Americans spending less on their pets

The latest sign that Americans are struggling to make ends meet?

We’re spending less on our pets.

Over the last month, sales of pet supplies dropped by nearly 2 percent overall.

Pet grooming sales dropped by nearly 20 percent, while sales of pet beds dropped 12 percent.

The only increase?  Cat litter sales, up 11 percent – so apparently that’s still considered essential.

Some analysts think a drop in discretionary spending like pet toys could be an early warning sign of recession.