Shifting Trends: Cats Take Center Stage in Pet Ownership and Nutrition

Cat ownership is on the rise, with 59% of pet parents owning a feline friend, according to a recent survey by Cargill. This surge in cat ownership has led to increased demand for cat food, with the global cat food segment estimated to reach $68.7 billion in retail revenue by 2028.

With cats taking the spotlight, many cat-centric brands have entered the market to address the growing demand for innovative cat food products. From 2020 to 2022, cat food innovation saw a 27% compound annual growth rate, outpacing innovation in the dog food space. However, despite this growth, only 40% of cat owners are satisfied with the current offerings on the market, leaving room for more product innovation.

Cat parents are increasingly focused on their feline’s health, with specific concerns such as digestive health, skin health, immune strength, and oral health topping the list. This has led to a trend in combination feeding, with cat owners purchasing dry, canned, and wet foods to meet their cat’s nutritional needs.

Ingredient quality is also a top priority for cat owners, with 65% focusing on the quality of ingredients in their cat’s food. Natural ingredients, sourcing claims, and veterinarian-recommended formulas are among the most important attributes for cat food consumers.

Cargill is at the forefront of addressing cat parents’ concerns, offering nutritional expertise and quality, functional ingredients for cat food processors. Their TruMune postbiotics support gut, microbiome, and immune health in cats, providing both health benefits and palatability.

As cat ownership continues to rise, the demand for innovative and high-quality cat food products is expected to grow. With brands like Cargill leading the way in addressing cat parents’ concerns, the future of the cat food industry looks bright.