There are black cats, alley cats, calico cats, and scaredy cats, but no matter which kind you’re talking about, they’re mesmerizing! The way they move… the way they purr…when they “make biscuits” or brush against you, they do it with grace.
Their sleek bodies and regal faces show us how miraculous they are, so let’s talk about what makes them tick. What motivates them? Are they really finicky? Can cats be loyal? You’ll learn the answers to these questions within, and so much more, as we dive into the world of cats.
There are so many statistics on cats that statistics have statistics. We sourced the most accurate numbers and find it interesting that Americans are nuts about cats, and rightly so… Cats are graceful, playful, and loving, and 40% of US households agree with me! You’ll feel really glad after learning how many cats are in the USA, for sure!
Moving into statistics, they speak volumes. I found results for even the cat aficionados among us. Feline behavior and why they do what they do is captivating. (Or should I say cat-ivating?)
Many numbers also circulate about how many cats are owned in America, but to be fair, how could we know exactly? So I went to the cat’s mouth, so to speak, and relied on the people who treat our pet ownership statistics. Let’s dive in now to immerse ourselves in a cat’s world.
Top 10 Most Heartening Stats
- Over one billion Cats Live Worldwide
- Around 60-100 Million Cats in the US Are Feral
- 3 Million Cats Enter US Animal Shelters Yearly
- Statistics Show That Most Adopted Cats are Kittens
- Roughly 30% of Americans Feed Community Cats
- Decline of 27 Mammal Species Due to Cats
- Cats Can Jump 5–6 Times Their Average Height
- The Cat’s Gestation Period Is Around 63–67 Days
- The Oldest Cat Lived for 38 Years and 3 Days
- In 2025, Owners Spent $68.3 billion on Cat Food and Treats
Interesting Facts About Cats
It was only less than 100 years ago that cats lived indoors in the US, so it makes sense that all cats are biologically equipped to live outdoors. Logically, since dogs descended from wolves thousands of years ago, it’s easy to see why that fact really wouldn’t apply to them.
The cat species (Felis catus) includes both domesticated cats and feral/wild/free-roaming cats.
Facts About Anatomy and Physiology
Cats have more bones than humans – around 230-250 compared to a human’s 206 – but fewer bones than dogs, which have around 320. A cat’s vertebrae are extremely flexible. They should be, since they have strong, elastic, cushioning disks between them. This flexibility is one reason why their acrobats are so graceful.
Health and Wellness
Veterinary care and a balanced diet are two of the most important ways to keep cats healthy and happy. Cats are obligate carnivores. Their diet consists of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
“Obligate carnivores are also called hypercarnivores, which are animals whose diet consists of at least 70 percent meat.” – (source)
The benefits of neutering a cat are numerous, health-wise, and will also help with the overpopulation of feral cats.
Communication Cues
Cats use either or all three visual, vocal, and olfactory senses to communicate. They might narrow or widen their eyes or make sounds vocally to tell us they would prefer a mouse for dinner.
The olfactory sense comes in when they scent-mark to communicate with other cats, which means rubbing parts of their bodies on surfaces or other animals.
Quirky Cat Behaviors
Headbutting – When Felix connects with your body head-first and then smoothly brushes against you, behaviorists call it “bunting.” They’re rubbing facial scent glands on you to display feelings of affection, connection, and/or happiness. When they bunt other cats, they’re making new bonds or recognizing established relationships.
Cats Making History
You may have never heard of Félicette, but if so, you know he was a bit of a space cadet. He was the first cat to survive a 15-minute space trip that happened in 1963. He has been memorialized with a bronze statue at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France.
In 1997, a mayor was elected in Alaska. You might say, “So what!” But this particular mayor was famous because he had paws. Stubbs the cat was elected after being a write-in candidate and winning.
Unfortunately, Stubbs died in 2017 at the ripe old age of 20. His proud owners shared the news via a news release. (Wish he were still around to run for Congress.)
Other Surprising Facts
Let’s talk tigers first since cats share 95.6 of their DNA with them. Tigers are solitary animals usually only joining others of their species when they mate and when mothers and their cubs spend time together.
Cats are much the same. It’s why cats won’t go running into another cat’s arms when they’re introduced. It’s also why they like to be alone much more than dogs do. Although feral cats will colonize, it has probably been an evolutionary process born out of necessity.
General Cat Statistics
The Average Age of an Indoor Cat Is 15-17 Years.
Indoor domestic cats live longer than feral cats due to their steady diets/nutrition and having fewer predators to hunt them. (source)
The Oldest Cat Lived for 38 Years and 3 Days. (Guinness World Record)
According to Guinness World Records, Creme Puff’s lifespan was from 1967 to 2005. Jake Perry, her Texan owner, must have been proud.
Around 60-100 Million Cats in the US Are Feral or Unowned. (Catster)
How does this affect Americans? Greatly. Disease, property damage, and noise nuisances are a few of the problems they cause.
There Are Also MAJOR Effects on the Environment and Wildlife:
Studies have shown that feral or free-ranging cats are major (if not the greatest) contributors to the deaths of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Not only by predation but also from nest disturbances, injuries, and harassment, all of which cause behavioral changes. (source)
A cat’s litter can be as high as 4-6 kittens, which is a major contributing factor to the feral cat community being astronomical.
Roughly 30% of Americans Feed Community Cats (JSMCAH)
A 2024 survey shows that about 30% of people feed community cats, and most of them feed three cats or fewer. The rates vary by region, from around 15% in New Hampshire to as high as 47% in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley.
This helps wildlife survive and makes it easier to begin the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) process. We must take action to reduce the feral cat population for ourselves, wildlife, and, of course, for the cats.
Cat ownership is rising fast among younger men, with 38% of Gen Z males reporting they own at least one cat. (American Pet Products Association)
“APPA expects that Gen Z’s ownership will steadily grow as many become adults within the next few years.” – APPA
Cat ownership among men is increasing, especially in younger generations. The biggest shift is seen among Gen Z and Millennials, with 38% of Gen Z cat owners and 46% of Millennial cat owners identifying as male. (source)
Feral and Stray Cats’ Diets Consist of 20% of Birds (Ornithology)
Feral cats have a diet consisting of roughly 70% small mammals, 20% birds, and 10% other animals. This is good for the cats but not so good for wildlife and the environment. (source)
Decline of 27 Mammal Species Due to Cats (Research Gate)
This is due to the fact that cats are natural hunters and can pose a threat to smaller animals, especially in areas where their populations have already been affected by habitat loss. (source)
Additionally, cats have caused the extinction of 63 wild species worldwide. (source)
A Cat’s Litter Can Have As Many as 4-6 Kittens. (Chewy)
On average, a pregnant cat—known as a queen—gives birth to four to six kittens per litter. However, litter size can vary significantly. Some queens may have just one kitten, while others can deliver up to 12. The largest recorded litter was an extraordinary 19 kittens. (source)
Wow! No wonder Mama’s grumpy. Kittens should spend as much time as possible with other cats. This socializes them early (before 12 weeks old), which is highly important and helps them learn cat behaviors like how to get along.
Feral Cats Have a Shorter Lifespan Compared To House Cats. (ASPCA)
The lifespan of a feral cat is often stated as less than 2 years. Feral cats face being prey to animals like feral dogs, coyotes, raccoons, and birds of prey, among other things. They’re also more likely to be infected by diseases or other life-ending ailments since they don’t visit a veterinarian, so illnesses can’t be detected or treated.
TNR Is the Best Method To Control the Feral Cat Population. (AVMA)
Is there something we can do about feral cats? The answer to that is a resounding “Yes.” Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, is the procedure of gathering feral cats, altering them, and returning them to the wild, which has prevented millions more from being born.
Households Have More Dogs Than Cats (AVMA)
Felix, Garfield, and Grumpy Cat were all famous cats, but dogs reign supreme as far as pet ownership goes.
In 2025, the Estimated Total Expenditure on pets reached $158 billion (APPA)
The most current statistics for 2025 stated the gross amount spent on pets to be 158 billion dollars, and it’s projected to reach $165 in 2026. And it’s climbing! (source)
In 2025, Owners Spent $68.3 billion on Cat Food and Treats (APPA)
Additionally, this data reflects the strong bond that exists between owners and their cats, as well as the desire to provide them with the best possible care.
The Average Monthly Cat Insurance Is Between $10 and $33 (Chewy)
While pet insurance may seem like an added monthly or annual expense, it can save you a significant amount of money over time by helping cover unexpected veterinary costs. Annual pet insurance for cats typically costs between $120 and $400+, and premiums often increase as the cat gets older. (source)
In 2025, 30% of Pet Owners Were Millennials (APPA)
Here is how the other generations fared:
- Gen Z: 21%
- Gen X: 28%
- Baby Boomer: 22%
This is a collective percentage for both cats and other pets.
82% of pet owners think of their cats as their children (The Harris Poll)
In the United States, 82% of pet owners consider their pets as family, with many describing them as “fur babies.” A large number even say, “My pet is like my own child.” (source)
Millennials Spend an Average of $5,150 Yearly on Their Pets (The Harris Poll)
Gen Z leads in high pet spending, with over $6,000 in annual pet-related expenses on average, reflecting both emotional investment and lifestyle priorities. This figure would include vet bills, food, treats, toys, and misc. like clothes and bedding.
According to The Harris Poll State of Pets data, 51% of Millennials own cats. (The Harris Poll)
Dogs and cats remain the clear favorites in pet ownership. In 2024, “fur families” were increasingly seen as a preferred lifestyle choice over having children, with pet parenthood becoming a strong and growing part of American life.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 21% of Americans Spent More Money Than Usual on Pets (Petfood Industry)
Most Americans spent a lot of time at home in 2020. They were able to see the needs and desires of their pets. (source)
85% of Cats Adopted During the Pandemic Are Still a Part of the Household (ASPCA)
Since most cats are independent, many owners see no need to change routines now that they’re back in the brick-and-mortar workplace. Plus, lots of people became remote or work-from-home workers. (source)
Most Pet Owners Get Pets To Keep Them Company (YouGov)
Cat owners, including seniors, single people, couples with children, and a host of others, want/need the companionship of a pet.
Heart Disease Affects 10%-15% Cat Population Globally. (NCBI)
“The Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats are particularly valuable models of HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)” – (source)
A Cat Over 11 Years Old Is Defined as a Senior Cat. (Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
There are six stages of aging for cats. From Paws Chicago, these are:
- Kitten — Birth until 6-7 months of age
- Junior — Reproductively mature but still growing, typically until 1-2 yrs
- Adult or Prime — 3-6 years old
- Mature — 7-10 years old
- Senior — 11-14 years old
- Geriatric — 15 years and beyond
Interesting Cat Behavior Statistics
The Cat’s Gestation Period Is Around 63–67 Days. (Purina)
The tricky part is that she probably won’t show any signs of pregnancy – vomiting, weight gain, increased appetite – until a few weeks into her term. (source)
Cats Can Jump 5–6 Times Their Average Height. (TICA)
Can you imagine if humans could do this? It’s often quite the spectacle to see a cat jump from one place to another, but it comes naturally to them. (source)
8 Feet 5 Inches Was the Longest Recorded Horizontal Leap (Guinness World Records)
The longest recorded jump by a cat is 2.58 m (8 ft 5 in), achieved by Oscar (USA) in Dallas, Texas, on 26 February 2025. (source)
75% of Cat Owners Sleeping With Their Pets Get a Good Night’s Sleep (Petplan)
Pet owners love it when their pets are happy. When they’re closest to you and sleeping, you can know they are. (source)
30–50% of a Feline’s Day Is Spent Grooming Itself (Cornell University)
Statistics tell stories. This is a lot of grooming, but cats who groom even more than that may have an allergy, an infection, be in pain, be stressed, or even be bored. (source)
There Are More Left-Pawed Than Right-Pawed Cats (NPR)
“As the researchers write in the journal Animal Behaviour, the data showed that, unlike humans, who are overwhelmingly right-handed, cats did not have an overall preference for a certain paw. But individual cats did display “handedness.” – (source)
What Does This Mean? They Did Show a Preference, or Lateral Bias, With One Paw or Another When:
- 73% Reaching for food
- 70% Taking the first step of the stairs
- 66% Stepping into a litter box
…with no tendency towards left or right-handedness EXCEPT for the fact that male cats showed “significantly more” of a tendency to use their left paws and females their right. (source)
Cats Have 30 Vertebrae (Purina)
A cat’s backbone is especially flexible and part of the reason why they can always land on its feet. (source)
Declawing a Cat Can Cost Up to $200-$1,000. (Cat Creeks)
Although we don’t recommend getting anything taken off your animal due to the stress and pain it can cause, this is an average cost. It really depends on the vet, where you live (some vets won’t perform the surgery), and things like age and weight can factor in as well.
Almost 1/4 of Domestic Cats in the US Have Been Declawed. (National Geographic)
A 2001 study by the National Council for Pet Population Study and Policy estimated that around 25% of pet cats in the United States are declawed, although more recent regional research in North Carolina suggests the figure may be lower. In many countries, including Australia, Brazil, and much of Europe, declawing is banned unless it is medically necessary for the cat’s health. (source)
Behavior Problems Exhibited by 33% of Declawed Cats (Little Big Cat)
“…a retrospective cohort study (5) involving 137 declawed and 137 non-declawed cats found radiographic evidence of retained distal phalanx fragments in 63% (86/137) of the declawed cats, and declawed cats had higher odds of back pain, undesirable elimination habits, and aggression…” – Little Big Cat
Shelter Cat Statistics
3 Million Cats Entered US Animal Shelters in 2025. (SAC)
And of those, 277,000 are euthanized. This is certainly a travesty, but look at it this way… There are 349+ million people in the US in 2026. If even some of them would adopt, the problem would be remedied. In fact, 85% of pet parents acquired their cat from a shelter or rescue. (source)
Around 74% of lost cats eventually return home. (IERE)
Studies suggest that around 74% of lost cats eventually return home, although this rate can vary depending on several factors. Shelters play an important role in reuniting lost pets with their owners. Their data shows that cats with microchips are much more likely to be returned home than those without any form of identification. (source)
A 2018 MDPI study of 1,210 missing cats found that 61% were recovered within a year. Most were located within 500 meters of their home. This highlights that immediate physical searching is often more effective than relying only on shelters. (source)
Around 352k Cats Entering Shelters Are Returned to Their Owners. (SAC)
This statistic is quite remarkable when you think of how many feral cats there are in the US that look similar to household cats.
Statistics Show That Most Kittens Are Adopted As Compared to Older Cats. (Cat Adoption Team)
In fact, research shows that kittens are adopted at a rate of 82%, while cats aged 1.5 years and older have a lower adoption rate of around 60% nationwide. (source)
People want kittens so they can train them early, for their children, and so they can have them longer (for the cat’s entire life).
Black Cats Are Adopted by People, Too. (Humane Pro)
Black cats mean good luck in Great Britain and Japan. Since black cats have long been a sign of bad luck in America, you would think they wouldn’t be adopted at all. Note: BBD – big black dogs – are often passed over as well. (source)
White cats experienced the lowest chances of euthanasia compared to other coat colors. (NCBI)
The study found that white cats had the most favorable outcomes in terms of adoption and euthanasia rates, while brown and gray cats fell in the middle, between white and black cats. (source)
Cats Constitute Almost Half of All Shelter Animals. (HSUS)
This fact corresponds with the high number of feral cats in the US.
Around 277,000 Cats were Euthanized in 2025. (SAC)
In 2025, approximately 757,000 dogs and cats experienced a non-live outcome (including euthanasia, death in care, or being lost in shelters), representing a 1% decrease from 2024 and a slight overall improvement in shelter outcomes.
Cats entering animal organizations already spayed or neutered decreased from 27.9% in 2019 to 22.0% in 2023. (SAC)
The responsibility of having a cat neutered lies on the owner, not the shelter. (source)
Cats Are the 2nd Most Common Animal Abuse Victims After Dogs. (Humane World)
The way to change this statistic is for citizens to raise their voices for states/cities to make stricter laws and punishments for animal abusers. (source)
23 Million Pets Live in Underserved Communities in the US. (HSUS)
This statistic is shocking in two ways: There should be programs, including lifetime feeding, made available to underserved communities to be able to adopt companion animals.
On the other hand, with this high number of cats, there are surely millions of ferals. These areas of our communities should be targeted to organize groups for TNR.
2,755 cats were Given Up Due to Health Problems. (WellBeing International)
Cat allergies are a real and sometimes serious health problem; however, there are several solutions if you find yourself in this situation. Giving up your cat should be the final option. (source)
Housing Problems Result in 26% of Cat Owners Surrendering Their Pets to a Shelter. (SAC)
The struggle is real when a landlord won’t allow pets. But there are several steps you can take to get them on your side. Hopefully, one day, ALL pets (no matter the size or breed) will be allowed to stay with their families.
How Many Breeds of Cats Are There?
There Are 45 Pedigreed Cat Breeds Recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association or CFA. (CFA)
Forty-three breeds are eligible to compete in most classes, two breeds can show in non-competitive classes, and companion cats (CCW) are eligible to compete in the Household Pet (HHP) class. (source)
The Best Cat Breeds for Households With Dogs Are the Maine Coon and Abyssinian. (Catalogical, Spots)
These feline breeds are known for their even temperaments and dog-like loyalty.
Maine Coon Cats Can Weigh Up to 25 Lbs. (FactRetriever, CatTime)
These cats are well-known for their large size, but they’re also playful, kid-friendly (mostly with kids in their family), and pet-friendly.
How Many Cats Are in the World?
Over one billion Cats Live Worldwide (World Population Review)
Cats are among the most popular pets worldwide, with a global population exceeding 1 billion. In Russia, cats are more common than dogs, with about 23 million cats compared to 17 million dogs.
Japan also shows a strong preference for cats, with an estimated 8.8 million pet cats. In contrast, Namibia has one of the lowest cat populations, with around 100,000 cats. (source)
How Many Cats Are in the USA?
The World Population Review reported that there are 74.2 million cats in American homes in 2026. 49 million households have pet cats.
Around the country, “New Englanders love cats, and Southerners love dogs,” says Business Insider. Vermont-ers, who even have a Cat’s Meow Village website, and Maine-ers each own around 44.6% of cats as pets.
- GenX isan important contributor to pet ownership expansion.
- Also in 2025, American owners spent $41 billion on vet care and product sales. Suffice it to say, Americans love their pets.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, 21% of Americans spent more money than usual on pets.
- Eighty-five percent of cats that were adopted during the pandemic are still a part of the household. (ASPCA)
- In 2025, 30% of cat owners were millennials. (APPA)
FAQs
How Long Do Cats Stay in Heat (Estrus)?
Each heat generally lasts several days, with the average length being seven days, although it can range from 1 to 21 days. If the queen (an intact female cat) is not mated during estrus, she will go out of heat for a short period, usually about seven days, but it can range from 2 to 19 days.
Why Do Cats Purr?
The experts at WebMD just go ahead and admit we know the least about this behavior than other cat sounds. Although it can be used to communicate happiness, there are other reasons as well.
Are Cats Nocturnal?
They’re not. Here’s a breakdown that explains why:
- Nocturnal – Most active at night (Examples: Owls, raccoons, wolves)
- Diurnal – Most active in daylight hours (Examples: Humans, dogs, and squirrels)
- Crepuscular – Most active at dawn and dusk (Examples: Wolves, nighthawks, lions)
So when are cats the busiest? They’re crepuscular creatures! Ah… so THAT’S why they have the zoomies at 5 am.
How Long Can a Cat Go Without Food or Water?
Technically speaking, we sure don’t want anyone testing this scenario; cats can go up to two weeks without food. It’s water your cat needs more than anything. They can only go up to three days without it, and the average cat should drink about a cup of water daily.
How Many Hours Does a Cat Sleep per Day?
No, not 24, although they do love plenty of naps. It’s in their makeup. Large cats like lions and tigers sleep a lot during the day and hunt at night, and they share the same physiology as domesticated cats. I’m ready for a cat nap right about now.
What Is the Percentage of Female Cat Owners?
About 58% of cat owners are women, and the average age of cat owners is 55 to 64 years old.
In Conclusion
I’ve always thought a person who loves cats tends to be self-assured and quite confident. Someone who doesn’t need the hyped-up welcoming behavior a dog has when you come in the door.
But hopefully, if you’re not a cat person, you’ve learned enough about them to give them a chance. Maybe you’ve realized they’re capable of having loving relationships and forming deep bonds.
Just because they have such unique personalities and behaviors doesn’t mean they don’t love you just as much as their drooling counterparts. I must admit, I’ve always been a dog person. Over the years, more than 100 have graced my doorstep. (Okay, I led an animal sanctuary, but still!)
The bottom line is that I know one statistic for sure… Cats will always have people who deeply love them. One hundred percent of the time!
