All about cats

51 per cent of those who filled in the Big Pet Census own a cat, with many of you owning more than one. In total, we had an insight into the lives of almost 92,000 cats.

Ten most popular cat breeds from the Big Pet Census

1. 41 per cent are domestic shorthairs
2. 22 per cent are British shorthairs
3. 16 per cent are unsure what breed their cat is
4. 8 per cent are moggies
5. 4 per cent own Maine coons
6. 3 per cent own Bengals
7. 3 per cent own ragdoll cats
8. 3 per cent own domestic longhairs

Cats are part of the family

We asked you how you see your pet and 94 per cent of you said your cat is part of the family. 47 per cent say they are a companion and 38 per cent say they are their best friend.

Showing our love

When we asked how you show your cat you love them:

• 97 per cent say you give them affection
• 97 per cent say you talk to them
• 91 per cent say you give them treats
• 86 per cent say you let them on the bed, your lap or up on the sofa
• 73 per cent say you buy them something new

And the love is reciprocated…

• 93 per cent say their cat comes to them for affection
• 82 per cent say their cat lies with them
• 76 per cent say their cat follows them around the home
• 73 per cent say their cat ‘talks’ to them
• 66 per cent say their cat sleeps in their bed
• 65 per cent say their cat is excited to see them
• 61 per cent say their cat cuddles them
• 48 per cent say their cat gives them kisses

Celebrating your cat's birthday

53 per cent of those we spoke to say they celebrated their cat’s birthday, while a further 17 per cent say they sometimes mark the day.

Breeding cats

As a charity, we see lots of unplanned litters of cats come through our doors. With Covid-19 pausing many non-emergency vet treatments we know that fewer cats were neutered during this time.

When we asked whether any cats had had an unplanned litter, seven per cent said they had.

More on neutering your cat.

When one cat isn’t enough

Although cats can live quite happily on their own, many live happy and healthy lives together. Of the families with more than one cat, the most common cat behaviours were:

• playing together – 68 per cent
• Grooming each other – 63 per cent
• Touching noses – 57 per cent
• Rubbing against each other – 56 per cent
• Curling up together – 56 per cent

Thankfully, behaviour such as hissing at each other, fighting and avoiding each other was less common. However, if you would like support with your cat, our Behaviour and Training Service offers affordable consultations to pet owners looking for a bit of extra advice and support.

[Illustrations by Laura Ireland]