The Great Cat Takeover — Why Felines Are Winning 2026
Move over dogs — the cats are officially in charge. In 2025, we’re seeing a noticeable shift in pet ownership: more households are welcoming cats, and the dynamics around those cats are changing. For anyone covering pet trends, this moment is fascinating.
What the Numbers Show
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2025 demographic data, the U.S. cat population grew to 76.3 million in 2025, up from 73.8 million in 2024. PetfoodIndustry
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports show that the proportion of pet-acquiring households selecting a cat increased from 43.5 % in 2023 to 47.6 % in 2025. PetfoodIndustry+1
Another report noted a 23 % increase in cat ownership in 2024, with multi-cat households rising significantly. American Pet Products Association+1
These numbers tell a story: cats aren’t just stable in the market—they’re growing.
Why This Shift?
Several factors seem to be driving the trend:
Changing lifestyles: With more people living in smaller households, apartments, or urban settings, cats—with their smaller footprint and more independent nature—are an attractive companion.
Generation influences: The APPA reports that younger generations (Gen Z, Millennials) are more likely to own multiple pets and treat them as family members. PetfoodIndustry+1
Cost and care dynamics: Some analysts suggest that cats are less expensive to keep and easier to manage in certain living situations, which opens the door for more households. PetfoodIndustry
Cultural shift: More people are seeing cats as social, trainable companions rather than aloof animals. The “one-cat-one-household” norm is evolving. petworldwide+1
What It Means for Pet Owners and the Industry
For pet owners: This trend means more resources, more communities, and more products designed specifically for cats (and multiple-cat households). Whether you’re just getting your first cat or adding a second and third, the support infrastructure is growing.
For the industry: Brands and retailers are paying attention. Multi-cat houses, cat enrichment, design-forward cat furniture—all are becoming more mainstream. American Pet Products Association
Takeaway
The cat boom is more than a trend—it’s a shift in how we connect with animals. For owners, it’s an invitation to rethink what cat ownership can look like today; for the industry, it’s a holistic opportunity. The feline moment is here—are we ready to lean into it?
