Pet spending shifts as cat care rises and dog spending declines, reshaping the $billions pet market.

Recent reports from pet industry leaders including Chewy, Petco, and General Mills reveal a growing trend: consumers are spending more on cats and cutting back on dogs. Cat ownership surged by 5% in 2025, outpacing dog ownership growth, and cat-related product sales are rising strongly. Dogs still cost more annually, but many pet owners are reducing overall spending, favoring cats' lower costs. Despite Chewy's strong earnings and raised guidance, its stock has fallen significantly over the past year. This shift highlights changing consumer preferences and could influence future pet product strategies and market dynamics.

Chewy Inc (CHWY) trades at USD 18.56 with a slight 0.05% gain as of Sep 24, 2026, 23:51 WIB, showing steady investor interest despite its stock's significant fall over the past year. The article's focus on shifting pet spending aligns with Chewy's current market cap of $7.46B and full buy-side order activity on Pluang, reflecting confidence in the pet retail sector. Meanwhile, General Mills (GIS), involved in pet food, is priced at USD 35.28, down 1.51% on the day, with a market cap of $19.15B and a dividend yield of 6.81%.