More Than 66 Percent of Cat Owners are Now Men

According to a recent set of statistics, there is a common misconception that is being handily challenged, especially in the United Kingdom. Everyone has heard the old adage that dog is man’s best friend, but how does that measure up to a newly uncovered statistic that reveals that more than 2/3 of cat owners are men? These new numbers would suggest that man’s best friend definitely has some serious competition. Is there an explanation for this new phenomenon?

According to a report issued by the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association, there has been a significant rise in the number of pet cats in the UK, having risen by 500,000 to a reach a total of eight million in 2017. This stark increase is being attributed to the fact that more and more men are choosing to have cats as pets. Based on the same report, approximately 5.5 million men in the UK now own cats, which equates to one in five.

Some of the increase is being attributed to the fact that more male celebrities are admitting that they own cats, with superstars like Ed Sheeran and Russell Brand owning cats. Some are also suggesting that the idea that cats require less attention from an emotional perspective is driving the choice of pet companionship for men. With people of all genders realizing the fact that life is becoming increasingly more hectic, taking care of a pet can be a huge commitment. Cats have a tendency to be more independent and less emotionally demanding than the average dog — not to mention they use litter boxes that eliminate the need for late-night and early-morning walks.

Surprisingly, neither cats nor dogs earned the number one spot as the most popular pet in the UK; that distinction was reserved for pet fish. Go figure. Nevertheless, it is needless to say that cats are making a move on the claim to being man’s best friend.

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