Core Insights - The Chinese pet market is experiencing steady growth driven by increasing pet ownership and emotional consumption, with a projected growth rate of over 10% in 2024 [2] - The demand for customized pet food is rising, focusing on different life stages and health needs, leading to a shift from generic to specialized and functional pet food [1][2] - The market for pet nutritional supplements is expected to become more segmented, with a growing emphasis on health management and functional products like probiotics and fish oil [1][24] Pet Market Overview - The pet economy in China is closely linked to the national economic development, with a shift in consumer spending from material to emotional consumption [2] - By 2025, the pet market is anticipated to expand rapidly, with diverse service scenarios and health management becoming more refined [2] Pet Population and Types - The number of pet cats has surged, surpassing dogs, with 71.53 million cats expected by 2024, while dog numbers remain stable [4] Pet Food Market Dynamics - Domestic pet food brands dominate the mass market, with differentiation driven by product characteristics [6] Pet Owner Demographics - A higher proportion of pet owners are women, primarily aged 26-35, residing in high-tier cities with stable incomes [8] - Most pet owners are married with children, and many have significant pet care experience [9][11] Emotional Connection with Pets - Pet owners report a strong emotional bond with their pets, viewing them as family members and sources of joy [14] Challenges in Pet Care - Despite the challenges of pet ownership, such as pets resisting care routines, owners maintain a responsible and accommodating attitude [16] Nutritional Awareness - Pet owners prioritize nutrition and health, showing a high level of recognition for scientific and staged feeding practices [18] Pet Food Consumption Trends - Wet and freeze-dried foods lead the market, with functional pet food becoming increasingly popular [20] - Over half of pet owners have fed their pets wet food (54.9%) and freeze-dried food (53.8%) [21] Pet Treats and Snacks - The pet treat market is diversifying, with a shift towards functional treats that provide health benefits [22] - Cat and dog treats are popular, with 61.1% of owners feeding their pets cat/dog sticks [23] Nutritional Supplements - Probiotics are the most popular nutritional supplement, with 53.0% of pet owners using them to support gut health [24][25] - There is a trend towards more precise and functional nutritional supplements tailored to specific health needs [24] Age-Specific Pet Care - Pets are categorized into three life stages: juvenile (under 1 year), young adult (1-10 years), and senior (over 10 years) [28] - Each life stage has distinct nutritional and care requirements, influencing purchasing habits and product preferences [30][38][46] Purchasing Behavior - Pet owners tend to spend more on food and supplements as pets age, with a focus on quality and health benefits [50][52] - Online shopping platforms are increasingly preferred for purchasing pet products, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior [50]