Chinese Pet Market: Innovation, Premiumization, and Digital Transformation

The Chinese pet industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviors, and a stronger emphasis on emotional bonds with pets. Here are the key trends shaping the sector in late 2025:

1. Industry Standards and Scientific Validation

The establishment of critical systems like the Pet Food Quality Testing and Efficacy Evaluation Research Center and related committees at the 3rd China Pet Industry Innovation Conference highlights a major push for standardization and trust. These initiatives aim to elevate product quality through scientific validation, address research gaps, and build credibility in a fast-growing market moving beyond homogeneous competition.

2. Digital Transformation and Omnichannel Retail

With the pet market projected to exceed ¥811.4 billion in 2025, brands are prioritizing digitalization. Strategies include creating dedicated content, refining membership systems, and integrating online and offline channels to enhance customer retention. On platforms like Douyin, live-streaming has evolved towards professionalism, with veterinarians and nutritionists building trust and driving sales through educational content. The GMV for pet categories on Douyin surged by 95% year-on-year.

3. The Rise of "Cat Economy" and Premiumization

The "cat economy" is a core growth engine, with the cat market growth rate of 10.7% being more than double that of the dog market. High-income, young pet owners in major cities are driving demand for premium and personalized products and services. This is evident in the recent Double Eleven rankings, where high-end domestic brands like Xian Lang and Fregate topped the pre-sale lists.

4. Functional and Specialized Nutrition

Pet food is becoming increasingly specialized. Functional pet food now accounts for over 30% of the market, with growth in areas like joint support, gut health, and hypoallergenic formulas. New product launches, such as Nawaic's "Crispy Milk Grain" for weaning puppies and Farmina's prescription diet for intestinal and skin health, highlight this focus on specific life stages and health needs.

5. AI and Smart Pet Tech

Innovation is reaching new levels with products like "Karulu," an AI pet dog equipped with a multi-modal visual interaction model. It simulates a real pet's life cycle—expressing hunger and even falling ill—providing emotional support for children and redefining AI companionship. Smart feeders, health monitors, and pet air purifiers are also gaining significant traction.

6. Pet Humanization and Integrated Lifestyles

The concept of pets as family members is fueling the integration of pets into various lifestyle sectors. The "co-habitation" trend is breaking industry boundaries, prompting hotels, real estate, and automotive industries to develop pet-friendly spaces. Furthermore, services have become more refined, with an emphasis on emotional and scientific care, such as companion play and feeding services during holidays.