Why More People Prefer Cats Than Dogs

A loving pet can bring joy to any home. That’s why many parents are encouraged to get one for their children—and why gifting your elderly parents a new best friend is often a thoughtful idea.   A small pet in the home can teach children valuable lessons about empathy, or give your parents a renewed sense of companionship and responsibility.   It’s no wonder more people are bringing pets into their homes. In the 1950s, fewer than 20% of American households had a pet. Today, over 75% of families in the U.S. own at least one. Many even have more than one.   While people are more fond of animals than ever, one pet has become noticeably more popular than the rest: the cat.   Traditionally, families owned either a dog or a cat. While these remain the most common pets, the variety of animals people bring into their homes has expanded. Today, many Americans keep birds and fish, and some even own reptiles. For example, more people are keeping snakes as pets—especially in Florida. Perhaps Floridians are so used to seeing alligators that a small snake at home no longer seems intimidating.   Still, dogs and cats remain America’s most beloved pets. Over 90% of pet-owning households have at least one of these animals.   But here’s the surprising part: in the U.S., for every dog in a household, there are two cats. Cats are now more popular than dogs. But why? The Cat – An Animal of Worship Since Ancient Egypt   You’ve probably heard that cats were revered in ancient times. The internet is full of memes and jokes about how humans idolize these small felines. In reality, those memes aren’t far from the truth.   As mentioned, there are now twice as many pet cats as dogs in the U.S. Multiple surveys confirm it: people tend to prefer cats.   So what makes cats the favorite? Why Cats Win Hearts Over Dogs   We’ve put together several reasons why someone might choose a cat over a dog: [h3]1. Low Maintenance [/h3] Cats are simply easier to care for. They’re more independent and don’t require daily walks. A cat is better at taking care of itself, which makes it an ideal pet for busy people.   [h3]2. Space-Friendly [/h3] If you live in a small apartment, a cat is your best bet. Even small dog breeds often need more room and can feel cramped in limited space. Cats, on the other hand, adapt easily to compact living environments.   [h3]3. Time-Saving [/h3] Because they’re so independent, cats demand less of your time. No need for walks, constant attention, or supervision. In fact, many cats are fine being left alone for days at a time, as long as they have food, water, and a clean litter box. That means more freedom and flexibility for you.   [h3]4. Mysterious Charm [/h3] Cats are fascinating, mysterious creatures. Their quiet, often aloof nature draws many people in. One moment they’re curled up beside you, the next they’ve disappeared to another corner of the house. Dogs are more direct—you always know what they want. Some people are simply more drawn to the subtle and mysterious presence of a cat. Are you one of them? Is the Cat Becoming Man’s Best Friend?   Dogs have long held the title of “man’s best friend.” But maybe it’s time for cats to take that crown. After all, they’re now the more popular choice—and for good reason.   If you don’t own a cat yet, consider adopting one today. Visit our website to choose from over 5,000 cats waiting for a loving home.   You can make a cat happy—and bring new joy into your life. Offer a small feline a second chance. Adopt today.