Introduction
Cats are one of the most popular pets in American households today. In fact, the number of cat owners in the United States has steadily increased over the past few decades. But exactly how many American households own at least one cat? Getting an accurate estimate can be challenging, as different surveys and studies have produced varying statistics. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the data on cat ownership rates in the U.S., examining key factors that impact the numbers and trends. After reviewing multiple credible sources, the overall thesis is that approximately 30-40% of American households today own at least one cat.
History of Cats as Pets
Cats began their unique relationship with humans 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, the geographic region where some of the earliest human civilizations emerged ([1]). It’s believed that cats were drawn to human communities due to the proliferation of rodents feeding on stored grains. The cats helped control the rodent populations, and humans welcomed them for this essential service.
Cats were revered in ancient Egypt, and buried next to mummified Egyptians as treasured pets. Egyptian art depicts cats assisting with bird and rodent hunting. The earliest evidence of cats living with people comes from a 9,500 year old burial site in Cyprus that contained a human skeleton with a cat laid near its owner ([2]).
Cats journeyed from the Fertile Crescent to Europe by ship, protecting supplies from mice and rats aboard trading vessels. It’s believed cats arrived in North America aboard European ships in the 1750s, later spreading across the colonies and frontier regions as valuable pest controllers ([3]).
[1] https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-natural-history-of-the-cat/
[2] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-taming-of-the-cat/
[3] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-house-cats-158390681/
Benefits of Cat Ownership
Having a cat as a pet can provide many benefits to their owners. Some key benefits of cat ownership include companionship, lower stress, and teaching responsibility.
Cats can provide companionship and relieve loneliness, especially for those living alone. Studies have shown that cat owners have lower rates of anxiety, depression and heart disease, likely due to the relaxing presence and calming effect of having a cat around [1]. Stroking a cat can lower blood pressure and release calming endorphins. Cats give their owners unconditional love and affection.
Caring for a cat can also teach responsibility, especially for children. Feeding, grooming and cleaning up after a cat encourages kids to be accountable. Vet visits provide lessons about pet health. Cats live over 10 years on average, so caring for them requires long-term commitment and care.
Costs of Owning a Cat
Owning a cat requires an ongoing financial commitment. According to the ASPCA, the average annual cost of owning a cat is between $560 and $1,060. This covers expenses like food, litter, routine veterinary care, toys, and other accessories.
Food is one of the primary expenses for cat owners. Dry food costs around $200 per year, while wet food is around $300 annually. Premium or prescription foods can cost even more. Litter costs about $180 per year for one cat. Annual veterinary expenses average $655 and include vaccines, checkups, medication, and emergencies. Finally, expect to spend $50-100 per year on toys, beds, scratching posts, and other supplies to keep your cat happy and healthy.
The total first-year cost of a kitten, including spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and supplies, can be up to $1,200. For an adult cat adopted from a shelter, the first year expenses are lower, around $850. Overall, responsible cat ownership requires an investment, but caring pet parents agree the companionship and joy of sharing your life with a cat is priceless.
Popular Cat Breeds
Cats have been popular pets in American households for decades. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the most popular pedigreed cat breeds in the United States are:1
- Exotic
- Ragdoll
- British Shorthair
- Persian
- Maine Coon
Some of the most well-known and beloved cat breeds include:
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated breeds of cats. They typically weigh 9 to 18 pounds. Maine Coons are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and gentle personalities. Their shaggy coats make them well-suited for cold winters.2
Siamese
Siamese cats are known for their distinctive color points and striking blue eyes. They tend to be active, vocal, and demanding of attention. Siamese form strong bonds with their owners and don’t like to be left alone.
Persian
The Persian breed is characterized by its long, flowing coat and squashed face. They have a reputation for being quiet, gentle, and affectionate. However, their pushed-in faces can cause breathing issues.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a cat breed, including activity level, grooming requirements, and personality. Doing research on breeds can help match prospective owners with a cat suited for their lifestyle.
Pet Ownership Statistics
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 25.4% of households in the United States own a cat, which equates to around 31.9 million households. This makes cats the second most popular pet to own after dogs, which are owned by 38.4% of U.S. households.
In terms of demographics, cat ownership is highest among older adults. 34% of adults over the age of 65 own a cat, compared to just 18% of adults aged 18-24. White adults (27%) are also slightly more likely to own a cat than Black (20%) or Hispanic adults (19%). When looking at location, suburban households have the highest rate of cat ownership at 30%, followed by rural (26%) and then urban households (16%).
The percentage of U.S. households owning a cat has remained relatively steady over the past few decades. In the 1980s, around 30% of households owned a cat, similar to today’s rates. This indicates that cat ownership has stayed popular over time, even with changing lifestyles and demographics.
Challenges of Cat Ownership
While cats can make wonderful pets, owning a cat does come with some unique challenges. Three of the biggest challenges cat owners face are maintaining the litter box, protecting furniture from scratching, and managing energetic breeds.
Litter boxes require frequent scooping and complete changing out of litter on a regular basis. According to pethelpful.com, “a dirty litter box is one of the top reasons cats are relinquished to shelters.” Staying on top of litter box maintenance is key to avoiding messes around the home.
Cats have an innate need to scratch and mark their territory. This instinct can lead to damage of furniture, carpets, and more. Providing acceptable scratching surfaces like scratching posts and keeping your cat’s nails trimmed can help mitigate this issue.
Breeds like the Siamese and Bengal are known for their energetic and active nature. These cats require a great deal of stimulation and play to channel their energy positively. Without adequate outlets, they may resort to destructive behaviors.
While challenging at times, the joys of cat companionship make overcoming these hurdles worthwhile for most owners. Doing research beforehand on a breed’s needs and being prepared for cat care duties can set owners up for success.
Tips for New Cat Owners
Bringing home a new cat can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially for first-time cat owners. Here are some helpful tips for successfully introducing your new feline companion into your home:
Litter box training is one of the first priorities with a new cat. Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home and show your cat where it is located. Use an unscented clumping litter initially and scoop daily. Reward your cat with treats and praise for using the litter box. If accidents happen, do not scold or punish your cat. Be patient and continue reinforcing proper litter box habits.
When introducing a new cat to other resident pets, go slowly at first. Keep them separated using baby gates and allow them to become accustomed to each other’s smells before face-to-face interaction. Make the initial introductions brief and supervised, and provide separate resources like food bowls, beds, and litter boxes during the transition. With time and positive reinforcement, they should adjust to cohabitating.
Cats need mental and physical stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors like scratching furniture. Provide scratching posts, cat trees, puzzle toys, and regular playtime to keep your cat engaged and enriched. Rotating toys can help keep your cat interested and prevent boredom. Dedicating at least 10-15 minutes twice a day to interactive play can go a long way toward a happy, well-adjusted cat.
Famous Cats in History
Throughout history, famous figures have had beloved feline companions. For example, the ancient Egyptian Crown Prince Thutmose was known to have a cat named Ta-Miu that he adored and memorialized in art (source). In more recent times, many celebrities and public figures have had cats that became famous in their own right.
Some of the most celebrated cats of celebrities include Chief Mouser, companion to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, and Olivia Benson, Taylor Swift’s Scottish Fold cat. Famous figures like Ernest Hemingway and Charles Dickens also had cats that made appearances in their works.
In the internet age, cats have gone viral and become online celebrities. The most followed cat online is Nala Cat, a Siamese-tabby mix with nearly 4 million Instagram followers. Other viral sensations include Lil Bub, famous for her unique appearance, and Grumpy Cat, known for her perpetual scowl.
Whether companions to ancient rulers, modern celebrities, or stars in their own right, cats have made their mark alongside famous humans throughout history.
Conclusion
In summary, cat ownership rates in the United States have stayed relatively consistent over the past few decades, with around 25% of U.S. households owning at least one cat. While dogs are more popular pets overall, cats remain beloved by millions of Americans. The many benefits of cat ownership, such as companionship and stress relief, are balanced by the costs and responsibilities. As cats continue to become internet celebrities through viral videos and memes, cat ownership rates may continue to rise. However, cats require less maintenance than dogs, which could explain why they are not quite as widespread as their canine counterparts. For those considering getting their first cat, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons, determine if you can provide the proper care, and do ample research on supplies, veterinarians, breeds, and training techniques. With the right preparation and understanding of what cat ownership entails, the experience can be extremely rewarding.