A new breed of young, affluent pedigree cat owner is replacing the “older cat lady with moggy” stereotype, reveals Cats Protection
According to the charity’s Cats and Their Stats Report 2025*, one in three 18-34 year olds (31%) now own a cat, with nearly half (49%) choosing a pedigree breed. At the same time, cat ownership amongst 35-54 year olds has dropped to 27%.
The charity’s report reveals that younger pedigree owners are approaching cat care differently to older owners:
Indoor living: Pedigree cats are more likely (46%) to be kept indoors than moggies (32%)
Breeding intentions: Many younger owners want their cats to have kittens, contributing to an overall drop in neutering rates
Microchipping: Pedigree cats are less likely (65%) to be microchipped than moggies
(82%)
Digital First advice: young owners are more likely to use social media – and turn to their vet less – for information and advice about their cats
Cats Protection believes this younger demographic is driving the shift from adoption to purchase. Over the last 12 months, 15% of cats were purchased from specialist breeders, an increase of 10%. Alarmingly, there was a corresponding decline in the number of cats being adopted – just 16% compared with 44% of cats that were bought.
Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection Central Veterinary Officer, says:
“In the UK cat acquisition is increasingly skewing towards pedigree cats and purchase over adoption. We therefore need to motivate cat owners to help reverse the increasing popularity of buying and become enthusiastic adopters by championing the moggy, as well as highlighting all the benefits of adoption – including the adoption of pedigree cats from rescue organisations, when they occasionally become available.
“When adopting from Cats Protection, like many other rescue organisations, not only does your pet come neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with a clean bill of health, but there is also the huge satisfaction of giving a home to a cat the really needs one.”