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The exact number of cats in the world is very difficult to determine. The global cat population, including pets and strays, is estimated to be over 600 million, with at least 373 million being kept as pets. That’s a lot of cats! So we thought it would be fun to find random cat facts from countries around the world. These countries are in no particular order, but all 10 were picked because they have been consistently noted as having high cat ownership rates. Alright, now on to the list!
Cat Facts From 10 Countries
1. Japan
The Japanese are known for loving cats. Just look at their pop culture or their numerous “Cat Cafes” to prove it. One reason why cats are so popular is that many Japanese homes are small. Since a cat doesn’t require a ton of space to be happy, they make ideal pets.
Not only do Japanese people love cats, but the country even has 11 so-called “Cat Islands,” which attract tourists year-round due to their large stray population. Aoshima is arguably the most famous one. Cats were originally introduced on ships to control rodents. Then the cats remained on the island and quickly reproduced.
Another well-known “Cat Island” is Tashirojima. The local belief is that feeding cats will bring good fortune and wealth. Although the island has a small population of around 100 people, there are over 100 cats. In the past, islanders raised silkworms for silk, which attracted mice. So cats were introduced as a way to reduce the mouse population.
2. Italy
When it comes to cats, there are some interesting cat facts about Italy’s capital. In the city of Rome alone, there are an estimated 300,000 cats, with 180,000 as pets and the rest as strays. The feral cats of Rome are often seen hanging around the city’s ancient monuments, one being the Colosseum. Today, these places are prowled by numerous cats and visitors. So, what gives? Why are there so many strays?
Well, in 1991 Italian Parliament implemented Law 281, which states that cats have a right to live where they choose, plus other standards aimed at protecting free-roaming cats without moving or killing them. But this strict law isn’t anything new because cats have been protected by Roman law since the first century AD. This is because Romans adored cats and respected them as deities because they believed cats helped in clearing mice and insects. Even the Roman army kept cats to safeguard their food and armor from mice and rats.
3. Brazil
A lot of Brazilians love cats. But sadly, many Brazilian pet shelters are overwhelmed because of the current situation in Brazil. You know, the germ that shall not be named. According to the Washington Post, the country’s crisis has led many Brazilians to abandon their pets. This is why some abandoned cats have been brought to a Brazilian island called Furtada, but nicknamed “Cat Island,” as it has a huge population of feral cats. It’s a heartbreaking situation, and the country seems to be divided on how to solve it.
On a lighter note, The Brazilian Shorthair is the first cat breed from Brazil to receive international recognition. It originated from the common street cats of Brazil and is still considered the common street cat of the country. The felines entered Brazil in 1500 A.D. when the Portuguese arrived in Brazil. In 1998, the World Cat Federation approved the Brazilian Shorthair as a recognized purebred cat breed. However, the breed has not yet received recognition by the TICA or CFA.
4. Ukraine
Although a large number of Ukrainian households have cats, the country also has a significant stray population. Sadly, this country lacks well-defined animal welfare laws, which leads numerous cats (and dogs) to be abandoned. This is why some animal welfare organizations have criticized Ukraine’s treatment of strays.
But in lighter news, this country is also where the Ukraine Levkoy originated from, which is a hairless cat breed with inward folding ears and a muscular look. It was created by crossing hairless Donskoy females with Scottish Fold males. The Ukraine Levkoy is still fairly new in the cat world as it was developed in the early 2000s. The breed was recognized in Ukraine in 2005 and in Russia in 2010. In fact, as of today, only the ICFA RUI in Ukraine and ICFA WCA in Russia officially recognize this breed.
5. Germany
Some estimates say that about 23% of all German households own a cat. So, apparently, this country is filled with cat lovers! According to Agila, a German pet insurance company, the European Shorthair is Germany’s favorite cat breed. It’s also believed that the Top 5 most popular cat names in Germany are Lilly, Luna, Sammy, Balu, and Simba.
Germany is another country that has a huge stray cat problem, which is why experts have been advocating for the neutering of all stray cats in order to control the stray population. Some German campaigners have emphasized that the high number of cats is responsible for killing about 100 million birds annually, making neutering all the more important to protect biodiversity.
6. United Kingdom
According to PDSA, a leading vet charity, 24% of UK adults have a cat. A notable cat breed from the U.K. is the British Shorthair, which is the oldest recorded cat breed in England. This particular breed has a muscular body with a dense coat and broad face. One of the British Shorthair’s most familiar features is its “British Blue” coat, which is described as a solid greyish-blueish color. Other familiar features are is its striking orange eyes and thick plush coat.
The version of the British Shorthair we know today made its debut at the first-ever cat show in Britain, which was at the Crystal Palace in London in 1871. Cat lovers were impressed by the friendliness and calmness of the breed, which led to its initial popularity. By the late 1970s, the British Shorthair was formally recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
7. France
The number of cats in France has been increasing since 2006. France also has strict rules for the maintenance of pets, including regular vaccination and microchipping. In fact, since 2011 it has been mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets to have microchip identification.
The Chartreux is from France and is considered to be a rare breed. It’s a large and muscular cat with fast reflexes. The cat has silver-grey hair and a thick coat. The Chartreux is a very intelligent and friendly cat known for appearing happy. This is because due to their natural facial structure, they often appear to be smiling.
There is a legend that Carthusian monks brought this breed to France to live in the order’s monastery. But in the early 1970s, the order, called the Grande Chartreuse, denied having records indicating that the monks used this breed. So, who knows if there’s any truth to that tale.
8. Russia
According to a survey done by the Dalia research company, 59% of Russians own a cat. And a study by Sberbank insurance showed that more Russian households own cats than dogs, with 55% of pet parents living with a cat, and only 37% with dogs. So these cat facts suggest that Russians love their feline friends.
And of course, we can’t leave out the famous Russian Blue cat breed, known for its silver-blue coat and striking green eyes. Also, thanks to its short and dense coat, this breed sheds very little. There are a few theories as to the origin of this breed. But some believe that English sailors brought these beautiful grey cats from “Archangels”, a city in the north of Russia.
9. China
Did you know that China has a national cat? Well, the Dragon Li is considered the national cat of China. This breed is rarely seen in the rest of the world. It displays a unique golden-brown pattern, distinctive ear tipping, and yellow or green eyes. Speculations are that it originated from the Chinese mountain cat and was later domesticated.
Another cool fact is that in Chinese and Japanese culture, there’s a lucky cat charm called Maneki Neko, which means “beckoning cat.” This figure is also known as the “Lucky Cat” or “Fortune Cat.” The origins of this charm are unclear. But one legend says a man was sheltering under a tree during a storm. Then, a cat beckoned him to enter a nearby temple. When he followed the cat, lightning hit the tree moments later. Since the cat essentially saved his life, the man considered it to be lucky. This lucky cat originated in Japanese culture and eventually spread to Chinese culture too.
10. United States
The most recent Pet Demographics Study by the AVMA revealed that 25% of U.S. households own a cat. This study also found that Americans think highly of their cats. In fact, 76% of cat owners viewed their cats as family members, while 20% considered them to be companions and only 4% considered them to be property. Another neat thing this report found is that Vermont has the highest percentage of cat owners, at 45%. Talk about interesting cat facts!
And of course, we can’t leave out the American Shorthair. The ancestors of this breed were the first domestic cats to settle in North America. They came by following settlers from Europe to the New World by the Mayflower. Records indicate that this ship carried many cats to take care of mice. But this breed used to be called a Domestic Shorthair. It was renamed “American Shorthair” in 1966 to separate it from other shorthaired breeds and better represent its American origins.
Reference List
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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.
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