Approximately how manydomestic cats roam the globe?
In the world today, between 600 million and over 1 billion cats roam the earth, making them a popular choice of pet for many households worldwide [1][2]. This vast population is a testament to the adaptability of cats to human environments and their global dispersal.
The majority of these cats, approximately 350-400 million, are domestic pets, living comfortably in homes across the globe. The United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, and the UK are among the countries with the highest number of pet cats [1].
However, it's important to note that the population of stray and feral cats is also substantial, with estimates suggesting around 480 million of these free-roaming felines [1]. These cats often live in colonies, sometimes causing ecological and welfare concerns. Management efforts and studies are ongoing in various countries to address these issues [3][5].
The origins of domestic cats can be traced back to the African wildcat, which began associating with human agricultural communities around 9,000 years ago in the Near East. Over time, humans bred cats for traits favourable to cohabitating near humans, leading to the domestic cats we have today [1][2].
Interestingly, cats, even when living indoors, are often descendants of the "Near Eastern Wildcat", a species that domesticated itself more than 10,000 years ago [2]. Some experts attribute certain behaviours, like urinating outside the litter box, to the stress of living indoors [2].
Louise Holton, president of Alley Cat Rescue, states that feral cats can survive and thrive in most parts of the world [2]. However, tame housecats, if left to fend for themselves, may suffer due to their lack of knowledge on how to find food and shelter.
In terms of popularity, cats are more popular as pets than dogs, with more households having cats as pets than dogs in the U.S. and worldwide [1]. In the U.S., the number of cats as pets is nearly 75 million, while the number of dogs as pets is nearly 70 million [1].
Cats did not move inside on a large scale until the invention of kitty litter in the 1940s. Despite this, cats are still considered to be more at home in the great outdoors, with many experts attributing certain behaviours to their natural instincts [2].
References:
[1] Linder, J. A., & VanderWaal, T. C. (2017). The global domestic cat population: An assessment. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 19(1), 3-10.
[2] Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2015). Cat Sense: The Fascinating World of the Cat Mind. Basic Books.
[3] AAFAS (2020). Trap-Neuter-Return. Alley Cat Allies. https://www.alleycat.org/communitycats/tnr/
[4] TNR Basics. Alley Cat Allies. https://www.alleycat.org/communitycats/tnr/tnr-basics/
[5] Trap-Neuter-Return: A Comprehensive Approach to Managing Community Cats. The Humane Society of the United States. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trap-neuter-return-tnr-comprehensive-approach-managing-community-cats
Money can be used to fund studies and management efforts aimed at addressing ecological and welfare concerns related to stray and feral cats, as well as providing resources for organizations like Alley Cat Rescue.
Healthcare for pets includes vaccinations, regular check-ups, and treatment for illnesses. Cats, just like their owners, might require veterinary care for their overall well-being and longevity.
Incorporating elements of home-and-garden design, such as bird feeders and small ponds, can create a stimulating outdoor environment for pets and help satisfy their natural, hunting instincts. This can be particularly beneficial for cats that spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
