Access the latest insights into cat owner behavior to make smarter decisions across products, merchandising, marketing, and retail strategy. In this sneak peek of the full report, discover key trends shaping the industry, including:
Cat ownership continues to grow. In 2025, 39% of U.S. households, or 53 million households, owned a cat, up 5% year over year.
Cats are becoming more relevant. As the second most popular pet type in the U.S., cats increasingly appeal to a wide range of households, routines, and lifestyles.
Multi-cat households are growing. Ownership of two cats and three or more cats both increased 7% year over year.
Cat dads are becoming a more visible and influential segment of the cat market. Forty-three percent of cat owners are male.
Gen Z cat owners are reshaping the cat market. This cohort generation now makes up 22% of cat owners (+10% YoY).
Pricing varies by membership tier.
AS FEATURED BY
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Key Insights
Cat Ownership Trends
Learn about the most influential trends in cat ownership and what's driving them across veterinary, food, treats, products, services, and more, with insights on preferences, shopping habits, and behaviors across demographics.
Ownership Expenses
Discover how owners are spending on their cats, what they're investing in, and where they're cutting back
Key Trends
Discover the latest trends in the cat category, including the growing presence of male cat owners, or “cat dads,” and Gen Z.
Lifestyle
Deep dive into how cats are integrated into their owners' lives across travel, routine care, holidays and more.
PET INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Access the Trends Shaping Cat Ownership in 2026
Get your Free Preview of APPA's 2026 Cat Report — insights you need to inform product strategy, inventory planning, and retail sourcing.
