Cat-Crazy States
We all know that Americans love their animals, but which US state loves cats the most? Based on factors such as Google searches for cat content, the number of pet supply stores, and pet ownership rates, we’ll reveal which states are the most cat-obsessed.
Wyoming is officially the most cat-crazy state in the US, with an overall score of 7.46. 72% of Wyoming households have one or more pets in them, with 30% of households owning at least one cat. The large pet ownership rate could be because the state has the fourth largest average house size, at 2,285 sq ft.
It also seems as though the residents of Wyoming like to adopt their cats, as the state has an adoption rate of 87%. In addition to this, Wyoming has one of the cheaper average monthly insurance costs, standing at $16.77.
Cat-friendly score:
In second place is the state of Rhode Island, which has a cat-friendly score of 6.61. The residents of Rhode Island seem to prefer to adopt their furry friends, as they generated 4,560 searches for the term “cats for adoption”, as well as an adoption rate of 75% in 2023.
They also seem to enjoy the funny side of cats, generating a huge 6,900 searches for the term “cat memes” and 2,150 searches for the term “cat videos”. In total, the residents of Rhode Island searched for cat-related content over 29,000 times, which is the fourth-highest total among all 50 states.
Cat-friendly score:
Vermont is the third most cat-crazy state in the US, with an overall score of 6.56. The state has the third-highest adoption rate in the country, standing at 91%. In addition to this, 70% of Vermont residents have one or more pets within their household, with almost 45% of these owning one or more cats.
In total, the residents of Vermont generated 31,761 searches for cat-related content over the past year, which is the second-highest total across all 50 states. This includes 5,754 searches for the phrase “cat memes” and 2,946 searches for the phrase “cat videos”
Cat-friendly score:
New Jersey is officially the least cat-crazy state in the US, with an overall score of just 3.09. The state has the third lowest cat ownership rate, standing at just 18.9%, as well as a relatively high average insurance cost, costing $18.71 per month.
Although some cat-related events are happening within the state, there are only 7 planned for this year. There are also only 2 cat cafes within New Jersey: Rahway Kitty Hall and PURRsonal Space.
Cat-friendly score:
In second place is the state of Texas, which has a cat-friendly score of 3.17. Despite having the 11th biggest house size, which is 2,170 sq ft on average, only 21% of households in Texas own one or more cats.
The state also has a relatively high average monthly insurance cost, standing at $22.24. In addition to this, due to its large population of over 30.3 million people, there are just 0.59 cat-related events and 0.16 cat cafes per million people.
Cat-friendly score:
Louisiana is the third least cat-crazy state, with an overall score of just 3.20. It seems as though the residents of Louisiana prefer to perhaps admire cats from afar, rather than own one themselves. The state has a cat ownership rate of just 19%, as well as an adoption rate of 41%, which is the lowest rate out of all 50 states.
For those who do own cats, there are just 150 pet supply stores within the state, serving a population of almost 4.7 million people. Despite this, Louisiana has the fifth cheapest average insurance cost, costing $13.42 per month.
Cat-friendly score:
The Most Cat-Crazy States RANKED
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Topping the list is the state of Vermont, where 70% of households contain one or more pets. Of these households, 45% own one or more cats, which is 16% higher than the percentage of households that contain at least one dog.
Households with one or more pets:
Households with one or more cats:
Following closely behind is the state of Maine, where 44% of households own at least one cat. This is 8% higher than the percentage of households within the state that owns at least one dog. In total, 64% of households in Maine own at least one pet.
Households with one or more pets:
Households with one or more cats:
In third place is the state of West Virginia, where 71% of households contain at least one pet. However, in West Virginia, the percentage of households that own a cat is almost 12% lower than those that own a dog, standing at 38%.
Households with one or more pets:
Households with one or more cats:
At the bottom of the list is the state of Rhode Island, where 45% of households own one or more pets. Of these households, just 17% own at least one cat, which is just over 9% less than those that own at least one dog.
Households with one or more pets:
Households with one or more cats:
In second place is the state of Maryland, where 19% of households own one or more cats. This is 12% less than the percentage of households within the state that owns a dog. In total, just less than 50% of households in Maine own at least one pet.
Households with one or more pets:
Households with one or more cats:
Following closely behind is the state of New Jersey, where 47% of households own one or more pets. Of these households, 19% own at least one cat, which is just over 10% less than those that own at least one dog.
Households with one or more pets:
Households with one or more cats:
Topping the list is the state of Delaware, which has an average monthly insurance cost of $29.97. This insurance plan is with MetLife and receives 9/10 for coverage and 8.5/10 for lifetime price. Some of the benefits of the plan include no restrictions on all knee injuries and dental conditions
Average monthly insurance cost:
Following closely behind is the state of New York, which has an average monthly insurance cost of $29.07. This insurance plan is with Embrace Pet Insurance and receives 8.9/10 for coverage and 9.2/10 for lifetime price. Some of the benefits of the plan include coverage for cancer-related treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Average monthly insurance cost:
In third place is the state of Oregon, which has an average monthly insurance cost of $27.65. This insurance plan is with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and receives 8.8/10 for coverage and 9.1/10 for lifetime price. Some of the benefits of the plan include saving you approximately 54% over your pet’s lifetime.
Average monthly insurance cost:
The state with the lowest average monthly insurance cost is Rhode Island, standing at $12.05. This insurance plan is with Embrace Pet Insurance and receives 8.7/10 for coverage and 9.2/10 for lifetime price. Some of the benefits of the plan include the coverage of alternative therapies for your cat, such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Average monthly insurance cost:
Following closely behind is the state of Montana, which has an average monthly insurance cost of $12.09. This insurance plan is also with Embrace Pet Insurance and receives the same score as the plan mentioned above. Some of the other benefits of the plan include the coverage of accidents, which may lead to procedures such as X-rays and blood tests being required.
Average monthly insurance cost:
In third place is the state of Arkansas, which has an average monthly insurance cost of $12.16. This insurance plan is also with Embrace Pet Insurance and receives 8.7/10 for coverage and 9.1/10 for lifetime price. Some of the benefits of the plan include the coverage of poison control consultation fees and stem cell therapy.
Average monthly insurance cost:
The state adopting cats the most is Nevada, with an adoption rate of 94% in 2023. Of the remaining animals, 1% were returned to their owner, 1% were transferred out, 1% died in care and 2% were euthanized./10 for coverage and 8.5/10 for lifetime price. Some of the benefits of the plan include no restrictions on all knee injuries and dental conditions
Some of the shelters where you can adopt cats in Nevada include Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions, PALNV, and Catmandu.
Adoption rate:
Following closely behind is the state of New Hampshire, which has an adoption rate of 93% in 2023. Of the remaining animals, 4% were returned to their owner, 1% died in care and 2% were euthanized.
Some of the shelters where you can adopt cats in New Hampshire include FuRRR Feline Rescue, Cat Tales Rescue, and Darbster Kitty.
Adoption rate:
In third place is the state of Vermont, with an adoption rate of 91% in 2023. Of the remaining animals, 2% were returned to their owner, 1% were transferred out, 1% died in care, 4% were euthanized and 2% had another live outcome.
Some of the shelters where you can adopt cats in Vermont include Second Chance Animal Center, North Country Animal League, and Kingdom Animal Shelter.
Adoption rate:
The state adopting cats the least is Louisiana, with an adoption rate of just 41% in 2023. Of the remaining animals, 34% were returned to field, 2% were returned to their owner, 15% were transferred out, 1% died in care and 7% were euthanized.
Some of the shelters where you can adopt cats in Louisiana include Port City Cat Rescue, Cat Haven, and Companion Animal Alliance.
Adoption rate:
Next is the state of Utah, which has an adoption rate of 52% in 2023. Of the remaining animals, 14% were returned to field, 5% were returned to their owner, 14% were transferred out, 2% died in care, 9% were euthanized and 4% had another live outcome.
Some of the shelters where you can adopt cats in Utah include Best Friends Animal Society, Nuzzles & Co. Pet Rescue and Adoption, and PAWS Adoption Center.
Adoption rate:
In third place is the state of Hawaii, with an adoption rate of 57% in 2023. Of the remaining animals, 2% were returned to field, 18% were returned to their owner, 10% were transferred out, 1% died in care and 11% were euthanized.
Some of the shelters where you can adopt cats in Hawaii include Pounce Hawaii, Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Hawaiian Humane Society.
Adoption rate:
Topping the list is the state of Hawaii, which has four cat cafes in total, equating to 2.70 cat cafes per million people. These include The Perfect Pour Cat Cafe, Popoki + Tea Cat Cafe, Pounce Hawaii, and Cat Cafe Maui.
Total number of cat cafes:
Cat cafes per million people:
Next up is the state of Vermont, which has just one cat cafe in total. This equates to 1.54 cat cafes per million people, based on its population of 648,279. Kitty Korner Cafe is located in the city of Barre.
Total number of cat cafes:
Cat cafes per million people:
In third place is the state of Missouri, where there are six cat cafes in total, equating to 0.97 cat cafes per million people. These include the likes of Mochas and Meows, Whiskers Cat Cafe, and Sugar Kittens Cat Cafe.
Total number of cat cafes:
Cat cafes per million people:
At the bottom of the list is the state of Massachusetts, where there is just one cat cafe in total. Due to the state having a population of over 7.1 million people, this equates to just 0.14 cat cafes per million people. The Kitty Cat Cafe and Adoption Lounge can be found in the city of Peabody.
Total number of cat cafes:
Cat cafes per million people:
Next up is the state of Texas, where there are five cat cafes in total. This equates to 0.16 cat cafes per million people, due to its huge population of over 30.3 million people. These include the likes of Purr-fecto Cat Lounge, The Charming Cat Cafe, and El Gato Coffehouse Cat Cafe.
Total number of cat cafes:
Cat cafes per million people:
Following closely behind are the states of Colorado and Minnesota, which both have just one cat cafe in total, equating to 0.17 cat cafes per million people. The Cafe Meow can be found in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Denver Cat Company can, of course, be found in Denver, Colorado.
Total number of cat cafes:
Cat cafes per million people:
Topping the list is the state of Massachusetts, where residents Googled cat-related content 421,600 times within the past year, equating to 58,763 searches per million people. They are the biggest lovers of watching funny or adorable cat videos, as the phrase generated 75,400 Google searches within the specified period. It seems as though Massachusetts residents also like to spend their free time interacting with furry friends too, as the state also received the most searches for the term “cat cafes near me”
Total number of cat-related Google searches
Cat-related Google searches per million people:
Next up is the state of Washington, where the residents Googled cat-related content 194,800 times within the past year, equating to 24,352 searches per million people. The most searches were generated through the phrase “cat memes”, which was searched 81,000 times within the specified period. The next most popular cat-related search in Washington was “cats for adoption”, which received 56,000 searches.
Total number of cat-related Google searches
Cat-related Google searches per million people:
In third place is the state of Oregon, where residents Googled cat-related content 96,660 times within the past year, which equates to 22,174 searches per million people. It seems as though the residents of Oregon prefer to adopt their furry friends, as they generated 30,300 searches for the term “cats for adoption”, compared to just 6,640 searches for the phrase “cats for sale”.
Total number of cat-related Google searches
Cat-related Google searches per million people:
At the bottom of the list is the state of Mississippi, where residents Googled cat-related content 22,900 times within the past year, equating to 7,738 searches per million people. The most searches were generated for the term “cat memes”, which was searched 10,760 times within the specified period. The phrase receiving the least searches was “cat cafes near me”, which was searched 2,010 times. This could be because there is only one cat cafe within Mississippi.
Total number of cat-related Google searches
Cat-related Google searches per million people:
Next up is the state of Washington, where the residents Googled cat-related content 194,800 times within the past year, equating to 24,352 searches per million people. The most searches were generated through the phrase “cat memes”, which was searched 81,000 times within the specified period. The next most popular cat-related search in Washington was “cats for adoption”, which received 56,000 searches.
Total number of cat-related Google searches
Cat-related Google searches per million people:
times within the past year, equating to 10,632 searches per million people. It seems as though the residents of Alabama prefer to purchase a new pet from a store, rather than adopt from a shelter, as the term “cats for sale” received 11,040 searches. This is compared to just 5,040 searches for the phrase “cats for adoption”.
Total number of cat-related Google searches
Cat-related Google searches per million people:
Topping the list is the state of Utah, where the average house size is 2,800 sq ft. This could be to do with the fact that the typical home within the state is 33 years old, which is eleven years younger than the US average. The median cost per sq ft for a house in Utah is $259.05.
Average house size:
In second place is the state of Colorado, where the average house size is 2,464 sq ft. The median cost per sq ft for a house within the state is $279.55. Three cities within Colorado feature in the top 50 list for cities with the largest homes, with Colorado Springs taking the top spot.
Average house size:
Following closely behind is the state of Idaho, where the average house size is 2,311 sq ft. The median cost per sq ft for a house within the state is $286.85. Despite having the third largest houses on average, no cities within the state of Idaho feature within the top 50 list for cities with the largest homes.
Average house size:
At the bottom of the list is the state of Hawaii, where the average house size is just 1,164 sq ft. Despite having the smallest average house size, the state of Hawaii has the most expensive cost per sq ft, standing at $743.86, which is over $300 more expensive than the state of California.
Average house size:
Next up is the state of New York, where the average house size is just 1,490 sq ft. The median cost per sq ft for a house within the state is $421.49. Despite New York City only appearing at position 47 within the top 50 list for cities with the largest homes, it is the most expensive per sq ft, standing at a huge $1,519.57.
Average house size:
In third place is the state of Iowa, where the average house size is 1,623 sq ft. The median cost per sq ft for a house within the state is $187.99. Due to the state having the third smallest average house size, no cities in Iowa appear in the top 50 list for cities with the largest homes.
Average house size:
Topping the list is the state of New Hampshire, where there are 116 pet supply stores in total, which equates to 83.1 pet supply stores per million people. Some of the independent pet stores within the state include State Line Pet Supply, Mac and Cooper’s Pet Supply Outlet, and Sandy’s Pet Food Center.
Total number of pet supply stores:
Number of pet supply stores per million people:
In second place is the state of Delaware, where there are 81 pet supply stores in total, equating to 79.6 pet supply stores per million people. Some of the independent pet stores within the state include Concord Pet Foods & Supplies, Pet Kare II, and Millville’s Pet Stop.
Total number of pet supply stores:
Number of pet supply stores per million people:
In third place is the state of Wyoming, where there are 46 pet supply stores in total, which equates to 79.2 pet supply stores per million people. Some of the independent pet stores within the state include Windy City Pet Store, K & M Pet Products, and Frontier Pets.
Total number of pet supply stores:
Cat-related events per million people:
At the bottom of the list is the state of Mississippi, where there are 79 pet supply stores in total, equating to just 26.69 pet supply stores per million people. Some of the independent pet stores within the state include Animal Health Products, Pet Palace, and Hollywood Feed.
Total number of pet supply stores:
Number of pet supply stores per million people:
In second place is the state of West Virginia, where there are just 54 pet supply stores in total, which equates to 30.41 pet supply stores per million people. Some of the independent pet stores within the state include Eastern Pet Supply LLC, Ripley Pets and Supplies, and Inland Reef Pet Store
Total number of pet supply stores:
Number of pet supply stores per million people:
In third place is the state of Louisiana, where there are 150 pet supply stores in total, equating to 31.95 pet supply stores per million people. Some of the independent pet stores within the state include Pets Paradise, Neighborhood Pet Market, and Big Easy Petshop and Rescue.
Total number of pet supply stores:
Number of pet supply stores per million people:
Methodology
Pet ownership:
We used World Population Review to gather both the percentage of households that own one or more pets and the percentage of households that own one or more cats. The states of Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, and Missouri were removed due to insufficient data. All data is correct as of 21/3/23. READ MORE
Average monthly insurance cost:
We used Pawlicy Advisor to gather the average monthly cost to insure a male, 18-month-old, domestic longhaired purebred cat, with no pre-existing conditions. As well as using the most populated zip code within most populated zip code within each state, we took the monthly cost of the ‘Top Recommended Plan’, which includes a $500 annual deductible, 80% reimbursement, and $10,000 annual coverage per year. All data is correct as of 27/3/23. READ MORE
Adoption rate:
We used Shelter Animals Count to gather the percentage of cats that were adopted from shelters within each state in 2023 so far, which included the months of January and February. All data is correct as of 21/3/23.
Cat-related events:
We used Eventbrite to gather the number of cat-related events taking place in each state throughout 2023. We did this by using the search term “cats” and filtering it by state. 10 states weren’t included in the ‘states with the least cat-related events’ section, due to there being no events planned. All data is correct as of 24/3/23 and the number of cat-related events may now differ. For example, some events may now have already occurred and new events may have been added. READ MORE
Cat cafes:
We used Cat Tipper to gather the number of cat cafes within each state. 11 states weren’t included in the ‘states with the least cat cafes’ section, due to there being no cat cafes available. All data is correct as of 24/3/23 and the number of cat cafes may now differ. For example, some may now have closed or new ones may have opened. READ MORE
Google searches:
We used Google Keyword Planner to gather the total number of searches for the following phrases: cat videos, cat memes, cat cafes near me, cats for sale, and cats for adoption. We then added all of the figures together to form a total. All data is correct as of and searches were refined to the period between March 2022 and February 2023. READ MORE
Average house size:
We used American Home Shield to gather the average house size within each state. All data is correct as of 27/3/23.
Pet supply stores:
We used Census Business Builder to gather the number of pet and pet supply stores within each state, that are both employers and nonemployers. All data is correct as of 24/3/23.
Overall ranking:
for the main ranking, we gave each of the previously mentioned factors a normalized score out of 10, before taking our final overall score as an average across all eight factors. We were then able to determine which states are the most and least cat-crazy.