New Trends in UK Pet Products: Cats Steal the Show This Festive Season

Latest data from Pets at Home reveals a 4% year-on-year growth in pet-related spending during the festive period, highlighting the increasing integration of pets into UK family celebrations. Among the standout trends, cat products emerged as clear winners: spending on cat-specific Christmas items surged by 26%, in stark contrast to a modest 2% growth for dog products. Small animal accessories also saw a remarkable boost, with a 40% increase in related expenditures.

Advent calendars have become more popular than ever, with 18% more pets receiving these festive treats this year compared to previous seasons. The demand for cat advent calendars rose by 31%, outpacing the 16% growth in dog advent calendars—a trend that mirrors the strong spending momentum on feline products.

Notably, nearly 90% of consumers chose to purchase Christmas pet snacks and toys from Pets at Home’s physical stores, while online purchases accounted for just 12%. This preference for in-store shopping underscores UK pet owners’ desire to personally browse festive products, enjoy the Christmas shopping experience, and handpick items they are confident their pets will love.

Additionally, Pets at Home’s research found that 3.1 million UK households plan to spend more on their pets’ Christmas gifts than on any other family member this year—a testament to the growing importance of pets in modern families.

Anja Madsen, Chief Operating Officer at Pets at Home, commented: “This Christmas, we’ve seen more people than ever visiting our stores to select special gifts for their pets, and it’s clear that cat products are leading the way. Consumers value the ability to browse festive snacks and toys in person, ensuring they choose items their pets will enjoy. This year, in particular, cat owners have significantly increased their spending on pets—from toys to advent calendars—reflecting the important role all types of pets play in family life. Pets are being included in festive celebrations like never before, and we’re delighted to share this experience with customers when they visit our pet care centers.”