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UK Cat Food Market Size

The UK cat food market is experiencing growth driven by factors such as an increasing cat population and heightened health awareness among pet owners. The market's expansion is reflected in the rising demand for various segments, including wet food, treats, and veterinary diets, each catering to specific health needs of cats. The nutraceuticals segment is particularly notable for its rapid growth, spurred by a growing awareness of healthy diets for pets. Overall, the market size is expected to continue its upward trajectory, supported by these trends and the evolving needs of cat owners in the United Kingdom.

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Market Size of uk cat food Industry

UK Cat Food Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 2.72 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 3.01 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Pet Food Product Food
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 2.05 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Pet Food Product Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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UK Cat Food Market Analysis

The UK Cat Food Market size is estimated at USD 2.72 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 3.01 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.05% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

2.72 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

3.01 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

4.37 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

2.05 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

76.11 %

value share, Food, 2022

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The rate of cat ownership is increasing, leading to various companies providing more cat food options with custom-made dry and wet cat foods based on cat age and health.

Largest Market by Distribution Channel

33.58 %

value share, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, 2022

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As supermarkets and hypermarkets offer a wide range of cat foods, including dry and wet foods and treats from various brands, the share of price points increased.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

10.62 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, 2023-2029

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The growing demand for vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids and increasing awareness about preventive healthcare with nutraceuticals are increasing their usage.

Fastest-growing Market by Distribution Channel

2.76 %

Projected CAGR, Online Channel, 2023-2029

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The availability of a wide range of branded cat food, competitive prices, discount rates, and efficient delivery to the customer's doorstep are driving the online shopping trend.

Leading Market Player

14.52 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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Mars, Incorporated is the leader. It is highly focused on product innovations, especially in pet foods, which are blended with functional ingredients to provide high-quality nutrition to cats.

The increased focus of pet owners on cat health and the potential benefits of commercial pet foods are driving the market

  • In 2022, cat food accounted for 35.8% of the pet food market in the United Kingdom and experienced a 23.4% increase between 2017 and 2022. This growth can be primarily attributed to the rising cat population and the increasing number of pet owners. For instance, in 2022, the cat population grew by 60.9% compared to 2017. In 2022, the food segment was the largest segment in the cat industry, with a market value of USD 1.9 billion in the UK cat food market. Wet food is highly favored by cats; it had a market value of USD 1.0 billion in 2022.
  • The treats segment is the second largest in the UK cat food market, which was valued at USD 276.2 million in 2022. Treats are given to cats in addition to regular food to provide additional health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin and coat.
  • The veterinary diet segment was valued at USD 255.4 million in 2022. Veterinary diets provide optimal nutrition while minimizing the risk of illness and promote the health of the pet. The urinary tract diseases segment held the highest market share in the cat veterinary diet segment. The increasing prevalence of these health conditions in cats has contributed to the growth of this segment.
  • The nutraceuticals segment is the fastest growing in the cat food market, which is anticipated to register a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the growing awareness of healthy diets, particularly due to increasing health concerns among cats.
  • The cat food market is anticipated to continue growing in the United Kingdom due to the increasing cat population, specific health needs, and greater health awareness among pet owners. It is projected to register a CAGR of 2.0% during the forecast period.
UK Cat Food Market

UK Cat Food Industry Segmentation

Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

  • In 2022, cat food accounted for 35.8% of the pet food market in the United Kingdom and experienced a 23.4% increase between 2017 and 2022. This growth can be primarily attributed to the rising cat population and the increasing number of pet owners. For instance, in 2022, the cat population grew by 60.9% compared to 2017. In 2022, the food segment was the largest segment in the cat industry, with a market value of USD 1.9 billion in the UK cat food market. Wet food is highly favored by cats; it had a market value of USD 1.0 billion in 2022.
  • The treats segment is the second largest in the UK cat food market, which was valued at USD 276.2 million in 2022. Treats are given to cats in addition to regular food to provide additional health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting healthy skin and coat.
  • The veterinary diet segment was valued at USD 255.4 million in 2022. Veterinary diets provide optimal nutrition while minimizing the risk of illness and promote the health of the pet. The urinary tract diseases segment held the highest market share in the cat veterinary diet segment. The increasing prevalence of these health conditions in cats has contributed to the growth of this segment.
  • The nutraceuticals segment is the fastest growing in the cat food market, which is anticipated to register a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the growing awareness of healthy diets, particularly due to increasing health concerns among cats.
  • The cat food market is anticipated to continue growing in the United Kingdom due to the increasing cat population, specific health needs, and greater health awareness among pet owners. It is projected to register a CAGR of 2.0% during the forecast period.
Pet Food Product
Food
By Sub Product
Dry Pet Food
By Sub Dry Pet Food
Kibbles
Other Dry Pet Food
Wet Pet Food
Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
By Sub Product
Milk Bioactives
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Probiotics
Proteins and Peptides
Vitamins and Minerals
Other Nutraceuticals
Pet Treats
By Sub Product
Crunchy Treats
Dental Treats
Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
Soft & Chewy Treats
Other Treats
Pet Veterinary Diets
By Sub Product
Diabetes
Digestive Sensitivity
Oral Care Diets
Renal
Urinary tract disease
Other Veterinary Diets
Distribution Channel
Convenience Stores
Online Channel
Specialty Stores
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Other Channels
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UK Cat Food Market Size Summary

The UK cat food market is experiencing steady growth, driven by an increasing cat population and a rise in pet ownership. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including wet food, treats, and veterinary diets, each catering to specific health needs and preferences of cats. The demand for nutraceuticals is particularly notable, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of healthy diets for pets. Urbanization and the trend of humanizing pets have further fueled the market, with cats being preferred in urban areas due to their lower maintenance requirements and suitability for smaller living spaces. The market is also witnessing a shift towards premium and specialty food products, as pet owners seek high-quality nutrition for their feline companions.

The distribution of cat food products in the UK is predominantly through offline channels such as pet shops, vet clinics, and supermarkets, although e-commerce is gaining traction, especially post-COVID-19. The market is fragmented, with major players like Colgate-Palmolive Company, FARMINA PET FOODS, Mars Incorporated, Nestle (Purina), and Virbac holding significant shares. Recent product launches, such as Hill's Pet Nutrition's new MSC certified products and Nestle Purina's Friskies treats, highlight the ongoing innovation in the sector. Despite challenges like political conflicts affecting raw material procurement, the trend towards high-quality and premium pet food is expected to continue, supporting the market's growth trajectory.

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UK Cat Food Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Pet Food Product

      1. 1.1.1 Food

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Dry Pet Food

            1. 1.1.1.1.1.1 By Sub Dry Pet Food

              1. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Kibbles

              2. 1.1.1.1.1.1.2 Other Dry Pet Food

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Wet Pet Food

      2. 1.1.2 Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements

        1. 1.1.2.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.2.1.1 Milk Bioactives

          2. 1.1.2.1.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

          3. 1.1.2.1.3 Probiotics

          4. 1.1.2.1.4 Proteins and Peptides

          5. 1.1.2.1.5 Vitamins and Minerals

          6. 1.1.2.1.6 Other Nutraceuticals

      3. 1.1.3 Pet Treats

        1. 1.1.3.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.3.1.1 Crunchy Treats

          2. 1.1.3.1.2 Dental Treats

          3. 1.1.3.1.3 Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats

          4. 1.1.3.1.4 Soft & Chewy Treats

          5. 1.1.3.1.5 Other Treats

      4. 1.1.4 Pet Veterinary Diets

        1. 1.1.4.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.4.1.1 Diabetes

          2. 1.1.4.1.2 Digestive Sensitivity

          3. 1.1.4.1.3 Oral Care Diets

          4. 1.1.4.1.4 Renal

          5. 1.1.4.1.5 Urinary tract disease

          6. 1.1.4.1.6 Other Veterinary Diets

    2. 1.2 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.2.1 Convenience Stores

      2. 1.2.2 Online Channel

      3. 1.2.3 Specialty Stores

      4. 1.2.4 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

      5. 1.2.5 Other Channels

UK Cat Food Market Size FAQs

The UK Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 2.72 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.05% to reach USD 3.01 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the UK Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 2.72 billion.

UK Cat Food Market Report Snapshots

UK Cat Food Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029