This City Has the Highest Cat Ownership in the World
When you think about cities with the most cats, your mind might jump to Tokyo’s cat cafes, Istanbul’s street cats, or New York’s apartment dwellers with tabbies lounging on fire escapes. But when it comes to the city with the highest cat ownership in the world, the title goes to Moscow.
If you’ve never pictured Moscow as a cat capital, let’s fix that right now.
Why Moscow Loves Its Cats
Russians have a deep-rooted respect for cats that goes far beyond “aww, they’re cute.” Cats in Russian folklore are protectors of the home, bringers of good luck, and guardians of warmth during harsh winters.
Historically, killing a cat in Russia was considered a serious crime. In fact, cats were so valued in medieval Russia that a family’s economic stability was often measured by whether they owned a cat to protect their grain stores from rodents.
Fast-forward to modern Moscow, and this cat-loving culture persists. More than 59% of Moscow households report owning at least one cat, with many having multiple. In a city with nearly 13 million people, that’s a staggering number of feline companions.
Why Cats Are Perfect for Moscow Living
Moscow is a city of high-rise apartments, small kitchens, and long winters. People work long hours, and streets are icy for months at a time. Dogs? Not so practical unless you live near a park. Cats? Perfect.
- Low Maintenance: Cats handle themselves while owners are at work.
- Warmth and Comfort: A cat curled up next to you is a natural heater during -20°C nights.
- Rodent Control: Moscow, like many big cities, has its share of rats. Cats are the perfect solution.
- Emotional Support: In a bustling city with a fast-paced lifestyle, a purring cat is a calm anchor.
The Hermitage Cats: Russia’s Famous Museum Guardians
Though not in Moscow, no story about Russian cats is complete without mentioning the Hermitage Cats of St. Petersburg. Since the 1700s, these cats have lived in the museum, keeping the art safe from mice and rats.
These cats are so beloved that they have their own caregivers, medical support, and social media presence. Tourists often visit the Hermitage just to see these dignified, well-fed cats strut through the museum’s courtyards.
It’s a testament to how deeply cats are woven into Russian society.
Other Cities with High Cat Ownership
Now, let’s take a quick world tour of other top cities for cat lovers to see how they stack up against Moscow’s numbers.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Known for its cat cafes, cat islands like Aoshima, and a culture that respects the independence and mystique of felines, Tokyo is a cat haven. Many Tokyo residents live in small apartments, making cats the ideal pet for city life.
Tokyo also has entire districts like Yanaka known for street cats, with shops selling cat-themed goods and even temples where cats roam freely.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
If you’ve seen the documentary Kedi, you know Istanbul is a city where street cats rule. The city has thousands of free-roaming cats that are fed, sheltered, and cared for by residents and shopkeepers alike.
Cats in Istanbul are part of the urban landscape, sitting on café chairs, napping in bookstores, and even attending mosque services. While these cats aren’t always “owned,” the communal ownership culture in Istanbul makes it one of the most cat-friendly cities in the world.
3. Portland, Oregon
In the United States, Portland consistently ranks as one of the cities with the highest cat ownership. The city’s laid-back lifestyle, abundance of cat rescues, and a community that values adoption over shopping have created a feline-friendly culture.
Portland also boasts a variety of cat-centric businesses, including cat cafes, cat-centric breweries, and even yoga with cats.
4. Paris, France
Parisians love their cats, and many apartments in the city are home to felines lounging in sunny windows. Cats in Paris are often seen accompanying their owners to small neighborhood shops, sitting quietly in cafés, or wandering courtyards.
With limited space and a lifestyle that often involves time spent in small flats, cats are the perfect Parisian companions.
The Numbers: Where Do Most Cat Owners Live Globally?
Globally, cat ownership is highest in Europe and North America, with Russia leading the pack.
- Russia: 59% of households own cats.
- United States: About 45% of households own cats, with approximately 94 million pet cats nationwide.
- France: Around 30% of households own cats.
- Germany: Approximately 25% of households own cats.
These numbers are rising as more people discover the benefits of cat companionship, especially in urban environments where having a dog can be impractical.
Why Cats Are Taking Over Cities
Here’s why cities worldwide are seeing a rise in cat ownership:
1. Urban Living
Small apartments, limited outdoor space, and busy work schedules make cats ideal for city dwellers. Cats don’t need to be walked and are content with indoor spaces as long as they have enrichment.
2. Emotional Support
Cats provide stress relief in fast-paced environments. Their purring, calm demeanor, and independent nature make them comforting without demanding too much.
3. Low Maintenance
Cats are easier and less expensive to care for than many dogs, making them perfect for young professionals, students, and elderly people living alone.
4. Cultural Shifts
There’s a growing recognition of cats as family members rather than just “pets,” and cities are adapting with cat-friendly apartments, vet services, and social acceptance of indoor cats.
Moscow’s Unique Feline Culture
While cities like Tokyo and Istanbul have unique cat cultures, Moscow’s culture stands out because of:
- Historical Reverence: Cats were protectors of homes and continue to be symbols of luck and warmth.
- Adoption Rates: Moscow’s cat adoption rates are among the highest in Europe, with many families adopting multiple cats.
- Practicality: With harsh winters and urban density, cats are the most practical pet option for many Muscovites.
Fun Facts About Cats in Moscow
- Cats and New Homes: In Russian tradition, when moving to a new home, it’s customary to let a cat enter first to bless the house.
- Moscow Metro Cats: Stray cats have been known to ride the Moscow Metro, hopping on trains to travel to warmer stations during winter.
- Cat Day: Russia celebrates “Cat Day” on March 1st, a day when social media floods with cat photos, and local shelters hold adoption events.
What This Means for Cat Lovers
If you’re a cat lover considering a move, Moscow might just be your purr-fect destination. But even if you’re staying put, there’s a lot to learn from how Moscow and other top cities embrace cat ownership.
Whether you’re in a tiny apartment in New York or a sunny flat in Paris, cats are becoming essential companions in urban life. They bring warmth, personality, and a sense of home, no matter where you live.
How to Make Your City More Cat-Friendly
Want your city to embrace cats the way Moscow does? Here are practical steps:
- Support Local Shelters: Adopt instead of shopping, and encourage others to do the same.
- Pet-Friendly Housing Policies: Advocate for landlords to allow cats in apartments.
- Cat Cafés and Community Initiatives: Support businesses that promote cat adoption and welfare.
- Spay and Neuter Programs: Help manage cat populations responsibly.
- Education: Share the benefits of cat ownership and how to care for cats properly in urban environments.
The Future of Urban Cat Ownership
With the rise of remote work, mental health awareness, and a preference for sustainable, low-impact lifestyles, cats are set to remain the urban pet of choice.
As cities grow and lifestyles shift, cats will continue to adapt with us, providing companionship, humor, and warmth in even the smallest studio apartments.
Final Purr-spective
Moscow’s crown as the city with the highest cat ownership in the world is well-earned, driven by cultural love, practicality, and a deep connection between people and their feline companions. Whether you’re a seasoned cat parent or planning to become one, there’s no denying that the future of city living is feline-friendly.
And let’s be honest: what’s a city skyline without a cat lounging in the window, keeping watch over it all?
🐾 Related Reads on Capnip:
- What Your Cat’s Personality Says About You
- How to Cat-Proof Your Apartment
- Why Your City Needs More Cat Cafés
- Signs You’re a Crazy Cat Person
