FTC Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only affiliate with products that I truly find helpful, and commissions help support this blog.
If you’re reading this, chances are you have a cat. If not, I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you at least know someone with a cat. According to Scientific American, house cats are the most popular pet in the world. Since our feline friends are the ideal combination of self-reliant and affectionate, their popularity makes sense. With this in mind, we thought it would be interesting to find out which countries have the most pet cats. While some of the countries on this list might be expected, others may surprise you. Now, here are the top 10 countries with the most pet cats.
10. Japan (7.25 Million)
Starting off the list is Japan, which has an estimated cat population of 7.25 million. The Japanese are known for loving cats. There are countless Japanese books, shows, and art that depict our feline friends. Japan even has a ton of cat cafes, which are coffee shops where cats freely roam around for customers to play with. Practically speaking, cats are also popular in Japan because cats are perfectly comfortable in apartments, and Japanese homes are small.
Japan also has 11 so-called “cat islands.” Aoshima and Tashirojima are probably two of the most well-known ones. Yes, cat islands are exactly what they sound like: islands with a large amount of stray cats. Are you booking your plane ticket yet?
9. Ukraine (7.5 Million)
Next in line is Ukraine, with an estimated cat population of 7.5 million. With such a large number of cats, it’s clear that many Ukrainians are cat lovers. Unless you live under a rock, I don’t have to explain what’s been going on in Ukraine recently. Due to recent events, Ukrainians have looked to cats for comfort. For example, earlier this year there was a heart-warming story circulating about a Ukrainian cat café. Cat Café Lviv made headlines when the owners decided to stay open to provide a safe space that brings joy to people.
But that’s not the only way cats have helped Ukrainians. In an effort to bring about levity, a twitter account called the “Feline Defense Force” has been regularly posting photos of the cats of Ukraine. These so-called “feline warriors of Ukraine” are meant to provide comfort to humans during this difficult time.
8. Germany (7.75 Million)
Coming in at Number 8 is Germany, with an estimated cat population of 7.75 million. According to Interzoo, cats are the most common pet in Germany. More specifically, cats make up an impressive 52% of the pet population. Alright Germany, now your love for cats is really showing!
Many cat enthusiasts have heard of the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cat breeds. But did you know there’s also a very similar but lesser-known breed called the German Rex? The German Rex is one of the world’s rarest cat breeds (even in Germany itself). It’s origin is traced back to when a wavy haired cat, Laemmchen, was found in a hospital basement in East Germany. When Laemmchen had a litter with two wavy haired kittens, that litter was used as a foundation for the German Rex breed.
Interestingly, the TIFF (The International Feline Foundation), recognizes this breed. However, the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association), does not, and instead associates the breed with the Cornish Rex.
7. The United Kingdom (7.75 Million)
Next on the list is the United Kingdom, which also has an estimated cat population of 7.75 million. According to PDSA, a leading vet charity, 24% of UK adults have a cat. Focusing in on England specifically, did you know that London has a spot where cat history was made? I say that because in 1871, the London Crystal Palace held the world’s first cat show. How neat is that?
As for more fun facts, the oldest recorded cat breed in England is the British Shorthair. This breed is known for its “British Blue” coat, which is a solid greyish-blueish color. Other British Shorthair features are its orange eyes and thick plush coat. The British Shorthair even made the list for the Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the World.
6. Italy (9.5 Million)
Up next is Italy, with an estimated cat population of 9.5 million. Although Italy has a large number of pet cats, it also has a large number of strays. In Rome specifically, there are an estimated 300,000 cats! About 180,000 of these cats are pets and the rest are strays. If you ask people around the world, many are aware that Rome has ancient monuments. But not as many realize that numerous stray cats roam around these ancient monuments, including the Colosseum!
This is because in 1991, Italian Parliament implemented Law 281, which states that cats have a right to live where they choose. This law also includes other standards intended to protect free-roaming cats without moving or killing them. Italy even has many so-called Le Gattares, who are caretakers of Italy’s stray cats.
5. France (9.5 Million)
Starting off the Top 5 is France, with an estimated cat population of 9.5 million. Something that sets France apart is their strict pet ownership requirements, including registration, identification, and rabies vaccination. Under French law, cats, dogs, and ferrets must be registered into a national database. These pets also need some sort of marked identification, like a tattoo or microchip (out of these two options, microchips are the most common). As you may have guessed, these measures were made in order to help identify strays and combat abandonment.
Another fun fact is that the rare Chartreux cat breed is from France. This silver-grey cat is famous for often appearing to smile. Wait, cats smile? Isn’t that something only cartoon cats do? Nope, you heard that right! It turns out that the Chartreux’s natural facial structure makes them look like they’re smiling.
4. Brazil (12.5 Million)
Coming in at Number 4 is Brazil, which has an estimated cat population of 12.5 million. Since we’re talking about Brazil, we have to start off by mentioning the Brazilian Shorthair! This breed originated from the common street cats of Brazil. What’s also interesting is that the Brazilian Shorthair was the first cat breed from Brazil to receive international recognition. Another fun fact is that 60% of Brazilians own pets. Unsurprisingly, the most common pets in Brazil are dogs and cats.
Sadly, the situation in 2020 (you know, the illness that shall now be named), made pet abandonment soar to heartbreaking levels. As a result, pet shelters became overwhelmed to the point where they couldn’t always take in more animals. For cats specifically, this led some people to abandon their cats on a Brazilian island called Furtada. This island is nicknamed “Island of the Cats” because it has a huge population of feral cats. This heartbreaking situation made numerous news headlines.
3. Russia (12.75 Million)
Starting off the Top 3 is Russia, with an estimated cat population of 12.75 million. As the name suggests, the Russian Blue cat breed came from Russia. Russian Blues are known for their silver-blue coat and striking emerald green eyes. They are also said to be very intelligent and sweet. Also, thanks to their short and dense coat, the Russian Blue sheds very little. Although their origin is unclear, one theory suggests that English sailors brought Russian Blues from “Archangels,” a city in northern Russia.
As a response to the situation in Ukraine, the International Cat Federation recently banned all Russian cat breeds, and cats from Russia, from competing in international competitions. The decision sparked a lot of controversy, with some people thinking the decision is unnecessary and others thinking it’s a sign of solidarity. According to the IFC’s website, these restrictions are valid until May 31, 2023, and “will be reviewed as and when necessary.”
2. China (53 Million)
Coming in at Number 2 is China, with an estimated cat population of 53 million. In recent years, China has had a surge in cat ownership. According to a 2021 report by petdata.cn, cats have become the most favored pets in urban China. What’s also interesting is that more elderly and single young people have become pet owners. Since cats are not only quiet companions, but are also easy to take care of, their appeal to those groups makes sense.
Interestingly, China even has a national cat. Yes, really! The Chinese national cat, the Dragon Li, has a unique golden-brown pattern, distinctive ear tipping, and yellow or green eyes. Dragon Lis are rarely seen in the rest of the world, making them all the more special for China. It’s speculated that the Dragon Li originated from the Chinese mountain cat and was later domesticated.
1. The United States (76.5 Million)
Yes, you heard the right! With an estimated cat population of 76.5 million, the United States is the country with the most pet cats. The most recent Pet Demographics Study by the AVMA (which drew data from 2020) found that 26% of U.S. households own a cat, up slightly from 25% the previous study.
Americans are known for loving pets. Research from Euromonitor International has found that globally, the United States spends the most money on pets, with over $150 per person. The UK is second place at $93 per person, and France is third place at $87 person.
Another fun fact is that the American Shorthair originated from the U.S. (surprise, surprise). The ancestors of the American Shorthair came by following settlers from Europe to the New World by the Mayflower. The American Shorthair also made the list for the Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds in the World.
Resources
https://www.washingtonpost.com/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/
Disclaimer: The Purring Journal is not in the medical field. This post is made for entertainment purposes only. Use the information presented in this article at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from licensed veterinarians.
