Dogs have long held the title of Britain's most beloved pet, but recent years have seen a notable shift in this dynamic. According to various international media reports, the UK's Generation Z (those born between 1990 and 2012) are increasingly gravitating towards cats, causing a surge in feline popularity that could see cats surpass dogs in ownership within the next two years, becoming the nation's new favorite companion animal.
Currently, the UK is home to approximately 13.5 million pet dogs and 12.5 million pet cats. Observations from Jollyes, a major British pet supplies retailer, reveal that sales of cat products in stores have recently exceeded those of dog products by 30%. Jollyes boldly predicts that as young people's affection for cats continues to grow, the number of pet cats will inevitably overtake that of dogs.
Why are Generation Z so fond of cats? Analysts suggest that this feline trend is partly influenced by a number of celebrity cat lovers such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus, who frequently share adorable cat photos on social media and in interviews, inspiring their fans to adopt cats. Additionally, cats' independent nature and relatively low maintenance make them an ideal choice for young people with fast-paced lifestyles and limited budgets.
Notably, the increase in cat ownership is not limited to Generation Z or female owners. Male cat owners are also on the rise, with statistics showing that one in every four men in the UK is a cat owner—almost equal to the proportion of female cat owners. Prominent male figures like British comedian Bob Mortimer have become ambassadors for cat ownership, actively supporting animal welfare groups and creatively naming their rescue cats, which has drawn significant public attention.
As this cat craze continues to heat up, Jollyes is expanding its range of cat-related products to meet growing demand. It appears that the wave of cat enthusiasm sparked by the UK's younger generation is set to last for some time, potentially transforming the country into a true "cat island" in the near future.
