In the United Kingdom, new research shows that the number of pet cats is on the rise, and that more men are adopting cats than ever before!
The crazy cat lady may have some competition! (Simmer down, cat people! Just kidding!) According to new research by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), which interviewed over 8,000 households in the United Kingdom, 17 percent of men owned a cat, which is an increase from 13 percent surveyed last year.
Related:9 Signs You’re A Crazy Cat Lady
Eight million cats are pets in the United Kingdom, which is a 500,000 increase from the number of pet cats in 2016. Researchers believe that celebrities like Russell Brand and Ed Sheeran make being a ‘cat dad’ look cool, and may have influenced more men to choose cats as their domestic companions.
PFMA chief executive Michael Bellingham said that owning a pet is a rewarding experience that all can enjoy. It’s clear that men are realizing the joy and benefits that come with being a pet owner, and particularly a cat owner. The increased interest in felines isn’t just relegated to men, though.
Related:Study: Your Cat Thinks You’re Pretty Special!
The study found that more ‘young people’ (those aged 16 to 34) owned cats, with that number rising three percent when compared to last year’s statistics. For those between the ages of 35 and 44, cat ownership rates increased two percent.
Interestingly, though, the most popular pet in the United Kingdom is not a cat, nor a dog. That very prestigious title went to fish! The research found that over 33 million fish are considered ‘pets’ in either tanks or ponds across the UK.
