vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.
Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.
Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!
Posted: 31st March 2017
UK’s pet cats now number eight million, report suggests
Pet cats in the UK now number around eight million, an increase of half a million cats, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).
New figures from PFMA’s latest Pet Data Report suggest the rise is being driven by the increasing number of male cat owners, which climbed by 25 per cent (around one million men).
The statistics have been published following interviews with more than 8,000 UK households.
A total of 12 million households are now estimated to have a pet, equating to 44 per cent of households in the UK, and 54 million pets.
Cat-owning households now account for 17 per cent of households with pets. PFMA says more young people own cats, with those aged 16-34 up three per cent, and those aged 35-44 up two per cent.
The research also showed 38 per cent of families with children were considering a small mammal as a pet.
PFMA’s statistics show the breakdown of pet ownership:
Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
