According to the results of the 2023 national identification barometer, the French are more cat than dog
18 million French people have a pet, including 8 million cats.
Around 18 million is the number of pets registered in France at the end of 2023. According to the national identification file (I-Cad), more than 6 out of 10 French people have a pet.
The total number of dogs and cats in the country is estimated at 9,712,324, representing a continuous increase over the past 10 years.
The French team therefore remains 3rd on the European podium, behind Germany and Italy.
In 2023, 1,678,597 animals were registered
However, the situation is changing, with French cats now leading the way in new registrations. Following a significant increase in adoptions recorded in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the barometer published this Thursday, May 16, reveals a return to normal and a 5% decrease compared to 2022.
The number of identified animals stands at 1,678,597, including 917,590 cats and 758,439 dogs. Responsibility is also attributed to "the increase in the average price of a pet, which has led to a decrease in visits to veterinarians."
Identification is carried out by veterinarians, who insert an electronic chip under the animal's skin or tattoo the ear. The identification of all domestic dogs and cats is regulated by the law of November 30, 2021, which combats animal abuse and strengthens the bond between animals and humans, starting with the first consultation.
The cat is king in Île-de-France
The number of first-time identifications remains highest in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Occitanie regions. Cat populations remain unchanged. Their numbers in households have increased by 22% in the last five years. They reign supreme in Île-de-France, where they are most numerous.
Moreover, only a portion of them are visible: "less than one in two cats" have been identified so far.
The Australian Shepherd Volunteer
According to the national file, the most popular dogs in the 2023 ranking are the Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Border Collie and Golden Retriever, in order.
The European cat , however, is far superior to its counterparts. Over the past five years, 442,480 animals have been reported lost, primarily during the summer, and 576 thefts have occurred. By ensuring traceability, the I-Cad system has enabled the recording of 399,679 deaths.
55% of French people own a dog or a cat
Every year, FACCO publishes a barometer that surveys pets in France and examines their profile. The results of its 2024 edition were revealed at its general assembly on May 23rd: 55% of French people own a pet.
FACCO has modified its methodology for its 2024 pet barometer, conducted by the Odoxa Institute, to more precisely account for dogs, cats, and other domestic pets in France. Its results were announced at its general assembly on May 23.
The survey process was conducted online from February 21 to March 25 with a sample of 10,024 individuals. Previously, FACCO focused on households; now it concentrates on individuals. Furthermore, this survey will now be conducted annually.
These figures are the main ones from this edition: more than 6 out of 10 French people have a pet ,
- 55% of the population has a dog and/or a cat
- 30% have a dog
- 39% have a cat
The number of pets in France has increased by 2.5 to reach 75 million since 1976. In 2024, France therefore has 16.6 million cats , 9.9 million dogs, 3.7 million birds, 3.7 million small mammals, 8.9 million farm birds, 2.5 million terrarium animals and 29.8 million fish.
Sterilization is becoming increasingly common among domestic animals.
As for the average age of animals kept, it is 6.5 years for dogs and cats, with an average life expectancy of 11.5 years for dogs and 10 years for cats, a species more vulnerable to accidental death.
Sterilization treatment , whether surgical or medical, using an implant, is becoming increasingly common as 5 out of 10 dogs and 8 out of 10 cats are affected.
Unfortunately, identification is less common, even though it is mandatory for all dogs over 4 months old and cats over 7 months old before any transfer of ownership. Consequently, by examining owners' statements, the study reveals that 12% of dogs and 37% of cats are not registered .
Since 2014, the use of veterinary care for these two pet species has been steadily increasing each year. By 2024, 88% of dogs and 67% of cats will visit a veterinarian at least once a year.
Regarding the profile of dog and cat owners, housing seems to be a key factor in their ownership. French people who live in a house or have a garden or terrace are twice as likely to own a dog or cat as those who live in an apartment and/or do not have outdoor space.
More animals among the young
According to FACCO, it is also important to consider age, location, and household size. The profile of cat and especially dog owners reveals a striking correlation between age (the younger you are, the more cats you own), location (more rural versus urban, the more cats you own), and household size (the larger the household, the more cats you own).
Regarding this time, the profile of the dogs and cats that were purchased shows an average weight of 19.8 kg for dogs and 4.9 kg for cats.
85% of dogs are fed commercial food (mainly dry kibble), while 8% are fed homemade food and 7% a mixture of both. Commercial food is even more prevalent among cats, with 95% fed commercial food, 3% homemade food, and 2% a mixture of both.
The French (52%) also offer treats to their dogs (37% of cat owners).
Food costs an average of €490 per year for dogs and €316 for cats. Dog and cat owners spend over €1,000 per year on their pets , representing 13% and 5% respectively.
Large and medium-sized supermarkets are the primary places to buy these foods: 52% of dog owners and 70% of cat owners choose this option. However, the market share of pet shops and garden centers, and especially online sales, is changing.
In addition, 13% of people who have dogs and 9% of people who have cats buy their food from the veterinarian.
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