Report: Cat ownership grows to 53 million U.S. households

Cat ownership in the U.S. climbed to 53 million households in 2025, representing 39% of all households and a 5% increase from the previous year, according to a new report from the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

The findings come from APPA's 2026 Cat Report: Strategic Insights from the 2025 National Pet Owners Survey. The growth follows a 23% surge in cat ownership in 2024. In addition to new households entering the category, existing owners are adding cats and spending more on food and everyday care, according to the report.

Two consumer segments — Gen Z and cat dads — are driving much of the category's growth, the report found, and are shaping trends in nutrition, retail channels and multi-cat ownership.

"Cat ownership continues to attract a broader range of consumers, and we're seeing owners become increasingly engaged in how they care for and connect with their cats," said APPA President and CEO Pete Scott. "What's particularly exciting is that growth isn't coming from just one place. New households are entering the category, existing owners are expanding their homes to multiple cats, and younger generations and male owners are helping shape new expectations around care, nutrition and companionship."

Ownership growing in reach and depth

Multi-cat ownership is increasingly common, according to APPA. Households with two cats rose 7% year over year and 16% since 2018. Households with three or more cats increased 7% year over year and 45% since 2018.

Cat owners spent an average of $337.53 on food in 2025, up 9% year over year. Owners are increasingly using food and treats for variety, convenience and personalization rather than simple replenishment, the report found.

Pexels | Pixabay.comCat dads emerge as a market force

Men account for 43% of U.S. cat owners, the report found. Gen Z male cat ownership increased 27% year over year, and ownership of three or more cats among men rose 117% since 2018.

Cat dads devote a larger share of their pet budgets to products than female owners and are increasingly buying premium and specialized nutrition, according to APPA. Purchases of mixers and toppers among male cat owners increased 214% since 2018. Cat dads are also shopping across pet specialty and online retail channels in addition to traditional grocery outlets, the report found.

Gen Z redefining cat care

Gen Z now represents 22% of cat owners, up 10% year over year, according to the report. This generation reported the strongest emotional connection to their cats compared with older age groups, and ownership of three or more cats increased 14% among Gen Z owners.

Gen Z owners are balancing affordability with targeted premium purchases, combining value-oriented staples with products that offer perceived health, wellness or enrichment benefits, the report found. Nearly half of Gen Z cat owners buy cat food at supermarkets, while e-commerce-only purchasing continues to grow.

"Cats continue to resonate with consumers because they fit a wide range of lifestyles while delivering meaningful companionship," Scott said. "As ownership grows and emerging audiences become more influential, we're seeing a category that continues to evolve through stronger emotional bonds, greater personalization and increased investment in everyday care."

APPA has published the National Pet Owners Survey since 1988. Its research is published across eight annual reports, including State of the Industry, Dog, Cat, Fish, Reptile, Bird, Small Animal and Horse. More information is available at americanpetproducts.org/research-insights.