Kittens just overtook puppies in American homes. Here’s who’s driving the cat boom
Cats are having a moment. In American homes, cats have long played second fiddle to dogs. More U.S. households own dogs, but the balance is starting to tip. Last year, the number of U.S. homes with a dog under a year old was basically equal to the number of homes with a cat under the same age, according to recent data from market research group Packaged Facts. In 2026, the ratio tipped to .94…
Cats have become increasingly popular in American homes, surpassing dogs in ownership. According to market research, in 2026, there were 0.94 puppies for every one kitten in households with young pets. In 2014, there were 1.8 puppies for every cat. In 2025, 71 million households owned dogs while 53 million owned cats. Cat ownership surged in 2024, with a 23% increase, following a record year for Americans adding cats to their homes.
Two demographics are driving this trend: Gen Z and cat dads. Gen Z made up 22% of cat owners in 2025, up from 12% the previous year. Men also make up 43% of cat owners, with Gen Z men showing a 27% year-over-year increase in cat ownership. Male cat owners are spending more on high-end and specialty food options for their pets. Gen Z cat owners are more budget-conscious but still spend heavily on treats, food, and cat products.
While dog food sales are declining, cat food, cat toys, and other feline products are on the rise. Cats are well-suited for apartment living and are often happier when left alone, making them a popular choice for smaller spaces. Pet owners generally enjoy the companionship that cats provide, and a new international study found that countries with a higher density of cats also have a higher sense of well-being, with Finland leading the way.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
