If you are someone who crinkles your nose and covers it when you smell cat poop, or even just hear the words, there is a growing set out there for whom the words spell money. The cat litter market was valued at $8.0 billion, or Rs66,400 crore, in 2023 and is estimated to reach $13.7 billion, or Rs1,13,710 crore, by 2035, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 4.7% from 2024, a new report published by Allied Market Research says.
The increase in pet ownership rates globally, particularly in urban areas, is driving demand for cat litter products, the report, which studied trends in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, including India and China, Latin America, West Asia and Africa, says. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to dominate the market with the largest share during the forecast period, overtaking current leader North America.
The rise in awareness of pet hygiene around the world and the importance of odour control are also fuelling market growth, the report, titled “Cat Litter Market by Product Type (Clumping and Non-Clumping), Raw Material (Clay, Silica, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Pet Stores, and Online Channels): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2035”, says.
Innovations in cat litter technology, such as clumping and odour-absorbing formulae, enhance product efficacy and appeal to consumers, the report says. Moreover, the trend towards premiumization in pet care is leading to the adoption of higher-quality and specialized cat litter products, it says.
Another important factor driving growth is convenience-driven lifestyles and busy schedules, which prompt consumers to seek low-maintenance cat litter solutions, the report says.
By product type, the clumping segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than half of the cat litter market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period, Allied Market Research said in a press release. Clumping litter solidifies upon contact with moisture, enclosing liquid waste for effortless removal while keeping the remaining litter tidy and dry. Clumping litter is said to be better at managing odour by efficiently trapping and containing odours within the formed clumps. This increased odour control is especially attractive to pet owners aiming for a cleaner, more hygienic environment at home, says the report.
Allied Market Research, a full-service marketing research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, provides marketing research reports and business intelligence solutions to global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses. The company’s chief executive officer is Pawan Kumar.
By raw material, the clay segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global cat litter market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period, the marketing research agency said. Clay litter exhibits outstanding absorbency, efficiently absorbing moisture and forming sturdy clumps for effortless waste removal, thereby streamlining litter box upkeep for pet owners. Moreover, its widespread availability and affordability compared to alternative litter materials make it more accessible to a diverse consumer base, appealing particularly to budget-conscious pet owners, the report says.
Of course, as naturalist cat owners can attest, and cats themselves would have testified if they could, nothing beats natural clay soil. If you are lucky enough to live in a house with a garden, or are in the habit of using natural clay soil to line your cat litter trays, you are sorted. Moreover, disposal of the soil is easier as you can simply mix it into natural soil in a garden.
By distribution channel, the hypermarkets/supermarkets segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global cat litter market revenue. This sector is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Hypermarkets and supermarkets provide pet owners with a convenient one-stop shopping destination, offering a wide range of cat litter products in addition to other essential pet-care items as well as other household essentials. These retail outlets typically carry diverse selections of cat litter brands, formulations, and package sizes, accommodating various consumer preferences and budget limitations.
By region, the Asia-Pacific, home to the two most populous countries in the world, is anticipated to dominate the market with the largest share during the forecast period. In 2023, North America emerged as the leading region in the cat litter market, for various reasons. It boasts of a substantial population of pet owners, particularly cat enthusiasts, who prioritize the health and cleanliness of their pets. This large and dedicated consumer base generates substantial demand for cat litter products. Furthermore, the region benefits from a robust distribution network encompassing pet specialty stores, supermarkets, and online platforms, ensuring convenient access for consumers residing in both urban and rural areas.
Also Read
Now, monitor your cat’s health every time it poops
Cats do see colours, just not as many or as vividly as humans
SOURCE: PR Newswire
Sandy Pawpaw
Sandy Pawpaw is a fierce advocate of unleashing the animal in, and with, you.
