The Year of the Cat Has Arrived

Cats are having their moment. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2025 Dog & Cat Report, ownership rose 23% in 2024, with 49 million U.S. households now including at least one cat - up from 40 million in 2023. Nearly four in ten American households have welcomed a cat into their lives, marking a historic rise in feline companionship.

This surge is more than a passing phase; the role of cats within the home, or family, is changing. Owners are forming deeper bonds, spending more time interacting with their pets, and looking for new ways to integrate them into daily life. The result? A wave of opportunity for pet industry manufacturers, retailers, and marketers is ready to meet these expectations with innovative products and experiences.

Multi-Cat Homes Reshape the Market

Not only are more people adopting cats, many are adopting more than one.

Single-cat households have dropped from 64% in 2018 to 58% in 2024, while homes with two cats increased by 8% and those with three or more cats rose by 36% over the same period.

This trend toward multi-cat homes carries significant implications for product demand and household purchasing behavior. These owners buy more frequently and spend more per trip, driving steady demand across consumables like food, litter, and treats.

For retailers, the message is clear:

• Stock smarter with multi-pack and bulk options designed for larger households.
• Consider subscription or delivery programs to support regular replenishment.
• Use category cross-merchandising (e.g., litter, food, and odor-control accessories) to encourage convenient, one-stop purchases.\

For manufacturers, this is an invitation to innovate. Products that emphasize efficiency, value, and variety-such as resealable multi-use formats or assortments catering to cats of different ages-will resonate with this growing audience.

The Rise of the Trained & Adventurous Cat

One of the most surprising findings from APPA’s latest data is the growing number of cat owners engaging in training and enrichment activities.

Nearly half (48%) of cat owners now use some type of training method, a 41% increase since 2018. Likewise, 35% use training treats, up 30% in the same period. What was once considered a dog-only activity is now a mainstream part of cat care.

This behavioral shift aligns with a cultural redefinition of what it means to be a “cat person.” Today’s owners are proud to share videos of their cats walking on leashes, climbing obstacle courses, or performing tricks. Their goal isn’t just entertainment - it’s connection.

And the accessory market reflects this change. Leash ownership is up 52%, harnesses up 69%, and non-flea collars up 50% since 2018. These figures highlight a growing desire for shared experiences, mobility, and outdoor exploration.

For brands and product developers, the opportunity is clear:

• Expand offerings in training tools, clickers, and positive reinforcement products.
• Develop durable, comfortable gear that’s cat-specific, not just miniaturized dog products.
• Innovate enrichment products that stimulate both physical activity and mental engagement-categories that have seen sustained growth among younger pet owners in particular.

Retailers can further capitalize by dedicating “Active Cat” or “Training and Play” sections in-store and online, pairing lifestyle imagery with functional products to help customers visualize what’s possible.

Celebrating Cats: The Joy of Pet Ownership

Modern cat owners aren’t only training their pets – they’re celebrating them.

APPA’s research found that 21% of cat owners hosted a holiday or birthday party for their cats in 2024-a 250% increase since 2018. Likewise, 34% purchased cat-themed merchandise, up 89% over six years.

This “celebration culture” is redefining the pet marketplace. Owners are personalizing their cats’ experiences the same way they might for a child or partner-through parties, themed décor, and social media-worthy moments.

For the industry, this trend translates into emotional spending and seasonal engagement.

• Manufacturers can create themed or customizable products that make celebration easy-think party kits, treat assortments, and matching apparel.
• Retailers can build marketing calendars around cat-specific holidays or spotlight customer-generated celebrations online.
• Marketers can connect through storytelling that celebrates the human-feline bond, tapping into social sharing behaviors that naturally amplify brand exposure.

As cats become central to how their owners express identity and affection, this culture of celebration underscores a key insight: the modern pet economy isn’t just about care, it’s about connection.

Wellness & Enrichment: Sustaining Growth Beyond 2025

While ownership trends capture attention, sustaining this momentum will rely on long-term wellness and enrichment. Many of the same households driving growth are also exploring premium diets, functional treats, and vitamin supplements designed to enhance quality of life.

Like their dog-owning counterparts, cat owners are embracing proactive wellness-favoring products that blend nutrition, behavior, and lifestyle. For companies operating in these adjacent segments, understanding cross-category purchasing will be crucial.

An integrated approach-combining health, training, and lifestyle products-can help brands establish themselves as trusted partners in holistic pet care.

Business Takeaways: Turning Insights into Strategy

The “Year of the Cat” is more than a catchy headline; it’s a roadmap for strategic growth across the pet care ecosystem. For manufacturers, the opportunity lies in developing products that encourage interaction and enrichment, while also addressing the practical realities of multi-cat households through variety packs, value bundles, and smart packaging. 

Retailers can take a lifestyle-oriented approach to merchandising, pairing consumables with celebration and enrichment products that speak to how owners actually live with their cats. Leveraging data to anticipate seasonal demand or to spotlight high-performing product categories can help retail teams stay agile and relevant. 

Meanwhile, marketers should continue to center storytelling around the deep emotional connection between people and their cats. Campaigns that reflect real owner experiences-whether celebrating milestones or encouraging active play-can strengthen loyalty and align with the joy, companionship, and lifestyle integration that define modern cat ownership.

Explore the 2025 Dog & Cat Report

Cat ownership is climbing, households are expanding, and the ways people care for and celebrate their cats are changing fast.

For a deeper look at these insights, explore APPA’s 2025 Dog & Cat Report. This comprehensive resource offers data-driven intelligence on ownership trends, purchasing behavior, and emerging product opportunities for dogs and cats alike.

Access the latest report from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the trusted authority on pet ownership data, to discover what’s next for the U.S. pet industry.

Purchase the full report in the APPA store here ➡

Download a preview of APPA's 2025 Dog & Cat Report by entering your email below.