Market Trends of Cat Litter Industry
Clumping Litter Is In High Demand
Human hostility, adverse weather, and other concerns have led many cat owners to keep their feline friends indoors. This trend, coupled with the rising awareness of cat safety, has significantly boosted the demand for cat litter boxes, ensuring a secure environment for their pets. Unlike traditional litter, clumping litter offers a distinct advantage as it allows for easy removal of both solids and urine. Its superior odor control and the convenience of removing clumps leave the litter box consistently fresh. Moreover, a surge in demand for clumping litter has prompted companies to ramp up their innovation and expansion efforts. For instance, in July 2023, Purina expanded its cat litter production capacity in Virginia. This move enhanced Purina's capacity for innovative products, including Tidy Cats LightWeight formulas. It catered to the escalating consumer demand for cat litter solutions, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality products.
Europe Dominates the Market
The Germany cat litter industry is witnessing a notable shift due to a rise in trend termed 'humanization' or anthropomorphism, where pets are increasingly treated as family members. This shift is particularly pronounced among the elderly and single individuals, who see their pets as cherished companions, enhancing their overall happiness and lifestyle. Consequently, there is a heightened emphasis on pet health and hygiene, creating a ripe market for cat litter companies to cater to this growing demand for premium products.
The cat ownership in the UK is on the rise, catalyzing growth in the cat litter industry. In April 2022, the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) reported that UK households adopted over 12 million cats as pets, further fueling the demand for cat litter. Notably, 28% of UK households in the same month had at least one cat.
Pet care retailers are ramping up their presence, enhancing product accessibility for consumers and, in turn, driving market growth. For instance, Maxi Zoo set ambitious expansion goals. Eighteen new stores opened in the first half of 2023. The retailer aims to reach 40 stores nationwide by the end of 2024, with 22 slated for launch by December 2024.
