Cat Litter Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Clumping, Conventional), By Raw Material (Clay, Silica), By Distribution Channel (Retail & Supermarkets, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global cat litter products market size was valued at USD 10.89 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2022 to 2030. Rise in spending on pets coupled with an increase in the number of cat owners across the globe is expected to positively impact market growth. As per the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), in 2020, more than 110 million cats were present as pets in 88 million European households. The COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the growth of the market. The demand for personal and pet hygiene products increased to keep homes clean and sanitary during the pandemic situation. According to Information Resources Inc., pet food and care products sales in Italy, France, and the U.K., increased by 7.4%, 13.4%, and 10.9%, respectively, from March 2019 to March 2020.

Moreover, during COVID-19 businesses took a long time to deliver orders, particularly in states, which had stay-at-home advisory and mandatory closure of nonessential businesses. In addition, the industry was witnessing supply chain disruptions across the globe. However, pet food and cat litter are considered essential goods, which act as a major driver for the market.

An increasing number of cat owners across the globe is expected to positively impact the market growth. Most cat owners prefer not to let their cats outside of the house owing to various reasons, such as human hostility and adverse weather conditions. These factors are expected to drive the product demand over the forecast period.

Price, material, and functionality are the key factors influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. Rising demand for technologically advanced litter boxes can also influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. The product price varies between USD 25-30 for an average household on account of repetitive purchases. The cost varies depending on the type of product, such as clumping, non-clumping, and others.

Cat litter products play an important role in maintaining the health of the cats as well as the people in the household, thereby, driving the market. The buying decision for cat litter products involves both the owner and the cat. Cats are very selective about the products they use. Most cats do not like the crystal form of the litter products, while some prefer silica gel litter but do not like scented litter. This generates an opportunity for cat litter product manufacturers to introduce novel products.

Cat litter has become a very common product among cat owners, primarily among multi-cat owners. However, the high price associated with the product and the unwillingness of a few pet owners to buy costly products for their pets may act as a market restraint. Further, this results in a situation where the market fails to introduce premium products, in turn, hampering the market growth.

Product Type Insights

In terms of revenue, clumping product type dominated the market with a share of 75.6% in 2021. Clumping litter is increasingly gaining consumer attention as cat urine and feces can be removed easily without having to empty the litter box. Moreover, the increasing prominence of clumping cat litter owing to its functionality and various benefits is likely to draw consumer attention and boost product sales over the forecast period.

Conventional product type is projected to register a CAGR of 4.0% from 2022 to 2030. The demand for traditional litter products is being driven by increased consumer preference toward entirely removing the odor associated with cat urine and feces. Rising consumer inclination toward low-priced litter products owing to their repeated usage is boosting the sales of conventional cat litters. 

Raw Materials Insights

In terms of revenue, clay raw material dominated the market with a share of 83.6% in 2021. This is attributable to the increasing usage of clay in the creation of cat litter products, owing to its high absorbency and solid-formation qualities boosting the segment's expansion. Furthermore, clay-based products are less expensive than other materials, making them a popular choice among middle-income and multi-cat homes. Furthermore, such items are dust-free and odourless, lowering the risk of respiratory problems.

Silica is projected to register a CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2030. Silica cat litter comprises silica gel crystals, which are often used as preservatives in packaged foods, medications, and other products easily damaged by excess moisture. Silica is moisture-absorbent, dust-free, and odor-controlling and this is expected to drive its demand as a raw material for cat litter products. The other raw materials segment includes recycled paper, wood, corn, walnut shells, coconut husk, and grass among others.

Distribution Channel Insights

In terms of revenue, retail and supermarket distribution channel dominated the market with a share of 76.3% in 2021. This is attributable to the increasing consumer inclination toward a one-stop shopping experience. Most consumers prefer to buy cat litter products from mass merchandisers and supermarkets, such as Walmart, due to their easy availability and extensive presence on such platforms.

Online distribution channel is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to technological advancements and a rising preference for the online distribution channel to purchase cat litter products, especially by consumers with a busy schedules. In addition, the availability of a variety of international brands, heavy discounts, free shipping, and easy return policies are attracting consumers to opt for online platforms for purchasing cat litter products.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the market with a share of 40.27% in 2021. This is attributable to cat adoption among consumers. Moreover, the increasing cat population over the past few years in Europe has resulted in a rising need for more than one cat in numerous households. As per the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), in 2020, more than 110 million cats were present as pets in 88 million European households.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030. The growth is majorly attributed to an increase in nuclear households and a rise in disposable income. Moreover, increasing pet ownership in the region, coupled with growing spending on their healthcare, food, and litter products, is expected to have a positive impact on the market over the forecast period. 

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The cat litter products market is characterized by the presence of a few established players and new entrants. Many big players are increasing their focus on the growing trend of cat litter products. Players in the market are diversifying the service offering in order to maintain market share. Some of the key players operating in the global cat litter products market include:

• The Clorox Company

• Nestlé S.A.

• Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

• Oil-Dri Corporation of America

• Pettex Limited

• Dr. Elsey's

• Eco-Shell, Inc.

• J. RETTENMAIER & SÖHNE GmbH + Co KG (JRS)

• H. von Gimborn GmbH

• Kent Corporation

• Intersand

• Sinchem Silica Gel Co., Ltd.

• Weihai Pearl Silica Gel Co., Ltd.

• Mars, Incorporated

• Silgan Holdings Inc. 

Cat Litter Products Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the cat litter products market based on product type, raw material, distribution channel, and region: 

• Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Clumping

  • Conventional

• Raw Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Clay

  • Silica

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Retail and Supermarkets

  • Online Platform

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Germany

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • India

    • China

    • South Korea

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa