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Royal Canin Uses Cat-Preference Testing to Tailor Food for Aging Pets
By Drooid · · How we work
Targeting Aging Cats: A Research-Driven Approach
At a Royal Canin pet center in southern France, dozens of cats move through a setting that resembles a day-care facility. Every afternoon the animals are offered two trays of kibble placed on scales. The scales record how much each cat eats, allowing nutritionists to see which formula is preferred and how eagerly it is consumed. The data are then used to fine-tune existing recipes and to develop new ones aimed at senior felines.
Market Context and Growth Drivers
Pet-food sales have continued to rise even as the war in Iran has contributed to inflation and wage growth has lagged. The surge in pet adoption during the 2020 pandemic has produced a large cohort of middle-aged dogs and cats now entering senior years. Manufacturers are responding by expanding product lines that address joint health, muscle maintenance, and cognitive function. Royal Canin’s senior cat offerings include extra-soft mousse for cats aged 11 years and older and easy-to-eat kibble for cats 15 years and older. Supplements marketed for feline dementia and brain health are also gaining traction.
Official Statements & Company Strategy
Royal Canin, a subsidiary of the global consumer conglomerate Mars, says its investment in research reflects a strategic focus on the aging pet segment. President Cécile Coutens has highlighted that the senior-cat market represents a significant growth opportunity for the company. The firm’s approach combines real-time preference data with product development to create foods that meet the nutritional needs of older cats while appealing to owners who view pets as family members.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Aging is one of the biggest opportunities,” — Cécile Coutens, president of Royal Canin