dog food is set to represent 68% of future dog and cat food value sales in North America by 2030, maintaining the region's dog-centric market position. However, even here, the share of large dogs is expected to drop from 32% of the total dog population in 2020 to 27% in 2030, driven by cost considerations.

Asia Pacific: The Cat Frontier

By 2030, cat food is forecast to represent over half (56%) of future dog and cat food value sales in Asia Pacific. Pet products in the region grew at a CAGR of 7% between 2020 and 2025, with cats propelling growth in cat litter and smart pet products.

The Pet Health Revolution

Alongside the shift toward cats, pet owners increasingly seek proactive health solutions. Pet dietary supplements recorded the strongest growth over the past five years, becoming the fastest-growing category in pet care.

Manufacturers are responding by focusing on specialized, science-based pet foods and treats to meet personalized needs and differentiate their brands in the evolving market.

Market Implications

This demographic shift has significant implications for the pet care industry:

• Product Development: Increased focus on cat-specific innovations
• Retail Strategy: Expanded cat product sections and specialized cat stores
• Services: Growth in cat-specific services like cat cafes and cat hotels
• Marketing: Shift in advertising spend toward feline-focused campaigns

The Future of Pet Ownership

Cat favouritism is rising not just in Asia Pacific but also across traditional dog-centric regions like North America and Western Europe. This global trend suggests a fundamental shift in how humans choose and interact with companion animals.

As urbanization continues, living spaces shrink, and economic pressures mount, cats offer a compelling combination of companionship, lower maintenance, and adaptability to modern lifestyles.