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50 verified statistics • Updated 2026
Key Statistic
16.6 million
There are 16.6 million pet cats in France, making it the third-largest cat population in Europe behind Germany and Russia
Source: FACCO, 2024
France has approximately 14.9 million pet cats, giving it the highest per-capita cat ownership rate in Europe at 21.8%. With roughly 1 cat for every 4.6 people, France has nearly twice as many cats as dogs. Data from FACCO-Kantar surveys reveals strong cultural affinity for felines in French households.
14.9 million cats: highest per-capita ownership in Europe
1 cat for every 4.6 people in France
Nearly twice as many cats as dogs nationwide
16.6 million
There are 16.6 million pet cats in France, making it the third-largest cat population in Europe behind Germany and Russia→
61%
61% of French households own at least one pet, with 53% owning a dog and/or cat→
39%
39% of French people have a cat, compared to 29% who have a dog→
75.1 million
France has 75.1 million pets in 2024, unchanged from 2023, with fish being the most numerous at 29.8 million→
9.9 million
France has 9.9 million dogs, with cats outnumbering dogs by nearly 7 million→
30% growth
France's cat population has grown by 30% in 10 years, reaching 16.6 million→
