春节将至，很多年轻人即将踏上返乡之路。 人回老家，如何照顾好留守的"猫主子"，成了"铲屎官"的头等大事。 除了水、食物外，猫砂也是必备之物。 猫砂，从上世纪40年代被美国人发明之后，就逐渐成了"猫主子"和"铲屎官"们的必需品。 你可以将其理解为一堆沙子，猫砂遇水后会结成块状，方便猫主人用猫砂铲将粪便和尿液结成的团块直接铲出，减少了清理猫排泄物的难度和时间成本。 所谓的"铲屎官"，也就是这么来的。 随着"猫主子"的群体越来越大，猫砂也成了"铲屎官"们的必备之物。 世界上最大的猫砂产地在哪？ 内蒙古的一个小县城，出产全国三分之二、全球五分之一的膨润土猫砂。 我们一起走进"中国猫砂之乡"，内蒙古赤峰市宁城县。 01 全球最大 上世纪的40年代，美国人爱德华·罗威利用粘土浸泡液体的特性，发明了全世界第一款猫砂。 这里先做个简单的科普。 猫砂，是一种解决猫"上厕所"的东西。 猫用猫砂 经过几十年的发展，猫砂的种类也变得多种多样，但是以膨润土为材料的猫砂，一直都占据着近一半的市场，属于猫砂界的绝对主力和首选。 宠物清洁用品中，猫砂占了最大的比重 图片来源：华经产业研究院 这也让内蒙古赤峰市的宁城县，成了全球最大的"猫砂基 ...

Core Insights - The cat litter market in China is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing number of pet cats and the rising demand for pet products, with the market expected to reach approximately 200 billion yuan by 2027 [1][5][6] Industry Overview - Cat litter is a necessary product for pet owners, primarily made from materials like bentonite and tofu residue, designed to absorb waste and mask odors [2][4] - The market for pet cats in China has expanded from 106 billion yuan in 2021 to an estimated 144.5 billion yuan in 2024, with a projected growth to 215.1 billion yuan by 2027 [5][6] Market Segmentation - The cat litter market is diverse, with bentonite litter dominating, while tofu litter and mixed litter are rapidly growing segments [1][8] - The penetration rate of cat litter among cat owners is high, reaching 92.2% in 2024, indicating its essential status in pet care [6][8] Supply Chain Structure - The cat litter industry in China has a well-defined supply chain, with raw material suppliers, production clusters, and a mix of online and offline sales channels [4][9] - Key production areas include Inner Mongolia for bentonite and Shandong for tofu litter, while consumption is concentrated in coastal provinces like Guangdong and Jiangsu [8][9] Competitive Landscape - The industry is characterized by a large number of small to medium-sized enterprises, with over 500 companies operating in the market [9][10] - Leading brands are leveraging local resources and technological advantages to establish a competitive edge, while new entrants focus on niche markets [10][12] Future Trends - The cat litter industry is expected to evolve towards high-end functional products, with innovations in odor control and health monitoring features [10][11] - Brand competition is intensifying, with established brands enhancing their market position through R&D and marketing, while new brands target specific consumer segments [11][12] - The market is likely to see consolidation as weaker players exit, and stronger brands optimize their supply chains and expand their market presence [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of the U.S. tariff policy on Chinese cat litter brands, highlighting how these brands have successfully navigated challenges and gained market share in the U.S. despite increased costs due to tariffs [1][5][6]. Group 1: Tariff Impact and Market Response - The U.S. government raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, causing significant disruptions across various industries, including the pet product sector [1]. - Chinese cat litter brands, such as Michu, faced a 50% increase in costs due to tariffs but managed to maintain their market position by raising prices by 20% without losing consumer interest [5][6]. - Michu has become a leading brand on platforms like TikTok and Amazon in the U.S., demonstrating resilience against tariff-induced price increases [5][6]. Group 2: Competitive Advantages of Chinese Brands - Michu's success is attributed to its unique product offering, specifically "tofu cat litter," which provides superior performance and health benefits compared to traditional litter [8][9]. - The U.S. pet product market is the largest globally, accounting for over 40% of the market share, with an estimated size of approximately $80.69 billion in 2024 [7]. - Chinese manufacturers have a cost advantage in producing tofu cat litter, even with tariffs, due to lower production costs in China compared to potential local manufacturing in North America [9]. Group 3: Innovation and Market Adaptation - Companies like Michu and Xingmei Technology are innovating by addressing specific consumer needs, such as health monitoring through cat litter that changes color based on the cat's urine [19]. - Michu has expanded its market presence significantly, achieving a growth rate of 500% annually since its establishment in 2022, driven primarily by the U.S. market [9]. - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding local market demands and building relationships with consumers and partners to succeed in foreign markets [12][13].