SINGAPORE: #cats--‘Petflation’ and pet demographic shifts are rewriting the global pet care market landscape, valued at USD 207 billion in 2025, with cat food emerging as a key growth driver, according to data analytics company Euromonitor International.

According to Euromonitor International’s World Market for Pet Care 2025 report, cat food was the fastest growing category with a CAGR of 6%, while dog food only increased by CAGR of 3.8% between 2020 and 2025.

The shift demonstrates pet owners are increasingly choosing cats due to their lower maintenance and costs. By 2030, cat food is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4% in value.

Citing the latest findings on the pet care market insights and trends from Euromonitor International’s Passport knowledge hub, Sahiba Puri, global insight manager for pet care at Euromonitor International, said: “Economic uncertainties are a growing headwind for the pet care industry. Despite the industry's relative resilience exhibited in the past, consumer patience is wearing thin as continuing pricing pressures is stretching consumer wallets.”

Feline preference drives pet demographic shift

Cat favouritism is rising across traditional dog-centric regions like North America and Western Europe, as well as emerging markets in Asia Pacific. Factors contributing to this shift include higher costs for dog ownership, especially for larger dogs. In North America, the share of large dogs is expected to drop from 32% of the total dog population in 2020 to 27% in 2030.

Strict regulations on dog ownership and religious preference in Asia Pacific are also boosting cat ownership popularity. Major pet markets in Asia Pacific such as China, the Philippines and Thailand, are increasingly favouring cats, also fuelling demand, especially for cat-related and health-focused pet products.

Notably, households which own cats in Singapore, Vietnam and Philippines saw a growth rate of 6%, 7% and 9% respectively, from 2024 to 2025. Conversely for dogs, growth in the same period remained modest at 2.3%, 1.8% and 4.1%.

Asia Pacific at the forefront of the evolving pet care market

Asia Pacific is forecast to see cat food represent over half (56%) of future dog and cat food value sales by 2030.

Asia Pacific has demonstrated strong growth across all categories from a relatively healthy base. Pet products grew at a CAGR of 7% between 2020 and 2025 at constant 2025 prices and cats are propelling the category forward through growth in cat litter and smart pet products.

This is, in contrast, to regions like North America, where dog food is set to represent 68% of future dog and cat food value sales by the same period, maintaining its dog-centric market position.

New playbook of pet health management

Pet owners increasingly seek proactive health solutions, boosting demand for dietary supplements. Pet dietary supplements recorded the strongest growth in the past five years. Manufacturers are focusing on specialised, science-based pet foods and treats to meet personalised needs and differentiate their brands in the evolving market.

Fonte: Business Wire