FYI: Cats more popular than dogs

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

The Lufkin Daily News

Monday, December 19, 2005

Q: Although we have both, my wife is more of a cat person, while I've always been more fond of dogs. Now we have a friendly bet about which is the more popular pet, a cat or dog. Which is it?

A: Hope you didn't bet too much on this: Cats are more popular, but it's pretty close. Of owned pets in the United States, there are about 73 million cats, compared to 68 million dogs. This is according to the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association, from their 2001-02 National Pet Owners Survey. The article, written by the Veterinary Products Laboratory also has some more interesting pet facts:

Four in 10 households in the U.S. own at least one dog, whereas three in 10 own at least one cat. The difference is that cat owners are more likely to have more than one cat than dog owners. Sixty-three percent of dog owners have just one dog, whereas 51 percent of cat owners have two or more.

As far as gender goes, there are an equal number of male and female dogs owned in America, while female cats barely beat out male cats, 51 percent to 49 percent.

One reason cats might be more popular is their cost: On average, dog owners spend $196 on vet care in a year, while cat owners spend only $104.

Cats are a little more likely than dogs to be spayed or neutered: eight in 10 cats are, compared to seven in 10 dogs.

And finally, only 20 percent of both dogs and cats are adopted from shelters. While others probably adopt strays, others still go to breeders. So here's a final fact to think about: According to the American Humane Association, 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized. That might be another reason to adopt from a shelter — especially this holiday season, when they can be especially overcrowded.

[shandoggy1]

I remember hearing this and it didn't surprise me that cats out numbered dogs. However, I could have sworn that male dogs out numbered females or that at least more people preferred male dogs.

[Sheltiemama]

Well, it might be true, but I think there are more cats in the world than dogs. Cats are spontaneous ovulators, so pregnancy is almost 100% guaranteed after breeding. Granted they are easier to keep, no outside potty breaks and they make their own exercise. I know our household is among the many who have more cats than dogs, our ratio is two to one.

[calgal]

Here is my take on cats; I think is cruel to make a cat spend it's entire life confined to the inside of the house since they are such prey animals. I also think it's cruel to let a cat run loose outside where bad things can happen to them and they bring fleas into the house. Even if my husband wasn't allergic to them I would not want one because of the way I feel.

[annie_so_pink]

Wow! I did not know that! It is really interesting. But, I had no idea that 71 pecent of all animals that enter animal shelters get euthanized That is so sad! *wants to rescue ALL the dogs out there that need homes*

[shandoggy1]

Originally Posted by calgal

Here is my take on cats; I think is cruel to make a cat spend it's entire life confined to the inside of the house since they are such prey animals. I also think it's cruel to let a cat run loose outside where bad things can happen to them and they bring fleas into the house. Even if my husband wasn't allergic to them I would not want one because of the way I feel.

We used to feel that it was cruel to keep our cats indoors too Calgal. However, after having two of our cats in three years mauled and killed by loose dogs in the neighborhood we decided it was time to keep them in and finally had a cat live till the age of 17 yrs. The average life expectancy for an outdoor cat is 3 years because there are to many things that can hurt them. I have two cats now and every time they even get close to an open door to the outside world they run and hide "inside". So what they don't know won't hurt them. (wink)

[dvsgryhnd]

Originally Posted by Crossfire Bulldogs

So here's a final fact to think about: According to the American Humane Association, 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized. That might be another reason to adopt from a shelter — especially this holiday season, when they can be especially overcrowded.

And what they didn't mention is that pregnant cats or dogs or momma's with babies less than 5 weeks old are usually euthanized. Most shelters don't have room to keep them until the babies are old enough. So if you come across a stray that fits that catagory, see if you can find some one to keep them until the babies are old enough.

[c0_re]

Of course they are people are lazy and cats breed like crazy, most poeple that don't like dogs have never been around a properly manered\socialized dog.

[mulroony]

The findings do not surprise me. If I think of people w/ cats I think they are much more likely to have 2 or 3 cats than a people I know with dogs. Dogs just seem to be more of a time commitment, and in the modern world time is more valuable than money to most people. That said I am planning on bringing a cat into my home when I have one, but not until I can make modifications to better adapt to their lifestyle w/out my landlord throwing me out Plus you have to figure the cat population is much, much greater than the dog. I know for every one dog my local shelter has they will have 2-5 cats, and they hold a lot of dogs.

[britishbandit]

I can see that. Where I live you are limited to having 2 dogs and 3 cats as a maximum (unless you try to get a kennel license). Another reason I think cats are more popular (besides cost), is that the responsiblity is much less. It doesn't take much to train a cat to use a litter box, which is about all you can really train it. They are pretty "lazy" haha...and sleep a lot, but nice to have around to pet and cuddle with, or keep your lap warm. I have 2 cats, which I love to death, but I definately prefer dogs, so much more to do with them...LOL. Some people don't have the time and energy for a dog, and cats are so much more independant.

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by calgal

Here is my take on cats; I think is cruel to make a cat spend it's entire life confined to the inside of the house since they are such prey animals. I also think it's cruel to let a cat run loose outside where bad things can happen to them and they bring fleas into the house. Even if my husband wasn't allergic to them I would not want one because of the way I feel.

Yes, I can see that. My 2 cats are were indoor cats in the beginning, but I felt it unfair that they wanted to go out and I wouldn't allow it. But I gave in...LOL....now they vary, somtimes they want to go out more, other times they prefer just to laze around the house...haha. I also HATE fleas, I have both the dogs and the cats on Advantage, so that isn't a problem. I'm lucky that I'm not in an area that has many cats that do go outside. I do have the worry about wild animals (which are also rare in my area), and the risk they could be hit by a car (but I live on a fairly quiet street). There are always worries about the cat being out, but you are right, I think it is unfair to keep them couped up all the time.