Cat population in the UK 2026| ��ƽ��

Number of pet cats in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2026 (in millions)*

Characteristic	Number of cats in millions
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Release date

2026

More information

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

2011 to 2026

Number of respondents

8,951 respondents

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

*Figures are based on estimates. The survey changed from face-to-face to online in 2021, which means 2021 and 2022 data cannot be compared with earlier years but the percentage of households owning pets can be compared between 2022 and 2021 with some caution required as the sample size changed from 5,093 in 2021 to 8,983 in 2022.
Sample sizes vary as follows: n (2019/20) = 8,000; n (2018/19) = 8,000; n (2017/18) = 8,000; n (2016/17) = 8,000; n (2015/16) = 8000; n (2014/15) = 8353; n (2013/14) = 6,192; n (2012/13) = 4,223; n (2011/12) = 4,205; n (2010/11) = 4,156.

The source did not publish 2025 pet population data due to anomalies that compromised the data.

Citation formats

The UK cat population was estimated at ** million in 2026, marking an increase of around 0.5 million from the previous year. 2026 reached the highest recorded figure since the survey began. It is important to note that the survey changed from face-to-face to online in 2021, making it difficult to compare years. Across the UK the share of households owning at least one cat is going strong, if a little behind those who choose the company of canines.  

Cats make people happy

Dogs may reign supreme in the nation, but cats are still a popular choice for pets in the UK, and for the sweetest reasons too. It is safe to say that UK cat owners have strong emotional ties with their furry friends, with majority of people viewing cats not just as pets but as reliable sources for love, affection, and happiness.   

EU loves cats more than UK

When compared with the rest of the EU, the United Kingdom fares relatively behind in pet ownership. In 2019, the share of UK households with at least one pet cat placed the country in the lower ranks. In contrast, Central European countries such as Romania, Latvia, and Hungary had the highest share of households with cats.