Extra individuals are selecting pedigree cats, in keeping with a brand new report from Cats Safety, whereas others should give up their cat resulting from prices.
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There are some adjustments in cat possession within the UK, in keeping with the CATS Report 2025 from Cats Safety. For the primary time, 51% of newly-acquired cats within the UK are pedigrees reasonably than moggies (mixed-breed cats).
The report is predicated on a consultant pattern of cat guardians within the UK and sheds mild on some attention-grabbing developments. Listed here are among the highlights of the report.
Adjustments in getting (and giving up) cats
24% of households within the UK have no less than one cat. Whereas most of those properties have only one cat, 34% have 2 or extra. Whereas in 2020 there have been extra feminine than male cat guardians, in 2025 it’s a extra equal image.
Cat possession has risen amongst the 18-34 age group however gone down amongst these aged 35-54. Individuals with youngsters usually tend to have a cat.
Amongst individuals who acquired a cat within the final 12 months, 49% of them are in probably the most prosperous social teams. And amongst individuals underneath 55, there’s been a rise in getting a pedigree reasonably than a moggy. Nonetheless, lots of these with a pedigree say that their cat doesn’t have any papers.
Sadly, some breeds of cat have well being points related to their conformation (appears to be like), and Cats Safety says that this is applicable to 7% of the pedigree cats obtained within the final yr. Particular breeds that they point out as having well being points resulting from their breeding are the Munchkin, Persian, Scottish Fold, Sphynx, and Bully Cat (created from Munchkin and Sphynx cats). Of those, the Persian and Scottish Fold are hottest, representing 4% and a couple of%, respectively, of cats obtained within the final 12 months.
Simply as brachycephalic canine can have many well being points and might battle to breathe, the identical applies to brachycephalic cats just like the Persian. In the meantime Scottish Fold cats have these distinctive folded ears because of a painful cartilage abnormality which additionally impacts different components of their physique. So it’s clearly regarding that these are amongst the preferred breeds.
The preferred pedigree cats obtained within the final yr are the British Shorthair (9%) and British Longhair (5%).
The variety of cats being adopted from shelters has gone down within the UK, whereas the quantity being purchased has gone up. Youthful, extra prosperous individuals who reside in cities usually tend to purchase than undertake a cat.
Amongst individuals who had surrendered a cat, a fifth (21%) stated it was as a result of they might not afford to take care of the cat.
The report says,
“Over time, cat acquisition has began to skew in direction of greater socio-economic teams, pedigree cats and buy reasonably than adoption.
In the meantime, the overall rise in value of dwelling seen in recent times has added stress on the much less financially ready, whereas additionally growing the prices of caring for a cat, together with vet prices. This implies a widening hole between ‘wealthy and poor’ and raises an essential query for society: how comfy are we that cat possession is shifting in direction of being a luxurious, and what are the broader implications of this?”
Getting cat recommendation from social media
The report reveals that folks do search for details about cats, with 45% of individuals searching for information or recommendation no less than as soon as a month. These most probably to search for information are youthful cat guardians, individuals who hold their cat indoors-only, and individuals who even have a canine.
Individuals report {that a} vet is their principal supply of knowledge (58%), with the web (50%), family and friends (35%), and social media (22%) as different frequent sources of information about cats. Amongst younger individuals, Youtube and TikTok are particularly essential, and for cat guardians as a complete, Fb and Instagram could be added to this listing as frequent sources of knowledge.
The well being of cats
The report reveals that fewer individuals are getting their cats neutered, and that extra individuals are selecting to breed their cat, though they’re principally giving the kittens away reasonably than promoting them. 82% of cats within the UK are neutered, however this determine falls to 71% for the cats of individuals age 18-34. Specifically, pedigree cats are much less more likely to be neutered.
Solely 64% of cats are taken to the vet yearly. The commonest causes for not taking a cat to the vet are the associated fee (25%) and it being too hectic for the cat or their guardian (25%).
From a behaviour perspective, 74% of cats have been stated by their homeowners to have proven no less than one signal of stress previously yr. In fact, individuals might not at all times spot these indicators. Essentially the most generally reported stress reactions included working away from individuals, being afraid of loud noises, hiding rather a lot, screaming or screeching, and peeing exterior the field.
When you have issues about your cat’s behaviour, begin with a go to to your vet. There are additionally many issues you are able to do to scale back stress on your cat, together with ensuring that you’re offering the 5 pillars of a wholesome feline atmosphere.
The report reveals some attention-grabbing adjustments in how cats are acquired and cared for within the UK.
Should you’d wish to know extra about what cats want, try my ebook Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Completely satisfied. If you wish to make vet visits simpler, Purr features a plan to show your cat to like their cat service.
Do you assume there is a rise in pedigree cats the place you reside? And the way do you’re feeling about individuals searching for details about cats on social media?
