In recent years, Colombia’s pet industry has maintained steady growth and has become one of the fastest-growing pet consumer markets in Latin America.
·In 2024, the size of Colombia’s pet care market was approximately USD 640 million
·The market is projected to reach USD 1.04 billion by 2033
·The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2025–2033 is estimated at 5.5%–5.6%
·Colombia accounts for approximately 0.6% of the global pet care market
Within Latin America, Colombia ranks behind Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, and is considered a key emerging market for international pet brands.
Pet ownership has become an integral part of household life in Colombia and is the fundamental driver of growth in the cat litter market.
·Approximately 65%–69% of Colombian households own pets
·This represents more than 4.4 million households
·Around 22%–23% of households own cats
Over the past five years, Colombia’s pet population and overall pet-related consumption have increased by nearly 85%, reflecting strong and sustained consumer demand.
Although dogs remain the most common pets in Colombia, the cat population is growing at a significantly faster pace, particularly among:
·Urban apartment households
·Young professionals and single residents
·Dual-income families
Key pet consumption centers include:
·Bogotá (approximately 25% of national pet consumption)
·Cali (around 18%)
·Medellín (around 17%)
Cat litter is a high-frequency, non-substitutable consumable, making it one of the most stable and predictable categories within the cat economy.
·From a global perspective, the cat litter industry continues to grow steadily:
·Global cat litter market size reached approximately USD 8.0 billion in 2023
·The market is expected to reach USD 13.7 billion by 2035
·Estimated CAGR for 2024–2035 is 4.5%–4.8%
Key growth drivers include:
·The humanization of pets
·Increased awareness of pet hygiene and health
·Growing acceptance of premium and functional cat litter products
These global trends are particularly evident in Latin America and are increasingly reflected in the Colombian market.
There is currently no standalone official data specifically for cat litter in Colombia. However, reasonable estimates can be made based on the overall pet consumption structure:
·Colombia’s pet food market reached approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023
·Annual growth rate ranges from 7% to 10%
In mature and semi-mature pet markets, cat litter and hygiene products typically account for 8%–15% of total pet-related spending.
Based on this structure, Colombia’s cat litter market is clearly in a continuous expansion phase, with stable growth expected over the next three years.
1. Main Product Categories
(1) Bentonite Cat Litter
Bentonite cat litter currently holds the largest market share and is characterized by:
·Affordable pricing
·Strong clumping performance
·A broad consumer base
However, issues such as higher dust levels and weaker environmental attributes are receiving increasing attention.
(2) Plant-Based Cat Litter (Fastest-Growing Segment)
This category mainly includes:
·Tofu cat litter
·Wood-based cat litter
·Corn cat litter
Driven by rising environmental awareness and consumption upgrades, plant-based cat litter is gaining wider acceptance in Colombia, particularly among mid- to high-end consumers.
From 2024 to 2026, Colombian consumers are showing clear shifts in preferences toward:
·Low-dust formulations
·Strong deodorization performance
·High absorbency
·Biodegradable and flushable products
·Health-friendly solutions for cats
Functionality is becoming a key purchasing decision factor.
V. Sales Channels and Import Structure
Colombia’s pet supplies market relies heavily on imports, especially in the mid- to high-end segments.
·Imported pet products maintain a high market share
·Imported brands are generally associated with better quality, branding, and functionality
This structure creates favorable conditions for overseas cat litter manufacturers entering the Colombian market.
The main sales channels include:
·Specialized pet stores
·Large supermarket chains
·Online e-commerce platforms
·Veterinary clinics and professional channels
With the continued development of online shopping habits, e-commerce is playing an increasingly important role in cat litter sales.
·Dominated mainly by international brands
·Focus on eco-friendly, low-dust, and functional products
2. Mass Market
·Led by regional and local brands
·Price competition remains intense
·Strong channel coverage is a key competitive advantage
Overall market concentration remains relatively low, leaving room for new entrants.
1.Continued growth in the cat population ensures long-term stable demand
2.Significant growth potential for eco-friendly and plant-based cat litter
3.Mid- to high-end market segments remain underdeveloped
4.Imported brands still have strong expansion opportunities
From 2024 to 2026, the Colombia cat litter market is expected to show the following characteristics:
·Steady expansion of overall market size
·Faster growth of plant-based and low-dust products compared to traditional litter
·Increasing share of online sales channels
·Strong trends toward branding and product quality differentiation
Overall, the Colombian cat litter market is entering a critical transition phase from basic consumption to quality-driven consumption. Rising pet ownership, growth in the cat population, and increasing attention to health and environmental protection are creating a solid foundation for sustained market growth. Over the next three years, cat litter products that combine stable quality, eco-friendly attributes, and cost efficiency are expected to achieve strong performance in the Colombian market.
