Very positive momentum

The cat population worldwide is estimated at around 1 bn animals. If we subtract the many strays and wild animals – from wild cats to lions and tigers – there are still around 350 mio domestic cats left. In the US, around 74 mio velvet paws are kept as pets, in Europe 110 to 120 mio.

Sales of cat food alone in Europe are estimated at around 23.8 bn euros in 2025, with an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 per cent until 2030, compared to 23.6 bn dollars and a CAGR of 6.8 per cent in the USA. In most European markets, the number of cats is growing faster than that of dogs, which is also leading to a growing market for food and accessories. “We assume that this trend will continue because cats are more compatible with many people’s everyday working lives than dogs,” reports Jürgen Wigger, managing director of Bewital in Germany.

Wigger also sees a steady increase in demand for cat food, particularly in the premium and super-premium segment. “For the current year, we again expect sales growth in the double-digit percentage range.” In the past, most customers bought their food from food retailers. “For some years now, however, there have been signs that the proportion of food bought from specialist retailers is also increasing.” For many people, cats are not just pets, but family members - “the demands on nutrition, quality and well-being are correspondingly high.”

“We at Mera are also noticing this: the demand for high-quality cat food is growing steadily, especially in the premium segment,” says Janina Wimmers, head of product management. “We expect a stable sales trend for 2025 with clear impetus from our new products.”

At United Petfood in Belgium a continued growth in the European pet market is seen as well, with the cat segment indeed developing particularly dynamically. “This is driven by a combination of increasing pet ownership, especially in urban areas, and a growing trend towards premium and specialized cat nutrition,” says Klaas Krueger, managing director Germany. “Consumers are increasingly aware of ingredients and are looking for products that support health, sustainability, and segment-oriented – lifestyle, breed, lifestage – feeding. For our business, this translates into a very positive momentum.”

For the same reasons, Hunter International expects the Stylecats brand to achieve sales growth in the mid double-digit percentage range, reveals Co-CEO Jan Oßenbrink.

“Quality is no…