US Households with Cats Are Increasing
By Don Hanson, PCBC-A, BFRAP
< A version of this article was published on the Green Acres Kennel Shop blog >
< Updated 2026-09-21 >
< The link to this page – https://www.forcefreepets.com/uscatsincreasing-2026/ >
According to an article posted by PETFOOD Industry on September 15, 2026, and data from the American Pet Products Association 2026 Cat Report, cats are playing a greater role in our families. Here is the summary of the article:
Cat ownership in the United States reached 53 million households in 2025, representing 39% of all households and marking a 5% increase from the previous year. The growth is being driven by new households adopting cats, existing owners adding more cats, and younger generations and male owners reshaping how people care for and connect with their pets.
- 53 million U.S. households now own cats, making up 39% of all homes as of 2025.
- Gen Z and male cat owners are driving category growth, with Gen Z representing 22% of cat owners (up 10% year-over-year) and men accounting for 43% of all cat owners.
- Multi-cat ownership is booming: households with two cats rose 7% year-over-year, while homes with three or more cats increased 7% annually and 45% since 2018.
- Pet spending increased significantly, with cat owners spending an average of $337.53 on food in 2025 (up 9% year-over-year).
- Male cat owners are shopping differently, with purchases of mixers and toppers among men rising 214% since 2018 and increased buying of premium nutrition products.
Also noted in the article: [Bold emphasis is mine]
“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,” said APPA President and CEO Pete Scott. “What’s particularly exciting is that growth isn’t coming from just one place. New households are entering the category, existing owners are expanding their homes to multiple cats, and younger generations and male owners are helping shape new expectations around care, nutrition and companionship.”
Cat dads devote a larger share of their pet budgets to products than female owners and are increasingly buying premium and specialized nutrition, according to APPA. Purchases of mixers and toppers among male cat owners increased 214% since 2018. Cat dads are also shopping across pet specialty and online retail channels in addition to traditional grocery outlets, the report found.
Gen Z reported the strongest emotional connection to their cats compared with older age groups, and ownership of three or more cats increased 14% among Gen Z owners.
