US Cat Food Market Size

The US cat food market is anticipated to experience significant growth, driven by factors such as the rising cat population and increasing health awareness among pet owners. The market's expansion is reflected in the growing demand for various segments, including pet food, treats, and veterinary diets, with the latter being the fastest-growing due to the prevalence of health conditions in cats. The market's size is expected to increase as pet owners prioritize their cats' specific health needs and dietary requirements, contributing to a robust growth trajectory over the forecast period.

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Market Size of us cat food Industry

US Cat Food Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 21.90 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 30.58 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Pet Food Product Food
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 6.91 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Pet Food Product Pet Veterinary Diets

Major Players

US Cat Food Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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US Cat Food Market Analysis

The US Cat Food Market size is estimated at USD 21.90 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 30.58 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.91% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

21.90 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

30.58 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

10.40 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

6.91 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

74.13 %

value share, Food, 2022

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Rising cat ownership rates and the availability of a wide range of custom-made cat foods such as kibbles, other dry foods, and wet foods have driven the pet food segment.

Largest Market by Distribution Channel

34.30 %

value share, Specialty Stores, 2022

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These stores offer diverse custom cat food, have wide networks, and employ knowledgeable staff for personalized recommendations. These factors have boosted the channel's growth.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

9.39 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Veterinary Diets, 2023-2029

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Increasing awareness about pet health, the prevalence of cat health issues, and the growing demand for specialized nutrition will likely bolster the segment's demand during the forecast period.

Fastest-growing Market by Distribution Channel

9.59 %

Projected CAGR, Online Channel, 2023-2029

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The online shopping trend is driving the availability of a wide range of branded cat food, competitive prices, discount rates, and efficient delivery to the customer's doorstep.

Leading Market Player

21.42 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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Mars, Incorporated is the market leader due to its product launches focused on specialized nutrition and the expansion of its manufacturing bases across the country.

Specific health needs and pet parents seeking specific solutions are driving the usage of veterinary diets for cats in the country

  • In 2022, cat food accounted for 29% of the US pet food market, with a 69% increase compared to 2017. This growth can be primarily attributed to the rising cat population and the increasing number of pet owners. For instance, in 2022, the cat population grew by 11% compared to 2017. Pet food is the largest segment in the US cat food market, valued at USD 13.86 billion in 2022. Wet pet food is highly consumed by cats and was valued at USD 7.50 billion in 2022.
  • Treats comprise the second-largest segment in the US cat food market, valued at USD 2.17 billion in 2022. Treats are given to cats in addition to regular food to provide additional health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin and coat.
  • In 2022, the veterinary diets segment was valued at USD 2.14 billion. It is the fastest-growing segment, expected to register a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. The urinary tract diseases sub-segment holds the highest market share in the cat veterinary diet segment. It was valued at USD 493.8 million in 2022. The increasing prevalence of health conditions in cats contributed to the growth of the segment.
  • Nutraceuticals for cats were valued at USD 515.5 million in the US cat food market, with a 3.1% increase between 2017 and 2022. This increase was driven by the increased awareness of healthy diets, particularly due to growing health concerns regarding cats.
  • The market for cat food is expected to continue growing due to the increasing cat population, their specific health needs, and greater health awareness among pet owners. It is projected to register a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.
US Cat Food Market

US Cat Food Industry Segmentation

Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

  • In 2022, cat food accounted for 29% of the US pet food market, with a 69% increase compared to 2017. This growth can be primarily attributed to the rising cat population and the increasing number of pet owners. For instance, in 2022, the cat population grew by 11% compared to 2017. Pet food is the largest segment in the US cat food market, valued at USD 13.86 billion in 2022. Wet pet food is highly consumed by cats and was valued at USD 7.50 billion in 2022.
  • Treats comprise the second-largest segment in the US cat food market, valued at USD 2.17 billion in 2022. Treats are given to cats in addition to regular food to provide additional health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin and coat.
  • In 2022, the veterinary diets segment was valued at USD 2.14 billion. It is the fastest-growing segment, expected to register a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. The urinary tract diseases sub-segment holds the highest market share in the cat veterinary diet segment. It was valued at USD 493.8 million in 2022. The increasing prevalence of health conditions in cats contributed to the growth of the segment.
  • Nutraceuticals for cats were valued at USD 515.5 million in the US cat food market, with a 3.1% increase between 2017 and 2022. This increase was driven by the increased awareness of healthy diets, particularly due to growing health concerns regarding cats.
  • The market for cat food is expected to continue growing due to the increasing cat population, their specific health needs, and greater health awareness among pet owners. It is projected to register a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.
Pet Food Product
Food
By Sub Product
Dry Pet Food
By Sub Dry Pet Food
Kibbles
Other Dry Pet Food
Wet Pet Food
Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
By Sub Product
Milk Bioactives
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Probiotics
Proteins and Peptides
Vitamins and Minerals
Other Nutraceuticals
Pet Treats
By Sub Product
Crunchy Treats
Dental Treats
Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
Soft & Chewy Treats
Other Treats
Pet Veterinary Diets
By Sub Product
Diabetes
Digestive Sensitivity
Oral Care Diets
Renal
Urinary tract disease
Other Veterinary Diets
Distribution Channel
Convenience Stores
Online Channel
Specialty Stores
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Other Channels
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US Cat Food Market Size Summary

The US cat food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing cat population and a rise in pet ownership. This market is a substantial segment of the overall pet food industry, with wet pet food being particularly popular among cat owners. The demand for treats and veterinary diets is also on the rise, reflecting a growing awareness of the health needs of cats. The trend towards premium and specialized pet food options is contributing to the market's expansion, as pet owners increasingly view their cats as family members and seek to provide them with high-quality nutrition. The market is moderately consolidated, with major players like Colgate-Palmolive Company, General Mills Inc., Mars Incorporated, Nestle (Purina), and The J. M. Smucker Company leading the industry.

The growth of the US cat food market is further supported by the increasing trend of pet humanization, where cats are seen as companions requiring similar care and attention as family members. This has led to a rise in spending on cat food and related products, with pet owners opting for diverse and premium options. The market is also benefiting from the shift towards online sales, which gained momentum during the pandemic, offering convenience and a wider range of products. As the number of households with cats continues to grow, the market is poised for further expansion, with a focus on meeting the specific dietary and health needs of cats.

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US Cat Food Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Pet Food Product

      1. 1.1.1 Food

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Dry Pet Food

            1. 1.1.1.1.1.1 By Sub Dry Pet Food

              1. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Kibbles

              2. 1.1.1.1.1.1.2 Other Dry Pet Food

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Wet Pet Food

      2. 1.1.2 Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements

        1. 1.1.2.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.2.1.1 Milk Bioactives

          2. 1.1.2.1.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

          3. 1.1.2.1.3 Probiotics

          4. 1.1.2.1.4 Proteins and Peptides

          5. 1.1.2.1.5 Vitamins and Minerals

          6. 1.1.2.1.6 Other Nutraceuticals

      3. 1.1.3 Pet Treats

        1. 1.1.3.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.3.1.1 Crunchy Treats

          2. 1.1.3.1.2 Dental Treats

          3. 1.1.3.1.3 Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats

          4. 1.1.3.1.4 Soft & Chewy Treats

          5. 1.1.3.1.5 Other Treats

      4. 1.1.4 Pet Veterinary Diets

        1. 1.1.4.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.4.1.1 Diabetes

          2. 1.1.4.1.2 Digestive Sensitivity

          3. 1.1.4.1.3 Oral Care Diets

          4. 1.1.4.1.4 Renal

          5. 1.1.4.1.5 Urinary tract disease

          6. 1.1.4.1.6 Other Veterinary Diets

    2. 1.2 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.2.1 Convenience Stores

      2. 1.2.2 Online Channel

      3. 1.2.3 Specialty Stores

      4. 1.2.4 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

      5. 1.2.5 Other Channels

US Cat Food Market Size FAQs

The US Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 21.90 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.91% to reach USD 30.58 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the US Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 21.90 billion.

US Cat Food Market Report Snapshots

US Cat Food Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029