Paw-some new pet inhabitants information launched by UK Pet Meals
Whiskers twitch as report reveals that extra males are adopting grownup cats
Right now, UK Pet Meals (previously Pet Meals Producers’ Affiliation) unveils its NEW Pet Inhabitants Report for 2024 (1). The analysis reveals a noteworthy gender distinction in pet adoption demographics with extra males opting to undertake grownup cats. Findings additionally spotlight the large worth that pets carry to our lives.
Over the previous 4 years, 27% of males have chosen to tackle an grownup cat as a pet, in comparison with 18% of girls (2). This interprets to 1.5m new male households benefiting from the addition of an grownup cat, in comparison with round 1m feminine households. For the primary time for the reason that pandemic pet and kitten growth, UK Pet Meals information notes an appreciation for mature pets throughout all demographics, with a complete of round 2.5m households buying grownup cats and grownup canine have been welcomed into 2.1 million households (3).
Key highlights from the report embody:
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17.2 million households (60%) home one of many UK’s 36 million (non aquatic) pets in 2024 (4)
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There are 13.5 million canine and 12.5 million cats within the UK in 2024 – a rise of 1.5m every
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38% welcomed a brand new pet into 10.9 million properties over the past 4 years (5).
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Kittens and puppies welcomed into 2.6 million and three.7 million households respectively over latest years.
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Fish are additionally swimming up the charts in 21% of UK properties.
The report confirms that emotional advantages seem like a powerful draw for pet possession with round one quarter of householders admitting that they take pleasure in time with their pet greater than with their members of the family. Over a 3rd (39%) affirm that their pet advantages their household’s psychological well being, round one half of householders over 45 could be lonely with out their pet and one fifth want to see pets accessible on prescription.
Michael Bellingham, Chief Govt of UK Pet Meals, feedback: “This yr’s findings show once more the large recognition of pets within the UK. Because the proprietor of an older cat, I used to be notably to see that extra males are adopting older cats! There could possibly be all kinds of causes for the rising recognition of our furry and aquatic companions, however this yr’s analysis highlights the profound therapeutic influence of pets. Pets play a major position in our properties; they assist fight loneliness and so they can have a optimistic impact on our psychological well being. We had been pleasantly shocked to see that one fifth of these questioned are calling for pets to be accessible on prescription. We couldn’t agree extra.”
Daniel Warren-Cummings, Behaviour Officer at Cats Safety and proprietor of Woman Bug the cat, mentioned: “Cats have at all times been a preferred alternative of pet however we’re notably delighted to see that extra males are seeing the advantages of older cats, in addition to kittens. Identical to people, cats are all totally different and that is what makes them nice pets for folks from all walks of life – whether or not its indoor cats suited to residing in a quiet dwelling, or extra adventurous ones, which thrive in a busy family, and love exploring the outside. We frequently hear from males who inform us their cats are usually not solely nice companions, they’re additionally extremely entertaining which could be a nice stress-buster.”
Chris Whatling, Founding father of Animal Folks Recruitment explains why he adopted older cats: “Harper and Bear grew to become cherished members of our household over eight years in the past after we adopted them from Cramar Cat Sanctuary in Birmingham. After a heart-wrenching expertise with our earlier rescue kittens, who sadly succumbed to FIP6, we turned to rehoming older black kittens that discover it tougher to discover a dwelling. Harper and Bear’s unconditional love and mild nature have stuffed our lives with pleasure and therapeutic. Their presence has been integral to our well-being, and now, with Rodney, our beloved Cavapoo, our household feels full. Rodney’s companionship not solely brings immense pleasure but in addition considerably contributes to our psychological and bodily well being by each day walks, fostering a deeper sense of connection and vitality in our lives.”
UK POPULATION OF PETS
Primarily based on intensive analysis throughout 8956 households, the UK’s pet inhabitants:
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60% of UK households (17.2m) households 36 million non-aquatic pets
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13.5 million canine (36% households)
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12.5 million cats (29%)
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1.5 million indoor birds (3%)
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1.3 million home fowl (1.6%)
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1 million rabbits (1.6%)
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700,000 tortoises and turtles (1.6%)
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700,000 horses & ponies (1.5%)
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700,000 Guinea Pigs (1.2%)
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600,000 hamsters (1.5%)
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600,000 snakes (1.3%)
This yr’s Pet Inhabitants information is featured as a part of the excellent ‘Pet Information Report,’ providing insights into UK inhabitants information, regional tendencies, market information, pet diet analysis and extra. For additional particulars, go to ukpetfood.org.
