Pet owners say their cat’s health is top of mind and well worth it

The number cat owners continue to rise, as a staggering 59 percent of all “pet parents” now own a cat, with more than one-third owning more than one. This growth can be attributed to cats fitting seamlessly into modern pet parents’ busy and urban lifestyles.1 

Cats, and their devoted owners, were the focus of a recent survey by Cargill, which found that nearly 75% of cat parents look for their cat’s food to help address specific health challenges. While these consumers believe cat food plays an important role in supporting their pet’s health, only 40% reported being satisfied with the current offerings on the market - fueling growth opportunities for pet product makers.2 3 

“The pet food market has traditionally revolved around dogs, but with the number of cat-loving households rapidly on the rise, it’s clear that cats are having a moment – and brands are taking notice,” says Chad Wethal, Senior Global Marketing Manager, Pet & Lifestyle for Cargill’s Animal Nutrition business. “A noticeable gap exists between what is currently on the market and what cat parents are looking for, opening the space for new solutions like postbiotics that can deliver the science-backed health benefits they are seeking.”

Some key insights from Cargill’s Cat Parent Survey:

• Cat parents offer a variety of foods to their cats, with nearly 9 in 10 cat parents purchasing dry food for their cats; however, two-thirds also purchase canned food, while one-half also purchase wet food in a pouch.
• Cat parents highly value the quality of the ingredients above price and type of food (dry, wet, etc).
• Nearly one-half of all cat parents are concerned about their cat developing a health condition, ranking vomiting, immune strength, and loose stools as the top three.
• Nearly three-fourths of cat parents look to food to address specific health challenges for their cats, with gut/digestive health the clear leader (46%), followed by immune health (37%) and skin and coat health (32%). 
• The most impactful, on-pack ingredient claims for cat parents were “natural” and “ingredient source”.
• 83% of cat parents who value science and research behind the claims made by cat food and treat companies are looking for evidence found in multiple research studies, followed by cat-specific and in-home use studies. 

Cargill’s team of animal health experts are at the forefront of cat parents’ concerns and challenges, offering cat food manufacturers expert nutrition advice and top-quality ingredients, like Cargill’s postbiotic, TruMune, that deliver the intended health benefits because it’s been supported by species-specific research. 

• Cargill’s pet-proven postbiotic supports a healthy gut microbiome and balanced immunity while also supporting a palatability boost.
• Cargill’s pet-specific postbiotic supports a balanced immune response. A balanced immune response helps cats divert their energy from responding to stress to other daily activities, like bonding with their pet parents. 
• Cargill’s pet-specific postbiotic supports fecal quality, including odor and consistency. 

“Our Cargill Cat Parent Survey and new Feline Postbiotic Clinical Research are a testament to Cargill’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of dogs and cats and the role their gut plays in supporting lifetime health and wellness. This exciting new research builds on an already strong foundation of pet-specific research showing that Cargill’s postbiotics help pets live more healthy and active days. It means more innovation possibilities for pet food brands and peace of mind for pet parents,” added Wethal.

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1-2.      Innova Market Insights, 2023.

3.         Euromonitor Passport Data, 2023

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About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About Cargills Cat Parent Survey

Cargill Cat Parent Survey US & W. Europe 2024 surveyed 1,068 cat owners from four countries (USA = 422, UK = 213, France = 217, Germany = 216).

About Cargill’s Feline Postbiotic Clinical Research

Feline Postbiotics: Latest research and innovation. Supporting Feline Health from the Inside out clinical research evaluated 63 healthy, adult cats weighting 2.5-6.0 kg for 42 days with a 21-day acclimation period; three treatments: 0, 150, 300 mg Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product (SCFP) per kg of bodyweight per day; all cats were fed a premium, complete and balanced adult cat food. A chicken-based formula (32% crude protein;16% crude fat) devoid of SCFP served as base diet and the control (CON).  The SCFP was added to the base diet to deliver 150 mg/kg BW/day SCFP (TRUL) or 300mg/kg BW/day SCFP (TRUH).