Cargill Survey Reveals Growing Number of Cat Owners and Opportunities in Pet Food Market
The Rise of Cat Ownership: Cargill Survey Reveals Growing Trend Among Pet Parents
A recent survey conducted by Cargill has revealed a significant increase in the number of cat owners, with 59% of all pet parents now owning a cat. The study, which surveyed 1,068 cat owners from the U.S., UK, France, and Germany, found that more than one-third of these owners have more than one cat.
The survey attributed this growth in cat ownership to the fact that cats fit seamlessly into modern pet parents’ busy and urban lifestyles. According to the study, nearly 75% of cat parents look for their cat’s food to help address specific health challenges. However, only 40% of consumers reported being satisfied with the current offerings on the market, indicating a potential growth opportunity for pet product makers.
Chad Wethal, senior global marketing manager for Cargill’s Animal Nutrition business, noted that while the pet food market has traditionally focused on dogs, the rising number of cat-loving households is shifting the industry’s attention towards feline companions. Wethal highlighted a noticeable gap between the current market offerings and what cat parents are looking for, creating space for new solutions like postbiotics to meet the demand for science-backed health benefits.
Key insights from the survey revealed that cat parents prioritize the quality of ingredients over price and type of food. Concerns about their cat developing health conditions, such as vomiting, immune strength, and loose stools, were also prevalent among respondents. Additionally, cat parents look to food to address specific health challenges, with gut/digestive health, immune health, and skin and coat health ranking as top priorities.
Cargill’s TruMune postbiotic, which offers multiple health claims like gut health, balanced immunity, and pet vitality, is backed by pet-specific research studies. Wethal emphasized Cargill’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of dogs and cats, particularly the role of gut health in supporting overall wellness.
As a major player in the pet food industry, Cargill owns several brands of pet food, including Loyall, River Run, Dogui, PetMaster, Keycan, and Gati. The company’s Animal Nutrition division operates 250 factories in 70 countries with 155,000 employees, showcasing its extensive reach and influence in the market.
With the growing trend of cat ownership and the increasing demand for high-quality pet food products, Cargill’s survey highlights the evolving landscape of the pet industry and the opportunities for innovation and growth in meeting the needs of cat parents and their feline companions.
