The number of pet cats in Taiwan surpassed that of pet dogs for the first time last year, reaching 1,742,033, a 32.8 percent increase from 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture said yesterday, citing a survey.
By contrast, the number of pet dogs declined slightly by 1.2 percent over the same period to 1,462,528, the ministry said.
Despite the shift, households with dogs still slightly outnumber those with cats by 1.2 percent.
Photo courtesy of a member of the public
However, while the number of households with multiple dogs has remained relatively stable, households keeping more than two cats have increased, contributing to the overall rise in the feline population.
The trend reflects broader social changes, including a growing number of single-person households, Department of Animal Welfare Director Chiang Wen-chuan (江文全) said.
In urban areas, where living spaces are typically smaller, cats are often seen as more suitable pets than dogs, Chiang added.
The survey showed that registration rates for both dogs and cats have risen in the past few years.
Dog registration increased from 69.5 percent in 2021 to 77.2 percent last year, while cat registration rose from 58.45 percent in 2023 to 66.48 percent.
However, some pet owners remain unaware that cats are also subject to mandatory registration, following amendments to the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法), which were announced on Dec. 16, 2024 and took effect on Jan. 1, the ministry said.
This highlights the need for greater public awareness, the ministry added.
Regionally, dog registration rates remain comparatively low in Chiayi, Yunlin and Changhua counties, at 44.7 percent, 63.6 percent and 66.2 percent respectively, although they have gradually improved over time.
Sterilization rates for dogs have also increased, rising from 66.41 percent in 2021 to 71.75 percent last year.
Neutering rates for female dogs, a key indicator in controlling the stray population, have remained high, suggesting that source management measures are taking effect, although specific figures were not provided, the ministry said.
The ministry said it would continue to bolster oversight, policy guidance and public education in areas with lower registration and sterilization rates to reduce stray animal populations at the source.
