By KHT Staff. Image via CNA/Eryk Michael Smith.
PINGTUNG — A new cat-shaped pet food manufacturing facility held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (屏東農業生物技術園區). The plant, operated by the domestic brand Cat in Love (貓咪也瘋狂), represents a strategic push to reduce Taiwan’s reliance on imported pet food and improve supply chain transparency.
Demographic shift in pet ownership
The opening follows a significant increase in Taiwan’s domestic animal population. According to MOA data cited by Chen:
- Total pet population: 3.2 million cats and dogs, a rise from approximately 2.79 million in 2024.
- New registrations: Approximately 250,000 pets were registered last year.
- Feline dominance: Cats now account for 1.74 million of the total, surpassing dogs and driving a specific demand for localized nutrition.
The ministry noted that the current market, dominated by imports of varying quality, has created consumer confusion. By leveraging high-quality domestic raw materials, the MOA aims to stabilize product standards and safeguard animal welfare amid a burgeoning “pet economy.”
Integration of tourism and industry
The facility’s architecture, designed to resemble a cat, is part of a broader “factory tourism” strategy, allowing visitors to observe the production process. The company’s CEO emphasized that the goal is to build consumer trust through transparency while contributing to the regional economy in Pingtung County.
