A new analysis conducted by Kattly.se, based on data from the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), reveals the proportion of households in various European countries that own at least one dog or cat. The results highlight intriguing differences in pet ownership patterns between dogs and cats, as well as across different countries and regions.
Cats Dominate over Dogs in Europe
The analysis shows that cats are generally more popular than dogs in Europe. On average, 27% of households own at least one cat, while 25% own at least one dog. While there are over 129 million cats in Europe, there are just over 106 million dogs. It’s obvious that while the variations between countries are significant, in some parts of the world, one type of pet is clearly more popular than the other.
Europe’s Most Dog-loving Countries
Hungary
The analysis shows that Hungary is the European country with the highest proportion of dog owners. A full 50% of Hungarian households have at least one dog, making Hungary the most dog-loving country in Europe.
Poland
Poland follows in second place with 49%, followed by Romania (45%) and the Czech Republic (42%). These countries clearly demonstrate a strong commitment to dogs as part of the family.
Pet-loving Nations
Romania and Poland stand out as Europe’s most pet-loving nations, excelling in both cat and dog ownership. Romania ranks first for cats and third for dogs, while Poland secures second place for both types of pets.
Low Interest in Dogs
Turkey
Turkey shows little interest in dog ownership, with only 5% of households owning a dog. This low figure, combined with its second-to-last ranking for cat ownership, makes Turkey the least pet-loving country in Europe.
Switzerland
Switzerland also has a low rate of dog ownership, with only 12% of households owning at least one dog, placing it second to last on the list.
Major differences between Cats and Dogs in some Countries
The analysis also highlights countries with notable differences in the number of cats and dogs. In Switzerland and Turkey, cats are over three times more common than dogs. Conversely, in Croatia and Slovakia, dog ownership dominates, with 69% and 68% more dogs than cats, respectively.
Belgium and the Netherlands – Lifestyle Differences Between Neighbors
Despite their geographic proximity, Belgium and the Netherlands show significant differences in pet ownership. In Belgium, 33% of households own a cat, and 30% own a dog. In the Netherlands, these figures are much lower: 23% for cats and 18% for dogs. This suggests a stronger pet lifestyle in Belgium compared to its Dutch neighbour.
Data on cat and dog ownership across European countries:
| Country | No. of cats | No. of dogs | % of households with at least one cat | % of households with at least one dog |
| AUSTRIA | 1 985 000 | 837 000 | 28% | 17% |
| BELGIUM | 2 536 000 | 2 029 000 | 33% | 30% |
| BULGARIA | 817 000 | 752 000 | 25% | 24% |
| CROATIA | 434 000 | 735 500 | 15% | 29% |
| CZECH REPUBLIC | 1 364 000 | 2 208 000 | 23% | 42% |
| DENMARK | 698 000 | 643 000 | 19% | 21% |
| ESTONIA | 300 400 | 243 500 | 18% | 22% |
| FINLAND | 1 002 000 | 797 000 | 23% | 24% |
| FRANCE | 14 900 000 | 7 600 000 | 31% | 20% |
| GERMANY | 15 200 000 | 10 600 000 | 24% | 21% |
| GREECE | 606 000 | 655 000 | 13% | 14% |
| HUNGARY | 2 380 000 | 2 800 000 | 34% | 50% |
| IRELAND | 373 000 | 520 000 | 18% | 25% |
| ITALY | 10 228 000 | 8 755 000 | 22% | 28% |
| LATVIA | 407 000 | 268 000 | 37% | 27% |
| LITHUANIA | 638 000 | 580 000 | 32% | 34% |
| NETHERLANDS | 3 010 000 | 1 830 000 | 23% | 18% |
| NORWAY | 720 000 | 500 000 | 30% | 17% |
| POLAND | 7 250 000 | 8 109 000 | 41% | 49% |
| PORTUGAL | 1 957 000 | 2 840 000 | 32% | 39% |
| ROMANIA | 4 424 000 | 4 244 000 | 48% | 45% |
| RUSSIA | 23 262 000 | 17 643 000 | 34% | 28% |
| SLOVAKIA | 541 000 | 911 000 | 15% | 29% |
| SLOVENIA | 461 000 | 299 000 | 32% | 39% |
| SPAIN | 5 860 000 | 9 313 000 | 17% | 27% |
| SWEDEN | 1 715 000 | 1 051 000 | 21% | 15% |
| SWITZERLAND | 1 853 000 | 544 000 | 31% | 12% |
| TURKEY | 4 737 000 | 1 409 000 | 14% | 5% |
| UNITED KINGDOM | 11 900 000 | 12 700 000 | 27% | 33% |
| UKRAINE | 7 575 000 | 4 948 000 | 30% | 19% |
| TOTAL EUROPE | 129 133 400 | 106 364 000 | 27% | 25% |
Final Thoughts
The data on cat and dog ownership in European countries pertains to 2022 and was published in a report by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) in 2024. The whole analysis can be found on Kattly.se.
Although dogs and cats are popular around the world, it is interesting to see which parts of the world have a greater love for them. One thing is true, nobody can deny that dogs and cats enrich our lives and add just a touch more magic.
Author Byline
Sadie Smith is an experienced woman who came into the digital marketing world from newspapers. She mostly specialized in local issues and this gives a unique perspective when it comes to dealing with stories that need thorough research and personal touch. She wears her heart on her sleeve and that makes her an excellent marketing expert.