Cat owners are spending more and boosting pet retailers

NEW YORK — Cat owners are spending more on feline care and driving growth across pet retailers, according to a report published Sept. 24, 2026. While spending in the dog sector shows signs of softening amid tightening consumer discretionary budgets, retail chains and product manufacturers serving the pet category continue to find resilient demand within the cat ownership segment.

The divergence in spending habits between cat and dog owners highlights a shifting landscape for pet retailers navigating broader economic pressures. As detailed in reporting from CNBC, "Cat owners are spending more and boosting pet retailers", household expenditures on cat products—led by food, supplies, and care items—have maintained momentum even as shoppers scrutinize non-essential retail purchases.

Strategic Context

The sustained strength in cat-related spending comes as retailers face a bifurcated consumer base. Pet operators have historically relied on consistent spending across both canine and feline categories, but recent market conditions have introduced distinct performance gaps between the two.

While dog owners have pulled back on certain discretionary segments, cat owners continue to prioritize outlays for their pets. This resilience provides a critical revenue buffer for major pet supply chains and supermarkets that stock pet food and accessories. Industry operators are adjusting their inventory mixes to capture the durable demand coming from cat households, offsetting the softer volume trends observed in the canine segment.

Forward Outlook

Operators and allocators monitoring the pet retail sector will need to track whether cat-related spending can maintain its current pace if consumer discretionary budgets tighten further. Retailers must balance inventory allocation between dog and cat product lines to protect operating margins as purchasing behaviors evolve across both consumer categories.