- Cat ownership reached 53 million U.S. households in 2025, representing 39% of households and a 5% year-over-year increase, according to APPA.
- Gen Z represented 22% of cat owners, with ownership among the generation increasing 10% year over year.
- Men accounted for 43% of U.S. cat owners, while Gen Z male cat ownership increased 27% year over year.
- Households with three or more cats increased 7% year over year and 45% compared with 2018.
- Cat owners spent an average of $337.53 on food during 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year.
- APPA reported changes in purchasing behavior involving premium nutrition, food toppers, e-commerce and other retail channels.
Cat ownership continued to expand in the United States in 2025, reaching 53 million households as younger consumers, male owners and multi-cat households accounted for notable portions of the market, according to new data from the American Pet Products Association.
APPA’s 2026 Cat Report: Strategic Insights from the 2025 National Pet Owners Survey found cats were present in 39% of U.S. households during 2025. The number of cat-owning households increased 5% from the previous year, following a 23% increase reported for 2024.
The report also found growth in the number of households keeping multiple cats. Ownership of two cats increased 7% year over year and 16% compared with 2018. Households with three or more cats increased 7% from 2024 and 45% compared with 2018.
Gen Z Represents 22% of Cat Owners
Gen Z accounted for 22% of U.S. cat owners in APPA’s research, with the number of owners in the generation increasing 10% year over year.
Among Gen Z cat owners, ownership of three or more cats increased 14%.
APPA also reported that Gen Z owners expressed the strongest emotional connection with their cats among the generations surveyed.
Their purchasing patterns included both value-oriented products and targeted spending on products associated with health, wellness and enrichment. Nearly half of Gen Z cat owners purchased cat food at supermarkets, while APPA also recorded growth in e-commerce-only purchasing.
Men Account for 43% of Cat Owners
Men represented 43% of U.S. cat owners, according to the report.
Growth was particularly notable among younger male owners. Gen Z male cat ownership increased 27% year over year.
APPA also reported a substantial increase in multi-cat ownership among men. The number of male owners with three or more cats increased 117% compared with 2018.
Male cat owners devoted a larger proportion of their pet spending to products than female owners, according to APPA, and the association reported increased use of premium and specialized nutrition products.
Purchases of food mixers and toppers among male cat owners increased 214% compared with 2018. APPA also reported male owners purchasing across grocery, pet specialty and online channels.
Cat Food Spending Increases 9%
Average spending on cat food reached $337.53 per owner in 2025, an increase of 9% year over year.
APPA said its research showed owners increasingly purchasing food and treats for purposes including nutrition, variety, convenience and personalization.
“Cat ownership continues to attract a broader range of consumers, and we’re seeing owners become increasingly engaged in how they care for and connect with their cats,” APPA President and CEO Pete Scott said.
The findings are part of APPA’s 2026 Cat Report, based on data from its 2025 National Pet Owners Survey. APPA has conducted its National Pet Owners Survey since 1988 and publishes annual research covering pet ownership and consumer behavior.
More information about APPA’s pet industry research is available at AmericanPetProducts.org/research-insights.
Information sourced from the American Pet Products Association’s press release.
