Cat Litter Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Clumping, Conventional), By Raw Material (Clay, Wood/Bamboo/Sawdust), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Cat Litter Products Market Summary

Two-thirds of respondents to a 2022 American Pet Products Association (APPA) study of pet owners said they take their animals into account while making financial goals. Pet owners showed a dedication to providing the required care for their animals, including food (75%) and brand loyalty (56%).

The cat litter products industry 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. In addition, 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.

Consumers prefer car litter that is biodegradable, renewable, and does not contain chemicals or any fragrances. Companies are therefore investing in research and development (R&D) to introduce new natural products that are safe and efficient at the same time. For instance, The Original Poop Bags, a Georgia, U.S.-based company, launched Catfidence, a 100% organic bamboo cat litter. It is manufactured from sustainable pine and bamboo and is certified as compostable. Rising initiatives by various companies in this space are expected to have a positive impact on the market.

Consumers want natural cat litter with functions and features similar to clay-based litter. This means the product should be easy to clean and scoop and offer efficient odor control. Sustainably Yours, a U.S.-based natural cat litter brand, mixes cassava and corn to develop sustainable and renewable cat litter with exceptional performance. The unique formulation results in cat litter with outstanding odor-control and clumping properties, making it extremely easy to scoop and clean.

In the past decade, global pet adoption has significantly increased. A 2021 report from the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) revealed that 46% of European Union households owned a pet, with 26% of the European population having at least one cat, totaling 113.58 million cats in Europe. Pet adoption initiatives play a pivotal role in promoting pet ownership and boosting revenue for pet care product manufacturers. These initiatives raise awareness about the benefits of pet adoption, encourage responsible pet ownership, and provide resources to prospective pet owners.

To capitalize on the prevailing trends market players have been expanding their product facilities enabling it to meet growing demand. In October 2022, for instance, The Clorox Company announced the opening of its Martinsburg cat litter facility. The purpose of constructing this plant was to facilitate the production of cat litter brands, specifically Fresh Step and Scoop Away. The company had publicly announced its intentions to establish the facility in January 2020, highlighting a significant investment of USD 190 million in the Berkeley County location.

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.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The innovation in cat litter products includes the integration of technologies such as moisture-activated indicators and dust-free formulas, enhancing convenience and addressing common issues associated with traditional litters. Companies are investing in developing cat litters using alternative materials, such as natural wood, paper, corn, and walnut shells, to cater to eco-conscious consumers and address concerns about sustainability.

Merger and acquisition activities in the cat litter products market have been notable, with major players seeking to expand their product portfolios and market presence. Companies have engaged in strategic mergers and acquisitions to gain access to new technologies, enhance distribution networks, and capitalize on synergies. In july 2022, Kent Corporation acquired two Australian players-Our Bird, a manufacturer of high-quality bird seed and cat litter based in Queensland, and Lovitts, a manufacturer of high-quality companion animal nutrition based in Melbourne.

Regulation in the cat litter products market primarily focuses on product safety, environmental impact, and labeling requirements. Regulatory bodies oversee the use of materials in cat litters to ensure they are safe for pets and the environment, with stringent guidelines on potentially hazardous substances. Additionally, there are labeling regulations that mandate clear and accurate information regarding usage instructions, safety warnings, and the composition of the product.

Product substitutes in the cat litter products market predominantly include alternatives such as paper-based litters, wood pellets, and natural fibers like corn, wheat, and walnut shells. Additionally, silica gel and crystal-based litters are emerging as popular substitutes due to their high absorbency and odor control properties.

Distribution Channel Insights

Cat litter sales through supermarkets and hypermarkets segment dominated the market with a revenue share of about 39% in 2023. Pet owners prefer purchasing pet care, pet food, and pet grooming products from these channels as these are less expensive than prescription-based products due to various discounts & sales offered at the stores. According to survey data published in an article by Global Pet Industry in February 2020, Walmart stood out as the leading choice among cat owners for purchasing cat litter, with 37% of them making litter purchases at Walmart from 2019 to 2020. Apart from Walmart, big stores such as Target and Kmart were also popular places for buying cat litter, with around 25% of cat owners choosing them for litter shopping.

The online/E-commerce channel is expected to witness strong demand for cat litter products over the coming years, expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030. 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 them directly.

Product Type Insights

The clumping cat litter market accounted for a share of around 74% of the global revenues in 2023, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% from 2024 to 2030. Clumping litter is increasingly gaining consumer attention as cat urine and feces can be removed easily without emptying the litter box. Moreover, the increasing prominence of clumping cat litter owing to its functionality and various benefits will likely 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 category is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 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 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

Clay-based cat litter products accounted for a share of about 81% of the global revenues in 2023. This is attributable to the increasing usage of clay in creating 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.

The wood/bamboo/sawdust segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2030. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly choices, there is a growing demand for wood-based cat litter products. The pellets are produced from recycled softwood materials and offer versatility, effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Healthy Pet, a pet care product brand, offers a range of ökocat wood-based clumping and non-clumping cat litter. The line of eco-friendly and biodegradable cat litter features specially designed mini wood pellets known for their excellent moisture absorption properties.

Regional Insights

The North America cat litter products market accounted for a share of about 39% of the global revenues in 2023. 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. A surge in the utilization of technology in cat litter products has also been pushing the markets. For instance, in April 2023, HHOLOVE announced the launch of iPet Smart Litter Box on Kickstarter, a global crowdfunding platform, for North American consumers. The cat litter products market in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030.

The Europe cat litter products market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2030. 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. The UK cat litter products industry was valued at USD 456.3 million, which is primarily driven by the rising 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.

The Asia Pacific cat litter products market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030. The growth is primarily 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 business over the forecast period. China’s cat litter products industry was valued at about USD 762 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 industry’s enormous potential. The cat litter products market in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030.

India cat litter products market

The surge in cat ownership in India has directly contributed to a significant rise in pet product sales. Particularly during the pandemic lockdowns, cats have proven to be valuable companions for individuals experiencing isolation. According to a blog by Pet Keen, in 2023, cats have become the second most preferred choice for pets. This trend has fueled the demand for cat-specific products, presenting a lucrative opportunity for businesses operating in the market. Therefore, the cat litter products market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2030.

Key Cat Litter Products Company Insights

The industry is characterized by the presence of a few established players and new entrants. Players in the market are diversifying and expanding their operations, adopting product launches, and other strategies to maintain market share.

Recent Developments  

• 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 (R&D) 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.

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 on the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the cat litter products market on the basis of product type, raw materials, distribution channel and region.

• Product Type Outlook (USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Clumping

  • Conventional

• Raw Material Outlook (USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Clay

  • Silica

  • Wood/Bamboo/Sawdust

  • Paper

  • Soy

  • Corn/Grain

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

  • Specialty Retail Stores

  • Convenience Stores

  • Online/E-commerce

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Japan

    • Taiwan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • UAE