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Cat owners are driving stronger sales for pet retailers, even as the dog market slows and consumers curb discretionary spending, CNBC Business reports.

While the dog market has experienced a slowdown, driven by fewer new pet adoptions and a shift in consumer priorities, cat owners have continued to spend on food, supplies, and healthcare. This resilience reflects a broader trend of pet owners treating animals as family members and allocating a steady portion of their discretionary budget to pet care, even as overall discretionary spending tightens.

The sustained cat spending has translated into higher sales for pet retailers, particularly in categories such as premium cat food, grooming products, and veterinary services. Retailers are adjusting inventory and marketing strategies to capture the growing demand, with some shifting shelf space from dog to cat items and expanding online offerings tailored to feline products. Additionally, the shift has prompted many stores to invest in specialized staff training