17 CANADA CAT STATISTICS & FACTS ALL CAT LOVERS SHOULD KNOW (2024 UPDATE)
Source: Catster (Extract)
Posted: July 12, 2024
Cats were initially domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago and have since integrated into our daily lives. Alongside dogs, they rank among the most popular pets globally. While historically used for safeguarding grain and food stores from pests, today they are cherished as household companions and family pets.
Their popularity spans across the globe, including in Canada, where they outnumber dogs—a trend bolstered by a notable surge in the cat population from 2020 to 2022. Nevertheless, Canada, like many countries worldwide, grapples with issues related to feral and stray cats. Additionally, the country’s pet cat population has been affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Below, we delve into 17 statistics concerning cats in Canada, encompassing data on pet cats as well as figures pertaining to the feral population.
The 17 Canada Cat Statistics
1. There are 8.5 million pet cats in Canada, which makes them more popular than dogs.
2. The cat population in Canada rose 5% between 2020 and 2022.
3. 32% of Canadians consider themselves cat people.
4. The Ashera is the most expensive cat breed.
5. A new cat costs between CA$1,875 and $3,345 in the first year.
6. Cats cost between CA$80 and $200 per year to keep.
7. A third of pet owners said they have reduced other spending to ensure they meet their pets’ needs.
8. Cats go to the vet less often than dogs.
9. Around 4 in 5 cats are neutered or spayed.
10. Only 3% of pet owners in Canada have cat insurance.
11. A quarter of Canadian owners are willing to spend more on healthy cat food.
12. 2/3 of owners say they spend more on their cats than they used to.
13. A quarter of owners buy their cat food online.
14. The main reason given for not having a pet is not wanting the responsibility.
15. There could be as many as 4.2 million stray cats in Canada.
16. Some shelters have seen a 50% decrease in intakes since 2011.
17. Strays and outdoor cats kill approximately 200 million birds a year.