The Uk Cat Food Market

Market Analysis

Trends

The UK Cat food market is continually growing. Due to the move to urban living particular in the south east, there has been a growth in the amount of pet Cats within households, they are overtaking the dogs. Change in family structure is resulting in cats becoming substitute children.

There has been a growing concern over the health of cats and dogs, obesity affects 30% of cats. As a result, Cat food is starting to be split into two categories by companies, food suitable for kittens and food for senior cats to ensure they are getting the right vitamins. Human touches to cat food are becoming a growing trend, there are a variety of flavors, and cats are part of the family often within the UK. As a result there has also been a growth in Organic and premium food brands, owners want their pets to have the same food as them and be healthy.

The busy changing lifestyles of owners have been a driving force for the growth in convenience packaging, tins are becoming a thing of the past, and Pouches and trays are becoming popular. The current trend is towards wet food, sales have gone up 4% since 2001.

Popularity of cats

Cats have become the most popular pets, over taking dogs. Within the UK cats are in 22% of homes and dogs 19% (mintel).

The rising popularity of cats is due to changing lifestyles people, their lifestyles are becoming more hectic. Cats differ from dogs largely, they require less attention.

Cats are sometimes substitute children for a number of people, owners shower their cats with gifts and affection. Pet insurance is also becoming a pressing issue for owners