Convenience stores scratching into ‘cat economy’WHISKERY BUSINESS: Businesses are aiming to capture the growing percentage of feline fanatics as cat ownership across the country grows rapidlyStaff writer, with CNASales of cat-related products at major convenience stores have surged over the past few years, as rising cat ownership fuels what retailers call the emerging “cat economy.”Cat food and related products sales at stores such as 7-Eleven, Hi-Life and OK Mart have grown by about 30 percent, outpacing dog food, industry data showed. Cat food now accounts for more than 60 percent of the shelf space for pet food in many stores. A FamilyMart convenience store decorating its window with a large cat decal to attract cat enthusiasts is pictured in Taipei’s Wanhua District in an undated photograph. 7-Eleven chain operator President Chain Store Corp (統一超商) said it began observing strong growth in cat food sales in 2023, with the category posting double-digit gains. FamilyMart chain operator Taiwan FamilyMart Co (全家便利商店) capitalized on the trend through a Feb. 22 “Cat Day” campaign that went viral on Threads.

Source: Taipei Times March 15, 2026 20:14 UTC