A new report by Pets at Home says “cats are the biggest winners of festive shopping” this year.
Research from the retailer showed that seasonal spending for pets is up 4% year-on-year, and spending on cat products has risen by over 26%. Spending on small animals is up 40%, and spending on dogs has grown by 2%.
According to the data, 88% of shoppers prefer to buy Christmas pet treats and toys in-store, and experiential retail is a key component of customers’ purchasing decisions.
Anja Madsen, chief operating officer at Pets at Home, said: “This Christmas, we’re seeing more people than ever heading into stores to choose something special for their pets, and it’s clear that cats are coming out on top.
“Shoppers really value being able to browse festive treats and toys in person, experiencing the joy of Christmas shopping and picking something they know their pets will love.”
Pets at Home also highlighted that advent calendars are a popular option for consumers, with 18% of respondents having purchased one for their pets this year. Calendars for cats saw a 31% rise in popularity, compared with a 16% increase for dogs.
Pets at Home reported that 3.1 million households will spend more on gifts for their pets than on any other family member over the festive period.
