Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid growth and transformation of the pet industry in China, driven by the "spoiling economy" where pet owners increasingly invest in high-quality products and services for their pets, reshaping consumer behavior and market dynamics [2][14][35]. Group 1: Pet Consumption Trends - Pet food dominates the market, with 17 out of the top 20 brands in the pre-sale rankings for the 2025 Double Eleven event being pet food-related, indicating a strong consumer preference [3]. - The overall transaction volume and buyer numbers for pet products on platforms like Taobao and Tmall are projected to grow over 50% year-on-year in 2024, with new customers contributing nearly 50% [3]. - The demand for smart pet products has surged, with sales of smart pet beds increasing by nearly 15,200% and smart odor eliminators by 1,120% [3]. Group 2: Changing Consumer Behavior - Pet ownership is leading to a shift in household consumption patterns, with durable goods increasingly being replaced by fast-moving consumer goods due to pets' destructive behaviors [9][10]. - The average compensation for furniture damage caused by pets is around 1,865 yuan, with furniture damage claims accounting for 37.2% of all pet-related insurance claims [6][14]. - A significant portion of pet owners (over 60%) are willing to pay for pet behavior training, with average spending per session ranging from 300 to 500 yuan, reflecting a growing market for pet training services [19]. Group 3: Market Growth Projections - The market for cat scratching boards is expected to exceed 6.5 billion yuan by 2025, with a stable annual growth rate of over 20% [17]. - The pet step market is also expanding, with mid-to-high-end products expected to account for 42% of the market by 2024, showing a trend towards product upgrades and brand premiumization [24]. Group 4: Urban and Home Adaptations - The presence of pets is driving home design changes, with 54.3% of dog owners and 51.2% of cat owners incorporating pet-friendly designs during renovations [22]. - Innovations in home furnishings, such as multifunctional furniture that accommodates pets, are emerging as a new growth area in the home goods market [26][28]. - The pet-friendly trend is extending beyond homes to urban spaces, with pet-friendly restaurants and hotels becoming more common, leading to increased customer traffic and sales [34]. Group 5: Global Context and Future Potential - In comparison to the U.S. pet market, which is valued at approximately $151.9 billion, China's pet market is growing steadily, with a projected market size of 300.2 billion yuan in 2024 [35][38]. - The average annual spending on pets in the U.S. is significantly higher than in China, indicating substantial growth potential for the Chinese pet market as consumer spending increases [38]. - Chinese pet product brands are gaining traction in international markets, showcasing the potential for global expansion and the deepening of the "spoiling economy" [41][43].