Why cats are becoming Britain’s favourite pet

Move over, man’s best friend - Britain’s cats are quietly (and smugly) claiming the crown. For years, dogs have reigned supreme as the nation’s number one companion. But new data from The Times shows that cat products now outsell dog products by almost a third. Yes, you read that right: the feline uprising has begun. And for pet brands, this isn’t just a curious cultural shift - it’s a business opportunity with claws.

One reason cats are clawing their way to the top? Gen Z. This generation is renting more, living in smaller spaces, and juggling busier lifestyles - all of which makes a cat the perfect flatmate. No 6am walks in the rain, no giant food bills (well, slightly less giant anyway), and plenty of personality packed into one compact very purr…suasive package.

But it’s not just about practicality. Cats have become a style statement. Male ownership is on the rise too, with influencers and celebrities showing off their feline companions like badges of honour. Forget the old ‘crazy cat lady’ cliché (that catty JD Vance comment is so last year), today’s cat lover is just as likely to be a stylish twenty-something man with a trending TikTok account.

Cats: The Internet’s undisputed superstars

The internet was practically invented for cats. From laser pointer fails to the eternal mystery of why a cardboard box is more thrilling than a luxury cat bed, felines are the undisputed kings and queens of online entertainment. Scroll through TikTok or Instagram and you’ll quickly fall down a rabbit hole of wide-eyed kittens, dramatic tail flicks, and cats nonchalantly knocking mugs off tables.

Dogs may rule the “how-to” content space - training tutorials, grooming hacks, agility triumphs - but cats thrive in a different arena: chaotic, unscripted comedy. Their aloof charm, sudden bursts of drama, and habit of behaving like furry little anarchists make them endlessly shareable. For marketers, this isn’t just entertainment; it’s a storytelling goldmine.

Cats don’t need scripts or polish to win attention online - they just need to be themselves. Brands that lean into this can thrive by encouraging playful, authentic storytelling. A well-timed TikTok trend, a partnership with a witty feline influencer, or a campaign that invites cat owners to share their pets’ ‘chaos moments’ can quickly snowball into viral visibility.

Finally, there’s the spending power of today’s cat parents. These aren’t owners satisfied with a tin of supermarket food and a frayed scratching post. They’re seeking premium: organic treats, eco-friendly litter, subscription boxes that arrive like monthly presents for their pets. For them, cats aren’t “just pets” - they’re family members, deserving of wellness, luxury, and care.

Embrace the felines (if they’ll let you)

Cats are no longer lurking in the shadows of Britain’s living rooms - they’re centre stage, paws firmly on the throne. With Gen Z and men embracing feline companionship, and with social media amplifying every whisker twitch and box-jump fail, the opportunity for brands is enormous.

The message for marketers is clear: stop treating cats as the ‘other’ in your pet marketing mix. Start treating them as the cultural icons they’re fast becoming. Because while dogs may still fetch the ball, in 2025 it’s the cats who are calling the shots - and looking far too pleased with themselves while doing it.