New research from Rover reveals how cat people and dog people relate to their pets. The report, “Secret Lives of Cat People and Dog People” digs into how having a cat, a dog or both affects humans and the relationships we cultivate with our pets. The data found that cat people and dog people are more actually alike than different. For both, their pets occupy a familial role in pet parents’ lives, affecting everything from furniture selection to purchasing a car or renting a home or apartment.
The report found that pet parents are nearly unanimous in seeing their pets as family members, with most even preferring an animal’s company to the human variety. Fifty-two percent of cat people prefer to spend time with their cats versus other people, and 43% of dog people prefer to spend time with their dogs over other people.
The Secret Lives of Cat People and Dog People: Report Findings
The Secret Lives of Cat People and Dog People report includes responses from more than 1,000 pet owners across the country. Overall, the data revealed that human-dog and human-cat relationships are different but equally devoted.
Pet Parenting Secrets Revealed
- Cat people are 16% more likely than dog people to admit they are bothered when their pet cuddles with other people.
- Dog people admit to talking to their pets so many times in a day they can’t even count, whereas cat people talk to their cats 1-5 times per day.
- Cat people lead on singing to their cats with 70% making up new songs all the time or singing to their pet at least sometimes.
- Cat and dog people love to take pictures of their pets with 84% indicating that up to half of the photos on their phone are of their pets.
Furry Family Members
- The majority of both dog (69%) and cat (67%) owners admit they say hello to their pet before their family when they get home.
- The majority (61%) of cat and dog people said their pets are spoiled and always take over the couch or bed.
- Cuddles are universal: dog and cat people claim to spend 1-2 hours cuddling their pet a day.
Living with Cats & Dogs
- The majority (70%) of both dog and cat people have 1-5 nicknames for their pet.
- Dog people are more likely to wake their pet from a dream than cat people.
- Cat people take the lead (66%) in owning lint rollers, followed by 55% of dog people.
- Meow-th Reader: 91% of cat owners claim to understand the meaning of the sounds their cat makes.
This new research on cat people comes on the heels of Rover’s introduction of a new booking experience for cat owners, which makes it easier for pet parents to book trusted care for their cat.
Need Pet Sitting?
Cats seem more independent than dogs, sure, but they need attention, play, and treats when you’re gone, too. Your great pets deserve great cat care. Find them the perfect cat sitter or dog sitter with Rover.
Find your perfect match, right from your phone—and then hit the road happy.