踩准“它经济”，煤城做起猫砂生意

Core Insights - The 2026 China Pet Industry White Paper indicates that the national urban dog and cat consumption market will reach 312.6 billion yuan by 2025, with an average annual spending of 2,085 yuan per cat, both hitting historical highs [1] - The city of Jiawang, with a population of just over 500,000, has become a major producer of plant-based cat litter, accounting for over 37% of the national market [1] Group 1: Industry Transformation - Jiawang, once reliant on coal, is transitioning to a green and sustainable development model, with the pet products industry, particularly cat litter, serving as a key breakthrough [2] - The local agricultural resources, such as corn and soybeans, provide abundant and low-cost raw materials for cat litter production, supported by a robust logistics network [2] Group 2: Technological Innovation - The shift from coal waste to cat litter reflects a fundamental change in development paths, with local companies adapting to market demands by producing various types of cat litter [3] - Jiawang has attracted 16 pet product manufacturers, employing over 1,000 people and establishing a complete supply chain from raw material processing to logistics [3] Group 3: Product Development - Companies are investing in R&D to create innovative products, such as health-monitoring cat litter and pH-sensitive smart litter, which are in high demand in international markets [4] - The rise of the cat litter industry is fostering growth in the broader pet economy, with local villagers finding new income opportunities through pet breeding and sales [5] Group 4: Future Prospects - Jiawang's cat litter production is projected to exceed 550,000 tons by 2026, with an estimated output value of 1.5 billion yuan, indicating a clear and expanding industry chain [6] - The establishment of themed parks and pet hospitals is enhancing the local pet economy, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates production, services, and tourism [6]