Curious about the state of cat ownership in America? The landscape of pet companionship in the United States continues to evolve, with cats maintaining their position as one of the most beloved pets. Let's dive into the comprehensive data about how many cat owners there are in the US and what these numbers tell us about our feline-loving nation.
From urban apartments to suburban homes, cats have carved out their place in millions of American households. Understanding these numbers isn't just about statistics – it's about recognizing the significant role cats play in our society and how pet ownership patterns reflect broader social and economic trends.
Current Cat Ownership Statistics in America
As of 2025, approximately 46.5 to 49 million U.S. households include at least one cat as a family member. This represents roughly 32% of all American households, making cats the second most popular pet choice in the country. Even more impressive is the total number of pet cats in the United States, which stands at an estimated 73.8 to 74 million felines.
The average cat-owning household maintains approximately 1.8 cats, indicating that many families choose to have multiple feline companions. This multi-cat household trend has remained relatively stable over the years, contributing to the overall robust cat population in the country.
Demographics of American Cat Owners
Cat ownership spans across various demographic groups, with some interesting patterns emerging. Millennials lead the pack, representing 30-33% of all pet owners, followed by Generation X at 25% and Baby Boomers at 24-25%. Generation Z, while currently comprising 16-20% of pet owners, shows strong tendencies toward multi-pet households.
Housing status plays a significant role in cat ownership rates. Homeowners are more likely to have cats, with 39% of homeowners having at least one feline companion, compared to 29% of renters. This difference often relates to rental restrictions and additional pet-related fees that can discourage pet ownership among renters.
Geographic Distribution of Cat Ownership
Cat ownership varies significantly by region and state. Vermont leads the nation with an impressive 44.6% of pet-owning households having cats, followed closely by Maine at 43.6%. These New England states are among the few where cats actually outnumber dogs as pets. In contrast, Rhode Island has the lowest cat ownership rate in the contiguous United States at just 16.7%.
These regional differences often reflect local cultural preferences, housing patterns, and lifestyle factors that influence pet ownership choices.
Economic Impact of Cat Ownership
The financial commitment to cat ownership remains significant. Initial year costs can reach up to $1,030, covering essential supplies, food, and veterinary care. The average annual veterinary spending per household for cats is $433, though this figure can vary widely based on the cat's age, health, and specific needs.
Cat owners contribute significantly to the overall pet industry, which saw Americans spending a record $152 billion on their pets in 2024. This impressive figure demonstrates the growing investment in pet care and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many households in the U.S. currently own at least one cat?
Between 46.5 and 49 million U.S. households currently own at least one cat, representing approximately 32% of all American households.
What is the average number of cats per cat-owning household in the United States?
The average cat-owning household in the United States has 1.8 cats, indicating that many families choose to have multiple cats.
Which U.S. states have the highest and lowest rates of cat ownership?
Vermont has the highest rate at 44.6% of pet-owning households, while Rhode Island has the lowest rate at 16.7% among contiguous states.
How does cat ownership in the U.S. compare to dog ownership by number of households and total pets?
While cats number around 74 million in total, dogs are found in more households (59.8-68 million households with 68-89.7 million dogs). However, cat-owning households often have multiple cats.
What demographic groups in the U.S. are most likely to own cats?
Millennials lead in pet ownership, including cats, at 30-33% of all pet owners, followed by Generation X (25%) and Baby Boomers (24-25%). Homeowners are also more likely to own cats than renters.
As we look to the future, cat ownership in the United States continues to evolve, reflecting changing demographics, living patterns, and attitudes toward pet companionship. With millions of households choosing cats as their preferred pets, these feline friends remain an integral part of American family life.
