- PetSmart released its 2026 list of the Top 25 U.S. Cat-Loving Cities based on adoption activity and cat product purchases.
- Lexington, Kentucky, retained the No. 1 ranking for the second consecutive year, while six new cities entered the top 25.
- The ranking combines PetSmart Charities adoption data with spending on toys, treats, scratching products and other feline essentials.
- For marketers, the list highlights geographic markets with demonstrated engagement from cat owners during a period of continued growth in feline ownership and adoption.
- The announcement coincides with kitten season and PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, scheduled for July 20–26.
PetSmart’s annual ranking of the country’s most cat-loving cities may offer more than consumer bragging rights—it also provides a snapshot of where feline adoption and purchasing activity are most concentrated, creating potential opportunities for veterinary pharmaceutical companies, diagnostics providers, pet nutrition manufacturers and veterinary practices looking to better understand feline consumer markets.
According to the retailer, suburban and mid-sized communities once again dominated the 2026 rankings. Lexington, Kentucky, remained the top-ranked city for the second consecutive year, while six new markets joined the list.
PetSmart based the rankings on internal data collected between June 10, 2025, and June 9, 2026, using an equal weighting of cat adoptions through PetSmart Charities and customer spending on selected cat product categories, including treats, toys, furniture, scratching products and accessories. Results were normalized by the number of PetSmart locations in each market.
Markets with Strong Feline Engagement
The Top 10 cities in the 2026 rankings are:
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Mount Juliet, Tennessee
- Spokane, Washington
- Plattsburgh, New York
- Falls Church, Virginia
- Daly City, California
- Alhambra, California
- Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
- Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
- Clarksville, Tennessee
The remainder of the Top 25 includes Fort Collins, Colorado; Spokane Valley, Washington; Melbourne, Florida; North Canton, Ohio; Johnson City, Tennessee; Roseville, California; Springfield, Illinois; Germantown and Kensington, Maryland; Kennesaw, Georgia; Sioux City, Iowa; Commerce Township and Livonia, Michigan; Evansville, Indiana; and Mentor, Ohio.
While the rankings are based on PetSmart’s own adoption and sales data rather than broader market research, they offer an interesting view of geographic areas where cat ownership and consumer spending appear especially robust—potentially helping marketers identify regions for localized campaigns, retail promotions and educational outreach.
Kitten Season Drives Adoption Efforts
The report arrives during the height of “kitten season,” when shelters typically experience an influx of kittens and increased demand for adoption resources.
PetSmart Charities will host National Adoption Week from July 20–26 at PetSmart stores, connecting prospective adopters with local shelters and rescue organizations. PetSmart is also running its “Anything for Cats” promotional event from July 20 through Aug. 2, featuring loyalty rewards and discounts on cat products.
Information sourced from a PetSmart press release.
