UK petfood manufacturers reported an increase in demand for their gourmet food ranges as well as seeing a seasonal surge in purchases of special snack treats for animals, according to Financial Times .

"The number of people buying products such as our gourmet cat food … increases by 13-16% during December and January," said Andrew Harding, director of market development at Nestlé Purina .

The demand for seasonal novelty items extends to pet owners with some pet stores reporting a 30-50% increase in sales during the holidays.