Are Cats Replacing Dogs as the Ultimate Pet? Find Out Why!

There has been a discernible change in pet ownership patterns over the past ten years, with cats gradually becoming more and more popular all across the world. Millions of people now prefer cats as pets over dogs, who were once thought to be the best companions. However, what is causing this shift? There are a number of reasons why cats are the preferred pet companions for contemporary pet owners, including urbanization, changes in lifestyle, and the impact of social mediaIn 2023, 46.5 million households in the United States will have at least one cat, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), which reports that cat ownership has been increasing. Due to their adaptability to apartment living, cats are becoming more and more popular among urban inhabitants in Europe and Asia. The demand for pet cats in India increased by 41% between 2019 and 2023, surpassing the growth rate of dog ownership, according to a poll conducted by Euromonitor International.
People are busier than ever in the modern world. Pet owners require animals that are reasonably autonomous due to long work hours, frequent travel, and the rise in single-person households. According to a research in "Behavioural Processes," cats do not suffer from separation anxiety to the same extent as dogs when they are left alone for extended periods of time. For professionals, students, and others with erratic schedules, this makes them an excellent option.

Cats need a lot less maintenance than dogs do. They can groom themselves, are naturally litter-trained, and don't require daily walks. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) in the UK, 78% of cat owners how easy it was to maintain their pet’s well-being compared to dogs.
Having a pet that doesn't require a backyard or frequent outdoor activity is a plus as more people move into smaller apartments and high-rise buildings.
Research shows that owning a cat can lower stress, anxiety, and depression. A 2019 study by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) found that cat owners were 36% less likely to suffer from stress-related health issues. Additionally, the purr sound of a cat, which vibrates at a frequency of 25-150 Hz, has been linked to lowering blood pressure and promoting relaxation.
Although pet ownership has financial obligations, cats are typically less expensive than dogs. According to a 2023 research by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), owning a cat is 30–40% less expensive than owning a dog. Cats are a good option for pet owners on tight budget because they demand fewer resources for everything from food and grooming to veterinary care.
The Impact of Social Media.
The impact of social media on cat popularity cannot be overlooked. Memes, Instagram-famous cats, and viral cat videos have all greatly.

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