【Announcement!】Cat Food Awareness Survey Report! What do pet owners prioritize when choosing cat food?

When it comes to cat food, there's kibble, wet food, and functional options designed for weight management, hairball control, or picky eaters.

You're probably curious about what everyone else is feeding their cats. To find out, we surveyed 450 cat owners about their feline feeding habits!

We did a deep dive into common questions about cat food, such as "There are so many types, I don't know which one to choose," and "I want to know what people prioritize when selecting cat food." Which cat food brands are the most popular among owners...?

"Dry Food + Wet Food" is the most common diet

Most owners reported that they feed their cats either nutritionally complete or veterinary therapeutic "dry food." Dry food provides a good balance of the nutrients cats need and has a long shelf life, making it an ideal staple diet.

However, some cats may lose interest if fed only dry food. Many cats also don't drink enough water. That’s where "wet food" comes in handy. Mixing wet food into dry food can make meals more appetizing and provide hydration at the same time.

In our survey, 191 owners answered they feed "dry food only," while 253 answered "dry food + wet food." It seems many owners practice "mix feeding" by using both.

"Royal Canin" is a popular cat food brand

The number one most popular brand is "Royal Canin." It is frequently recommended by veterinarians and is the choice for health-conscious owners.

Products from famous manufacturers such as Nestlé (Purina One, Mon Petit), Inaba (CIAO), Mars (Kalkan, Sheba, Nutro), Unicharm (Gin no Spoon), and Hill's (Science Diet, Prescription Diet) are also popular.

Additionally, under "Other," we saw many responses naming premium brands like Mog Nyan, Canagan, Acana, and Artemis, which are focused on ingredients like meat and fish.

"Safety" and "Reliability" are top priorities when buying

The number one priority when purchasing cat food is that it is, or appears to be, "highly safe."

This is followed by "clear ingredient labeling," "a trusted brand," and "being appropriate for the cat's age," showing that many owners put their cats first.

Because our cats are precious family members, this shows the love owners have in wanting to provide safe and healthy food.

Monthly food costs range from 2,000 to 4,000 yen

For monthly food costs per cat, about 30% of owners spend 2,000–3,000 yen, and about 22% spend 3,000–4,000 yen. Roughly half of all owners spend between 2,000 and 4,000 yen per month.

More than half purchase via "Online Shops"

About 57% of owners purchase cat food through online shops. Cat food is heavy, so it's easier to have it delivered. Some shops also offer "subscription" services, which is a great benefit as they often come with discounts.

Since some brands are only available online, it’s a good idea to check online shop reviews from other owners when you're worried about your cat's appetite or health.

Where you buy depends on the brand. Famous brands can be easily found at mass retailers like home centers, supermarkets, and drugstores, while functional foods like therapeutic diets or hairball care products are sometimes only available at pet shops or animal hospitals.

Cat food frustrations: The "Classic Cat Struggles"

Regarding difficulties in choosing cat food, 35.2% of owners cited "high prices."

Also notable are "I have multiple cats, but they have different preferences (24.1%)" and "They won't eat it, or they stop eating it quickly (23.9%)."

These are classic cat owner struggles. It's said that cats have their own flavor preferences; if it’s not the brand they like, they won't touch it, or their tastes might suddenly change... it’s tough for owners.

Appetite is a key indicator of a cat's health. Observe your cat carefully to see if they are just being picky or if they have lost their appetite due to an underlying health issue.

Owners expressed several other frustrations as well. Here are a few excerpts:

• Special therapeutic diets are too expensive.
• I buy small packs to keep it fresh, but it's more expensive than large-capacity bags.
• Online shops don't sell small amounts, so buying is a gamble as to whether they'll like it.
• I want variety packs with many different flavors.
• They eat some brands depending on their mood but refuse others.
• There aren't enough allergy-friendly options.
• There are more choices for dog food.
• I wish they wouldn't use artificial colors or additives.
• There are few human-grade products; it’s frustrating that there's not much to choose from.

We received many opinions that made us say, "That's so true!" These frustrations really highlight how much owners care for their cats.

70% have set meal times and portions

Regarding how they feed their cats, 67.6% of owners said they "feed a set amount at set times," and 7% "use an automatic feeder," meaning about 70% have a structured meal schedule.

While it depends on the owner's lifestyle, sticking to set times and amounts is generally better for the cat's health management.

However, some cats are "grazers" who prefer to nibble throughout the day. For cats with a smaller appetite, leaving food out may be more suitable.

Summary

In this survey, we found that cat foods with high safety and reliability, like Royal Canin, are the most popular. Many owners choose food based on ingredients rather than price, with the absence of artificial colors and additives being a key factor.

While it reveals how "cat-first" owners are, we also received many comments about the unique challenges of dealing with taste-sensitive cats, such as them refusing to eat or having different preferences.

Finding out what your cat loves can be a bit of a challenge, but watching them eat happily is absolutely adorable. We hope you can find a cat food your cat loves to eat, within your budget!

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