We wish we had a crystal ball to tell us the exact number of cats in the world today, but luckily, we’ve got some pretty good stats. It’s estimated that there are between 600 million and 1 billion cats in the world.
The USA leads with the most cats, followed by China and Russia. Latvia, Ireland, and Sweden are three countries, among many, with low numbers of household felines.
The lowest cat ownership rate goes to Spain and Greece, coming in at 10-15% of households.
These stunning creatures have permeated the entire world. Some have become domesticated, some know how to survive in the wild, and some are free-roaming cats.
So let’s get familiar with the statistics on how many cats are in the world… which countries adore them and which countries don’t, and along the way, you’ll learn cat facts that will delight you.
House cats live on every continent in the world except Antarctica. They’ve been idolized and demonized ever since the beginning of time, but one thing’s for sure – Everyone has an opinion on them.
Top 10 Most Heartening Facts
- There Are 600 Million to 1 Billion Cats in the World
- There are Around 60 to 100 Million Outdoor Cats
- There Are 480 Million Stray Cats
- The Number of Cats Owned Worldwide Is 373 Million
- From a Total of 600 Million, 400 Million Cats Reside in Asia
- According to Stats for 2025, 12.2 Million Pet Cats Are in the UK
- There Are 83-84 Million Pet Cats in America
- In Urban Chinese Households, Almost 69.8 Million Cats Are Kept as Pets
- There Are 23.1 Million Domestic Cats Recorded in Russia
- There are 22.1 Million Pet Cats in Brazil
How Many Cats Are in the World
Here are some worldwide statistics about our favorite felines.
Statistics Show There Are 600 Million to 1 Billion Cats in the World (WorldoStats, World Population Review)
Previously, the World Atlas indicated a global cat population between 300 million and 600 million. However, WorldoStats currently estimates the total number of cats to be 600 million, while the World Population Review estimates that it exceeds 1 billion.
It does depend on the source, but these are good ballpark figures. It would be impossible to calculate the true number of feral cats and strays that are in the world.
You can also check our post on how many animals are in the world.
There are Around 60 to 100 Million Outdoor Cats (Scientific American)
These 100 million include cats like cougars, servals, leopards, and tigers. Many wild cats are threatened, decreasing in numbers, and endangered. The main reasons for these shocking facts are poaching, habitat loss, and disease. Human beings are the biggest danger to these majestic animals.
There Are 480 Million Stray Cats (Science Direct)
Feral cats are a problem to human and cat health and to the environment. However, we must also be aware that there’s a difference between feral and stray cats.
“Pet and stray cats are socialized to people… ferals are not.” – Alley Cat Allies.
Stray cats are cats that escaped from homes or previously had some other form of contact with humans. Ferals are born in the wild and continue to populate. To muddy things further, the term “community cats” refers to cats of the Felis catus species and includes both feral and stray cats.
You can help control the cat population through the Trap-Neuter-Return process.
The Number of Cats Owned Worldwide Is 373 Million. (Statista, World Atlas)
Dogs have emerged as the most popular pets, with over 470 million worldwide. Cats followed closely with around 373 million.
In the top cat-ownership countries, it’s loud and clear that a cat’s “Meows” is their favorite sound. Here are the countries with the most pet cats globally, according to World Atlas.
- USA
- China
- Russia
- Brazil
- France
From a Total of Approximately 600 Million, 400 Million Cats Reside in Asia (IFAW)
The numbers have increased in the last decade, and the trend is that they will continue to rise.
“The fast pace of urban life, small living areas, and strict restrictions on dog ownership in some Chinese cities all contribute to the popularity of cats”… – South China Morning Post.
According to Stats for 2025, 12.2 Million Pet Cats Are in the UK. (World Population Review)
As of 2025, the UK has 12.2 million pet cats, and 23-24% of UK adults own a cat. Sixty-four percent (64%) of cats in Britain have free access to the outdoors.
Only a small percentage (36%) of British pet cats live indoors (some Brits consider it to be too confining), and those are mostly purebred. They’re seen more as companion animals rather than “fur babies.”
The Highest Number of Cats in the European Union (EU) resides in Germany (UK Pet Food, World Population Review)
In 2023, the UK Pet Food survey revealed that Europe has around 108 million cats, with about 26% of households owning at least one.
France had 14.9 million cats, the highest cat ownership rate in Europe at 21.8%, about one cat for every 4.6 people, showing the country’s strong love for cats.
However, Germany had the most cats at 15.2 million, but its per capita rate of 0.18% was mid-range compared to other countries.
Poland shows a strong love for pets, with 6.6 million cats, even though it has fewer cats overall. Spain has a lower cat ownership rate at 6.4 million. Greece had the lowest number at 1.6M cat population in 2025.
In 2025, India had almost 4.07 Million Pet Cats, expected to reach 5.75 million by 2028. (Statista)
India had about 3.6 million pet cats in 2023, and the number is expected to reach around 5.75 million by 2028.
According to World Population Review estimates, India had approximately 10 million pet cats in 2025.
The Number of Stray Cats in Istanbul Is Around 200,000 (The Other Tour)
In Istanbul, around 200,000 cats have found a home, receiving care from people and communities. Residents provide food, water, and even shelter for them in colder times.
Prophet Muhammad has been said to have been a respecter of cats. Historical books about Islam mention his affection for felines. Therefore, it is considered to be disrespectful to threaten them.
There is a community network where it is agreed that street cats should be cared for by everyone, and “cat stations” (with food, water, and shelter) can be seen in public areas.
Are There More Cats or Dogs In The World
Keep in mind that there are pet (domesticated) cats and dogs, as well as feral cats and dogs. So, let’s get the important answer out of the way first…
No one knows exactly how many cats and dogs are in the world. There are literally too many to gather into one “numbers house.”
But worldwide, there are roughly 700 million to 1 billion dogs and, as we’ve mentioned, 600 million to 1 billion cats.
Dog-Owning Households in the US Outnumber Cat-Owning Households (APPA)
Although the number of pet dogs in the US is higher than that of pet cats, there is a high feral cat population in the country. When you’re talking about 74.2 million domestic cats and 60-100 million ferals in America (and we are), that’s a huge number to top.
The state of Arkansas in the US Is Dog-Friendly has the most dog lovers in the entire country (Zippia)
The data shows that Arkansas leads the nation in dog ownership, with about 48% of residents owning a dog, according to Zippia. In contrast, Massachusetts has one of the lowest rates, with only 24% of residents owning a dog.
The most feline-friendly states are Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont (Zippia)
This suggests that the Northeast may have a stronger affinity for cats overall. Some think that the climate and general atmosphere of New England make it a more appealing environment for cats than for dogs. This makes cats king! And queen. In addition, many more people have more than one cat as opposed to more than one dog.
The Number of Cats Adopted from US Shelters Are Higher Than the number of dogs (SAC)
It’s easier in almost every way to have cats rather than dogs as pets because they are low-maintenance. Cats do need special care, but generally don’t need to be walked, aren’t as interactive with their owners, and can be content in even the smallest lodging.
How Many Cats Are In The US
Here are some US cat statistics for you.
About 49 million U.S. households own a pet cat, totaling roughly 83–84 million cats nationwide. (APPA)
Cat ownership is rising fast. In 2024, ownership jumped 23%, with more people having multiple cats and spending quality time with them, showing that being a “cat person” means more than ever today.
USDA Estimates 30-80 Million Stray and Feral Cats in the US. (USDA)
The USDA estimates 30 to 80 million stray, feral, and neglected cats in the US, which is a decrease from the previous number of 60 to 100 million reported by the NCBI. The only way to stop the growth of the overpopulation of cats is to have laws aimed at people who refrain from spaying and neutering their cats, and to encourage community involvement.
As per Stats, 49 million US Households Have a Pet Cat, up from 40 million in 2023 (APPA)
Cats provide Americans with more than control-rodent population talents. Love, affection, and companionship are three of the biggest reasons why people have cats as pets.
The Average Number of Cats per House Is Almost 1.8 (American Veterinary Medical Association)
Most parents would say it’s easier to have two children than one, since they can each have a companion and someone to watch over them. It’s similar with two cats.
Although cats (that share 95.6% of their DNA with tigers) are generally loners, that’s on the open plains. Domesticated cats can learn to enjoy a partner in crime that’s added to the family.
2.2 Million Cats Are Adopted Annually (SAC)
In 2025, 3 million cats entered shelters and rescues. About 2.2 million cats were adopted, 352,000 were returned to their owners or the field, 277,000 were euthanized, and 376,000 were transferred to other groups.
If you don’t have a cat (or dog), adopt one, and if you do, adopt another one. You’ll be part of the solution.
Cat Population in China
Chinese love cats as much as we do. Here are some numbers to prove that.
China’s cat population in 2025 was 53.1 Million (World Population Review)
Cat ownership is also widespread in China, with around 53.1 million cats. In Chinese culture, cats are seen as symbols of good fortune, which may help explain their popularity. They’re also appreciated for being low-maintenance, quiet, and relatively affordable companions.
In Urban Chinese Households, Almost 69.8 Million Cats Are Kept as Pets (Global Pets)
China’s urbanization has sped up, with more people living alone and the population aging significantly. Pets have become popular for their ability to reduce stress, provide companionship, and encourage social interaction.
Keeping kitties is now a common lifestyle choice, and the number of pet owners and pets continues to grow steadily. An estimated 22% of households in China now own pets, with urban households alone home to 69.8 million cats.
This number also gives an idea of how much a cat costs.
The Pet Market in China was projected to reach 811.4 billion yuan ($112.5 billion) in 2025. (iiMedia)
The market size of China’s pet economy reached 701.3 billion yuan in 2024 and was projected to reach 811.4 billion yuan in 2025.
There has been a sharp decline in births in China, and younger generations are choosing to have a pet instead of a baby. The trend is that it will keep moving up, and China is currently a major player in the pet industry.
Statistics From 2017 Show There Are More Than 200,000 Feral Cats in Beijing Alone (Dialogue Earth)
This is one reason why so many are being acquired as pets. They’re easy to find. The good news is…
“The International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) is promoting awareness and guiding the development of community-wide TNR programs. [in China]” – ICVS Asia
Cat Population in Canada
8.2 Million Cats Are Owned as Pets in Canada in 2024. (CAHI-ICSA)
While domestic cat numbers stabilized from 2018 to 2020, cats continue to be a Canadian’s pet of choice. In 2022, cat ownership increased from 8.1 to 8.5 million. In 2024, the total pet cat population consisted of 8.2 million cats! WOW!
Thirty-five percent (35%) of pet cats in Canada are over 8 years old.
37% of Canadian Households Own At Least One Cat. (Made in CA)
And over 80% of Canadians have at least one pet (cat, dog, or other), among which 50% of the households own a cat, dog, or both. The animal welfare/advocate and veterinarian communities have had great success with promoting altering services… 80% of all cats are spayed or neutered.
That said, Canada has between 1.4 and 4.2 million stray cats.
Cat Population in Russia
Below are some cat statistics specific to Russia.
According to the Stats, There Are 23.1 Million Domestic Cats Recorded in the Country (World Population Review)
In Russia, cats are more popular than dogs, with an estimated 23 million cats compared to 17 million dogs. They’re well known for being a “cat” country, and the trajectory of domestic cat owners is rising.
Almost 79% of Russian Households Own at Least One Cat (TASS)
Cats are the most common pets among Russians, owned by 79% of pet owners. About 70% of Russians have one or more pets at home, and many acquire their animals by taking them in from the street rather than through adoption or purchase.
Some people even open their homes to cats to provide shelter, food, and water for them. However, in March of ‘22, cats from Russia were banned from international competitions due to the war in Ukraine.
The Top Cat Breed Adopted in Russia Is the ‘Russian Blue Cat’ (Russia Beyond)
Named after where it originated, today’s popular breed is a descendant of the highly favored cat owned by Russian czars. Russian Blues are actually dark charcoal gray in color and came to the US in the early 20th century.
Cat Population in Brazil
Let’s look at the cat numbers in Brazil.
As Per Stats of 2025, There are 22.1 Million Pet Cats in Brazil (World Population Review)
In 2025, Brazil boasted a remarkable 22.1 million pet cats, reflecting a strong affinity for feline companionship among its residents. There was an increase of around 5 million cats in Brazil from 2013 to 2021. Arguably, the most well-known cat is the Brazilian shorthair.
The Pet Food market revenue was projected to reach R$78 billion in 2025 (Global Pets)
Brazil’s pet market was set for a modest 3.5% growth in 2025, with the sector expected to reach R$78 billion in revenue. It underscores the substantial demand for pet products in the country.
Due to the Pandemic, the Large Number of Feral and Stray Cats has also increased the Cat Population (NY Post)
The global cat population has witnessed a surge in feral and stray cats due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown measures and disruptions in spaying/neutering programs and pet adoption efforts have resulted in an increased number of cats without proper homes or care.
On the famous/infamous “Island of the Cats” in Mangaratiba, Brazil, an island overview led by the Navy produced significant results. Due to the horrific treatment the hundreds of cats have received, like neglect and the manner by which they’re “disposed of,” harsher penalties have been created by Congress.
Cat Islands
Finally, here are some cat island statistics for all you feline lovers.
There are 1.5 Million Cats on the island of Cyprus, While Only 1.3 Million Inhabit This Island (Cyprus Mail)
The earliest archaeological evidence of the relationship between humans and cats can be found in Cyprus. It is the burial of a man and a kitten, which dates back to… 7500 BC!
The island of Cyprus once had a population of 1.5 million cats, outnumbering its human inhabitants of 1.3 million. However, recent statistics show that due to a feline coronavirus outbreak, the cat population has reduced to 1 million after 300,000 cats succumbed to the virus.
Syros Island Offers a Job for a ‘Cat Whisperer’ Who Feeds and Cares for More Than 50 Cats and Gets Free Accommodation and Wage (Global News)
Responsibilities include feeding them and taking them to the vet. Another of the Syros Island cat rescues makes its needs known via a workaway ad describing the job of a cat overseer. They’ve had many delighted people who took the plunge and came out grinning like a Cheshire cat.
The Cat Population in Japanese Cat Island Declined (The Guardian)
There are around a dozen “cat islands” in Japan, and Aoshima Island is one of them. Aoshima, once famous for its cats outnumbering the human population, has seen a decline. As of December 2024, about 80 cats and just four elderly residents remain on the island.
Almost 65 Russian Cats Are Serving Russian Art by Living in the Russian Hermitage Museum (CBC News)
One of the largest museums in the world, housing three million-ish works of art, is home to cats in the basement. But they’re very well cared for since Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, signed a decree for the arrangement.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions related to your beloved feline companions.
Are there more cats or dogs in the world?
There are estimated to be over 900 million dogs and around 600 million cats in the world. That’s a big difference!
Which country has the most cats?
According to the Conservation Club, the United States has the most domestic cats, with estimates showing there are over 76 million pet cats in homes across the country.
How many stray cats are there in the US?
There’s no such thing as too many cats. Estimates vary, but sources report that there are between 50 and 70 million feral cats in the United States. According to PETA, about 30 to 40 million homeless cats live in the U.S.
How Many Cats Are Killed Each Year?
According to the Animal Shelter Count, approximately 277,000 cats are euthanized each year. And ASPCA states that approximately 1.4 million cats are euthanized. It’s egregious, it’s despicable, and it’s morally wrong. (Remember, not all shelters report their numbers.)
If the government, the public, the animal rights activists, and the animal shelters worked together to discuss the facts, brainstorm, and make some decisions, America wouldn’t be tossing cats (and dogs) away like trash.
How Many Cats Reside in Shelters?
3.5 million cats are surrendered to US shelters every year. According to the SAC, 2.2 million cats are adopted yearly. This makes numbers get skewed a bit between how many cats are taken in, how many are killed, and how many are adopted, but let’s pull back the curtain here…
Animal organizations vary in reporting numbers depending on their agenda or their viewpoint.
Which City in the World Has the Highest Number of Cats?
Istanbul, Turkey, is also called Cats-tanbul due to the number of cat species living there. We’ve touched on it in this article (over 200,000 feral cats). Most cats even have permission to enter mosques.
In Conclusion
Hopefully, by now, if you weren’t already, you’re a cat person. Just hearing the statistics should give you a certain respect for them.
Scientists have found over 1.75 million animal species on Earth, with more than one million being insects and spiders. Many more species are still undiscovered! All living things rely on each other to survive.
Cats worldwide have changed the world, and with or without us, they’re going to survive. And that’s good news for everyone unless you’re a mouse.
