The pet industry is seeing a notable shift as cat ownership and spending on cat products rise, benefiting manufacturers and retailers. Despite general economic pressures like soaring fuel and grocery prices, cat food sales are surging while dog product sales are softening.
Major companies like General Mills, Chewy, and Petco highlighted cat products as strong performers in their latest earnings reports. General Mills noted double-digit growth in cat food sales, with the CEO attributing this to more people adopting cats over dogs. However, the COO pointed out that issues with their dog food segment require a reevaluation of product offerings and marketing strategies.
The American Pet Products Association reported a 5% increase in cat ownership in 2025, with 53 million households owning cats, building on a 23% surge in the previous year. Factors behind this trend include cats being easier and more affordable to care for, especially in smaller living spaces.
Following suit, Petco announced strong sales in its cat segment, thanks to the launch of new brands targeting cat owners. Overall, while cat products thrive, dog-related sales remain challenged, stressing the importance of diversification in the market.
