Cats or dogs? In East Asia, more people are becoming feline fans

Cats or Dogs? East Asia’s Growing Feline Obsession

Cats or dogs In East Asia – In recent years, the longstanding debate over cat versus dog ownership has seen a dramatic shift in East Asia. What was once a simple question of preference has evolved into a trend reflecting broader societal changes. Across the region, pet cats are increasingly outpacing dogs in popularity, particularly in urban centers where lifestyle demands and cultural shifts are reshaping the relationship between humans and animals.

The Rise of Feline Popularity

Taiwan, a self-governed island nation, marked a pivotal moment in 2025 when its cat population surpassed that of dogs for the first time, according to a government census. The number of domestic cats rose sharply, from 1.3 million in 2023 to 1.7 million in 2024—a 33% increase. This pattern mirrors similar trends in mainland China, where the cat-to-dog ratio flipped in 2021. Japan, meanwhile, pioneered this movement a decade earlier, with cats becoming the preferred pet in many households. Even in regions where dogs remain more common, such as South Korea and Hong Kong, feline adoption is gaining momentum.

Experts attribute this shift to a combination of urban living conditions and changing priorities. In densely populated cities, many residents face the challenge of limited space and time, making cats a more practical choice. “Cats offer a level of convenience that aligns with city life,” explained Ellen Chung, a Hong Kong resident. Speaking from a bustling cat café, she noted, “You don’t need to walk them daily, and they’re less likely to cause trouble in small spaces. Plus, they’re just more adorable.” Her observations highlight a growing sentiment that cats provide companionship without the demands of traditional dog ownership.

Urban Life and the Shift in Pet Preferences

Paul Wong, a clinical psychologist at the University of Hong Kong, linked this trend to the psychological toll of modern lifestyles. “The pressures of urban living—long hours, isolation, and financial stress—have made cats a more appealing option,” he said. “People are choosing pets that fit their lives rather than adapting their lives to pets.” This perspective aligns with the rise in pet ownership as a substitute for family ties, particularly among younger generations. The decline in birth rates across East Asia, despite government efforts to reverse the trend, further underscores this shift. “Having a cat feels like having a child,” Wong remarked. “It’s a way to cope with loneliness and provide a sense of purpose.”

Joe Ngai, an assistant professor at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, emphasized the adaptability of cats to urban environments. “They thrive in small spaces and require minimal attention, which suits busy lifestyles,” he explained. “This is especially true in cities like Hong Kong, where high living costs and demanding work schedules leave little room for pets that need constant care.” The convenience of cats—no need for frequent walks, less space required, and lower maintenance—has made them a favored choice for many city dwellers.

Cultural Roots and Regional Dynamics

While the trend is widespread, its origins vary by country. Japan, often considered the birthplace of this phenomenon, has a long-standing cultural affinity for cats. The iconic Hello Kitty, introduced in 1974, became a global symbol of feline charm and contributed to the country’s deep connection with cats. Additionally, Japan’s so-called “cat islands”—areas with large feral populations—have attracted tourists and reinforced the nation’s cat-centric identity. In contrast, South Korea’s historical aversion to cats has been a barrier to their popularity. For years, cats were associated with superstitions, such as ill fortune or evil spirits, which discouraged many from adopting them as pets. However, this perception is gradually fading, especially since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

KB Financial Group’s 2025 report highlighted a surge in cat ownership in South Korea, citing the pandemic as a key factor. With lockdowns restricting outdoor activities, cats’ ability to thrive indoors became more attractive. “The change in lifestyle during the pandemic allowed people to focus on pets that require less effort,” noted Beijing Gong Su-hyun, a veterinarian at the Ballyeomaru cat adoption center in South Korea. She observed a noticeable uptick in cat adoptions and volunteer participation, reflecting a growing interest in feline companionship. Yet, the transition hasn’t been seamless. “There’s still a cultural stigma, but it’s slowly eroding,” she added.

Societal Pressures and the Decline of Traditional Family Structures

The rise of cats in East Asia coincides with broader demographic and social shifts. Young people in China, Japan, and South Korea have increasingly moved to urban areas, abandoning rural lifestyles in pursuit of economic opportunities. This migration has left behind aging populations in countryside communities, altering family dynamics and social support systems. In cities, however, the pressures of hyper-competitive job markets, stagnant wages, and high living costs have created a new reality for many. “The work culture in China, for example, has become so intense that it’s even been criticized by the country’s top court,” Wong said. “This kind of stress makes cats a more viable option for companionship.”

Japan’s cultural emphasis on work has given rise to a unique term: “karoshi,” or “death by overwork.” Despite legal efforts to cap overtime, the phenomenon remains prevalent. Similarly, South Korea’s rigid societal expectations have contributed to a rise in single-person households and delayed marriage. “The choice to own a cat rather than a dog reflects a deeper trend—people are redefining what it means to have a companion,” said Ngai. “They’re opting for pets that meet their evolving needs.”

Why the Trend Matters

As cats become more popular, their role in society is expanding beyond mere companionship. In some regions, they are even replacing toddlers as the most common household pets. “In China, the number of pets now exceeds that of young children,” remarked a recent study. This shift highlights a growing reliance on pets for emotional fulfillment, particularly in an era of declining birth rates and increasing social isolation. While dogs remain a staple in rural areas, their dominance in cities is waning, replaced by cats that fit the demands of modern life.

Yet, the trend is not without its challenges. In South Korea, for instance, the historical stigma against cats persists, requiring a cultural reevaluation to fully embrace their popularity. Meanwhile, Japan and Taiwan continue to lead the way, with their feline-centric societies serving as models for others. As cities grow and lifestyles become more fast-paced, the preference for cats is likely to solidify. “This isn’t just about pets—it’s about how people are redefining their connection to animals in the face of urbanization and changing priorities,” Wong concluded. “Cats have become a symbol of adaptability in an increasingly complex world.”

From the sleek design of cat cafés to the cultural legacy of Hello Kitty, the feline phenomenon in East Asia is more than a pet trend. It reflects a transformation in how people interact with animals, blending practicality with affection. As cities continue to shape daily life, the question of cats versus dogs may soon be a relic of the past, replaced by a simpler truth: in East Asia, cats are the new preferred companion.