Fewer cats in Quebec households: survey

A cat named Johnny waits to be adopted at the SPCA in Montreal. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

The number of Quebec households with more than one cat at home is on the decline, according to a survey commissioned by the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec en pratique des petits animaux (AMVQ).

The association says the trend could be due to the significant rise in the cost of living, which is deterring many from welcoming new pets.

The percentage of Quebec households with at least one cat (33 per cent) is stable compared to the previous year.

However, the number of those who reported owning two or more cats reached a four-year low of 11 per cent, according to the AMVQ.

This means that there are fewer cats in Quebec now than in 2023 – the first decline in four years, while the number of felines increased during the pandemic.

The results of the survey, conducted in early December by Léger, were unveiled on Tuesday and did not explore the reasons behind people’s choices to have a cat or not.

However, AMVQ President Dr. Eve-Lyne Bouchard suggests that the sharp rise in inflation, which has also affected pet-related expenses, could explain the downward trend.

“What we can suspect is that, potentially, there are animals that have reached the end of their lives, that have passed away, and people haven’t readopted for financial reasons,” she said.

She says it’s also possible that some people have decided to abandon or euthanize their pets for lack of means.

In 2023, the association said it feared that some owners would make difficult decisions regarding their pets because of the rising cost of living.

Bouchard points out that many shelters are reporting an increase in abandonment.

More dogs in Quebec

However, the survey suggests that the dog population is on the rise, with 28 per cent of respondents reporting having a dog at home, compared with 25 per cent in 2023.

“Are people potentially planning a little better for dogs? Often, it’s a decision that’s been given more thought,” said Bouchard. “You have to do more research before adopting. Whereas cats, it’s boring to say, but they’re easier to find. You can find them on the Internet. The neighbour’s cat had a litter, so we were given a cat. We’re out in the country and the cat just appeared at the door.”

Cost planning

Many people may also underestimate the costs associated with cats, as opposed to dogs, which can lead to poor financial planning, suggests Bouchard.

According to the AMVQ, providing for the basic needs of a healthy adult cat, an owner should expect to invest between $1,751 and $2,108 a year for food, medical consultations, litter, accessories and vaccines.

“We’re talking about the big basics. This animal hasn’t been sick. He hasn’t had any dental work done. He’s not insured at that price (...) We didn’t put him in a kennel, we didn’t give him any treats,” said Bouchard. “People jump when they see this. We don’t think we’re going to spend that kind of money on a cat.”

For an adult dog, the estimated cost of maintenance is between $2,210 and $3,203, according to the AMVQ.

Before adopting a pet, the AMVQ urges people to think carefully about the financial responsibilities involved.

It’s important to plan for basic expenses and, if possible, take out insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances, recommends Bouchard.

The Léger survey was conducted from Dec. 6 to 9, 2024, among 1,011 Quebecers aged 18 and over.

The maximum margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

The AMVQ has been conducting this type of exercise since 1995.

-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 15, 2024.