Cat ownership on the rise around the world

Even in regions like Europe where cats have always been most popular, their numbers are growing, as they are in traditionally dog-oriented countries.

Debbie Phillips-Donaldson

November 20, 2024

Cats are becoming more popular globally due to rising urbanization and more challenging economic times.

Cats are becoming more popular globally due to rising urbanization and more challenging economic times.

Shipilov77777 | Shutterstock.com

While we are temporarily petless (our 17-year-old cat died in May 2024), my husband and I have been cat owners our entire marriage; Deacon was the fifth to share our home. We both also grew up with cats.

Thus, we’ve experienced the long arc of cats’ status and products and services offered for them — ranging from their living outdoors even during Midwest winters (with access to a warm garage) and eating prey, scraps or the lowest-priced commercial cat foods; to being indoor-only, full family members ruling our homes, couches and beds, and eating premium or therapeutic foods.

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