China Pet population and ownership 2022 update

According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets from 2021, the pet population (cats and dogs) in China is expected to reach around 200 million by 2025, driven by factors such as urbanization, increasing disposable income, and changing attitudes towards pets. This represents a significant growth from the 75 million pets reported in 2017.

The increasing popularity of cats as pets is also a trend that has been observed in China. According to the same report, the number of cats in China is expected to reach around 60 million by 2025, driven by factors such as their small size, low maintenance, and the growing popularity of cat-related content on social media.

The pet population boom is attributed to various factors. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, pet owners were often only elite middle-class. However, in recent years, the Chinese population has enjoyed a higher standard of living, with more disposable income to spend on pets. For example, although China’s one child policy no longer exists, many couples fear the financial burden a child could have on their lives. Also, many younger Chinese people are going out less. According to the 2017 White Book of China’s Pet Industry, the pet trend among younger and older individuals is unique to China, as pet owners in other countries are primarily older. As the younger generation socialize less, and the older generation face their children moving out when they grow up, there is a desire from both generations for alternative companionship, which result in a pet adoption boom.

Pet population in China: 2018-2022 (in thousands)