Billion-dollar market
According to the Japan Pet Food Association, in 2025 there were about 8.8 million cats and 6.8 million dogs in the country.
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A household with a cat spends on average about 11.3 thousand US dollars (9.7 thousand euros) over the pet’s lifetime.
Economists estimate that the economic value created by cats in Japan could reach about 18.8 billion US dollars (about 16.2 billion euros) by 2026.
This amount includes expenses for food, veterinary care, accessories, cat cafes, souvenirs, publishing, and other related services.
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Uneven but growing effect
Researchers say this “cat economy” (eng. catnomics) impact is already approaching the scale of large national projects, and by some estimates – even comparable to the economic effect of major events.
Although the economic effect is now the most visible, its roots are cultural: cats in Japan have deep historical traditions, are established in literature, and have become a symbol of success.
However, economists point out that in the long term, the size of this market may be affected by Japan’s demographic changes – a declining population.
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