In a nation long celebrated for its love of dogs, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Cats are rapidly rising in popularity across the UK, and if current trends continue, they may soon outnumber dogs as the country’s most beloved pet.
A Surge in Cat Ownership
Recent data from leading pet retailer Jollyes reveals a striking trend: cat-related purchases now outpace dog-related transactions by nearly a third. Approximately 13.5 million dogs live in 36% of UK households, while 12.5 million cats are found in 29%. But with cat numbers rising faster, Britain could become a feline-first nation within two years.
This shift isn’t the result of dogs falling out of favour — it’s driven by a sharp increase in cat ownership, particularly among younger, urban-dwelling Brits.
Celebrity Influence and Cultural Shifts
A key driver of the feline boom? Celebrities. Pop stars like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and comedian Ricky Gervais regularly share their love of cats on social media. Swift’s trio of famous cats — Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button — have arguably done more for feline PR than any advert ever could.
At the same time, cats are being rebranded in popular culture. Once seen as solitary or aloof, they are now celebrated for their independence, intelligence, and charm — qualities that appeal to younger generations and busy city dwellers.
Ideal Pets for Urban Life
In cities, where outdoor space is scarce and flats are the norm, cats make perfect companions. They don’t need daily walks, can manage alone for longer stretches, and fit seamlessly into compact living spaces. In fact, London now has the highest rate of cat ownership in the UK, overtaking dogs in popularity.
This urban tilt also reflects a broader generational trend. Millennials and Gen Zers, often living in rented accommodation or facing tighter budgets, are choosing pets that require less time and money to care for.
Economic Pressures and Practical Choices
The rising cost of living is playing a significant role. Cats are generally less expensive to keep than dogs — they eat less, need fewer accessories, and don’t require professional walking. For financially stretched households, this makes them a more manageable option.
However, there’s a downside. Animal welfare charities such as Cats Protection have seen a 34% increase in cat abandonments, particularly among those unable to keep up with vet bills or unexpected litters. The pandemic also sparked a kitten boom, with many owners delaying neutering due to cost, resulting in more unwanted kittens in shelters.
Changing Gender Dynamics
Notably, more men are adopting cats — a shift from past stereotypes. The number of male cat owners is now nearly equal to that of female owners. Influenced by public figures and a growing online community of proud “cat dads,” the stigma around feline companionship is rapidly fading.
The Road Ahead
Dogs still have a firm place in British hearts, offering loyalty, security, and a certain social connectivity. But the rise of the cat tells us something important about how we live now: we’re busier, more mobile, more urban — and more inclined to want a pet that fits in with that lifestyle.
As the UK edges closer to becoming a cat-majority nation, the shift reflects deeper cultural changes in how we see animals, responsibility, and even ourselves. The question now isn’t whether cats are taking over — it’s whether dogs can keep up.
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