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98 verified statistics • Updated 2026
Key Statistic
73.8 million
There are 73.8 million pet cats in the United States
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025
The United States is home to an estimated 73.8 million pet cats, making it one of the world's largest cat-owning nations. Roughly 46.5 million households (27.8%) own at least one cat. These statistics draw from authoritative sources including the AVMA, APPA, and Shelter Animals Count to provide a comprehensive picture of American cat ownership, welfare, and spending.
73.8 million pet cats across 46.5 million households
An additional 30-40 million unowned or feral cats
Cat owners spend an average of $1,270 per cat annually
73.8 million
There are 73.8 million pet cats in the United States→
42.1 million
42.1 million US households own at least one cat→
32.1%
32.1% of US households own at least one cat→
1.8
Cat-owning households have an average of 1.8 cats→
49 million
49 million US households own a cat, representing 37% of all households→
58%
Single-cat households decreased from 64% in 2018 to 58% in 2024, while households with 3+ cats increased 36%→
