Are Cats or Dogs More Popular in the UK? (2026 Population Statistics Update)

The UK is a nation of animal lovers, with more than half of households owning a pet. And the number of people who own pets is on the rise. However, it’s not just cats and dogs who are more popular than ever before. There has been an increase in the number of households with birds, fish, hamsters, and rabbits as well as exotic pets such as tortoises and leopard geckos. The popularity of animals as pets may be attributed to factors such as increased disposable income, more open-mindedness toward animal companionship, and increasing demand for animals as people worked from home during the pandemic.

So, pets have proliferated in the UK in 2021 and 2022. When we take the UK as a whole, dogs are more popular as pets. In this article, we’ll look at the latest figures on dog and cat ownership in the UK.

Please note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Top 13 Statistics on Cat & Dog Popularity in the UK

1. Dogs are more popular than cats in the UK

2. Only in London are cats more popular than dogs

3. There are roughly 12 million cats in the UK

4. In the UK, approximately 8 million households have cats

5. UK households with cats have an average of 1.5 cats

6. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of UK households owning cats increased by 1%

7. In the UK, 65% of cats are mixed breed

8. British Shorthairs are the most popular cat breed in Britain

9. Approximately 13 million dogs live in the United Kingdom

10. About 10 million UK households have dogs

11. UK households with dogs are likely to have 1.3 dogs on average

12. Dog ownership in UK households increased by 1% between 2021 and 2022

13. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dogs in the UK

Cats vs. Dogs: Overall Winners

1. Dogs are more popular than cats in the UK

(PFMA.org)

According to a recent survey by the Pet Food Manufacturing Association (PFMA), 28% of households in the UK have cats. This indicates that cats are becoming increasingly popular pets in the UK. The same survey found that 34% of households in the UK have dogs. There are a few reasons why dogs are so popular among households in the UK. Likely because dogs are seen as loyal and protective companions. They provide us with emotional support and are always there for us, no matter what.

2. Only in London are cats more popular than dogs

(Petplan)

Only one region in the UK has more cats than dogs, and that is London, where cat ownership sits at a national high of 61%. One explanation for this trend could be that cats are becoming more popular as pets in cities due to their affordability and lower maintenance requirements. Increasingly, people are choosing to live in small apartments and houses, which are better suited for cats than for dogs.

Cat Popularity: Overall Statistics

3. There are roughly 12 million cats in the UK

(PFMA.org)

There are an estimated 12 million cats in the United Kingdom and the number of domestic cats has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. The majority of the UK's cat population is found in urban areas. There are several reasons why cats can be better pets in city settings. For one, they don't require as much space as dogs do. They also don't need to be taken on walks, which can be difficult in a busy city. Finally, cats are relatively quiet creatures, which is important when you live in close quarters with others.

4. In the UK, approximately 8 million households have cats

(IBISWorld, PFMA.org)

In the United Kingdom, there are nearly 8 million households with a cat. Cats have become ubiquitous in recent years, appearing in a large percentage of homes. While some may view this as a nuisance, others find the presence of a cat to be soothing. Regardless of one's personal opinion, it is undeniable that cats have become a staple in many households in the UK.

5. UK households with cats have an average of 1.5 cats

(IBISWorld, PFMA.org)

UK households with cats have an average of 1.5 cats. The benefits of having more than one cat are numerous. For one, it has been shown that cats with a feline friend tend to live longer, healthier lives. In addition, multiple cats can provide each other with companionship and socialization, making their lives happier too.

6. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of UK households owning cats increased by 1%

(PFMA.org)

The increase in the number of UK households owning cats between 2021 and 2022 can be attributed in large part to the pandemic. The pandemic caused many people to work from home, which created a demand for cats as pets. Cats are known for their ability to reduce stress, and they also provide companionship for people with more time to relax at home with a beloved pet.

UK Cat Breed Statistics

7. In the UK, 65% of cats are mixed breed

(Statista)

Mixed-breed cats account for the majority of UK cat ownership. There are a variety of reasons for this trend. Many people find that mixed-breed cats are often less expensive than purebred cats, or even free from a shelter. Additionally, more and more cat owners realize that mixed-breed cats tend to be healthier than purebred cats because they have a more diverse gene pool.

8. British Shorthairs are the most popular cat breed in Britain

(GCCF)

According to the Governing Council of The Cat Fancy (GCCF), over 9,000 British Shorthairs were registered in 2020. There was an increase of 19% in the number of registrations for this breed over the number registered in 2019. Based on GCCF registrations received over the past ten years in the UK, British Shorthairs have had the top spot for at least a decade.

Dog Popularity: Overall Statistics

9. Approximately 13 million dogs live in the United Kingdom

(PFMA.org)

Approximately 13 million dogs are living in the United Kingdom. This number has been increasing over the years and is due to a variety of reasons. The UK has a relatively affluent population, which means that people have disposable income to spend on dog ownership. Additionally, the UK has a strong culture of dog appreciation and animal welfare, which means that people in the UK are more likely to enjoy taking care of dogs.

10. About 10 UK million households have dogs

(IBISWorld, PFMA.org)

Approximately 10 million households in the United Kingdom have at least one canine inhabitant. Some benefits of having a dog may include companionship, security, and exercise. Additionally, dogs can provide emotional support and reduce stress levels. On the other hand, owning a dog also has some drawbacks—for instance, dogs require time, effort, and money to care for properly; they may cause damage to your home, and their presence may negatively impact your social life or work schedule.

11. UK households with dogs are likely to have 1.3 dogs on average

(IBISWorld, PFMA.org)

The average number of dogs per household in the UK is 1.3, probably because there are many benefits to having more than one dog. For example, having more than one dog can provide companionship for each other, help with socialization and exercise, and provide a sense of security. It makes sense that the number of dogs per household is slightly lower than the number of cats per household, as generally, dogs are a much greater commitment in terms of time, space, and finances.

12. Dog ownership in UK households increased by 1% between 2021 and 2022

(PFMA.org)

There was a slight increase in dog ownership in UK households between 2021 and 2022 of approximately 1%. This can be partly explained by the pandemic, as people looked for companionship during a time of isolation. Dogs provide loyalty, love, and support, which were all needed during such a difficult time. This increase is likely to stabilize in the coming years, as the lifting of lockdown measures is seeing more people returning to their workplaces overall.

UK Dog Breed Statistics

13. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dogs in the UK

(Statista 2)

Labrador Retrievers made up the most popular breed in the UK in 2020, with around 40,000 dogs registered. Known for their friendly dispositions, intelligence, and ability to get along well with all age groups, this breed is a popular choice for families with children. The lab can also perform multiple tasks, such as search-and-rescue, therapy, and guide dog work. With all of these plus points, it’s no wonder they are the top dog in the United Kingdom.

Summary

In conclusion, both cats and dogs are beloved in the UK. However, dogs are more popular overall. This may be because they are seen as more versatile companions and require more interaction than cats. Whatever the reason, it is undeniable that both dogs and cats have a special place in the hearts of many Britons.

Featured Image Credit: huoadg5888, Pixabay