The Middle East’s growing pet market: A new era for pet owners
The global pet care market is forecast to hit a staggering $597.5 billion by 2033, with annual growth of over 7%. This growth surge – while set to manifest itself globally – also reflects momentum in the Middle East, where pet ownership has recently risen significantly.
What was once a rare sight is now becoming more common – as people embrace pets not just as companions, but as family members.
Cats still reign supreme, but dogs on the rise
In Arab society, cats have been the traditional dominant household pet. Cultural beliefs are influential – including the Prophet Muhammad’s love for cats. This made keeping them permissible and their domestic raising has been actively encouraged, provided they are well-fed and cared for. Considered low-maintenance and independent, cats have long held a special place in Middle Eastern households.
Dogs, however, have been viewed differently, mainly as working animals – hunters, guards, or even nuisances. But the perception is shifting. The Middle East’s dog population grew 5% between 2020 and 2021, with large breeds becoming popular. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of dogs as companions, driven by global trends of pet humanisation, with pets increasingly considered part of the family.
New breeds demand special care
As pet ownership expands, so too do the varieties of breed being introduced to the region. The Siberian Husky – previously rare in the Middle East – is now common in countries such as Kuwait, despite the breed’s origin in much colder climates. Similarly, Scottish cats are gaining popularity among feline lovers.
With the introduction of these new breeds comes the responsibility of providing specialised care. Cats – just like humans – can suffer from sunburn on sensitive areas such as noses, lips, and ears. Using cat-specific sunscreens can help protect them from the region’s harsh sunlight.
For dogs, the Middle East’s extreme heat poses different challenges. Hot pavements, asphalt, and sand can burn dogs’ paws, especially in the sweltering summer months. To prevent injuries, dog owners are turning to protective footwear, so pets are safe while outdoors.
Essential tools for becoming a responsible pet owner
With new breeds entering the Middle East, it is essential pet owners understand their specific needs. Providing a high-quality diet and ensuring regular veterinary check-ups are crucial steps in responsible pet ownership. The region’s pet market is evolving to meet these needs, with grocers becoming dominant in pet-related sales.
At 4Sale, we are well-positioned to identify major trends in the Kuwaiti market. The most popular cat food brands include Whiskas, Sheba Melty Treats, Meow Mix, and Friskies. For cat litter – Thomas, Cat Royale, and Biokat’s Bianco are the top choices. Interestingly, while there are no standout brands for cat toys or housing, a wide variety of products – including tree houses – are commonly used.
In the canine category Pedigree Dentastix, Wagg, Harringtons, and LaVital are among the most popular food brands. For toys, dogs tend to prefer any chewable items, from bones to toys, with no specific brand dominating.
Middle East consumers are also turning to online shopping for their pet care needs – in turn driving investment from companies in digital channels. Platforms such as 4Sale provide a wide range of pet products and are a hub for pet owners to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
While a product marketplace, 4Sale also helps pet owners discover new and innovative items tailored to their pets’ unique needs. This fosters a sense of community, with relevant articles and content to educate and support pet owners.
I’ve also had the chance to experience our platform from a consumer’s perspective. While in Kuwait, I encountered a stray cat with a severe paw injury. I named her Pixie, and it was clear she’d been through a lot, wandering the streets alone and injured. Knowing she needed some extra love and care, I found our platform incredibly helpful in quickly arranging a cozy cat house and a few toys to make Pixie feel at home. Thanks to these small comforts, Pixie now has a safe, playful space to heal.
Conclusion
As pet ownership continues to rise across the Middle East, local and international markets are adapting to meet this growing community’s needs. With new breeds and evolving care requirements, pet owners have access to various tools, products and resources to ensure their pets thrive in the region.
Platforms like 4Sale play a crucial role in this transformation, helping the global spread of pet care while nurturing local communities of dedicated pet lovers.
One thing is for certain, the pet care market shows no signs of slowing down. With cats and dogs more part of the family than ever – consumers appear increasingly open to new ways of lavishing their love on their four-legged companions – in turn driving retailers to fulfil that demand.
About Fadila El Badry
At 4Sale, Fadila the Chief Marketing Officer is focused on strengthening the platform’s market leadership in Kuwait through impactful campaigns, brand growth, and innovative marketing strategies.
She brings 14 years of experience in strategic marketing, digital communications, and brand positioning.
Before joining 4Sale, Fadila led marketing for Egypt’s first instant payment app, InstaPay, at Egyptian Banks Company (EBC), and previously spearheaded high-profile campaigns at Vodafone Egypt featuring stars like Mohamed Salah and Amr Diab.
