Core Insights - The Chinese pet market is expanding due to increasing pet ownership and emotional consumption, with a shift from generic to customized pet food tailored to different life stages and health needs [1][2][4] - The demand for functional nutritional supplements is rising, with probiotics and fish oil becoming popular among pet owners [1][24] Pet Market Growth - The pet economy in China is experiencing steady growth, projected to increase by over 10% year-on-year in 2024, with diverse service scenarios and health management becoming more refined [2][4] - The market is expanding into lower-tier cities, releasing potential for further growth [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 stabilize [4] - The most common cat breed is the Chinese rural cat, while the Chinese rural dog is the most popular dog breed [4] Pet Food Market Dynamics - Domestic pet food brands dominate the mass market, with differentiation driven by product characteristics [6] - Wet food and freeze-dried food are leading the market, reflecting pet owners' preferences for high palatability and health [20][21] Pet Owner Demographics - A higher proportion of pet owners are women, primarily aged 26-35, residing in high-tier cities with stable incomes [8][9] - Most pet owners have at least one year of experience in pet care, indicating a knowledgeable consumer base [11][12] Emotional Connection with Pets - Pet owners report a strong emotional bond with their pets, viewing them as family members and sources of joy [14] - Despite challenges in pet care, owners maintain a responsible and accommodating attitude towards their pets [16] Nutritional Awareness - Pet owners prioritize nutrition and health, showing high recognition of scientific and staged feeding practices [18] - The pet food market is seeing a shift towards functional and tailored nutrition, with a focus on specific health needs [24] Nutritional Supplement Trends - Probiotics lead the nutritional supplement market at 53%, with a growing interest in targeted health solutions [24][25] - Pet owners are increasingly opting for supplements that address specific health concerns, such as joint health and heart support [25] Feeding Habits by Life Stage - Young pets require high nutritional support and frequent feeding, while adult pets have larger appetites and need balanced nutrition [30][38] - Senior pets need easy-to-chew, low-calorie foods with essential nutrients to maintain health [46][48] Purchasing Behavior - Pet owners tend to purchase food and supplements based on promotions and nutritional content, with a preference for online and specialized retail channels [34][42][50] - The purchasing frequency and spending vary by life stage, with younger pets having lower spending compared to adult and senior pets [36][44][52]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese pet market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing pet ownership and emotional consumption, leading to a shift towards customized and functional pet food tailored to different life stages and health needs [1][2]. Group 1: Market Overview - The pet economy in China is substantial and steadily growing, with a projected growth rate of over 10% year-on-year in 2024, and further acceleration expected in 2025 due to diversified service scenarios and health management upgrades [2]. - The number of pet cats has rapidly increased, surpassing dogs, with 71.53 million cats expected by 2024, while dog numbers remain stable [4]. Group 2: Pet Food Market - Domestic pet food brands dominate the mass market, with differentiation driven by product characteristics [6]. - The pet food market is seeing a trend towards wet food and freeze-dried options, with over half of pet owners feeding their pets canned or soft-packaged wet food [20][21]. Group 3: 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 one pet, indicating a trend towards single-pet households [9][11]. Group 4: Pet Care and Emotional Connection - Pet owners report a strong emotional bond with their pets, rating their feelings at an average of 9 out of 10, viewing pets as family members and companions [14]. - Despite challenges in pet care, owners maintain a responsible and accommodating attitude towards their pets [16]. Group 5: Nutritional Awareness - Pet owners prioritize nutrition and health, showing a high level of recognition for scientific and staged feeding practices [18]. - The demand for functional nutritional supplements is rising, with probiotics being the most popular choice among pet owners [24][25]. Group 6: Feeding Habits by Life Stage - For puppies and kittens, owners focus on providing balanced nutrition and disease prevention, with a preference for high-quality ingredients [30][32]. - Young adult pets require a higher intake of protein and regular exercise, with owners spending more on food and supplements [38][40]. - Senior pets need special dietary considerations, with a focus on easy-to-chew, low-calorie foods that support joint health and overall well-being [46][48]. Group 7: Purchasing Behavior - Pet owners tend to purchase food from online platforms and specialty stores, with a focus on promotions and nutritional content [34][42][50]. - The purchasing frequency and spending vary by life stage, with young adult pets leading to higher expenditures compared to puppies and senior pets [44][52].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese pet market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing pet ownership and emotional consumption, leading to a shift towards customized and functional pet food tailored to different life stages and health needs [1][2]. Group 1: Market Overview - The pet economy in China is substantial and steadily growing, with a projected growth rate of over 10% year-on-year in 2024, and further acceleration expected in 2025 due to diversified service scenarios and health management [2]. - The number of pet cats has rapidly increased, surpassing dogs, with 71.53 million cats expected by 2024, while dog numbers remain stable [4]. Group 2: Pet Food Market - Domestic pet food brands dominate the mass market, with differentiated competition driven by product characteristics [6]. - The main types of pet food include wet food and dry food, with over 54.9% of pet owners feeding their pets wet food, reflecting a demand for high palatability and health [20][21]. Group 3: Pet Owner Demographics - The majority of pet owners are women aged 26-35, primarily residing in high-tier cities with stable incomes and higher education levels [8]. - Most pet owners are married with children, and many have one pet, indicating a trend towards single-pet households [9][11]. Group 4: Pet Owner Attitudes - Pet owners have a strong emotional connection with their pets, viewing them as family members and sources of joy, with an average emotional bond rating of 9 out of 10 [14]. - There is a high recognition of the importance of nutrition and health for pets, with many owners adopting scientific feeding practices based on their pets' life stages [18]. Group 5: Pet Nutrition Supplements - The demand for functional nutrition supplements is rising, with probiotics being the most popular choice among pet owners at 53% [24][25]. - Pet owners are increasingly focused on precise nutritional needs, moving from general supplementation to targeted functional products [24]. Group 6: Feeding Habits by Life Stage - For puppies and kittens, owners prioritize nutrition and disease prevention, with a preference for high-quality food options [30][32]. - Young adult pets require balanced nutrition and regular exercise, with owners spending more on food and supplements [38][40]. - Senior pets need special dietary considerations, with a focus on easy-to-digest foods and essential nutrients to maintain health [46][48].

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]

Core Insights - The global pet economy is experiencing significant growth, with the market expected to exceed $300 billion by 2025 and reach $500 billion by 2030 [1] - Eastern Europe is emerging as a new engine for the global pet economy, driven by rapid economic growth and changing lifestyles [3] Market Growth - The pet care market in Eastern Europe is growing at an annual rate of 8.8%, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the global pet care market [1][3] - Poland's GDP growth is projected at 2.9% and Romania's at 2.1% for 2024, significantly outpacing Germany's 0.6% [3] Consumer Behavior - High pet ownership rates in Eastern Europe, with Romania having 48% of households owning cats and 45% owning dogs, exceed the EU average [3] - The increase in disposable income and the trend of pet humanization are driving demand for pet products and care [5] E-commerce Dynamics - eMAG is the leading e-commerce platform in Eastern Europe for pet products, with over 90% brand recognition in Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary [11] - The average transaction value for pet-related categories on eMAG has seen significant growth, with some categories increasing by over 60% year-on-year [7][9] Product Categories - Popular product categories include pet cosmetics, grooming tools, and training equipment, with pet care products showing a 13% market value increase in 2024 [5][8] - The top five highest average transaction value products include pet carriers, travel accessories, and nutritional supplements [9] Sales Trends - Sales peak on Mondays, as consumers tend to research and compare products over the weekend [10] - eMAG's pet category has consistently shown a year-on-year growth rate exceeding 20% from 2021 to 2024 [11] Strategic Opportunities - The untapped potential in the Eastern European pet market presents a lucrative opportunity for cross-border sellers [10] - eMAG has invested over €4 billion in local infrastructure and launched support programs for Chinese sellers, enhancing market entry opportunities [13] Future Outlook - The explosion of the Eastern European pet market is underway, with eMAG holding a 92% market share, providing a gateway for sellers to establish brand recognition [14]