India’s pet economy goes premium as cat grooming and Tier-II demand fuel growth: Report

India’s growing quick commerce market is uncovering a new consumption story: pet care is becoming a premium lifestyle category.

As household spending patterns evolve, pet parents are increasingly allocating more to nutrition, grooming and discretionary purchases—turning what was once a functional category into a fast-expanding consumer segment. Data released by Instamart shows pet-care orders grew 41% year-on-year between June 2025 and June 2026, reflecting stronger demand across food, wellness and grooming products.

The growth mirrors a broader shift underway in Indian consumption, where categories once considered niche are increasingly seeing premiumisation and repeat spending behaviour.

Is India becoming a nation of cat parents?

One of the clearest indicators of this shift is the rise of cats.

According to the platform’s analysis, cat food now accounts for nearly 60% of total pet food demand, making it the largest pet-food segment. “Cat food” also emerged as the most searched pet-related term on Instamart, suggesting changing preferences among urban consumers and growing acceptance of cats as companion animals.

Mumbai emerged as India’s biggest cat market, while Kolkata recorded the highest concentration of cat demand, with more than eight out of every 10 cat-and-dog food orders going toward cats. Bengaluru, meanwhile, retained its position as the country’s strongest dog-care market.

Beyond food, the category is expanding into higher-value consumption.

Searches for dog shampoo surged nearly 600%, making it one of the fastest-growing pet-care search categories. Grain-free pet food grew 152% year-on-year, while wet food accounted for nearly 45% of total pet food purchases. Pet supplements and wellness products also recorded 42% growth, signalling rising consumer interest in specialised nutrition and preventive care.

Can Tier-II India become the next growth engine for pet care?

The data also suggests pet spending is moving beyond India’s largest cities.

While Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi remain the biggest pet-care markets overall, Tier-II and smaller cities posted 96% year-on-year growth in pet-care orders—outpacing metro demand. Guwahati led growth with a 1,473% jump, followed by Dibrugarh, Meerut, Madurai and Kottayam, pointing to wider geographic adoption of premium pet-care habits.

Urban indulgence remains a strong driver.

Nearly 66% of Bengaluru’s pet-care spending was directed toward treats, toys and premium products, making it India’s most indulgent pet market. Gurgaon topped Instamart’s Pet Treat Index, while searches for products such as dog ice cream climbed 245%.

Perhaps the strongest signal of the category’s evolution: one Delhi consumer spent ₹60,957 on pet care over the year—underscoring how pets are increasingly being treated less like dependents and more like family.