Turns out, our cat content obsession isn't just a time-waster—it's a mood booster. A study by Jessica Gall Myrick surveyed 6,795 people and found that looking at cat videos or pictures online significantly increases positive emotions and energy levels and reduces negative feelings such as anxiety or sadness.
Participants reported feeling more upbeat and less stressed after indulging in just a few minutes of feline antics. Interestingly, even passive viewers—those who stumbled upon the cats instead of actively seeking them out—felt their mood improve.
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), cat ownership is on the rise.
There was a 23% increase in ownership in 2024, more multi-cat homes, and a growing appetite for quality time with cats, all of which show that "cat people" haven't gone anywhere—and are more devoted than ever to their feline companions.
APPA found that:
- 49 million US households own a cat, up from 40 million in 2023;
- Single-cat households decreased from 64% in 2018 to 58% in 2024;
- Meanwhile, households with two cats increased by 8% from 2018. Most significantly, households with three or more cats increased by 36% from 2018.
Cat owners are consciously trying to create the best possible conditions for their pets, purchasing products that support training and encourage quality time outside the home.
In fact, nearly half (48%) use some type of training method with their cat—up 41% compared to 2018.
More owners are also taking their felines outdoors: 32% have a leash (a 52% increase since 2018), 22% own a harness, and 27% use a non-flea collar, representing increases of 69% and 50% from 2018, respectively.
From pet parties to themed merchandise, celebrating cats' milestones has become a core component of modern pet ownership.
The share of owners hosting holiday/birthday parties for their cats in 2024 (21%) increased by 250% from 2018.
Also, last year, a third of cat owners purchased pet-themed merchandise, an 89% increase from 2018.
