1. United States: According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey conducted in 2019-2020, approximately 90.5 million households in the US own pets. Of these households, 35% own at least one cat, making cats the second most popular pet after dogs.
2. United Kingdom: A 2022 study by Statista Research Department revealed that around 25% of UK households own a cat, making cats the most popular pet in the country.
3. Europe: In general, cat ownership is common across Europe, with countries like Italy, Germany, and France having high percentages of cat lovers. However, the exact percentages can vary by region and country.
4. Australia: The RSPCA Australia's 2019 Pet Ownership Report estimated that there are approximately 15 million pet cats in Australia, representing about 38% of Australian households.
5. Global estimates: While specific global data may be challenging to obtain, cat ownership is believed to be significant worldwide. In 2016, a survey conducted by GfK Global revealed that among pet owners, 31% had cats, making cats the second most popular pet globally after dogs.
It's important to note that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on the sources and methodologies used in different surveys and studies. Cultural factors, social norms, and individual preferences can also impact the prevalence of cat ownership and affection towards cats in various regions and communities.