Adapted from a press launch.
UK Pet Food (previously Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) unveiled its latest Pet Population Report for 2024, which reveals a noteworthy gender distinction in pet adoption demographics with extra males opting to undertake grownup cats.
According to the report, over the previous 4 years, 27% of males have chosen to tackle an grownup cat as a pet, in comparison with 18% of ladies. This interprets to 1.5 million new male households including an grownup cat, in comparison with round 1 million feminine households. For the primary time for the reason that pandemic puppy and kitten growth, UK Pet Food information notes an appreciation for mature pets throughout all demographics, with a complete of round 2.5 million households buying grownup cats and grownup dogs have been welcomed into 2.1 million households.
“Cats have always been a popular choice of pet, but we’re particularly delighted to see that more men are seeing the benefits of older cats, as well as kittens,” said Daniel Warren-Cummings, behavior officer at Cats Protection and owner of Lady Bug the cat. “Just like humans, cats are all different and this is what makes them great pets for people from all walks of life — whether its indoor cats suited to living in a quiet home or more adventurous ones, which thrive in a busy household and love exploring the outdoors. We often hear from men who tell us their cats are not only great companions, they’re also incredibly entertaining which can be a great stress-buster.”
13.5 million dogs, 12.5 million cats within the UK
The report additionally confirmed emotional advantages look like a robust draw for pet possession with round one quarter of householders admitting that they take pleasure in time with their pet greater than with their relations. Over a 3rd (39%) affirm that their pet advantages their household’s psychological well being, round one half of householders over 45 could be lonely with out their pet and one fifth want to see pets available on prescription.
- 17.2 million households (60%) home one of many UK’s 36 million (non-aquatic) pets in 2024.
- There are 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats within the UK in 2024 – and improve of 1.5 million every.
- 38% welcomed a brand new pet into 10.9 million houses during the last 4 years.
- Kittens and puppies welcomed into 2.6 million and three.7 million households respectively over recent years.
- Fish are additionally swimming up the charts in 21% of UK houses.
“This 12 months’s findings show once more the massive recognition of pets within the UK,” mentioned Michael Bellingham, chief government of UK Pet Food “As the proprietor of an older cat, I used to be notably to see that extra males are adopting older cats. There could possibly be all types of causes for the rising recognition of our furry and aquatic companions, however this 12 months’s analysis highlights the profound therapeutic influence of pets.
“Pets play a big function in our houses; they assist fight loneliness they usually can have a optimistic impact on our psychological well being,” Bellingham continued. “We had been pleasantly shocked to see that one fifth of these questioned are calling for pets to be available on prescription. We couldn’t agree extra.”
This 12 months’s Pet Population information is featured as a part of the excellent ‘Pet Data Report,’ providing insights into UK inhabitants information, regional traits, market information, pet vitamin analysis and extra. For extra data, go to ukpetfood.org.
