Cat Litter Market

Cat Litter Market Size

The global cat litter market was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 5.3 billion in 2025 to USD 8.6 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is majorly attributed to the growing trend of pet ownership in urban areas, where individuals are adopting cats as pets due to their low maintenance.

In addition to this, the growing tendency of pet owners to treat their pets as family has led to increased annual pet spending. For instance, as per the American Pet Products Association, the average total amount spent on pets, excluding adoption or purchase costs, was USD 1,515 in 2023 and USD 1,516 in 2024. Cat owners spent about USD 1,350 the past two years on average. Thus, the increased pet spending is further expected to drive the adoption of pet care products, including cat litter.

Another significant factor driving the growth of this market is the rising demand for clumping and odor-controlling cat litter products which are convenient and facilitate maintaining hygiene. Due to growing humanization, pet owners are becoming more concerned about the health and hygiene of their pets, thereby shifting their preferences to dust-free, low-tracking, and multi-cat formulas. Simultaneously, the launch of cat litter made from biodegradable materials such as corn, recycled paper, and wood chips is gaining traction due to the shift towards eco-friendly cat litter products. Furthermore, the increasing urbanization and changing lifestyle has pushed consumer preferences for buying such products through e-commerce platforms and subscription-based delivery services due to easy availability and accessibility of a wide range of cat litter products, further driving the adoption of these products.

Cat litter refers to a granular or absorbent material that is used in litter boxes or trays to manage cat waste. These products facilitate controlling odor, absorbing moisture, and simpler cleaning of waste. They are made up of clumping clay, silica gel, and biodegradable options like wood or corn.

Cat Litter Market Trends

• The rising pet ownership and humanization of pets is one of the key trends contributing to the substantial growth of the market.
  
• As per the American Pet Products Association (2023-2024), 66% of households in the U.S. own a pet. Of which, around 46.5 million households own a cat in the U.S.
  
• This increased pet ownership highlights the growing consumer base for essential pet care products. As increasing number of pet owners choose cats as their companions, the need for essential pet hygiene products like cat litter has surged.
  
• Further, a similar trend is observed at global level. For instance, as per the World Animal Foundation, in 2024 the number of cats owned globally was around 373 million. Thus, with cats becoming an integral part of people’s lives, the owners are increasingly investing in high quality pet products, ensuring their pet’s comfort and well-being.
  
• Moreover, the humanization of pets has transformed consumer preferences and expectations, leading to a surge in demand for high-quality and specialized cat litter products.
  
• Further, growing concerns about their pet’s health and well-being encourage pet owners to seek products that can control odour, has better clumping efficiency, are dust-free, and are even made from eco-friendly materials.
  
• Thus, the increasing cat pet population combined with growing trend of humanization is fostering the market expansion as well as encouraging new product launches and innovations.
  

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The imposition of tariffs under the Trump administration might have a considerable impact on the cat litter market, particularly in the U.S.
  
• The tariffs targeting imports from countries like China, which is a major source of raw materials required for cat litter such as bentonite clay and silica gel, might result in higher production costs. China accounts for a significant portion of global bentonite reserves along with the U.S. and India, with China's bentonite being particularly valued for its quality in cat litter production.
  
• These increased costs might be passed on to customers through higher retail prices, potentially impacting the profitability of the product and adoption rates.
  
• Moreover, the imposition of such tariffs might create further complications for the sourcing of both raw materials and finished goods, which could potentially disrupt the global supply chain.
  
• The potential shift to alternative raw material sources might also affect product quality and consistency, as different sources of bentonite clay and silica gel have varying properties that affect clumping, absorption, and odor control. North America currently dominates the market, with the U.S. being a major producer of bentonite clay, but manufacturing processes often rely on imported components or additives that could be subject to tariffs.
  
• While market leaders like Mars Inc., Church & Dwight Co., Inc., The Clorox Company, Nestle Purina, and Oil-Dri Corporation of America have more resources to adapt to these changes, smaller manufacturers might face greater challenges in maintaining competitive pricing and adequate supply in the face of tariff-induced cost increases. The potential need to reformulate products or find alternative suppliers could temporarily disrupt product availability and potentially affect consumer loyalty in a market where brand preferences are relatively strong.
  

Cat Litter Market Analysis

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In 2021, the global market was valued at USD 4.6 billion. The following year, it experienced growth and increased to USD 4.8 billion, and by 2023, the market further reached USD 4.9 billion.

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into clumping and non-clumping. The clumping segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 3.8 billion in 2024.

• The clumping cat litter is a popular choice among pet owners owing to its ability to form solid clumps that can be easily scooped and cleaned as well as reducing the amount of litter that needs to be replaced. Thus, as less litter is required, it becomes a cost-effective option for pet owners, thereby driving its adoption.
  
• Additionally, advantages such as control over odor, moisture absorption, as well as convenience in cleaning and disposal of the waste further solidify the growth of this segment.
  
• Furthermore, the widespread availability of clumping litter online as well as through retail channels fuels the growth of this segment.

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Based on raw material, the cat litter market is divided into clay, silica gel, wood chips, recycled paper, and other raw materials. The clay segment held the highest market share of 80.4% in 2024.  

• Clay-based cat litter has been a traditional choice for cat litter for a long duration of time. The clay-based cat litter, especially the bentonite clay, has been significantly utilized due to its exceptional ability to form clump, simplifying waste management and extending the life of the litter, making it an effective option.
  
• Additionally, its increased absorbency and excellent control over odor further fuel the growth of this market.
  
• They also benefit from the relatively low cost of production, which also plays a crucial role in driving the growth of this segment.
  
• Moreover, the familiarity and trust among consumers as well as the innovations with clay such as scented formulations, dust-free technologies, and low-tracking granules are further expected to drive the growth of this segment.
  

Based on the distribution channel, the cat litter market is divided into offline and online. The offline segment accounted for significant market revenue and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The offline segment is further sub-segment into supermarkets and hypermarkets, pet specialty stores, and convenience stores.

• One of the major drivers for this substantial growth is the high consumer preference for offline channels like supermarkets, hypermarkets, pet specialty stores, and convenience outlets, where they can access the weight, texture, and packaging of these cat litter products.
  
• For instance, as per the Packaged Facts survey cited by GlobalPETS, Walmart is the preferred choice for consumers purchasing cat litter, with 37% having purchased litter from Walmart in the past 12 months.
  
• Additionally, supercenters and mass merchandisers like Target and Kmart are also some of the preferred choices for cat owners purchasing litter.
  
• These figures highlight the significant purchase of cat litter from offline stores like supermarkets and hypermarkets, thereby solidifying their dominant position in the market.

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The North America cat litter market held the largest market share of 40.4% in 2024 in the global market, and it is anticipated to expand at 5.4% CAGR over the forecast period. The large share of this region can be attributed to increasing pet ownership, rising disposable income, growing urbanization, and heightened focus on pet hygiene and convenience products among pet parents.

The U.S. cat litter market was valued at USD 1.92 billion in 2024. In 2021, the U.S. market was valued at USD 1.74 billion which experienced significant growth and reached USD 1.8 billion in 2022 and USD 1.85 billion by 2023.

• According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the total number of pet cats in the U.S. was estimated to be around 73.8 million in 2024. Thus, such a high population of pet cats and the growing phenomenon of humanizing pets has created a significant demand for cat litter products.
  
• Furthermore, the excellent network of retail channels like Walmart and expansion of e-commerce platforms further enhance the availability and accessibility of cat litter products.
  

The Germany cat litter market is anticipated to experience lucrative growth in Europe market.  

• As per a recent report by the Central Association of Zoological Specialist Companies (ZZF), cats are the most popular pets in Germany followed by dogs, with 15.7 million cats living in 25% of households in 2023.
• Additionally, 42% of households had two or more cats, thereby creating a growing demand for cat litter products.
  
• Further, the growing demand for high-performance and sustainable cat litter products is contributing to the growth of this market in Germany.
  
• The shifting consumer preferences among pet owners toward convenience, cleanliness, and overall well-being of their pets positions them to adopt cat litter products in the country.
  

China cat litter market is predicted to grow at substantial rate during the analysis period.

• In China, there is increased cat adoption due to their suitability for small living spaces and low maintenance, which drives the demand for essential hygiene products like cat litter.
  
• Additionally, the growing trend of humanization encourages pet owners to increasingly invest in premium quality pet care products.
  
• Moreover, the domestic brands present in the country are investing in product innovation and packaging, as well as expansion of international companies in China, offering greater variety and accessibility of products.
  

The Brazil cat litter market is expected to experience robust growth in Latin America market.

• As per the Brazilian Association of the Pet Products Industry (Abinpet), the feline population in Brazil grew from 25.6 million in 2020 to approximately 27.1 million in 2021. This increase in feline population is a key factor driving the growth of the market.
  
• The widespread availability of efficient and user-friendly litter products has made management of cat waste more convenient, even for busy pet owners, by simplifying litter box maintenance and supporting overall feline hygiene.
  

The Saudi Arabia cat litter market is witnessing substantial growth in Middle East and Africa cat litter during the analysis period.

• The increase in cat ownership in the country is necessitating the demand for pet care products, including cat litter in Saudi Arabia. As more people are bringing cats into their homes, convenient and hygienic litter solutions are becoming a necessity.
  
• The introduction of premium cat litter products, particularly clumping and odor control cat litter, showcases the consumers' desire for convenience and better cleanliness as they seek to simplify their day-to-day routines.
  
• The growth in retail outlets like supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online stores broadens the availability of such products to a wider audience.
  
• Furthermore, the rising environmental concerns are an additional factor increasing the demand for other non-harmful products among consumers.
  

Cat Litter Market Share

The top 5 companies in the market such as Nestlé, Mars, Church & Dwight, The Clorox Company, and Oil-Dri Corporation of America accounted for approximately 45% of market share. These key players focus on product innovation, sustainability, and strategic acquisitions to enhance their market positions. For instance, in April 2024, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a leading manufacturer of sorbent minerals, including clay-based cat litter, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ultra Pet Company, a prominent supplier of silica gel-based crystal cat litter. The increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious products has prompted companies to invest in research and development, focusing on natural, biodegradable, and odor-controlling formulations. This trend reflects a broader shift towards sustainability and personalized pet care, driving innovation and competition across the market.

Cat Litter Market Companies

Major players operating in the cat litter industry are:

• Barentz International
• Church & Dwight
• Dr. Elsey's
• Healthy Pet
• Intersand
• Kent Corporation
• Mars Incorporated
• Nestlé
• Oil-Dri Corporation of America
• Omlet Limited
• Pettex Limited
• The Clorox Company
• Weihai Pearl Silica Gel
• ZOLUX SAS
  
• MARS Petcare, a global leader in pet nutrition and care, reinforced its market leadership with the India launch of CATSAN Hygiene Plus, a premium non-clumping cat litter brand. Backed by over 30 years of expertise in feline hygiene, CATSAN offers trusted, high-quality litter solutions, now accessible to Indian consumers via Amazon, expanding MARS' reach into emerging pet care markets.
  
• Nestlé leverages its global leadership in pet care through Purina, combining R&D-driven innovation, consumer insights, and supply chain agility. With a strong emphasis on digital engagement and pet parent education, Nestlé positions itself not only as a product provider but as a trusted partner in holistic pet care. Its brand power enables faster market penetration and loyalty-building.
  

Cat Litter Industry News

• In April 2025, Eco-Shell, LP, the company behind the Naturally Fresh line of cat litter products, unveiled its newly enhanced Ultra Odor Control formula, now featuring Fresh Shield Probiotic technology for superior odor management. This product innovation has strengthened the company's position in the competitive natural litter segment by appealing to health-conscious and eco-aware consumers.
  
• In February 2024, PetSafe expanded its premium cat litter portfolio with the launch of ScoopFree Premium Natural Litter, the first high-performance litter in its category to offer exceptional odor control using a 100% natural formula, free from chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. This strategic move has enhanced PetSafe's appeal among eco-conscious consumers seeking safe and effective litter solutions.
  
• In March 2022, ökocat, known for its next-generation natural cat litter, announced its official launch in Pet Supplies Plus, the leading U.S. pet retail franchise. All store locations nationwide began stocking ökocat's Original Premium Clumping Wood Cat Litter, with most also offering the Less Mess Clumping Low-Tracking Mini-Pellets variant. This expanded retail presence significantly boosted ökocat's market reach and visibility among mainstream pet owners.
  

The cat litter market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Clumping
• Non-clumping

Market, By Raw Material

• Clay
• Silica gel
• Wood chips
• Recycled paper
• Other raw materials

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Offline
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Pet specialty stores
  • Convenience stores
• Online
  • E-commerce platforms
  • Brand websites

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE