News Summary

• Americans spent more than $17 billion on cat food over the last year, up 14% from two years earlier.
• The pet food industry has kept growing despite inflation, and companies are rolling out premium lines for wealthier customers.
• Many pets adopted during the pandemic boom are reaching middle age, and their owners will need more specialized food.
• Researchers at Royal Canin’s parent company, Mars, found that cats can detect umami, which explains why tuna is such a hit.
• Their taste buds also fade over time, but their sense of bitterness doesn’t.