Why Hong Kong residents spoil their cats more than their children

The pet food industry in Hong Kong is experiencing a shift towards more niche products, catering to older pets or those with health problems. This trend is closely linked to the city’s tradition of using Chinese medicine to maintain health. Sun, a pet food manufacturer, mentioned that they have expanded their product range to include unique ingredients such as lamb, venison, ostrich, Chinese edible frog, and Chinese francolin. One of their bestselling products is crocodile soup with chuan bei, believed to improve windpipe problems common among dogs and cats in Hong Kong.

According to a government survey in 2019, 241,900 people in Hong Kong, or 9.4% of the population, own either dogs or cats. Among them, there are 103,000 cat owners. Jennifer Cheung Lay-fan, a professional breeder, shared that she has 28 cats and spends around HK$15,000 a month on their food. She cooks fresh chicken from wet markets, makes chicken essence, and feeds them fish maw and bird’s nest. Her cat, Ho Choi, has been the highest-scoring domestic cat at the Cat Fanciers‘ Association competition in Hong Kong for the past two years.

Another couple, Miyaki Ng and Fox Cheng, have adopted 11 cats and spend HK$3,000 to HK$4,000 a month on them. They feed their cats pre-processed raw meat and ensure they have a balanced diet. Emma Hung, an insurance agent, spends a little over HK$1,000 a month on her two cats, including supplements and medicines for one of them with nose issues. She expressed her preference for spending money on cats rather than having children, citing the 24-hour care required for children.

The cat industry in Hong Kong is thriving, as evidenced by the three-day Hong Kong Cat Expo held recently. Exhibition Group, the expo organizer, estimated the industry’s worth to be HK$2.2 billion per year. A survey conducted by the group revealed that more than 60% of cat owners have two or more cats, with 12.4% having four or more. The average monthly expenditure on cats exceeds HK$1,889, with 10% of respondents spending between HK$3,500 and HK$4,000 a month.

Shirley Chu Sut-ling, the general manager of Exhibition Group, projected that the economic value of the cat industry could reach HK$190 million a month, translating to HK$2.2 billion a year. Businesses like Cheese n Dash, which sells pet treats and supplements, are capitalizing on this growing market. Owner Vincent Kan mentioned that the cat market is less saturated than the dog market, leading to increased opportunities for cat-focused products.

Joywood Asia, a distributor for pet care brands, has also noticed the rising demand for pet products in Hong Kong. Director Ivy Lau shared that the company initially specialized in baby products but expanded into the pet market due to the significant demand. Pet owners are now treating their furry companions as precious babies, choosing the best products for their well-being.

In conclusion, the pet industry in Hong Kong, particularly the cat sector, is experiencing significant growth and diversification. With a strong emphasis on health and well-being, pet owners are willing to invest in high-quality food, supplements, and care products for their beloved animals. This trend reflects a shift towards treating pets as valued members of the family, deserving of the best possible care and attention.