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58 verified statistics • Updated 2026
Key Statistic
8.5 million
There are approximately 8.5 million pet cats in Canada
Source: Canadian Animal Health Institute, 2024
Canada is home to approximately 8.9 million pet cats, with 21% of households owning at least one. Cats outnumber dogs as Canada's most popular pet. Data sourced from the Canadian Animal Health Institute and Statistics Canada reveals unique patterns in Canadian cat ownership, including significant rural-urban differences.
8.9 million pet cats in 21% of Canadian households
Cats outnumber dogs as Canada's most popular pet
An estimated 4.2 million stray and feral cats
8.5 million
There are approximately 8.5 million pet cats in Canada→
21%
21% of Canadian households own at least one cat→
8.9M cats vs 8.3M dogs
Canada has approximately 8.9 million cats compared to 8.3 million dogs→
29% rural vs 19% urban
29% of rural Canadian households own cats compared to 19% in metropolitan areas→
9% have 2+ cats
12% of Canadian households have one cat, 7% have two, and 2% have three or more→
67%
Quebec has the highest cat ownership rate in Canada at 67%→
