market-trends/” rel=”noopener”>China pet spending 2025 — Urban spending on dogs and cats in China reached RMB 312.6 billion in 2025, up 4.1% from a year earlier, according to the 2026 China Pet Industry White Paper. The figures confirm that the world’s most dynamic pet market is maturing — trading rapid volume growth for a deeper, more value-driven phase of development.
About the China pet spending 2025
A maturing, premium market
China’s pet boom has entered a new stage. After years of double-digit expansion driven by rising ownership, growth is now increasingly powered by owners spending more per animal rather than simply by more households acquiring pets. That premiumization is the defining feature of the current cycle.
What is driving the growth
Three forces stand out. First, functional nutrition — food and supplements targeting weight, joints, skin, digestion and life-stage needs — is moving from niche to mainstream. Second, cats continue to gain share, with feline spending growing faster than canine as apartment living favours cats. Third, younger, digitally native owners are willing to pay for quality, transparency and brand story.
Cross-border and domestic brands converge
The white paper highlights continued cross-border expansion, both of international brands entering China and of Chinese manufacturers building premium credentials at home and abroad. Domestic labels that once competed on price are now investing in nutrition science, ingredient sourcing and brand marketing to defend and grow share against global rivals.
Why the world is watching
At more than RMB 312 billion and still growing, China’s urban dog-and-cat market is a bellwether for the global pet economy. Its shift toward premium, functional and science-led products signals where demand is heading — and why manufacturers, retailers and investors worldwide are paying close attention.
