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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
If you’re a huge cat lover, get ready to dive into everything related to felines that reside in the land down under. We compiled a list of the most interesting statistics about cats in Australia.
Top 15 Australian Cat Statistics
- There are 5.3 million pet cats in Australia.
- There has been substantial growth of cat ownership in Australia, an increase of 6%.
- A third of all households in Australia have at least one cat.
- 59% of current Australian pet owners say that they would like more pets.
- 28% of cats are adopted from animal shelters in Australia.
- In Australia, cats are twice as likely to be acquired for rescue purposes compared to dogs.
- Companionship is the leading reason for Australians to get a cat, at 44%.
- In Australia, 25% of cat owners acquire their cats from friends or family, 14% purchase from breeders, and 10% adopt stray cats.
- Many pet cats in Australia are young, with almost two-thirds aged under 6 years.
- The average cat-owning Australian household spends $2,718 annually for all cat-related expenses.
- The estimated Australian population expenditure on cats is $9.1 billion.
- Less than half (40%) of cats in Australia are given away freely.
- Out of 3.7 million outdoor pet cats in Australia, 71% can roam, and 78% of these roaming cats hunt.
- Cats can be found in 99.9% of the total land area of Australia.
- A pet cat left to roam outside hunts and kills an average of 186 mammals, reptiles, and birds each year in Australia.
Cat Ownership in Australia
1. There are 5.3 million pet cats in Australia.
(Invasive Species Council)
The Invasive Species Council, along with its partners, the Biodiversity Council, and BirdLife Australia, has conducted several studies on the impact of cats in Australia. Recent data shows that there are just over 5 million pet cats in Australia.
2. There has been substantial growth of cat ownership in Australia, an increase of 6%.
(Petfood Industry)
From 2020 to 2022, there was a 5% increase of pet cats within the country (based on numbers from 2019).
3. A third of all households in Australia have at least one cat.
(Petfood Industry)
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the country, and 60% of households have at least two pets.
4. 59% of current Australian pet owners say that they would like more pets.
(Statista)
In a 2022 survey, 59% of current pet owners (including dog and cat owners) stated that they would like to have more pets. About 45% of non-pet owners said that their first choice would be a dog.
Cat Adoption Facts
5. 28% of cats are adopted from animal shelters in Australia.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
A 2022 study done on the acquisition of pets in Australia showed that animal shelter adoption is the primary choice for those choosing to get a new cat. Those who received their cats from friends or family members made up 25%.
6. In Australia, cats are twice as likely to be acquired for rescue purposes compared to dogs.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
According to data collected by Animal Medicines Australia surveying pet owners, cats were twice as likely as dogs to have been brought into the home for the purpose of rescue. An astounding 32% of those surveyed said that they simply wanted to rescue a cat and give them a loving home. The two main reasons noted for the acquisition of dogs were companionship and mental health benefits.
7. Companionship is the leading reason for Australians to get a cat, at 44%.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
In 44% of cases, cats were brought into the home for companionship. This makes sense, of course, as they are companion animals. In addition, 52% of those who acquired dogs did so for companionship.
8. In Australia, 25% of cat owners acquire their cats from friends or family, 14% purchase from breeders, and 10% adopt stray cats.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
According to Animal Medicines Australia’s study, 25% of owners acquired their new cat(s) from either friends or family members. Purchases from breeders accounted for 14% and another 10% got their pets by adopting strays. The least common means of cat acquisition was through pet shops at 11% and veterinarians at 5%.
9. Many pet cats in Australia are young, with almost two-thirds aged under 6 years.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
The research also shows that most cats in pet homes today are under 6 years of age—67%, in fact. Of those kittens and cats, 29% are under 3 years of age.
Costs of Cat Ownership in Australia
(Animal Medicines Australia)
Animal Medicines Australia calculated the numbers and revealed that the average cat owner spends $2,718 annually on all feline-related expenses. When broken down per animal, the cost for a single cat came in at $1,715. In comparison, dog-owning households were calculated as having more expensive overall costs at $4,247 per household and $3,218 per single dog.
11. The estimated Australian population expenditure on cats is $9.1 billion.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
An even more staggering number is the estimated total population expenditure on pets, which is $33.2 billion. Spending on dogs alone accounts for $20.5 billion.
12. Less than half (40%) of cats in Australia are given away freely.
(Animal Medicines Australia)
Less than half of cats acquired in Australia are given away free of charge. This is consistent with previous years’ data. In comparison, only 20% of dogs are acquired for free.
Impact of Cats in Australian Society
13. Out of 3.7 million outdoor pet cats in Australia, 71% can roam, and 78% of these roaming cats hunt.
(Invasive Species Council)
Of the 5.3 million pet cats, 1.6 million are indoors only. Of the remaining 3.7 million pet cats, 71–78% are allowed to free roam and hunt. This has a considerable impact on the ecosystem.
14. Cats can be found in 99.9% of the total land area of Australia.
(Parliament of Australia)
Just over 99% of the total land area is home to cats, which is quite a staggering figure.
15. A pet cat left to roam outside hunts and kills an average of 186 mammals, reptiles, and birds each year in Australia.
(Invasive Species Council)
This is an incredibly sad statistic for the country. In 1 year, it is estimated that the total population of cats in Australia can kill up to 323 million native animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cats in Australia
What kind of effect are feral cats having on Australia?
Feral cats can kill over 8 million animals each night across the country. While cats are considered domesticated pets in the country, they are also considered an invasive species due to the damage that is being done by free-roaming felines. (DBCA)
- See also: Best Cat Beds in Australia
Is anything being done to encourage responsible cat ownership in Australia?
The government has identified the results of these studies as a means for national concern. To reduce the negative impact that pet cats have on native animals in Australia, stipulations for cat owners are being implemented.
Pet owners are to register their cats with their local council. Although not yet a requirement in all areas, it is highly encouraged that owners opt to spay or neuter their cats to reduce the number of unwanted litters and strays due to dumping. (SBS)
- Next on your reading list: Interesting Australian Veterinarian Statistics to Know
Conclusion
While cats are beloved house pets in Australia, they are also a serious concern for the native species of the country due to the staggering numbers of feral, stray, and pet felines allowed to free roam and hunt.
The Australian Government is funding research that is providing valuable information on the problem at hand and is encouraging cat owners to do their part to help the country gain control of the situation to prevent further damage to the ecosystem.
Featured Image Credit: Passing Traveller, Shutterstock
