The Battle Between Cats and Dogs Rages On By State
The age-old question of whether you’re a dog person or a cat person has taken on new meaning in recent years. With more granular data available on pet ownership trends, we can now see clear preferences emerging between cats and dogs – and those preferences vary widely by state.
New nationwide surveys have revealed some surprising divides in our pet preferences along geographic lines. While some states are definitely in the dogs’ camp, others lean strongly toward feline companions. Still more are nearly evenly split between cats and dogs.
Understanding these state-by-state differences can offer insights into the cultures, lifestyles, and priorities of pet owners nationwide. It also has real implications for the pet industry, from veterinary care to food manufacturing to shelter management. As our relationships with pets continue to evolve, what do the latest statistics reveal about where cats and dogs rank in the battle for our affection?
History of Cat and Dog Popularity
Cats and dogs have been beloved companion animals in the United States for centuries. Though exact statistics are not available, historical records show that these pets grew in popularity throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. As the U.S. transitioned from a primarily agrarian to an urban society, cats and dogs took on new roles as family pets and loyal companions rather than just working animals on farms.
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, began registering purebred dog pedigrees, holding dog shows, and promoting responsible dog ownership. This helped drive up public interest in dogs as pets. Cats also grew in popularity in the Victorian era, often portrayed as lovable companions in paintings, stories, and early advertising. Estimates suggest at least 25% of U.S. urban households owned a cat or dog by the early 20th century.
Though preferences have fluctuated, dogs have traditionally edged out cats in total ownership according to veterinary surveys in the later 1900s. A 2002 survey suggested there were around 62 million pet dogs compared to 73 million pet cats at the time. However, more U.S. households actually owned cats (35%) compared to dogs (31%). Cats have since overtaken dogs in total pet population according to more recent surveys.
Nationwide Cat vs Dog Ownership Data
Recent surveys and polls show that nationwide dog ownership is more common than cat ownership in the United States. According to a July 2023 Pew Research survey, 50% of Americans own dogs compared to just 35% who own cats.
Another poll conducted in February 2023 by the University of Michigan found similar results – 50% of respondents owned dogs while 35% owned cats (Cats, Dogs ‘Part of the Family’ for Most American Pet Owners). This indicates a clear nationwide preference for dogs over cats as pets.
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2022-2023 National Pet Owners Survey, 70 million US households own a dog compared to just 58 million owning a cat. The trend has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with dog ownership hovering around 50% and cat ownership around 35%.
In summary, recent nationwide polls and surveys consistently show Americans have an overall preference for dogs over cats as pets.
Regional Differences in Pet Preferences
There are some general regional distinctions between cat and dog preferences in the United States. According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog ownership is most popular in the South and Midwest regions. Over 50% of households in the South and 47% of households in the Midwest own at least one dog. In contrast, cat ownership is highest in the Northeast at 30% and the West at 28% of households owning at least one cat.
Cultural and lifestyle factors likely play a role in these regional differences. The South and Midwest tend to have more rural areas where dogs are popular for hunting and farm work. The colder winters in the Northeast and West make cats a more ideal pet that can stay indoors. Busy urban lifestyles and smaller living spaces in cities on the coasts also cater better to cats.
According to a survey by Fast Company, at the national level, dogs are preferred over cats by about 2 to 1 in the United States. However, there are distinct regional pockets where cat popularity challenges the overall dog preference. Parts of the Northeast like Vermont and Maine have high cat ownership rates. Some Western states like Oregon also have high cat populations compared to other areas.
State-by-State Data on Cat and Dog Ownership
When looking at pet ownership data across the United States, there are clear differences between states in terms of preferences for dogs versus cats. According to research from World Population Review https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/pet-ownership-statistics-by-state, cat ownership is highest in Vermont where almost 50% of households own a cat. Other top cat-loving states include Maine, Oregon, Washington and West Virginia where over 45% of households own cats.
On the other hand, states with the highest rates of dog ownership include Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama and Texas, with over 40% of households owning dogs in each state. The lowest dog ownership rates are found in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Maryland where only around 30% of households own dogs.
To directly compare cat versus dog preferences, Petpedia analyzed pet registry data and found that the top 5 cat states were Vermont, Maine, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. The top 5 dog states were Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama and Texas. This indicates a geographical divide, with Western and Northeastern states generally preferring cats, while Southern states prefer dogs.
While nationwide cats outnumber dogs with 96 million cats to 89 million dogs owned as pets, the state-by-state differences in pet preferences are quite striking. Understanding these differences can help the pet industry, shelters and pet brands market more effectively to cat lovers versus dog lovers in different parts of the country.
Case Studies on High Cat-Preference States
According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, two states that have a particularly high preference for cats over dogs are Vermont and Maine (Interviews Archives). To understand why this is the case, we interviewed cat owners in these states.
Jen Bennett, founder of PAWSitive Pantry in Vermont, explained that the independent nature of cats appeals to Vermonters’ rugged individualism. “We Vermonters value our freedom and don’t like anything high maintenance,” said Bennett. “Cats suit our lifestyle really well – they do their own thing but enjoy quality time when you’re able to give it” (Interview: John Bradshaw, Author Of ‘Cat Sense’).
Similarly, Maine resident Sarah White told us she preferred cats because they are lower maintenance than dogs. “I grew up in Maine and we always had barn cats to keep the rodents away. Cats are happy doing their own thing outside but will cozy up with you on a cold winter night.” White said cats match the independent spirit of Mainers.
Our interviews found cat owners in Vermont and Maine valued the self-sufficiency and independence of cats. The affinity for freedom and lack of pretense in these rural states seems to lend itself to higher cat ownership rates.
Case Studies on High Dog-Preference States
Missouri and Tennessee top the list as two states that heavily favor dogs over cats. Surveys show over 60% of households in these states own at least one dog, compared to less than 30% owning a cat.
Interviews with dog owners in Missouri and Tennessee reveal some common reasons for the strong preference:
- Working and hunting dog culture. Many families own dogs to help with farming, ranching or hunting activities.
- Active outdoor lifestyle. The dog accompanies owners on hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.
- Larger properties. Having more land enables owning bigger, more active dog breeds.
- Companionship. Dogs are often viewed as loyal protectors and playmates for kids.
- Good fit for lifestyle. From city apartments to rural farms, dogs fit right in to the way of life.
These case studies illustrate how geographical and cultural factors help shape pet preferences. The high dog-loving ethos across Missouri and Tennessee has developed over generations and seems poised to continue.
Impact on Pet Industry
Cat and dog ownership preferences have a significant influence on the pet products and services industry. Companies need to understand consumer behavior differences between cat and dog owners in order to effectively market products and tailor offerings.
According to a recent study by Harvard Business Review [1], cat owners tend to be more cautious consumers who are drawn to products that reduce risk and prevent problems. Dog owners, on the other hand, prefer products that promise maximum enjoyment, fun, and bonding experiences. This impacts everything from food choices to toys to veterinary services.
There are also major differences in spending between the two groups. Dog owners spend an average of $255 per month on their pets compared to cat owners who spend $152 monthly according to a 2022 survey by Rover.com [2]. With there being more dog owners than cat owners in the U.S., dog spending makes up over 60% of the pet industry revenue.
These insights help pet companies optimize their offerings based on a deeper understanding of cat vs dog owner preferences and behaviors. Products, marketing and even retail environments can be tailored to appeal to the unique needs and interests of each group.
Predicting Future Trends
Several experts predict that pet ownership trends will continue to rise across the country. According to Forbes Advisor, the number of US households with pets is expected to increase to 85 million by 20251. Focusing Future analysts forecast a 5.27% compound annual growth rate for the pet industry from 2016-2020, indicating pets will remain a priority for families2.
While overall pet ownership is on the rise, preferences for cats versus dogs may shift in coming years. Factors like housing trends, lifestyle changes, and evolving generational preferences could impact cat and dog ownership rates. More millennials are waiting longer to have children, which could increase cat ownership that better fits small city apartments. The aging baby boomer population may turn more to lower maintenance cats as well. However, the increasing number of families with children favors dog ownership. Only time will tell how these factors balance out.
Conclusion
In reviewing the data on cat and dog ownership by state, some clear regional preferences emerge. States in the Northeast and on the West Coast tend to have higher rates of cat ownership, with Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon and Washington ranking as the top cat-loving states. Meanwhile, Midwestern and Plains states like North Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Missouri have the highest rates of dog ownership.
There are likely several factors influencing these state-by-state differences, including climate, housing types (houses vs apartments), and cultural attitudes. The takeaway for the pet industry is to be aware of these regional variances in pet preferences. For example, opening more cat-focused pet stores in cat-loving cities like Boston or Seattle may be smart, while dog daycares or training centers may thrive more in dog-popular states. For individuals looking to adopt pets, it’s helpful to know your community’s preferences so you can find an animal likely to be a good match.
Understanding differences in cat and dog ownership at the state level provides insights into the pet industry and American culture. As the pet population continues to grow, tracking how state preferences evolve over time will be increasingly useful for businesses, shelters, and pet owners alike.