The global pet care market, valued at $207 billion in 2025, is experiencing a shift as cat food emerges as the fastest growing category, according to Euromonitor International's World Market for Pet Care 2025 report.
Cat food recorded a compound annual growth rate of 6% between 2020 and 2025, while dog food increased at a CAGR of 3.8% during the same period. According to Euromonitor International, the shift demonstrates pet owners are increasingly choosing cats due to their lower maintenance and costs. By 2030, cat food is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4% in value.
"Economic uncertainties are a growing headwind for the pet care industry," said Sahiba Puri, global insight manager for pet care at Euromonitor International. "Despite the industry's relative resilience exhibited in the past, consumer patience is wearing thin as continuing pricing pressures is stretching consumer wallets."
Rising cat favoritism
Cat favoritism is rising across traditional dog-centric regions like North America and Western Europe, as well as emerging markets such as Asia Pacific. Factors contributing to this shift include higher costs for dog ownership, especially for larger dogs. Strict regulations on dog ownership and religious preference in Asia Pacific are boosting cat ownership popularity.
Dogs remain dominant in pet food volume sales, expected to account for 66% of global pet food sales by 2030. In North America, the share of large dogs is expected to drop from 32% of the total dog population in 2020 to 27% in 2030. Conversely, small dogs are expected to gain share from 42% to 46%.
Dogs still matter
Despite cats outnumbering dogs in several key markets, dogs will continue to account for a significant share of pet food spend. In North America, dog food is set to represent 68% of dog and cat food value sales by 2030. In Western Europe, dog food will make up 45% of dog and cat food sales in the market.
Pet owners are adopting a proactive health management approach for their pets, driving demand for products offering specific benefits. Pet dietary supplements recorded the strongest growth in the past five years.
