A cat available for adoption is seen at the Austin Animal Center in Texas on July 31, 2025. Cat owners are increasingly spending on products for their pets, signaling a positive trend for pet food manufacturers and retailers. Despite rising fuel and grocery costs, sales for cat food and related merchandise are on the rise, as noted by companies such as General Mills, Chewy, and Petco Health and Wellness Co. during their latest quarterly earnings calls.
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While cat products are seeing growth, sales of dog-related items continue to decline. The American Pet Products Association reported a 5% increase in cat ownership in 2025, equating to approximately 53 million households. This follows a significant 23% surge in cat ownership in 2024. Factors contributing to the rise in cat ownership include their comparatively lower care costs and adaptability to smaller living spaces, according to industry executives.
General Mills recently announced a double-digit percentage increase in cat food sales, which encompasses its Tiki Cat brand. Conversely, sales of dog food experienced a high-single-digit percentage drop. CEO Jeff Harmening attributed this trend to a growing number of cat adoptions versus dog adoptions. COO Dana McNabb emphasized that the issues within their dog food segment were multifaceted, necessitating a reevaluation of product propositions, packaging, and marketing strategies.
Other companies in the pet retail sector echo similar trends. During a September 9 earnings call, Chewy CEO Sumit Singh observed that while the dog market is weakening, the cat market appears to be strengthening. Petco also reported robust sales of cat products in its second quarter, bolstered by the introduction of its new cat treat brand, Candy Shop, on September 2. CEO Joel D. Anderson highlighted that the company's growth resulted from focusing on trends in the cat segment and emphasized the importance of diversification in their business, particularly as dog adoption rates slightly decline.