Madurai has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing pet care markets, recording a remarkable 591% year-on-year increase in pet care orders, according to the latest analysis from Instamart. The surge highlights a significant shift in pet parenting trends, with demand for premium nutrition, grooming products, wellness supplements, and treats expanding rapidly beyond metropolitan cities.
Across India, pet care orders grew 41% year-on-year, while Tier II and smaller cities outpaced metros with a 96% increase, signalling the growing mainstream adoption of pet ownership and care. Madurai joins a new wave of emerging pet care hubs alongside Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Meerut and Kottayam.
The report reveals changing consumer preferences, with searches for dog shampoo rising nearly 600% and grain-free pet food growing 152% year-on-year. Wet food now accounts for nearly 45% of all pet food orders, while pet supplements and wellness products have increased by 42%.
India is also witnessing a strong rise in cat ownership. Cat food accounts for nearly 60% of all pet food demand on Instamart and remains the platform’s most searched pet-related term. At the same time, alternative pet categories are gaining traction, with bird food and rabbit food registering growth of 178% and 130%, respectively.
Treats and indulgence products continue to drive spending, with searches for dog ice cream up 245% and premium pet treat brands recording significant growth. The findings are based on Instamart order trends across more than 130 Indian cities between June 2025 and June 2026.