How the Wars in Iran and Ukraine Are Indirectly Affecting UK Cats in 2026
When global conflicts dominate the headlines, it’s easy to assume they only affect governments, markets or energy companies. But in 2026, the wars in Iran and Ukraine are quietly shaping everyday life for UK pet owners — including families across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire. Rising energy prices, food inflation and supply‑chain disruption all filter down into the cost of caring for our cats.
As a small, independent 5‑star licensed cattery, Cat’ll Do Nicely sees these pressures first‑hand — and how they impact the choices owners must make.
1. Rising Energy Prices → Higher Household Costs
The UK is one of the hardest‑hit economies from the Iran conflict, with the OECD cutting the UK’s 2026 growth forecast due to soaring gas and oil prices. Britain faces the biggest economic downgrade of any major country, largely because it is highly exposed to imported energy.
For cat owners, this means:
Higher heating bills (especially important for indoor cats and kittens)
Increased electricity costs for heated beds, litter‑tray deodorisers, water fountains and home CCTV
Less disposable income for premium food or routine vet visits
2. Global Oil Shock → Higher Food & Litter Prices
Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel, and European gas prices have doubled during the Iran conflict. This matters because:
Cat food production relies on energy‑intensive processes
Transport costs rise for every stage of the supply chain
Fertiliser prices spike, increasing the cost of farming ingredients used in pet food
The Guardian reports that fertiliser costs are rising sharply, “laying the groundwork for a sharp rise in food prices.”
For cat owners, this translates into:
More expensive wet and dry food
Higher prices for litter (especially clay and silica, which are heavy to transport)
Fewer supermarket promotions
3. Ukraine War → Grain & Protein Supply Disruption
Ukraine is a major global exporter of grain — a key ingredient in many cat foods. Continued instability keeps global grain markets volatile, pushing up the cost of:
Dry food
Treats
Cat biscuits and dental chews
This is an indirect effect, but it compounds the inflation already driven by the Iran conflict.
4. Inflation & Economic Slowdown → Higher Vet Costs
The IMF warns that the Iran war has caused a “very significant” downgrade to UK economic growth, with inflation rising to 4.4%.
When inflation rises:
Vet practices face higher energy, staffing and supply costs
Medication and equipment become more expensive
Prices for routine treatments (vaccinations, flea/worming, check‑ups) increase
For many families, this means delaying non‑urgent vet visits — something we see regularly at Cat’ll Do Nicely.
5. Supply Chain Disruption → Shortages of Certain Pet Products
The Iran war has caused the largest supply disruption in global oil markets in history, with knock‑on effects on shipping, logistics and manufacturing.
This can lead to:
Temporary shortages of specific cat food brands
Delays in specialist diets
Higher prices for imported toys, beds and accessories
What This Means for Cat Owners in 2026
The combined impact of both wars means UK cat owners face:
Higher monthly pet‑care costs
More pressure on household budgets
Greater difficulty accessing certain foods or products
Rising vet bills
At Cat’ll Do Nicely, we understand these pressures — and we remain committed to offering fair pricing, transparent communication and a warm, independent service at a time when so much in the pet‑care world is changing.