If you’ve found yourself staring at empty shelves in the pet food aisle wondering why your kitty’s favorite canned meal is MIA—you’re not alone. Across the U.S. and beyond, cat owners are facing a frustrating and unexpected challenge: a canned cat food shortage. So, what’s the deal?
Grab a coffee (or a catnip tea?), and let’s dive deep into what’s causing the shortage, how it’s affecting pet parents, and what you can do about it.
## Understanding the Shortage
### When Did the Shortage Begin?
This isn’t something that just popped up last week. The canned cat food shortage began creeping in during the early months of the pandemic and snowballed over time. By 2021, it had become a noticeable problem in many stores, and it still lingers in 2025.
### What Triggered It?
Honestly? A mix of things. The pandemic kicked things off, but that was just the start. From factory shutdowns to ingredient shortages and shipping delays—it was like the perfect storm of pet food chaos.
## Key Causes Behind the Shortage
### COVID-19 Disruptions
You guessed it—COVID disrupted everything. Workers got sick, facilities shut down temporarily, and production timelines got messy. And even now, we’re still feeling the aftershocks.
### Aluminum Shortage
You might not think twice about the can your cat food comes in, but aluminum is gold in this story. There’s been a global shortage of aluminum, thanks to high demand and supply chain issues, which directly affects canned products.
### Labor and Transport Issues
Fewer truckers. Slower ships. Strikes. Delays at ports. All these things have clogged up the movement of goods—including that special chicken pâté your cat insists on.
### Increased Pet Ownership
Did you know pet adoption soared during the pandemic? More cats = more demand = more strain on already struggling manufacturers.
## How the Shortage Is Impacting Cat Owners
### Rising Prices and Panic Buying
You’ve probably noticed that prices have gone up. And when people spot their favorite brand on the shelf, they sometimes buy in bulk, which leaves even fewer options for others.
### Switching Brands and Cat Reactions
Cats are picky little creatures. Switching brands? That’s often met with glares, growls, or flat-out hunger strikes. It’s stressful when your fur baby turns their nose up at the only option you could find.
### Emotional Stress on Pet Parents
It’s easy to feel anxious when you can’t provide what your pet needs. You’re not being dramatic—this is real stress. After all, pets are family.
## The Supply Chain Puzzle
### Where Is Canned Cat Food Made?
Many pet foods are made in the U.S., but ingredients come from all over the globe. That means a disruption in Thailand, or a factory fire in Kansas, can ripple through the whole industry.
### Ingredient Sourcing Woes
It’s not just the cans—it’s what goes in them. Proteins like tuna or chicken are harder to source now, especially in the quality levels required for pet food. Add to that vitamin shortages, and you’ve got a recipe for delay.
### Import Restrictions and Delays
Some of your cat’s food ingredients might have to cross multiple borders. Increased checks, tighter customs regulations, and slower approvals mean those shipments can be weeks late—or canceled altogether.
## What Pet Food Companies Are Doing About It
### Scaling Production
Brands are trying. They’re hiring more workers, investing in automation, and expanding manufacturing capacity. But these things take time—months or even years.
### Reformulating Recipes
Some companies are tweaking recipes slightly to accommodate more available ingredients. They’re careful not to compromise quality, but your cat might notice that subtle flavor shift.
### Improving Distribution Strategies
To avoid geographic gaps, brands are working on smarter logistics and distribution. That means better forecasting and maybe more consistent supply across regions.
## Smart Tips for Cat Owners During the Shortage
### Safe Brand Switching
If you can’t find your usual go-to, don’t panic. But don’t go wild with totally new foods either.
#### Gradual Transition Techniques
Mix the new food slowly with the old over several days. Cats don’t just need flavor consistency—they need stomach-friendly switches too.
### Buying in Moderation—Avoiding Hoarding
We get it—you want to stock up. But hoarding hurts the community. Buy what you need for a few weeks and leave some for the next person.
### Exploring Alternative Food Options
Some cats do well with freeze-dried, refrigerated, or even high-quality dry food temporarily. It’s not ideal for everyone, but it can help you ride out the wave.
## Homemade Cat Food: Is It Safe?
### Risks of DIY Recipes
Homemade cat food might sound like a solid Plan B, but it’s easy to miss critical nutrients like taurine, which is essential for your cat’s heart and eyes. An unbalanced diet can cause serious harm fast.
### Vet-Approved Alternatives
If you really want to go homemade, get a vet-approved recipe. Some veterinarians or pet nutritionists can help create a plan based on your cat’s specific needs.
## Talking to Your Vet: Why It Matters More Now Than Ever
### Monitoring for Allergies or Digestive Issues
If you’re switching foods or brands, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. A quick call to your vet can save a lot of future headaches (and vet bills).
## The Emotional Side of the Shortage
### Feeling Guilty or Helpless? You’re Not Alone
Every cat parent has felt the weight of this shortage. You’re not a bad owner if your cat doesn’t get their exact usual food. You’re doing your best—and that’s enough.
### Building a Supportive Community
Local Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and even neighbors can be surprisingly helpful. People are posting alerts when they spot stock at local stores, and swapping extra cans.
## Will the Shortage End Soon?
### Industry Predictions
Experts say things are improving, but it could still take months before we see “normal” shelves again. The supply chain is delicate, and one hiccup can bring everything to a halt again.
### Long-Term Changes in the Market
We may see more U.S.-based production, better stockpiling systems, and less reliance on foreign ingredients in the future. The industry is definitely learning its lesson.
# Conclusion
The canned cat food shortage is frustrating, emotional, and complicated. But it’s also something we can navigate—together. By staying informed, being flexible, and supporting one another, we can keep our feline friends fed and healthy until things settle down.
Hang in there, cat parents. You’ve got this. And your cat (even if they’re judging you from the windowsill) appreciates it more than you know.
## FAQs
Q1: Why is there still a canned cat food shortage in 2025?
The ripple effects of the pandemic, aluminum shortages, and global supply chain issues are still being felt. The market is recovering, but slowly.
Q2: Can I safely feed my cat dry food only during the shortage?
Yes, many cats can do well on dry food temporarily. Make sure it’s a high-quality option and provide plenty of water.
Q3: Is it okay to mix wet and dry food during the shortage?
Absolutely. Mixing can help stretch your canned supply while keeping your cat happy and hydrated.
Q4: Are there any canned cat food brands that are easier to find?
It varies by region. Smaller or lesser-known brands might be more available than major names. Check specialty pet stores or online retailers.
Q5: How can I find out when stores restock cat food?
Join local pet parent groups or ask your local store staff. Many stores restock on specific days and times—knowing when can give you a head start.