Cats and Their Stats (CATS) UK annual report 2024

Cats Protection have released their fifth comprehensive survey about cats and cat owners in the UK.

This year’s survey has shown there has been a notable rise in the demand for pedigree cats, for the first time, more pedigrees were obtained in the preceding 12 months than moggies. There are, however, slightly less cats owned across the UK in 2024 (10.6m) versus 2023 (11m).

Social media has grown as medium for both information on how to care for a cat and a marketplace for the purchase of cats.

The online marketplace remains a significant part of the cat trade – with 63% of cats purchased being found online, rising to 72% for those purchased in the last 12 months.

These results demonstrate just how important online platforms, both pet selling websites and social media sites, have become for cats in the UK.

Faye Shellard Social Media Manager at Cats protection noted: “Ensuring good quality and accessible content for younger owners is essential, and Cats Protection is dedicated to continually growing its presence online, particularly on TikTok. This includes a continued focus on ensuring appropriate representation of cats online and keeping a careful eye on the welfare concerns associated with certain breeds of cat.”

“The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) is extremely concerned about the rising popularity of acquiring cats via social media." 

"For over 20 years, PAAG has worked to tackle irresponsible pet advertising, but there are little to no safeguards when it comes to advertising pets on social media, putting animal welfare at risk.”

Paula Boyden, Chair, Pet Advertising Advisory Group, and Veterinary Director, Dogs Trust

You can access the full report here.