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U.S. Cat Ownership Reached 53 Million Households in 2025

The 2025 National Pet Owners Survey reported that 39 percent of U.S. households owned at least one cat.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cats

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Cat ownership in the U.S. climbed to 53 million households in 2025, with significant growth seen among younger owners and male demographics. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cat ownership grew to 53 million U.S. households in 2025, representing 39 percent of the national total. Spending on feline nutrition also rose as owners prioritized both value and premium products.

Why it matters

The rise in ownership reflects a shift in consumer habits, particularly among younger demographics and men who are increasingly adopting multiple pets. This trend signals new opportunities for veterinary and nutritional services.

In 2025, U.S. cat owners spent an average of $337.53 on food, reflecting a 9 percent increase year over year. Meanwhile, households with three or more cats grew 45 percent since 2018.

The details

Data reveals that Gen Z accounted for 22 percent of owners, while 43 percent of cat owners were male. Male ownership of three or more cats saw a significant 117 percent increase since 2018.

Timeline

  1. 2018 marked the baseline for multi-cat household growth metrics.

  2. 2025 saw cat ownership reach 53 million households nationwide.

Culture Shift

The growing popularity of multi-cat households follows the 2025 National Pet Owners Survey findings on household pet adoption. This shift marks a departure from traditional single-pet dynamics toward more inclusive, multi-animal living environments.

Owners should budget for a 9 percent increase in annual food costs as market spending rises. The rise in multi-cat households also requires planning for increased veterinary needs and preventive care costs.

The takeaway

The rise in multi-cat households suggests that owners are increasingly viewing pets as central, long-term companions rather than casual additions to the home. Potential owners should evaluate their long-term budget to accommodate rising costs for premium nutritional products.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest trends in feline care on our Cats section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Veterinary Practice News.

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Do you feel it is becoming significantly more expensive to care for pets in your household?