General Mills Inc. has made a name for itself with kitchen-table staples ranging from Honey Nut Cheerios cereal to Betty Crocker cake mix. Now the packaged-food giant is looking to tap into fast U.S.

General Mills said it had agreed to acquire a North American cat feeding and pet treating business from European private-equity firm NXMH in a deal worth $1.45 billion.

A St. Louis-based manufacturer of pet foods, treats and supplements is selling its North American cat food and pet treat businesses to a branded foods giant.