Purr-fect nutrition for Europe’s growing cat population

At C&D Foods, we don’t just bring pet nutrition expertise to our customers in the retail and branded pet food sectors to ensure that cats and dogs across Europe enjoy quality foods that keep them happy and healthy – we also love animals!

Understanding the deep bond between people and their owners is at the heart of everything we do – and it’s personal, too. Many of us share our home with a cat or dog, and our Head of Category Development for the UK & Germany, Zoe, has added two of the most recent feline companions to the C&D Foods family after adopting two British Shorthair kittens (white with black patches if you were wondering) from Cheshire Cats Rescue. The duo, named Rosie and Teddy, have been vaccinated, microchipped (now a legal requirement in the UK) and are settling into their new home, adored by their new family.

A growing cat population

Zoe and her family aren’t the only ones welcoming new feline friends. Over the past five years, the cat population in key European markets has shown significant growth. Notably, Germany’s cat population has risen from 14.6 million in 2019 to 16.4 million in 2024*, while the UK now has 12.5 million pet cats, with a feline companion residing in 29 per cent of homes**.

At C&D Foods, we keep a close eye on trends in cat ownership to help us advise our customers on the opportunities for product development and range extensions. For example, it’s clear that along with increasing numbers of cats in key European markets, there is also a trend towards humanisation of feline companions (even reflected in Zoe’s choice of popular human names for her kittens!), where pets are increasingly considered integral family members, deserving of the same care and attention as their human ‘pawrents’ and siblings.

Increases in cat ownership

The trend in cat ownership also highlights a significant shift in household dynamics, with Portugal and Spain illustrating notable increases too. Portuguese households owning cats rose from 31.2% in 2019 to 36.2% in 2024, while Spanish households saw an increase from 15.9% to 19.4% over the same period*. In all other countries analysed, including Belgium, France, Ireland and Italy, there was growth in both cat population and ownership. These statistics underscore a growing European inclination towards embracing cats as cherished companions.

Understanding market trends

In the world of pet food manufacturing, understanding shifts in pet ownership is crucial. We recognise that trends like these generate valuable insights for the retailers and brands we advise and manufacture for. Our expertise and passion for pet nutrition enable us to provide tailored recommendations, helping our customers to craft strategies that meet the demands of the modern pet owner in markets where the needs are highest. Our business thrives on a balance of professional insight and personal experiences – like Zoe’s – which enrich our understanding and approach to pet care.

A lifetime of nutrition

As the landscape of pet ownership continues to evolve throughout Europe, we will remain at the forefront of those evolving pet demographics and trends – for both cats and dogs – offering guidance grounded in expertise and a genuine love for animals. We work collaboratively with our customers  to ensure that pets across the continent receive the highest standards of nutrition in a format that’s right for them and their owners.

Kittens like Rosie and Teddy need a lot of love and attention, with Zoe reporting that her new bundles of furry joy are full of energy and ready to play at 3am! Taking on a pet needs thought and a commitment to caring responsibly for their needs, throughout their lives. At C&D Foods, we’re proud to be playing a part in helping pet owners do just that and show love with a lifetime of delicious nutrition.

*Source: Euromonitor International

**Source: UK Pet Food