The United States has the most pet cats overall, but Russia and Romania have the highest percentage of households owning cats, with a strong cultural affinity in places like Turkey (especially Istanbul) and Japan, known for "Cat Islands" and deep historical ties. It's a mix of sheer numbers (USA), high household penetration (Russia, Romania), and cultural significance (Turkey, Japan).
Here is a list of the top 10 countries with the number of pet cats: 1. United States: 95.6 million 2. China: 53.4 million 3. Russia: 22.95 million 4.
Top 10 Countries for Cat Lovers: A Global Celebration of Feline...
Japan (7.25 million)
Japanese people have a longstanding and loving relationship with cats. The affection towards cats is so great in the country that Japanese art and literature has scores of examples where the cat is the primary subject.
Thailand has officially recognized cats as a symbol of national identity, highlighting the special place these animals hold in the country's culture. This decision reflects not only a love for felines but also a celebration of the traditions and values that connect people with their environment and heritage.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Cats are not native to Australia. They arrived in Australia as pets with the first fleet. Over the last 200 years, many domestic cats have become independent of their owners and bred to become feral.
It's true! According to a study on the subject among 600 participants, it's been shown that cat owners, and those who are drawn to the feline kind in general, are reported to have a higher IQ. To conduct their research of cat and dog preferences, the researchers at Carrol University in Wisconsin analyzed 600 students .
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
Friendliest Cat Breeds
Cats are the most popular domestic animals, they live in 43% of families (both mongrel (28%) and pedigreed (18%)), dogs live in 22% of families. Frequently, Russians keep several different pets. Thus 16% of respondents mentioned more than one option for instance, 28% of cat owners also have a dog(s) in the family.
In 2019, The New York Times estimated that in Istanbul alone, a megacity of 15 million people, there are thought to be 130,000 dogs and 125,000 cats roaming free.
The cat is considered "the quintessential pet" by many Muslims, and is admired for its cleanliness. Islamic miniature depicting Abu Hudhayfa ibn Utba (right) telling As'ad ibn Zurara he has become a Muslim, his house is depicted as clean (ritually and practically) and inhabited by a cat a visual shorthand for Islam.
In ancient Egypt, cats were deified, associated with gods and goddesses, and believed to bring protection and good luck. Meanwhile, in Japan, cats are celebrated in art, literature, and folklore, embodying spirits of good fortune and guardians against misfortune.
July 3, 2025
Latvia, Ireland, and Sweden are three countries, among many, with low numbers of household felines. The lowest cat ownership rate goes to Spain and Greece, coming in at 10-15% of households. These stunning creatures have permeated the entire world.
From ancient palaces to modern cafés, cats are everywhere in Istanbul, and the city has earned its reputation as the "world capital of cats."
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Research suggests that cats' short term memories last around 16 hours, which means they can remember recent events and react accordingly. If a cat has had a minor scare—such as a loud noise or being bumped by accident—it may remember and act skittishly for a short period.
They found that most respondents who identified themselves as introverted and sensitive were cat lovers, while those who said they were extroverted and agreeable were more typically dog people.
And, scientifically speaking, they've reached a conclusion: dogs are likely smarter than cats.
While cats have remarkable night vision, they cannot see in total darkness. Contrary to popular belief, no animal, including cats, can see in absolute darkness. Vision requires at least some level of light to function, and if there is no light source at all, a cat's eyes will not be able to process images.
When a cat licks you, it is usually a sign of love and trust. Cats use grooming to bond with other cats and their human companions. By licking you, your cat is saying that you are part of its family. Licking can also be soothing for cats, much like how a human might find comfort in a hug.
The Australian Mist is a unique cat breed developed in Australia during the 1980s. A cross between the Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic cats, the breed was created to produce a friendly, affectionate feline that thrives in various environments.