Beneath the stereotypes and perceived differences between cat and dog owners lies a surprising web of commonalities.
Whether they view their pets as family members, rely on them for stress relief and emotional support, or incorporate them into their travel and lifestyle plans, cat and dog owners share a deep, unwavering bond with their furry companions.
1. View Pets as Family Members
The similarities between cat and dog owners revealed that both groups view their pets as family members. Over 50% of cat people and 43% of dog people prefer spending time with their pets over people (ref), indicating a strong bond between the owners and their pets.
More than a fifth of both cat and dog owners take their pets on vacation with them, and over a quarter eat meals with their pets, further emphasizing the close relationship between the owners and their pets.
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2. Pet Influence on Life Planning
The survey found that pets significantly influence the week-to-week life planning of both cat and dog owners. Over two-thirds of dog owners and 58% of cat owners confirmed that their pet is a major factor in their decision-making, highlighting the impact pets have on their owners’ daily lives (ref).
This influence can be seen in various aspects, from simple decisions like meal planning to more significant choices like career and relationship goals.
3. Gift-Giving & Celebrations
Both cat and dog owners celebrate their pets’ birthdays and holidays by buying them presents. While dog owners are more likely to throw full-on birthday parties for their pets (19% compared to 9% of cat owners ref), both groups show their love and appreciation for their pets through gifts. This shared practice underscores the strong emotional bond between the owners and their pets.
4. Pet Therapy & Stress Relief
The similarities between cat and dog owners revealed that both groups see their pets as playing a significant role in reducing stress and improving their overall well-being.
While cat owners are more likely to credit their pets with reducing stress (70% compared to 66% for dog owners) (ref), both groups acknowledge the positive impact their pets have on their mental health. This shared understanding highlights the universal benefits of pet ownership in managing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
5. Common Interests & Hobbies
The study found that cat and dog owners have distinct preferences when it comes to hobbies and leisure activities. Cat people tend to enjoy more gentle pursuits such as reading, writing, or gardening, reflecting their more laid-back and introspective nature.
Dog owners, on the other hand, are more likely to engage in active and energetic activities like sports, yoga, dancing, and travel, which aligns with their more outgoing and social personalities.
6. Pet Ownership & Travel
Despite their differences in lifestyle and preferences, both cat and dog owners share a love for traveling with their pets. More than a fifth of both groups take their pets on vacation with them, indicating a strong desire to include their furry friends in their travel plans. This commonality underscores the importance of pets in the lives of their owners and the joy they bring to their daily experiences.
7. Pet Influence on Consumer Behavior
The study reveals that exposure to dogs makes consumers more risk-seeking, while exposure to cats makes them more risk-averse. This difference in consumer behavior is attributed to the stereotypical temperaments and behaviors of dogs and cats.
Dogs are seen as more open and expressive, leading to a promotion-oriented mindset, whereas cats are perceived as more cautious and elusive, resulting in a prevention-focused mindset.
These findings have significant implications for marketers, who should consider crafting their advertising messages differently depending on whether they are targeting dog or cat owners.
8. Pet Ownership & Health
Both cat and dog owners see their pets as important in improving their physical and mental health. However, there are some differences in the specific ways pets influence health, such as dogs being more likely to improve exercise habits and cats providing comfort and stress relief.
The overall impact of pet ownership on well-being is a common thread among cat and dog owners. This shared understanding highlights the universal benefits of pet ownership in promoting physical and mental health, regardless of the specific type of pet.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.