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There are 9.07 million pet cats in Japan, outnumbering dogs for the seventh consecutive year
Source: Japan Pet Food Association (JPFA) (2023)
Methodology
Online survey of 50,000 individuals aged 20-79
Scope
Owned pet cats in Japanese households
Notes
Cats have outnumbered dogs in Japan since 2017. Dog population: 6.84 million.
Japan Pet Food Association. (2023). National pet ownership survey. JPFA. https://petfood.or.jp/
9.07M cats vs 6.84M dogs
Japan has 9.07 million cats compared to 6.84 million dogs, with cats outnumbering dogs since 2017
Japan Pet Food Association (JPFA) (2023)
15.9M pets vs 14.0M children
Japan has more pets than children, with 15.9 million dogs and cats compared to 14.0 million children under 15
JPFA / Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (2024)
73.8 million
There are 73.8 million pet cats in the United States
American Veterinary Medical Association (2025)
10.8 million
There are approximately 10.8 million pet cats in the United Kingdom
PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) (2024)
