Cat wet food offer high nutritional value and moisture content that helps in hydration of cats. Their easily digestible formulations promote digestive health in cats along with providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The global cat wet food market is driven due to rising awareness about formulation of cat food products with natural and organic ingredients among cat owners.
The global Cat Wet Food Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 5.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period 2024-2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market key trends:
Shifting preferences towards natural ingredients for pets is a key trend witnessed in the global cat wet food market. Pet parents nowadays are more informed and give preference to cat food containing natural meat, fish or poultry as the main source of protein along with herbs, vegetables and fruit extracts. They also demand minimal processed and preservative-free cat foods. Leading manufacturers are responding to this demand by introducing cat wet food lines made from hormone-free, antibiotic-free and natural ingredients. For instance, in 2021, Nestle Purina introduced Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Wet Cat Food made from high quality protein sourced from chicken, salmon or turkey as the first ingredient along with vegetables and fruits. Moreover, in 2020 Royal Canin launched a new natural wet cat food line called Natural Selection made with 72% meat as the main ingredients and limited additives. This shifting trend towards natural and organic formulations among cat owners is expected to drive the growth of global cat wet food market during the forecast period.
SWOT Analysis
- Strength: Cat owners are increasingly aware about benefits of wet food. Wet food helps maintain oral health and hydration of cats. It contains high moisture content which fulfills daily water intake requirement of cats.
- Weakness: Wet cat food requires refrigeration after opening which makes storage and transportation difficult compared to dry food. Its heavy and bulky packaging increases shipping costs for manufacturers.
- Opportunity: Rising pet humanization trend and changing perceptions about cats being looked upon as family members have increased demand for premium and specialized cat food products. Growth of nuclear families in urban regions further augments the market.
- Threats: Price fluctuations in raw materials like meat increase production costs. Strict regulations regarding ingredients, packaging and advertising by regulatory bodies add compliance burden on manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
The global cat wet food market is expected to witness high growth. The global Cat Wet Food Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 5.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period 2024-2031.
Regional analysis comprises North America dominates the cat wet food market currently due to high pet ownership and increasing demand for premium pet foods. Asia Pacific region is witness fastest growth in the forecast period supported by growing middle class, increasing disposable incomes and western influence.
Key players operating in the cat wet food market are Nestle S.A, Mars, Incorporated, Royal Canin SAS, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc., Unicharm Corporation, Heristo AG, Yantai China Pet Foods Co., Ltd., and Central Proteina Prima Tbk, among others. Nestle S.A leads the global cat wet food market with wide distribution network and multiple brands catering to all price segments.
