Cat Litter Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Clumping, Conventional), By Raw Material (Clay, Silica, Others), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global cat litter products market size was valued at USD 11.23 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030. The rise in spending on pets coupled with an increase in the number of cat owners across the globe is expected to positively impact the growth. 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 UK, increased by 7.4%, 13.4%, and 10.9%, respectively, from March 2019 to March 2020.

The cat litter products market is experiencing growth due to the introduction of innovative products, such as paper-based and scented cat litter. Traditional cat litter products require cat owners to collect and dispose of the litter in plastic bags, which can be inconvenient. However, paper-based cat litter, made from materials similar to toilet paper, offers the advantage of easy disposal in the toilet. Additionally, scented cat litter is gaining traction in the market, benefiting from the overall increase in demand for scented consumer products. With convenience being a priority for pet owners, the online retail channel has witnessed a surge in cat litter sales.

Moreover, during COVID-19 businesses took a long time to deliver orders, particularly in states, which had stay-at-home advisories 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 acts as a major growth 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

The clumping cat litter dominated the market with a revenue share of around 76.2% in 2022 and is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. 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. Hard-clumping cat litter is often favored by cat owners. For instance, ARM & HAMMER offers HardBall cat litter, which is one of the hardest clumping litters. The product instantly and thoroughly absorbs moisture, forming clumps of rock-hard material that practically shrinks waste.

The conventional cat litter segment is anticipated to showcase a decent CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. 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 litter. According to a blog by PetSafe, the average price of conventional clay-based litter that requires weekly replacement is around USD 0.50, while the average price of clumping litter is around USD 0.75 to USD 1.30.

Raw Material Insights

The silica cat litter products is anticipated to have the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. 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.

The clay cat litter products dominated the market with a share of 83.4% in 2022. 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 odorless, lowering the risk of respiratory problems.

Distribution Channel Insights

Retail stores and supermarkets dominated the global market with a share of 75.9% in 2022. Pet owners majorly prefer products from retail stores and supermarkets for their animal companions as these products are less expensive than prescription-based products. Buying products from offline stores offers face-to-face interaction with sales representatives who can provide guidance and recommendations. According to the Norwegian Pet Trade Association, the annual turnover from retail sales of pet products in specialized stores in Norway increased between 2009 and 2020. In 2020, pet stores generated a sales revenue of around 1.7 billion Norwegian kroner (EURO 190 million). This indicates the immense sales potential of offline retail channels for the cat litter market.

Online channel is expected to witness strong demand for cat litter products and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. Online platforms have enabled manufacturers to gain potential customers, improve their communication, track finances, and cost-effectively boost brand awareness. Digitalization has offered the cat litter market several growth avenues and an active consumer base that prefers shopping online. Many cat litter manufacturers Purina Tidy Cats, World’s Best Cat Litter, and Arm & Hammer have their own websites where customers can purchase products directly.

Regional Insights

North America cat litter products market dominated with a revenue share of more than 40.3% in 2022. The trend of adopting pets gained momentum in the region, especially during the pandemic, when people were spending more time at home. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the number of pet-owning households increased from 67% in 2019 to 70% in 2020. The cat litter market is expected to continue its upward trajectory as pet owners increasingly prioritize their pets’ health, hygiene, and well-being. Additionally, the growing purchasing power of the consumers in U.S. is driving sales in the U.S. as they spend more on their pets' health, hygiene, and well-being.

The Europe cat litter products market is anticipated to have a high potential, attributed to the rising 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.

UK cat litter products industry was valued at USD 456.3 million, which is mainly attributed to an increasing number of cat owners in the UK According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), in April 2022, more than 12 million cats were adopted as pets in UK households. Furthermore, in April 2022, 28% of the households in the UK had at least one cat as a pet, further driving the demand for cat litter in the country.

Asia Pacific market for cat litter products is expected to witness strong demand and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period. 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 healthcare, food, and litter products, is expected to have a positive impact on the market over the forecast period.

This trend is especially pronounced in the more Westernized regions of these countries, fueled by the influence of social media platforms like Instagram. China cat litter products industry was valued at USD 560.0 million and is witnessing significant growth owing to an increase in the pet adoption rate in the country. For instance, According to the 2021 White Paper on China’s Pet Consumption Trends, Chinese cities saw an almost 50% increase in pets since 2015, demonstrating the market's enormous potential.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of a few established players and new entrants. Many big players are increasing their focus on the evolving trends in cat litter products. Key players are diversifying their service offerings to maintain market share.

• In April 2023, Kent Corporation commenced the construction of its manufacturing plant in Muscatine, Iowa. Spanning 113,000 square feet, the facility will be situated on 70 acres of land adjacent to the KENT Distribution Center. It will be equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing machinery, dedicated research and development spaces, and ample room for future expansion initiatives.

• In December 2022, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. announced the expansion of its Ohio, U.S. plant. This expansion was aimed at increasing the facility’s manufacturing capacity for cat litter and involved a substantial investment in machinery, equipment, new processing equipment, and rail enhancements. Upon the project's completion in 2024, it is expected to generate 80 new job opportunities.

Some prominent players in the global cat litter products market include:

• Nestlé S.A.

• The Clorox Company

• Mars, Incorporated

• Oil-Dri Corporation of America

• Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

• Kent Corporation

• Intersand

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

• Dr. Elsey's

• Weihai Pearl Silica Gel Co., Ltd.

• Pettex Limited

• H. von Gimborn GmbH

• Eco-Shell, Inc.

• Sinchem Silica Gel Co., Ltd.

• Omlet Limited

Cat Litter Products Market Report Scope

Global Cat Litter Products Market Report Segmentation

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

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

  • Clumping

  • Conventional

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

  • Clay

  • Silica

  • Others

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

  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

  • Specialty Retail Stores

  • Convenience Stores

  • Online

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Japan

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa