UK Pet Food Reveals More Men Adopting Adult Cats: New Pet Population Data 2024
Pet-admin
Paw-some new pet inhabitants information launched by UK Pet Food Whiskers twitch as report reveals that extra males are adopting grownup cats
Today, UK Pet Food (previously Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association) unveils its NEW Pet Population Report for 2024 (1). The analysis reveals a noteworthy gender distinction in pet adoption demographics with extra males opting to undertake grownup cats. Findings additionally spotlight the large worth that pets deliver to our lives.
Over the previous 4 years, 27% of males have chosen to tackle an grownup cat as a pet, in comparison with 18% of ladies (2). This interprets to 1.5m new male households benefiting from the addition of an grownup cat, in comparison with round 1m feminine households. For the primary time because the pandemic pet and kitten growth, UK Pet Food information notes an appreciation for mature pets throughout all demographics, with a complete of round 2.5m households buying grownup cats and grownup canines have been welcomed into 2.1 million households (3).
Key highlights from the report embrace:
17.2 million households (60%) home one of many UK’s 36 million (non aquatic) pets in 2024 (4)
There are 13.5 million canines and 12.5 million cats within the UK in 2024 – a rise of 1.5m every
38% welcomed a brand new pet into 10.9 million properties over the past 4 years (5).
Kittens and puppies welcomed into 2.6 million and three.7 million households respectively over current years.
Fish are additionally swimming up the charts in 21% of UK properties.
The report confirms that emotional advantages seem like a robust draw for pet possession with round one quarter of householders admitting that they get pleasure from time with their pet greater than with their members of the family. 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 obtainable on prescription.
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of UK Pet Food, feedback: “This 12 months’s findings show once more the large recognition of pets within the UK. As the proprietor of an older cat, I used to be notably to see that extra males are adopting older cats! There might be all kinds of causes for the growing recognition of our furry and aquatic companions, however this 12 months’s analysis highlights the profound therapeutic impression of pets. Pets play a major position in our properties; they assist fight loneliness and so they can have a optimistic impact on our psychological well being. We had been pleasantly shocked to see that one fifth of these questioned are calling for pets to be obtainable on prescription. We couldn’t agree extra.”
Daniel Warren-Cummings, Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection and proprietor of Lady Bug the cat, mentioned: “Cats have all the time been a well-liked alternative of pet however we’re notably delighted to see that extra males are seeing the advantages of older cats, in addition to kittens. Just like people, cats are all totally different and that is what makes them nice pets for folks from all walks of life – whether or not its indoor cats suited to dwelling in a quiet dwelling, or extra adventurous ones, which thrive in a busy family, and love exploring the outside. We usually hear from males who inform us their cats aren’t solely nice companions, they’re additionally extremely entertaining which generally is a nice stress-buster.”
Chris Whatling, Founder of Animal People Recruitment explains why he adopted older cats: “Harper and Bear grew to become cherished members of our household over eight years in the past once we adopted them from Cramar Cat Sanctuary in Birmingham. After a heart-wrenching expertise with our earlier rescue kittens, who sadly succumbed to FIP6, we turned to rehoming older black kittens that discover it tougher to discover a dwelling. Harper and Bear’s unconditional love and mild nature have crammed our lives with pleasure and therapeutic. Their presence has been integral to our well-being, and now, with Rodney, our beloved Cavapoo, our household feels full. Rodney’s companionship not solely brings immense pleasure but in addition considerably contributes to our psychological and bodily well being by day by day walks, fostering a deeper sense of connection and vitality in our lives.”
UK POPULATION OF PETS
Based on in depth analysis throughout 8956 households, the UK’s pet inhabitants:
60% of UK households (17.2m) households 36 million non-aquatic pets
13.5 million canines (36% households)
12.5 million cats (29%)
1.5 million indoor birds (3%)
1.3 million home fowl (1.6%)
1 million rabbits (1.6%)
700,000 tortoises and turtles (1.6%)
700,000 horses & ponies (1.5%)
700,000 Guinea Pigs (1.2%)
600,000 hamsters (1.5%)
600,000 snakes (1.3%)
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 diet analysis and extra. For additional particulars, go to ukpetfood.org.
