China is expected to see a significant increase in its pet population in the next decade, with urban pet population projected to reach over 70 million by 2030, surpassing the number of children ages 4 and under, which is expected to be less than 40 million. This shift is attributed to the declining birth rates in China, with new births projected to decrease by 4.2% until 2030, driven by a decline in the population of women ages 20 to 35. Young Chinese adults are increasingly choosing pets over having children, with pet ownership expected to continue to rise, particularly among those between the ages of 23 and 33.
As a result, the pet food market in China is expected to grow to a $12 billion industry by 2030, with cat ownership projected to surpass that of dogs due to their lower space requirements. This trend reflects a broader global pattern of declining birth rates as women choose to have fewer children. In Japan, the pet population is already four times the number of children ages 4 and under, indicating similar trends in other countries as well.
Despite an increase in new marriages in China, a significant portion of the population between the ages of 25 and 29 remains unmarried, highlighting a shift towards late marriages. This demographic shift is leading to a societal preference for pets over having children, with implications for both the pet industry and overall population trends in China.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
