Cat ownership statistics 2026 infographic showing 58.39 million cats in U.S. households

By Jess Morgan, Certified Pet Care Specialist • Updated May 2026

Quick Answer: There are approximately 58.39 million pet cats in the United States, living in about 25.4% of U.S. households. While dogs remain more popular by household count, cats are the second most popular pet in America and often preferred by apartment dwellers and busy professionals. The average cat owner spends $687 per year on their cat — significantly less than the $1,201 average for dog owners. Globally, there are roughly 370 million pet cats worldwide.

📊 Key Takeaways

  • 58.39 million cats in U.S. households
  • 25.4% of U.S. households own at least one cat
  • Average cat owner spends $687/year ($254 on food alone)
  • Cats are the #2 most popular pet in America (after dogs)
  • 370 million pet cats worldwide
  • 6–8 million cats and dogs enter shelters annually; ~4 million adopted
  • Cat ownership is growing among millennials and Gen Z

Table of Contents

How Many Cats Are in the U.S.?

The United States is home to approximately 58.39 million pet cats, making cats the second most popular pet in the country after dogs (76.81 million). According to the APPA’s 2024–2025 National Pet Owners Survey, about 25.4% of U.S. households own at least one cat.

58.39 Million
Pet cats in the United States (Source: APPA 2024–2025 NPOS)

While fewer households own cats than dogs, cat-owning households are more likely to own multiple cats. The average cat household owns approximately 1.8 cats, compared to 1.2 dogs per dog-owning household. This multi-cat tendency means the total cat population is closer to the dog population than household ownership rates would suggest.

Overall pet ownership in the U.S. has grown from 56% of households in 1988 to 71% (roughly 94 million families) in 2024. Cats have benefited from this trend, particularly among demographics that value lower-maintenance companions — renters, urban dwellers, and single professionals.

Who Owns Cats? Demographics Breakdown

By Generation

Cat ownership skews slightly younger than dog ownership. Millennials and Gen Z are adopting cats at increasing rates, drawn by cats’ compatibility with apartment living, work-from-home lifestyles, and lower time commitment compared to dogs. The “cat lady” stereotype has been thoroughly retired — cat ownership is growing fastest among young men living alone in urban areas.

By Household Type

Cats are particularly popular among:

  • Single-person households: Cats’ independence makes them ideal for people who work outside the home
  • Renters: More landlords accept cats than dogs, and cats require no outdoor access
  • Multi-pet households: Many families own both cats and dogs, but cats are often the “additional” pet
  • Seniors: Cats’ low physical demands make them popular companions for older adults

By Location

Cat ownership rates are more evenly distributed across urban, suburban, and rural areas compared to dogs. While dog ownership correlates heavily with yard access, cats thrive equally in apartments, condos, and houses. This makes cats the dominant pet type in dense urban cores where yard space is scarce.

Cats vs. Dogs: Ownership Comparison

Metric Cats Dogs
Total pets in U.S. 58.39 million 76.81 million
Households that own 25.4% ~49%
Annual spending (avg) $687 $1,201
Food cost (avg/yr) $254 $287
Worldwide population 370 million 900 million

While dogs lead in nearly every category, cats hold a distinct advantage in cost-effectiveness and ease of urban ownership. This makes them increasingly attractive as housing costs rise and more Americans live in apartments. For more on dog ownership trends, see our dog ownership statistics guide.

How Much Do Cat Owners Spend?

$687/Year
Average annual spending per cat (Source: APPA)

The average cat owner spends $687 per year — about 57% of what dog owners spend ($1,201). Here’s the typical breakdown:

  • Food: $254/year
  • Litter: $150–$250/year
  • Routine vet care: $200–$400/year
  • Supplies (toys, scratching posts, beds, window perches): $50–$100/year
  • Treats: $30–$50/year

Over a cat’s average lifespan of 12–18 years, total lifetime spending ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 for a healthy indoor cat. Cats with chronic conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism can cost significantly more in veterinary care — $1,000–$3,000 per year in ongoing treatment.

For a complete cost breakdown across all pet types, see our pet spending statistics.

Cats in Apartments & Urban Living

Cats are the ideal apartment pet. Unlike dogs, they don’t require outdoor walks, don’t bark, and are generally quieter and lower-maintenance in shared living spaces. This makes them the dominant pet choice for urban renters and the fastest-growing pet demographic in cities.

Key advantages for apartment cat owners:

  • No outdoor access needed — cats are perfectly content as indoor-only pets
  • Most landlords accept cats more readily than dogs (smaller, less damage, no noise complaints)
  • Lower pet deposits and pet rent compared to dogs
  • Cats can be left alone for longer periods, making them compatible with office work schedules
  • Vertical space (cat trees, shelves, window perches) substitutes for floor space

Shelter & Adoption Statistics

Cats make up a significant portion of shelter populations:

  • An estimated 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter U.S. shelters each year
  • Approximately 4 million are adopted annually
  • Cats historically face lower adoption rates than dogs, though community cat programs and TNR (trap-neuter-return) initiatives have significantly reduced shelter intake
  • Kitten season (spring/summer) creates annual spikes in shelter cat populations
  • Black cats are adopted at lower rates — a persistent bias that shelters actively work to combat

The “adopt don’t shop” movement has been particularly impactful for cats, as most cats in shelters are mixed-breed domestic shorthairs or longhairs — unlike dogs, where breed-specific demand drives puppy mill and breeder markets.

Cat Ownership Worldwide

Globally, there are approximately 370 million pet cats. While this is less than the 900 million pet dogs worldwide, cats dominate pet ownership in several countries:

  • Russia has one of the highest cat-to-dog ratios in the world
  • Japan is famously cat-obsessed, with cat cafés and a robust feline wellness industry
  • Turkey has a deep cultural reverence for cats, with cities like Istanbul known for their community cat populations
  • France and Germany have more pet cats than dogs

1. Premiumization of Cat Products

Cat owners are spending more per cat than ever before, driven by premium food (grain-free, raw, human-grade), designer furniture (cat trees that look like mid-century modern art), and wellness products (CBD treats, calming pheromone diffusers). The “cats are low-cost pets” narrative is shifting.

2. Smart Cat Tech

Automated litter boxes (Litter-Robot), smart feeders, GPS trackers for outdoor cats, and interactive cameras are creating entirely new spending categories for cat owners.

3. Cat Health Awareness

Veterinary care for cats was historically underutilized — many cat owners skipped annual checkups because “cats don’t need vet visits.” This attitude is changing, driven by social media pet communities and better owner education about feline health needs. Vet costs are rising for cats as owners pursue more proactive care.

4. Indoor-Only Movement

The trend toward keeping cats exclusively indoors is growing, driven by concerns about wildlife predation, traffic risks, and disease exposure. Indoor-only cats live significantly longer (15–20 years vs. 5–10 for outdoor cats) but require more environmental enrichment — creating spending on toys, perches, and interactive feeders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many cats are in the United States?

There are approximately 58.39 million pet cats in the United States, living in about 25.4% of U.S. households according to the APPA’s 2024–2025 National Pet Owners Survey.

Are cats or dogs more popular in the U.S.?

Dogs are more popular by household count — about 65.1 million households own dogs compared to 25.4% owning cats. However, cat-owning households tend to own multiple cats, so the per-capita gap is narrower than household data suggests (76.81 million dogs vs. 58.39 million cats).

How much does it cost to own a cat per year?

The average cat owner spends about $687 per year. This includes food (~$254), litter ($150–$250), vet care ($200–$400), and supplies. Over a cat’s 12–18 year lifespan, total costs range from $8,000 to $12,000 for a healthy cat.

How many cats are adopted from shelters each year?

Approximately 4 million dogs and cats combined are adopted from U.S. shelters annually. Cats make up a significant portion of shelter populations, particularly during kitten season (spring/summer).

How many cats are there worldwide?

There are approximately 370 million pet cats worldwide. This includes only kept pets — the total number including strays and community cats is significantly higher. Countries like Russia, Japan, and Turkey have particularly high cat populations relative to their human populations.

Are cats good apartment pets?

Cats are excellent apartment pets. They don’t require outdoor walks, are generally quieter than dogs, and can thrive in smaller spaces with proper environmental enrichment like cat trees, window perches, and interactive toys. Most landlords accept cats more readily than dogs.

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