The global pet care industry is seeing significant shifts in the past 48 hours, with recent market metrics and executive commentary painting a dynamic and competitive environment. A major highlight in the U.S. is the notable growth of the feline veterinary sector. According to newly released data from the CATalyst Council, cats accounted for a record 23 percent of all vet clinic visits in Q3 2025. Feline visits are up 2 percent, contrasting with a broader decline in overall companion animal visits since 2022; this suggests a fundamental shift as kitten adoptions outpace those of puppies and industry leaders refocus strategies toward cats. The U.S. feline veterinary market could potentially expand 2.5 times to reach 32 billion dollars if feline medicalization matches current levels seen in dogs. This growth offers a potential buffer for the industry against the headwinds in general pet clinical services.

Pet food prices continue to reflect cost pressures. U.S. retail-level pet food prices have surged 27 percent since late 2018, and manufacturing prices are up 34 percent during the same period. Most of this escalation was driven by pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and rising costs for labor, energy, and ingredients. Although manufacturing prices remain elevated and have become a new baseline, retail prices softened in 2024 and are rising only modestly in 2025, leading to margin compression and more value-driven consumer behavior, especially in higher-priced categories such as grain-free or protein-rich foods.

The pet technology sector is expanding rapidly, with the global market size estimated at 18.28 billion dollars in 2025 and projected to reach 79.41 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by innovations in connected devices, AI-powered health monitoring, and smart feeders, as well as the increased humanization of pets. Market leaders, including Mars Petcare and Nestlé Purina, emphasize tech integration and supply chain resilience in response to supply uncertainty and cost inflation.

Supply chain stability remains under active management as companies shift towards resilient sourcing and long-term supplier partnerships. Consumers, pressed by ongoing price increases, show growing caution and are increasingly focused on value and wellness, such as functional treats and dietary supplements. Overall, this week’s activity underscores an industry balancing innovation and expansion with cautious, value-oriented consumer sentiment and operational resilience.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI