With just one week to go until Christmas, new data from Pets at Home reveals that cats are the big winners of festive shopping this year.
While overall festive spending on pets is up 4% year-on-year, spending on cat Christmas products has risen by over a quarter (26%), significantly outpacing dogs (2% growth). Small pets aren’t being left out either, with spending on small animal accessories up 40%, as owners make sure every member of the household gets something special this Christmas.
With almost nine in ten shoppers (88%) choosing to buy Christmas pet treats and toys in store – compared to just 12% online – experiential retail remains a key driver of consumer purchasing decisions. Many shoppers are even bringing their pets along to choose the perfect present – showing just how firmly pets have become part of the family at Christmas.
Advent calendars are more popular than ever, with 18% more pets receiving one this year. Cat advent calendars saw a huge 31% rise in popularity, compared to 16% growth for dogs, as feline owners continue to spoil their pets with festive treats. In fact, Pets at Home research reveals that 3.1 million households will spend more on gifts for their furry friends than on any other family member this Christmas.
Anja Madsen, chief operating officer at Pets at Home, said: “This Christmas, we’re seeing more people than ever heading into store 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.
Cat owners in particular this year are spending more on their pets, from toys to advent calendars, reflecting just how much all species of pet are part of the family. More so than ever, pets are being included in the festive fun and we love being able to share that experience with customers when they come into our petcare centres”.
Regional data reveals a clear north-south divide, with shoppers in the North proving the most generous – spending 16% more on festive pet products than those in the South, and 2% more than Central UK.
