Introduction
The question of whether men or women are more likely to own cats has long fascinated researchers and animal lovers alike. Despite stereotypes that cats are more popular pets among women, studies reveal some interesting gender differences and trends in cat ownership. This article will provide a brief overview of the key findings on how cat ownership rates differ between men and women. We will explore historical data, look at potential reasons behind gender divides, examine regional variations, and highlight recent shifts that provide insight into this enduring question.
Historical Context
Cats have a long history as pets and companions to humans. Evidence of cats living with people dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, where cats held an exalted status. The Egyptians associated cats with the goddess Bastet and revered them for controlling pests and snakes. Over time, cats spread as pets throughout Europe and Asia.
Historically, gender norms influenced pet ownership. Dogs were seen as masculine, associated with hunting and guarding. Cats were viewed as more feminine, linked to domesticity and caregiving. This gender divide affected who owned certain pets. An 1897 study found over 90% of pet cats in the United States were owned by women, while most dogs belonged to men.
As Kyla Tennyson details in her book The Divine Feline, the history of cat ownership reveals a special bond between cats and women. From ancient Egypt to the modern day, cats have been closely tied to feminine energy and domestic realms traditionally occupied by women.1
Gender Differences in Cat Ownership
For many years, the stereotype has been that women are more likely to own cats than men. However, recent data challenges this assumption.
According to a 2022 report by the Australian Capital Territory Legislation Register, cat ownership is equally distributed between genders (https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/DownloadFile/es/db_65623/20220406-78557/PDF/db_65623.PDF). Their analysis of cat ownership demographics showed approximately equal likelihood of cat ownership by gender.
Other studies have also found that the gender gap in cat ownership is narrowing. A survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2012 found that 53% of cat owners were female and 47% male (https://www.govtmonitor.com/page.php?type=document&id=2877946).
The number of cats owned by gender tells a similar story. Single men are just as likely as single women to own cats. Among married couples, the gender of the primary caretaker does not appear to impact cat ownership rates significantly.
So while traditionally more women owned cats, especially multiple cats, recent data shows men catching up in cat ownership and caring for feline companions.
Reasons for Gender Differences
There are several suggested reasons for why more women tend to own cats compared to men. One factor is perceived gender norms about cats. Cats are often seen as more independent, low-maintenance, and reserved pets that match traditional feminine gender roles. Women are expected to be nurturing caregivers, which may align with caring for a pet cat (NBC News). In contrast, dogs are viewed as more active, outdoorsy, and requiring more leadership, which fits with masculine stereotypes. Therefore, cultural norms and gender stereotypes likely influence the choice of a cat versus dog as a pet.
Lifestyle factors also come into play. Studies show women are more likely to live alone, particularly in older age groups. Owning a pet can provide companionship, so single women may choose cats for their relatively independent nature yet ability to form bonds with their owners (Quora). Additionally, working women tend to have less leisure time than men. Cats require less time and attention than dogs, making them a more suitable pet for busy women. Overall, perceived gender roles and practical lifestyle considerations help explain why more women own cats compared to men.
Personality Traits
Research has found some differences in personality traits between male and female cat owners. One study published in the journal Anthrozoös examined the Big Five personality dimensions in cat owners and found that women scored higher in neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness than men (Leech, 20221). Higher neuroticism in women has been associated with greater attachment and affection toward pets. Women also tend to score higher in nurturance, which relates to caregiving tendencies.
Additionally, a 2019 study in Scientific Reports showed that owner personality was linked to cat personality and wellbeing. Female owners high in neuroticism and openness had cats that were more anxious and aloof. Meanwhile, male owners scoring high in conscientiousness had cats that were less anxious and aggressive (Finka et al., 20192). This suggests gender differences in how personality influences caregiving approaches and bonding with cats.
Cats and Relationships
Studies have found some interesting correlations between cats and human relationships. According to a survey by Cats Protection, over 70% of single adults said their cat helped them cope with feeling lonely. Additionally, 76% said their cat provided emotional support during a breakup (Cats Protection, 2017). This suggests cats can play an important role for single adults, providing companionship and comfort during challenging times.
When it comes to families, research indicates cats can help encourage social interaction. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that families interacted with each other more when a cat was present in the room, as compared to when the cat was absent. The researchers theorized the cat acted as a social catalyst. This effect was most pronounced in families with younger children (Turner, 2017). So while cats are sometimes seen as aloof, they may actually bring household members closer together.
Caregiving Factors
Research shows that women are more likely to have nurturing traits that may make cat ownership appealing. Cats are often viewed as relatively low maintenance pets that require less intensive care than dogs. Their independent nature means they do not require constant supervision or walking like dogs. This allows cat owners, especially women who often shoulder more domestic responsibilities, the flexibility to leave cats at home for longer periods while attending to other obligations. Cats enjoy human interaction and playtime, but are also content napping or amusing themselves when left alone. These characteristics can be attractive to women seeking an affectionate yet self-reliant pet.
Studies indicate women score higher than men on traits like nurturance, gentleness, and empathy (VieraVet). The strong maternal instincts present in many women can translate into attentive, tender care of pet cats. Cats frequently mirror the personalities of their owners, so warm-hearted owners often raise affectionate, people-oriented cats. Additionally, the emo-emotional intelligence of women may allow them to read subtle feline body language and interact with cats in ways that strengthen bonding and attachment.
Regional Differences
There are noteworthy variations in cat ownership by gender across different countries and cultures. In Western nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, women are significantly more likely to own cats than men. However, in many Asian countries such as China, India, and Japan, male cat ownership is equal to or even higher than female cat ownership.
These regional discrepancies can be attributed to cultural influences regarding gender norms and animals. In individualistic Western cultures, cats are often associated with more feminine traits like nurturing and caregiving. But in collectivist Asian cultures that emphasize social harmony, cats may be viewed as calming, zen pets suitable for men and women alike. Additionally, the predominant religions and spiritual beliefs in Asia such as Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism encourage compassion for all living beings, which can increase cat adoption among Asian men.
Recent Trends
Over the past decade, cat ownership rates have shifted between men and women. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, 17% of men own a cat compared to 23% of women. This represents a convergence in ownership rates, as women have historically been more likely to own cats.
In 2011, 25% of women owned a cat compared to just 15% of men, a 10 percentage point gap. By 2021, that gap had narrowed to 6 percentage points as male cat ownership has steadily risen (Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-states-pet-population-and-ownership-trends-report-2022-with-focus-on-cats-and-dogs-301704427.html).
The trend of increasing male cat ownership is expected to continue. According to market research firm Packaged Facts, the gender gap in cat ownership will likely diminish over the next five years. Their projections show women’s cat ownership dropping slightly to 22% by 2025, while men’s continues rising to 19% (Source: https://www.freedoniagroup.com/packaged-facts/pet-population-and-ownership-trends-in-the-us).
Conclusion
In summary, research suggests women are more likely to own cats than men. Several factors may contribute to this gender difference, including differences in personality traits, attitudes toward relationships, and approaches to caregiving. Women tend to score higher on personality traits like warmth, gentleness and neuroticism that are associated with cat ownership. Cats may also appeal more to women seeking low maintenance companion animals. Women’s stronger desire for intimacy in relationships makes bonding with a pet attractive. Their nurturing tendencies also mesh well with caring for a pet. However, regional variations exist, and the gender gap seems to be decreasing over time as cats gain broader acceptance.
Some open questions remain around the gender differences in cat ownership. More research is needed on exactly how personality traits translate to pet preferences. The intersection of gender norms, pet stereotypes, and actual ownership merits further study. Generational analyses could reveal if age cohorts differ in cat-owning gender ratios. And larger scale surveys should track whether male cat ownership is rising significantly. But the overall evidence points to women’s greater affinity for feline companions.