According to a national pet owners survey, there was a total of approximately 95.6 million cats living in households in the United States in 2017. In the same year, some 68 percent of all U.S. households owned at least one pet.

Increasing pet expenditure

Whilst the number of households owning cats, and pets in general, has remained relatively consistent over the last few years, pet industry expenditure has steadily grown. Consumers are expected to spend a record breaking 75.38 billion U.S. dollars on their pets in 2019. The majority of pet market revenue comes from food sales, followed by veterinary care costs.

Shopping location preferences

When it comes to shopping locations, most consumers still purchase their pet products in physical retail stores. However, the number of consumers buying pet products online is on the rise. Dry cat food was the number one pet product bought online by cat owners in the United States in 2018.

An estimated ** million households in the United States owned at least one dog according to a 2024/25 pet owners survey, making them the most widely owned type of pet across the U.S. at this time. Cats and freshwater fish ranked in second and third places, with around ** million and ** million households owning such pets, respectively. Freshwater vs. salt water fish Freshwater fish spend most or all their lives in fresh water. Fresh water’s main difference to salt water is the level of salinity. Freshwater fish have a range of physiological adaptations to enable them to live in such conditions. As the statistic makes clear, Americans keep a large number of freshwater aquatic species at home as pets. American pet owners In 2023, around ** percent of all households in the United States owned a pet. This is a decrease from 2020, but still around a ** percent increase from 1988. It is no surprise that as more and more households own pets, pet industry expenditure has also witnessed steady growth. Expenditure reached over *** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, almost a sixfold increase from 1998. The majority of pet product sales are still made in brick-and-mortar stores, despite the rise and evolution of e-commerce in the United States.

Vermont was the leading state in terms of cat ownership, with some ** percent of households owning a pet cat in 2025. In comparison, around ** percent of households in Wisconsin were cat owners that year. Cat ownership in the U.S. There are almost ** million households in the U.S. that own a cat. Cats are the second most popular type of pets, only surpassed by dogs, which are owned by about ** million households. The average accident and illness insurance premium for a cat in the U.S. amounts to approximately *** U.S. dollars annually. The costs of insurance largely depend on the type of cat. The largest cat insurance claims paid in Canada and in the U.S. are made for a sphynx. A total claim amount of approximately ****** U.S. dollars is paid annually to treat various conditions for this breed. In comparison, a total claim amount of slightly under ****** U.S. dollars is paid for domestic short hairs at the age of 4. American pet food companies The global pet food market has shown a growing trajectory for over a decade. The market reached sales of approximately *** billion U.S. dollars in 2022. The U.S. company Freshpet is the fourth fastest-growing pet food company worldwide, with an annual growth rate of about ** percent. The U.S. companies General Mills and Tuffy’s Pet Foods are also among the top ten fastest-growing pet food companies worldwide, with annual growth rates of approximately ** and ** percent, respectively. The German company Bewital petfood GmbH & Co. KG ranks in first place, with an annual growth rate of almost 100 percent. The leading pet food company in the U.S. is Mars Petcare Inc., with **** billion U.S. dollars in revenue. Nestlé Purina PetCare follows closely in second place with just under **** billion U.S. dollars in revenue.

In the United States, more than half of the population reported owning a pet in 2011. This number has been quite steady since then. Today there are more than 90 million cats in the United States, while the number of dogs is just below the 90 million-mark. Freshwater fish are the most common pet with almost 140 million nationwide in 2018, followed by the aforementioned cats and dogs.   Pet expenses    When it comes to expenses, fish are generally considered low maintenance compared to other pets. Dogs especially require high expense, particularly for kennel boarding while their owners are away. However, the highest costs for dog owners are due to surgical vet visits, reported at almost double the expense for cats in 2019. Lower life expectancy could be a factor - around 11 years for a medium-sized dog, compared with 12 to 15 years for cats.  
  Pet food  

Food is currently the largest expense for cat owners, and the second highest for dogs, not even including treats. Despite the convenience of buying pet food online, or while already grocery shopping in a supermarket, food store, or wholesale club, the highest share of pet food sales comes from pet specialty chains. With many owners are willing to make the extra trip for their pets, chain shops Pet Smart and PetCo make up almost half the market for pet companies in the United States.

United States Pet Market size was valued at USD 67.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 106.9 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.91% from 2026 to 2032. United States Pet Market DriversThe United States Pet Market is one of the world's largest and most mature, exhibiting remarkable resilience and consistent growth, with the total pet industry expenditures projected to reach approximately $157 Billion in 2025. This robust expansion, supported by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) often cited around 5.9% through 2032, is fueled by profound shifts in consumer sentiment, digital adoption, and technological innovation. The core drivers reflect the evolving role of pets from companions to full family members.Rising Pet Ownership Across Demographics: A significant driver is the increasing pet ownership rate, currently involving about 94 million U.S. households. This surge is pronounced among younger demographics, with Millennials and Gen Z now representing the largest segments of pet owners, driven by trends like delaying marriage and child-rearing, increased urbanization, and a desire for companionship. The shift toward remote and hybrid work models post-pandemic has also made pet ownership more feasible for many. This broad, sustained increase in the pet population naturally scales demand for all associated products and services, laying the foundation for market growth.Humanization of Pets & Premiumization Trends: The Humanization of Pets is the primary philosophical and financial driver of the market. Pet owners increasingly view their animals as integral family members, leading to a willingness to spend significantly more on their well-being.

International differences in practices and attitudes regarding pet cats' interactions with wildlife were assessed by surveying citizens from at least two cities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, China and Japan. Predictions tested were: (i) cat owners would agree less than non-cat owners that cats might threaten wildlife, (ii) cat owners value wildlife less than non-cat owners, (iii) cat owners are less accepting of cat legislation/restrictions than non-owners, and (iv) respondents from regions with high endemic biodiversity (Australia, New Zealand, China and the USA state of Hawaii) would be most concerned about pet cats threatening wildlife. Everywhere non-owners were more likely than owners to agree that pet cats killing wildlife were a problem in cities, towns and rural areas. Agreement amongst non-owners was highest in Australia (95%) and New Zealand (78%) and lowest in the UK (38%). Irrespective of ownership, over 85% of respondents from all countries except China (65%) valued wildlife in cities, towns and rural areas. Non-owners advocated cat legislation more strongly than owners except in Japan. Australian non-owners were the most supportive (88%), followed by Chinese non-owners (80%) and Japanese owners (79.5%). The UK was least supportive (non-owners 43%, owners 25%). Many Australian (62%), New Zealand (51%) and Chinese owners (42%) agreed that pet cats killing wildlife in cities, towns and rural areas was a problem, while Hawaiian owners were similar to the mainland USA (20%). Thus high endemic biodiversity might contribute to attitudes in some, but not all, countries. Husbandry practices varied internationally, with predation highest where fewer cats were confined. Although the risk of wildlife population declines caused by pet cats justifies precautionary action, campaigns based on wildlife protection are unlikely to succeed outside Australia or New Zealand. Restrictions on roaming protect wildlife and benefit cat welfare, so welfare is a better rationale.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global Freeze Dried Pet Food Market Size was USD XX Billion in 2025 and is set to achieve a market size of USD XX Billion by the end of 203, growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2033.

North America held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Europe held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Asia-Pacific held a share of XX% in the year 2024
South America held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Middle East and Africa held a share of XX% in the year 2024

MARKET DYNAMICS: KEY DRIVERS

The growing pet population and the humanization of pets are driving the boost in the demand for freeze-died pet food.

The growing pet population is a significant driver of the freeze-dried pet food market. As more people bring pets into their homes, the demand for high-quality pet food products is on the rise. Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, which is 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats. It's estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat. At the same time, the trend of pet humanization is also driving the demand for premium pet food products. Pet owners are increasingly treating their pets like family members and are seeking pet food products that offer superior quality and nutrition. As a result, freeze-dried pet food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want the best for their pets. Freeze-dried pet food is perceived as a premium product, and its natural ingredients, gentle processing, and lack of artificial additives make it an attractive option for pet owners who want to provide their pets with a healthy and nutritious diet. With the growing pet population and the trend of pet humanization, the demand for freeze-dried pet food is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Increasing demand for healthy pet food alternatives is driving the market for freeze-dried pet food.

The demand for natural and healthy pet food is on the rise, driven by pet owners' growing awareness of the importance of nutrition for their pets' overall health and well-being. Freeze-dried pet food is seen as a healthier alternative to traditional kibble, as it preserves the natural nutrients and flavor of the ingredients. Unlike traditional kibble, which is often processed at high temperatures, freeze-dried pet food is made using a gentle process that helps retain the natural goodness of the ingredients. Pet owners are increasingly willing to pay more for pet food with health and wellness benefits; 74% in the Packaged Facts report said so, up from 66% in a similar survey in 2023. As a result, freeze-dried pet food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who are seeking a more natural and healthy diet for their pets. Many pet owners are also seeking pet food products that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and freeze-dried pet food fits the bill. With its natural ingredients, gentle processing, and lack of artificial additives, freeze-dried pet food is an attractive option for pet owners who want the best for their pets.

A restraint for the freeze-dried pet food market is the high production cost.

Freeze-drying is a complex and expensive process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. This results in higher production costs, which can make freeze-dried pet food less competitive with other types of pet food. Additionally, the high cost of raw materials, such as meat and fish, can also contribute to higher production costs. Furthermore, the freeze-drying process requires a significant amount of energy, which can increase costs and make it challenging for manufacturers to maintain profitability. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that food prices increased 2.4% annually. Overall, food has risen 2.4%, with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs up 3.8% from Nov. 2023 to Nov. 2024. The high production costs can also limit the availability of freeze-dried pet food in certain regions or markets, making it less accessible to pet owners who may be interested in purchasing these products. As a result, manufacturers may need to explore ways to reduce costs, such as investing in more efficient equipment or sourcing raw materials from more affordable suppliers. Freeze-dried dog food is a growingly popular raw meat-based diet that offers a less proc...

In the table, the symbols represent: H—number of households in urban area, Hc—proportion of households with one or more cats, Ch—average number of cats per household with one or more cats. C is shelter capacity and S is average length of stay. Df is log-transformed density of free-roaming cats (cats/ha), Dferal is the transformed density of feral cats (cats/ha), city area is the area in hectares of the urban area of interest.

List of participating countries and the participating cities from each country, with details of local climate, survey timing and response rates.

The North American cat food market is a robust and expanding sector, characterized by a significant market size and steady growth. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are not provided, considering the global pet food market trends and the significant pet ownership in North America, a reasonable estimate would place the 2025 market size in the range of $10-12 billion USD. The market's growth is fueled by several key drivers. Increasing pet ownership, particularly of cats, coupled with rising pet humanization – treating pets as family members – are major contributors. Consumers are increasingly willing to spend more on premium cat food products, driving demand for higher-quality ingredients, specialized diets (e.g., for sensitive stomachs or specific life stages), and functional foods incorporating nutraceuticals. The convenience factor also plays a significant role; online channels are experiencing substantial growth, offering ease of purchase and diverse product choices. Further contributing to market expansion is the growing awareness of the importance of nutrition for feline health and well-being, leading to increased adoption of veterinary diets and functional pet food options addressing specific health concerns like urinary tract issues or allergies. However, potential restraints include economic fluctuations impacting consumer spending and price sensitivity among certain segments of the population. Within the North American cat food market, several segments demonstrate particularly strong growth potential. The premium dry and wet cat food segments, encompassing kibbles, pate, and pouches featuring higher-quality ingredients like real meat and poultry, are experiencing significant expansion due to consumer preference for healthier options. The rising popularity of functional pet food, including nutraceuticals and veterinary diets, also represents a key growth driver, catering to the expanding market of health-conscious pet owners. Distribution channels are also evolving. While supermarkets and pet specialty stores remain dominant, the online retail sector continues to gain momentum, offering a wider selection and increased convenience for consumers. The competitive landscape comprises a mix of large multinational corporations and smaller specialized companies, indicating a healthy degree of innovation and competition within the market. Long-term projections suggest sustained growth for the North American cat food market, driven by the persistent trends of pet humanization, evolving consumer preferences, and the increasing integration of technology and e-commerce. Recent developments include: July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.June 2023: Mars Incorporated launched its premium cat brand SHEBA in Canada, offering cat parents wet formulas through its SHEBA BISTRO line.May 2023: Nestle Purina launched new cat treats under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand. These treats are round in shape and are available in chicken and liver and salmon and shrimp flavors for adult cats.. Notable trends are: The United States dominated the cat food market in the region and accounted for more than 88% in 2022.

Veterinary practices have benefited in recent years as more pet owners and agricultural producers seek out vets regularly to care for their animals. At the same time, medical advances have been emerging in veterinary care, extending care beyond preventive measures into specialized areas like immunotherapy and musculoskeletal conditions. Pet owners' evolving attitudes have also been driving pet spending in recent years, as more owners are willing to spend a premium on food, medicine or treatments that improve or extend their pets. Growing adoption of pet insurance, specifically for dogs, has also underpinned growth, as more owners can afford high-margin medical treatments. This willingness, combined with a record-high pet ownership rate, has strengthened the industry's in supporting pet owners. These trends have led industry-wide revenue to climb at a CAGR of 1.9% over the past five years – totaling an estimated $69.4 billion in 2025 – when revenue will rise an expected 2.4%. Pet ownership trends are among the most influential drivers for veterinary care in the US. According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, nearly 70% of US households had at least one dog or cat in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, the dog population grew by over 12 million, while the cat population added nearly 16 million new cats. Higher pet ownership translates into a larger client base for vets, supporting revenue growth. Higher prices for vet visits have also contributed to the industry – data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the price for vet care rose faster than inflation between 2020 and 2024 and has jumped nearly 60% in cost between 2014 and 2024. Several factors contribute to price hikes, but higher costs are beginning to slow growth as pet owners defer the time between appointments, avoid elective visits or forgo ownership. Trends in pet ownership won't continue moving forward, creating a steady demand for comprehensive veterinary care. Still, the industry will face challenges addressing current headwinds, like labor shortages and rising operating costs. These challenges will likely maintain consolidation activity in the industry, creating a larger divide between corporate-owned or private equity-backed clinics and small, independent ones. Larger veterinary groups will also be able to offer more competitive wages to new graduates and access innovative tech advances, shifting competitive dynamics in the industry. In all, Veterinary Services' revenue is expected to expand at a CAGR of 1.7% to $75.6 billion over the next five years.

Cities within countries are combined, unless responses were shown to differ between cities.

In this competition, you'll write an algorithm to classify whether images contain either a dog or a cat. This is easy for humans, dogs, and cats. Your computer will find it a bit more difficult.

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The Asirra data set

Web services are often protected with a challenge that's supposed to be easy for people to solve, but difficult for computers. Such a challenge is often called a CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) or HIP (Human Interactive Proof). HIPs are used for many purposes, such as to reduce email and blog spam and prevent brute-force attacks on web site passwords.

Asirra (Animal Species Image Recognition for Restricting Access) is a HIP that works by asking users to identify photographs of cats and dogs. This task is difficult for computers, but studies have shown that people can accomplish it quickly and accurately. Many even think it's fun! Here is an example of the Asirra interface:

Asirra is unique because of its partnership with Petfinder.com, the world's largest site devoted to finding homes for homeless pets. They've provided Microsoft Research with over three million images of cats and dogs, manually classified by people at thousands of animal shelters across the United States. Kaggle is fortunate to offer a subset of this data for fun and research. Image recognition attacks

While random guessing is the easiest form of attack, various forms of image recognition can allow an attacker to make guesses that are better than random. There is enormous diversity in the photo database (a wide variety of backgrounds, angles, poses, lighting, etc.), making accurate automatic classification difficult. In an informal poll conducted many years ago, computer vision experts posited that a classifier with better than 60% accuracy would be difficult without a major advance in the state of the art. For reference, a 60% classifier improves the guessing probability of a 12-image HIP from 1/4096 to 1/459. State of the art

The current literature suggests machine classifiers can score above 80% accuracy on this task [1]. Therfore, Asirra is no longer considered safe from attack. We have created this contest to benchmark the latest computer vision and deep learning approaches to this problem. Can you crack the CAPTCHA? Can you improve the state of the art? Can you create lasting peace between cats and dogs?

Submission Format

Your submission should have a header. For each image in the test set, predict a label for its id (1 = dog, 0 = cat):

id,label 1,0 2,0 3,0 etc...

Population and energy requirements of US people, dogs, and cats.

During a survey conducted in 2024, it was revealed that millennials represented the biggest share of pet owners in the United States (** percent), followed in second place by Generation X (** percent). Baby Boomer's came in third, representing some ** percent of pet owners. Pet ownership in the United States Despite some fluctuations, household penetration rates for pet ownership in the United States have generally increased over the years, going from ** percent in 1988 to approximately ** percent in 2023. With millennials constituting the largest group of pet owners in the United States, they also constituted the generational group that planned to spend the most on their pets during the holidays in 2020, with an average spending of ** U.S. dollars, compared to only ** U.S. dollars of average planned spending on pets for Baby Boomers. Pet expenditure in the U.S. Pet food and treats constituted the highest selling category for pet products in the United States, with total food and treats sales reaching **** billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Vet care and product sales were the second biggest pet market category that year, generating around **** billion U.S. dollars in sales. Generally, average annual pet expenditure was higher for dog owners than for cat owners across all pet market categories in 2020.

The global CBD for pets market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising awareness of CBD's potential therapeutic benefits for animals, and a growing trend towards holistic pet care. The market, estimated at $1.5 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18% from 2025 to 2033. This significant expansion is fueled by several factors. Firstly, the increasing humanization of pets leads owners to seek premium and alternative therapies for their companions, mirroring human wellness trends. Secondly, veterinarians are becoming more open to exploring CBD's potential for managing anxiety, pain, inflammation, and other pet health concerns, thus boosting consumer confidence. Finally, the expanding availability of CBD products specifically formulated for pets, encompassing various dosages and delivery methods (e.g., oils, treats, topical applications), caters to diverse pet needs and owner preferences, driving market penetration. Market segmentation reveals a strong preference for CBD products in the 100-500mg range, particularly for dogs, reflecting higher dosage requirements for larger animals. While cats represent a significant segment, the market also encompasses other companion animals, showcasing growing demand across the pet population. The North American market, particularly the United States, currently dominates, but regions such as Europe and Asia-Pacific are poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing pet ownership and rising disposable incomes. While regulatory hurdles and inconsistent product quality remain challenges, the overall market outlook remains positive, indicating strong potential for continued expansion over the next decade. This growth is facilitated by continuous research into CBD's efficacy for pets and the rising availability of reputable brands dedicated to transparent manufacturing and quality assurance. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the burgeoning CBD for pets market, projected to surpass $2 billion by 2028. We delve into market dynamics, key players, emerging trends, and regulatory landscapes impacting this rapidly expanding sector. Our analysis considers crucial factors influencing market growth, allowing businesses to make strategic decisions in this competitive landscape. The report is designed for pet product manufacturers, distributors, investors, and anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the CBD for pets industry. This report includes detailed information on product types, applications, and regional market performance. Keywords: CBD for pets, pet CBD oil, CBD treats for dogs, CBD for cats, anxiety relief for pets, pet health supplements, veterinary CBD, pet wellness, cannabidiol for animals.

Listed are the variable, transition between states, the equation for the vital rate, the value, and references that inform parameterization. Note that some values may differ slightly from those presented in the original source and that if left blank the variable was designated specifically for this model.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global Animal Ultrasound Scanner Market Size was USD XX Milion in 2024 and is set to achieve a market size of USD XX Million by the end of 2033 growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held largest share of XX% in the year 2024 
Europe held share of XX% in the year 2024 
Asia-Pacific held significant share of XX% in the year 2024 
South America held significant share of XX% in the year 2024
Middle East and Africa held significant share of XX% in the year 2024 

Market Dynamics of Global Animal Ultrasound Scanner Market

Key Drivers of Global Animal Ultrasound Scanner Market

Increase in the population of companion animals is driving the animal ultrasound scanner market 

Growing population of companion animals is one of the major factors driving the growth of the animal ultrasound market. Apart from this, growth in the rising income of the Asian country is anticipated to fuel the demand for animal products. Thus, growth in the population of companion animals fueling the growth of the animal ultrasound market. As more people around the world adopt pets, particularly in countries like the United States, China, and Europe, the need for advanced veterinary care is rising. This increase in pet ownership has led to a surge in demand for diagnostic tools, including ultrasound scanners, which are essential for detecting and monitoring various health conditions in animals. With an estimated 185 million pets in the U.S. and 110 million pets in China by 2025, veterinarians are increasingly relying on ultrasound technology for non-invasive, accurate imaging to diagnose conditions such as heart disease, tumors, and pregnancy in companion animals. This trend is further amplified by the growing awareness among pet owners about the importance of regular health check-ups for their animals, fostering the expansion of veterinary clinics and animal hospitals that require state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. For instance, in the United States alone, the pet population has grown to approximately 185 million in 2024, with over 70 million pet dogs and 60 million pet cats. This surge in pet ownership has led to an increased need for veterinary services, including diagnostic imaging, thus boosting the demand for ultrasound scanners.

Key Restraints of Animal Ultrasound Scanner Market

Excessive cost of animal ultrasound-machines is hampering the growth of animal ultrasound scanner market

Animal ultrasound related equipment is expensive and needs a high amount of investment for installation and its maintenance. This leads to the overall rise in the procurement expenses of the hospitals and diagnostics centres. The average price small portable ultrasound machines begin at approximately USD 2,000 or USD 3,000 and go up to USD 50,000 and more. The high cost of animal ultrasound machines is a significant obstacle to the growth of the animal ultrasound scanner market. While the demand for advanced diagnostic tools in veterinary care is increasing, particularly with the rise in pet ownership, the steep prices of these machines make them inaccessible for many veterinary practices, especially smaller clinics or those in underserved regions. The initial investment in ultrasound equipment, along with ongoing maintenance and training costs, creates financial challenges for veterinary professionals. This often results in limited adoption of these essential tools, hindering the ability of veterinary clinics to provide advanced diagnostic services. Consequently, the overall market growth is restricted, as not all clinics can afford to implement this technology, leading to a disparity in the availability of quality veterinary care across different regions. For instance, a high-end veterinary ultrasound machine can cost anywhere between $20,000 to $60,000, which is unaffordable for many smaller veterinary clinics. This cost makes it difficult for them to adopt such technology, limiting their ability to offer advanced diagnostic services. Additionally, a study in the U.S. found that approximately 30% of veterinary clinics in rural areas lack access to advanced diagnostic equipment like ultrasound scanners due to financial constraints. This indicates a significant gap in the availability of essential veterinary care in underserved regions, further slowing market expansion. Introduction to Global Ani...

The pet cat population in Czechia decreased overall in the observed period. While in 2010, there were *** million pet cats, this number dropped to **** million in 2023.

The parameter a was fixed at 365 to ensure that at low latitudes that the breeding season duration did not exceed 365 days. Data to estimate the logistic function were derived from Hurdi [41] and both the data and the function are presented in Fig 4.