The number of U.S. cat-owning households jumped by 23%, from 40 million in 2023 to 49 million in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association.
The 2025 Dog and Cat Report also showed that since 2018, households with two cats rose by 8% and those with three or more cats spiked by 36%.
Other cat owner findings included:
- 48% use a training method with their cat, a 41% increase from 2018.
- 32% own a leash, 22% own a harness and 27% own a collar for their cat, all significant increases since 2018.
- In 2024, 21% hosted a birthday party for their cat, a 250% increase from 2018.
Regarding dogs, the report revealed that 74% of dog owners had traveled with their pet by plane in the past year, and 87% had traveled by car. More than half (53%) of dog owners performed errands on foot with their dog at least once a week.
“Our latest Dog and Cat Report confirms what many in the industry have sensed — pet ownership continues to evolve in meaningful ways, with dogs and cats more integrated into our lives than ever before,” said Peter Scott, the APPA’s president and CEO. “Today’s pet owners are redefining what it means to care for a companion animal. These insights reflect not only the powerful bond between humans and their pets, but a roadmap for where the pet industry is headed next.”
The report also revealed these trends in pet food, vitamins and supplements:
- 41% of dog owners purchased premium food, a 5% increase from 2023, while only 26% bought basic food.
- 38% of cat owners bought premium food, a 9% increase from 2023, while only 38% purchased basic food.
- 16% of dog owners and 19% of cat owners purchased pet food mixers or toppers, a 129% and 138% increase, respectively
- 13% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners bought diets containing pre- or postbiotics.
- 53% of dog owners give vitamins or supplements, a 6% increase from 2023 and a 56% jump from 2018.
- The most popular supplements purchased by dog owners in 2024 included multivitamins and products formulated to support joint health, mobility, skin, coat or nails.
- 34% of cat owners give vitamins or supplements, a 6% increase from 2023 and a 70% surge from 2018.
- The most popular supplements purchased by cat owners in 2024 included multivitamins, prebiotics, postbiotics and digestion supplements.
“This year’s data paints a clear picture of shifting behaviors and priorities among pet owners, especially in the areas of wellness, lifestyle integration and premium product adoption,” said Ingrid Chu, AAPA’s vice president of research and insights.