Mankind Pharma has widened its presence in India’s pet nutrition market with the introduction of PetStar Delight, a new portfolio crafted specifically for cats. The company confirmed the launch on Thursday, marking its formal entry into a category that has expanded rapidly in recent years. India’s cat food market, currently valued at around Rs 1,500 crore, is growing at nearly twenty percent annually, driven by rising pet ownership in urban centres and a shift toward packaged nutrition.
The new line extends Mankind’s PetStar family, which first entered stores in 2022 with a dog food range. The company says the past three years have shown steady uptick in organised pet care spending, prompting it to move deeper into specialised formulations. Rajeev Juneja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mankind Pharma, noted that the cat segment has become one of the fastest-expanding pockets within the overall pet care industry. He said the new launch reflects the company’s intent to build a scientifically informed portfolio across species.
The company’s pet food division has formulated the products around functional ingredients designed to address common feline needs. Dr Piyush Prashant, who leads the division, explained that the range includes blends aimed at gut comfort, urinary system support, hairball management and cognitive development in adult and young cats. He added that attention to these areas has become a key deciding factor for pet owners who are increasingly reading labels and seeking targeted nutrition.
PetStar Delight is produced in Thailand, a major hub for global pet food manufacturing, and will be distributed across India through Mankind’s existing retail and trade channels. The line will debut with three flavour variants. With this launch, the company aims to strengthen its position in a market that has seen both multinational and domestic brands invest more aggressively, reflecting the rising acceptance of premium pet diets among Indian households.
