Cat industry trends in 2022
by Jenny Alonge
Pet ownership has increased steadily in the United States over the last several years, and 70% of American households now own a pet, according to the 2021 to 2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. This means that approximately 90.5 million families have a four-legged family member, and 45.3 million of these households own a cat. Many cat owners see their feline friend as a significant part of their life, and want to provide the best possible care for their precious pet. The U.S. pet market sales revenue grew from $50.96 billion in 2011 to an estimated $123 billion in 2021, and the market continues to grow. Keep reading to learn what cat industry trends are driving this growth in 2022.
#1: Higher quality cat food
Cat owners used to open a bag of dry kibble and leave a heaping portion for their pet to consume as they wanted. Veterinarians strongly advise against this feeding routine, which promotes obesity in cats. Cat owners now are not only more careful about their cat’s meal portions, but also are more concerned about what they feed their cats. Many are researching cat foods to find a diet that provides high-quality ingredients with appropriate nutrition and palatability for their cat. Alternatives to the traditional kibble and canned cat food choices include:
Refrigerated foods — Several pet specialty stores carry refrigerated cat food that is prepared without preservatives.
Subscription-based services — Many subscription-based services deliver high-quality fresh cat food directly to the cat owner’s door. Most deliver the food frozen, and the food must be thawed before serving.
Raw foods — Raw products are also available for cats, but these products must be handled carefully to prevent bacterial contamination.
#2: Supplements for cats
According to a Grand View Research analysis, the pet supplement industry should hit $1 billion by 2027. Cat owners are turning to supplements to proactively manage health concerns, such as hairballs, nutritional deficiencies, arthritis, diabetes, and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Common supplements for cats include:
Natural supplements — Herbal supplements, such as goldenseal and echinacea, are touted to help reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Cannabdiol (CBD) is also becoming increasingly popular for joint pain and anxiety issues.
Dietary supplements — Most commercial cat foods provide the nutrients cats need, but some cat owners want their cat to have extra vitamins or minerals to boost their immune system or improve their skin and coat health.
Probiotics — Probiotics can help maintain normal digestive and immune functions.
Joint supplements — Many owners give their cat supplements containing ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), to help promote joint health and mobility.
Hairball supplements — Hairballs are common in many cats, but numerous hairball supplements are available to help remedy the problem.
#3: Sustainable cat products
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of decreasing our carbon footprint, cat owners are more interested in buying their cats sustainable, eco-friendly products. The natural materials can also be safer for cats. Sustainable cat products include:
Toys — Mice made from cornhusks, balls made from cork, and string toys made from hemp are great options to keep cats entertained.
Furniture — Cat beds and towers made from wool, wood, and rope provide excellent lounging places for cats.
Litter — Litter made from reclaimed wood that can be composted or flushed down the toilet is an excellent alternative to clay litters that end up in landfills.
Litter box — Stainless steel litter boxes are durable enough to last a lifetime, and unlike plastic litter boxes, don’t absorb odors that deter felines.
Pet waste bags — Plant-based biodegradable pet waste bags for scooped litter are a great alternative to plastic bags.
Scratching posts — Scratching posts made from recycled paper help prevent cats from destroying their owner’s furniture.
#4: Cat exercise equipment
Cats must be mentally and physically stimulated to prevent boredom, which can lead to serious health issues such as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Exercise also helps prevent obesity, an increasing problem that is linked to conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and arthritis in cats. Cat exercise equipment options include:
Exercise wheel — An exercise wheel is an excellent way for cats to run off their excess energy, because the cat can entertain themselves on the equipment and be active whenever they want. Exercise wheels are especially good for owners and cats who live in small homes.
High-tech interactive toys — Interactive, battery-operated toys can keep cats moving. These toys employ laser beams and strings that move randomly to ensure cats stay captivated.
Harness and leash — Cats can be trained to walk on a harness and leash so they can safely go outside for some fresh air and exercise.
#5: Pet insurance for cats
Veterinary care is expensive, and more and more cat owners are purchasing pet insurance to help mitigate these costs. Insuring their cat provides owners peace of mind that they can afford veterinary care if their cat is sick or injured. Coverage options include:
Accident coverage — This coverage includes accidents, such as broken bones, eye trauma, bite wounds, poisoning, and foreign body ingestion.
Illness coverage — Coverage includes illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, allergies, ear infections, and diabetes. Older cats may be excluded from illness coverage.
Wellness coverage — Some providers offer wellness coverage to cover things such as annual visits, parasite prevention, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and spay and neuter procedures.
Investigating some of these cat industry trends may be beneficial for cat owners to help keep their feline friend happy and healthy.
Sources:
https://petkeen.com/pet-industry-cat-trends/
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/pet-industry-trends
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