US Cat Food Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Market Research Team, the US Cat Food market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 38.42 billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 55.64 billion.

The US Cat Food Market refers to the industry that produces and sells cat food products to cat owners in the United States. Cat food products can include wet food, dry food, treats, and other specialized diets. The US cat food market is a significant segment of the overall pet food industry in the United States and is driven by factors such as increasing pet ownership, changing consumer preferences, and the trend towards premium and natural pet food products.

The market is highly competitive, with several key players competing to offer a wide range of cat food products to meet the needs of cat owners.

US Cat Food Market – Significant Growth Factors

The US Cat Food Market has several significant growth opportunities that are expected to drive its expansion in the coming years. These opportunities include:

Increasing Pet Ownership: The number of pet owners in the US is on the rise, which is expected to drive demand for cat food products.

Rising Consumer Awareness: Cat owners are becoming more aware of the importance of providing their pets with high-quality, nutritious food, which is leading to increased demand for premium and natural cat food products.

E-commerce Sales: The growth of online shopping platforms and e-commerce sales is creating new opportunities for cat food manufacturers to reach consumers and expand their customer base.

Product Innovation: The US Cat Food Market is highly competitive, and manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to differentiate their products and appeal to consumers. This has led to a wave of product innovation, with new cat food formulations, packaging, and marketing strategies being developed to capture market share.

Overall, these growth opportunities are expected to fuel the expansion of the US Cat Food Market in the coming years.

US Cat Food Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The US Cat Food Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years. Some notable examples include:

General Mills Acquisition of Blue Buffalo: In 2018, General Mills acquired Blue Buffalo, a premium pet food brand that specializes in natural and high-protein cat food products. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move to expand General Mills’ presence in the pet food industry.

Mars Inc. Acquisition of VCA Inc.: In 2017, Mars Inc. acquired VCA Inc., a leading provider of veterinary services in the US. The acquisition was seen as a move to expand Mars Inc.’s pet care business, which includes several cat food brands such as Whiskas, Royal Canin, and Sheba.

J.M. Smucker Acquisition of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition: In 2018, J.M. Smucker acquired Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a leading producer of premium pet food products, including several cat food brands such as Rachel Ray Nutrish and Dad’s Pet Care. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move to expand J.M. Smucker’s presence in the pet food industry.

These mergers and acquisitions have allowed companies to expand their product offerings, reach new markets, and strengthen their positions in the US Cat Food Market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

US Cat Food Market – Significant Threats

The US Cat Food Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability. Some of these threats include:

• Increasing Raw Material Costs: The cost of raw materials used to produce cat food, such as meat and grains, can be volatile and subject to fluctuations in supply and demand. Increases in raw material costs can impact profit margins and increase the price of cat food for consumers.
• Competition from Private Label Brands: Private-label cat food brands are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, offering lower-priced alternatives to branded cat food products. This can create intense price competition in the cat food market and impact sales for branded products.
• Stringent Regulatory Requirements: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the production and marketing of cat food, and compliance with these regulations can be costly and time-consuming for manufacturers. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can result in fines and reputational damage.
• Growing Concerns over Health and Safety: With the rise of social media and increased access to information, consumers are becoming more aware of health and safety concerns associated with cat food products. Any negative publicity or safety concerns related to cat food can impact consumer trust and sales for cat food manufacturers.

Overall, these threats pose significant challenges for the US Cat Food Market and require manufacturers to be vigilant in addressing them to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

By Type:

Dry Cat Food: Dry cat food is the most commonly consumed type of cat food in the US. It is convenient, has a long shelf life, and is often more affordable than wet cat food. Dry cat food is also available in different varieties, such as grain-free, high protein, and weight management.

Wet Cat Food: Wet cat food is growing in popularity in the US, as it is perceived to be more palatable and provides hydration for cats. Wet cat food is available in various flavors and textures, such as pate, chunks, and shreds.

Treats & Mixers: Cat treats are a growing segment within the US Cat Food Market, as pet owners seek to pamper and reward their cats. Treats are available in various flavors, textures, and sizes. Mixers are a new category of cat food products that can be added to wet or dry food to enhance its taste and nutrition.

By Distribution Channels:

Specialized Pet Food Shops: Specialized pet food shops are stores that cater specifically to pet owners and their pets. These stores typically carry a wide range of pet food products, including premium and specialty cat food brands. These stores offer personalized advice and recommendations to pet owners.

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets: Supermarkets and hypermarkets are large retail stores that carry a variety of consumer products, including pet food products. These stores typically offer a broad selection of cat food products, including economy and mid-priced brands. Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide convenience and accessibility to pet owners.

Online: The online segment of the US Cat Food Market is rapidly growing, as more consumers choose to shop for pet food products online. Online channels offer a wide variety of cat food products, including premium and specialty brands, and provide the convenience of home delivery. Online channels also offer competitive pricing and discounts.

US Cat Food Market – Regional Analysis

The US Cat Food Market can be analyzed regionally based on the geographical distribution of cat ownership and the market presence of key players.

• West: The West region of the US has a high concentration of cat owners, which drives the demand for cat food products. California, in particular, has a large population of cat owners and is home to many key players in the cat food industry.
• Midwest: The Midwest region of the US also has a significant population of cat owners. States such as Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan have a high concentration of cat owners, which contributes to the demand for cat food products.
• Northeast: The Northeast region of the US has a lower concentration of cat owners compared to the West and Midwest regions. However, states such as New York and Massachusetts have large urban populations that contribute to the demand for premium and specialty cat food products.
• South: The South region of the US has a moderate concentration of cat owners, with states such as Texas and Florida having the highest population of cat owners. The demand for cat food products in the South is driven by a combination of factors, including price and availability of products.

Overall, the US Cat Food Market is distributed across all regions of the country, with key players having a nationwide presence. The regional distribution of cat ownership and market demand can influence the marketing and distribution strategies of cat food companies in the US.

Competitive Landscape – US Cat Food Market

The US Cat Food Market is highly competitive and is dominated by several major players, including:

• Nestle Purina: The company is a subsidiary of Nestle S.A. and is one of the leading players in the US cat food market, offering a wide range of cat food products under various brands such as Purina ONE, Fancy Feast, and Friskies.
• Mars Petcare: The company is a subsidiary of Mars, Inc. and is a major player in the US cat food market, offering products under popular brands such as Whiskas, Sheba, and Temptations.
• Blue Buffalo: The company is a subsidiary of General Mills and specializes in producing high-quality, natural pet food products. The company offers a range of cat food products under the Blue Buffalo brand.
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition: The company is a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive and specializes in producing premium pet food products. The company offers a range of cat food products under Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet brands.
• Smucker’s: The company is a major player in the US cat food market, offering a range of products under popular brands such as Meow Mix, 9Lives, and Kibbles ‘n Bits.

Other prominent players in the US Cat Food Market include Diamond Pet Foods, Merrick Pet Care, Del Monte Foods, and Big Heart Pet Brands. These companies compete on the basis of product quality, pricing, distribution channels, and marketing strategies to maintain their market share and gain a competitive advantage.

The US Cat Food Market is segmented as follows:

By Nature:

• Organic
• Monoprotein
• Conventional

By Source:

• Animal Derived
  • Fish
  • Chicken
  • Duck
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Venison/Game
  • Lamb
  • Turkey
• Plant-derived
• Insect- derived
  • Crickets
  • Mealworms
  • Black soldier flies

By product type:

• Kibble/Dry
  • Extruded
  • Baked
  • Coated
• Treats and Chews
  • Pastes
  • Cremes / Cream-Snacks
  • Crunchy snacks
  • Chew sticks
  • Tablets
  • Biscuits
  • Cat Milk / Milk snacks
• Dehydrated Food
• Freeze Dried Food
• Freeze-Dried Raw
• Wet Food
• Frozen
• Raw Food
• Powder

By Pet Type:

• Kitten
• Senior

By Packaging Type:

• Pouches
• Bags
• Folding cartons
• Tubs & Cups
• Can
• Bottles & jars

By Distribution Channel:

• Store-based Retailing
  • Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Mom and Pop Stores
  • Pet Stores
  • Discounters
  • Independent Grocery Retailers
  • Drugstores
  • Other Retail Formats
• Online Retailers

On the basis of Geography

• The U.S.