Cat ownership is on the rise, fueling increased spending in the pet retail sector, particularly for feline-related products. Recent earnings calls from General Mills, Chewy, and Petco highlight strong sales growth in the cat product segment, even as consumers remain cautious with their budgets amid rising fuel and grocery costs. This surge follows a 5% increase in cat ownership in 2025, after a significant 23% jump the previous year, with an estimated 53 million U.S. households now owning cats.

The growing popularity of cats can be attributed to factors such as lower maintenance costs compared to dogs and their suitability for smaller living spaces like apartments. General Mills reported double-digit growth in cat food sales through brands like Tiki Cat, while dog food sales declined sharply. CEO Jeff Harmening noted that the shift in pet adoption trends toward cats and away from dogs has been a key driver behind these revenue changes in their North American pet segment.

Despite the positive momentum in cat products, companies acknowledge ongoing challenges with dog-related sales. Dana McNabb, COO of General Mills, emphasized the need to revamp product offerings, packaging, and marketing for their dog food lines, reflecting broader industry efforts to address weaker demand. Similar trends were echoed by Chewy’s CEO Sumit Singh, who described the cat segment as strengthening even as dog sales continue to soften.

Petco also reported strong second-quarter results driven by new cat-focused products like its Candy Shop treats and other consumables, bedding, and furniture for cats. CEO Joel D. Anderson highlighted the importance of diversification amid softening dog adoption rates, crediting growth in the cat segment and companion animal services for helping offset softness in the dog business. This trend underscores a strategic shift among pet retailers as they adapt to evolving pet ownership patterns.