The market for products and services for cats in Thailand is growing rapidly and has already overtaken the segment for dogs. NCC Management & Development estimates that the annual cat economy has reached 367.8 billion baht (about $11.8 billion), while the dog market is valued at 226.8 billion baht.
The growth is driven by urbanization and shrinking living space, with city residents increasingly choosing cats as more convenient pets.
In addition, cat cafes are actively opening in Bangkok, and the demand for food, veterinary services, pet hotels and even clothing for pets is growing. As market participants note, cats are easier to keep in urban conditions, and this directly affects demand.
The government also saw economic potential in this. In November, authorities designated five local cat breeds—Siamese, Suphalak, Korat, Konja and Khao Mani—as national symbols. The official statement said the breeds are part of “Thai beliefs, culture and local wisdom” and their promotion “creates opportunities for economic growth.”
Against the background of a slowing economy and a drop in tourist flows by 7.2% in 2025, the authorities expect that the development of the pet market, including exports and domestic consumption, will become one of the new growth drivers.
