Cats Overtake Puppies in American Homes as Ownership Booms
Recent data indicates a significant rise in cat ownership in US households, surpassing dog ownership for the first time. This shift is largely driven by Gen Z and male pet owners.
Cats have seen a surge in popularity within American households, with ownership numbers now exceeding that of dogs. According to market research group Packaged Facts, the number of US households with a young cat was virtually equal to those with a young dog last year. By 2026, the ratio is projected to be 0.94 puppies for every one kitten, a notable shift from 2014 when the ratio favored puppies significantly.
Across the US, 95 million households owned a pet last year, with 71 million owning a dog and 53 million owning a cat. While both cat and dog ownership saw growth between 2024 and 2025, cat ownership increased by 5% compared to a 2% rise in dog ownership. This follows a record year in 2024 for new cat additions, which saw a 23% explosion in cat ownership.
The primary demographics driving this feline boom are Generation Z and men, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Gen Z represented 22% of US cat owners in 2025, up from 12% the previous year. Concurrently, cat ownership among men has surged, now accounting for 43% of all cat owners. Younger men are particularly influential, with cat ownership among Gen Z males rising 27% year-over-year.
These demographic shifts are also influencing purchasing habits. Male cat owners are reportedly spending more on premium food additives and specialty food options compared to their female counterparts. While Gen Z tends to be more budget-conscious overall, they show strong spending in categories such as treats, food, and general cat products. The rising sales of cat food and related products have helped stabilize the pet industry, even as dog food sales have seen a decline.