The Top 10 Countries For Cat Lovers & 10 Where Dogs Reign Supreme
The Cat's Pajamas or Top Dog?
Generally speaking, cats and dogs are the two most popular pets worldwide. The question of whether you're a cat or a dog person is so often asked when getting to know someone because it says a lot about their personality. Similarly, whether a country has a strong preference for cats or dogs can reveal something about the lifestyle there. In Japan, where space is limited and the cuteness of "kawaii" culture is valued, cats reign supreme. On the other hand, in Germany, where there's a strong culture for outdoor activities, dogs are preferred. Here are the top 10 kitty cat-loving countries and 10 where the good boy always wins.
1. Turkey
Anyone who has spent any time online has likely seen videos of cats who have seemingly taken over cities like Istanbul. From napping in shop windows to blocking escalators, cats are just a normal part of life in Turkey.
2. Israel
Much like in Turkey, glares of cats can be found roaming the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It's estimated that there are around two million cats in Israel which is a lot considering the size of the country.
3. Japan
In Japan, where domestic cats far outnumber dogs, there are an estimated 14 cats per 100 people. The country is also home to over 150 cat cafes so even those who don't have a cat of their own can enjoy some kitty snuggles.
4. Russia
In Russia, cats are the most popular pet, with 43 percent of households owning at least one. There are about 23 million pet cats in Russia, and 50 million in total, including feral cats.
5. Romania
Romania has one of the highest percentages of cat owners worldwide with 48 percent of households owning one. The country also has the highest rate of cat ownership out of any EU country.
6. China
There are an estimated 53 million stray cats in China and 58 million pet cats. That's an incredible 111 million cats in one country!
7. Greece
Cats are actually not the most popular pet in Greece, but that doesn't stop them from flocking to the Mediterranean nation. While there are only around 600,000 pet cats in Greece, there are a whopping 3 million stray ones so if you're walking in a city, you're likely to see at least one cat in your line of vision at any given moment.
8. New Zealand
What used to be the island of birds has now been taken over by cats. New Zealand has an estimated 50 cats per 100 people.
9. France
France is home to around 11 million stray cats in addition to their 15 million pet cats. 31 percent of French households own at least one cat.
10. Switzerland
In Switzerland, cats outnumber dogs three to one. Almost 2 million cats are living in Switzerland which is about 20 for every 100 people.
Now that we've gone over the most cat-tastic places on earth, let's discuss the places where dogs steal the show.
1. Argentina
In Argentina, dog adoptions rose 200 percent during the pandemic. 66 percent of households in the country own at least one dog which is more than double those that own cats.
Gaston Botoshansky on Unsplash
2. Mexico
Mexico has almost 45 million dogs compared to only 16 million cats. Additionally, the country's stray dog population is estimated at around 18 million.
3. USA
Dogs are the most popular pet in the US with over 45 percent of households owning at least one. There are a total of 90 million pet dogs in the country.
4. Germany
The perfect companion for their famous hikes, 21 percent of German households own at least one dog. The dog population here is the highest out of any EU country.
5. Australia
The number of dogs in Australia is around six million, a significant amount considering the nation's population. Almost half of all Australian households own at least one dog.
6. UK
Around 36 percent of households in the UK own at least one dog, and that number is steadily growing. In some parts, there's a higher concentration of dogs, for example, if you live in Telford, you probably own a dog.
7. Spain
While most countries in the EU prefer cats, Spain is an exception, with 27 percent of households owning at least one. There are over 9 million pet dogs in total.
8. Thailand
There are around 13 million dogs in Thailand, including around 1.6 million strays. In Bangkok alone, there are around 300,000 street dogs and 1.3 million dogs being kept as pets.
9. Italy
In Italy, there are around 14 million pet dogs along with 500,000 to one million stray ones. That being said, dogs aren't as popular a pet here as fish and birds.
10. Brazil
Brazil is just behind the USA in the number of dogs with 62 million being kept as pets. Dogs are the most popular pets here, followed by birds. Cats don't even come close!
