Fewer cats in Quebec households, survey finds
Posted January 14, 2025 7:34 pm.
Last Updated February 4, 2025 10:55 pm.
The number of Quebec households with more than one cat at home appears to be on the decline, according to a survey commissioned by the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec en pratique des petits animaux (AMVQ).
This trend could be the result of a significant rise in the cost of living, which is deterring many from having a new pet.
The percentage of Quebec households with at least one cat (33 per cent) is said to be fairly stable compared to the previous year. However, the proportion of those who reported owning two or more cats reached a four-year low of 11 per cent, according to the AMVQ.
This means there are fewer pet cats in Quebec now than in 2023. This would be the first decline in four years, whereas the number of felines had actually risen during the pandemic.
The survey conducted in early December by Léger, the results of which were unveiled Tuesday, did not explore the reasons behind the choice of whether or not to have a cat.
However, AMVQ president Dr. Eve-Lyne Bouchard suggests 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 who have reached the end of their lives, who have died, and people haven’t re-adopted for potentially financial reasons,” she said.
It’s also possible that some people have decided to abandon or euthanize their animals for lack of means, added Bouchard.
Already in 2023, her association feared that some owners would make difficult choices regarding their faithful companion because of the rising cost of living. Bouchard points out that many shelters are reporting an increase in pet abandons.
More dogs
However, the survey suggests 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.
How can we explain this inverse trend to that observed for the cat population?
“Are people potentially planning a little better for dogs?” asked Bouchard. “Often, it’s a decision that’s been given more thought. 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 has a litter, so we had the cat given to us. We’re out in the country and the cat just appeared at the door.”
That was the case for Wanning He, who adopted her dog, a Samoyed purebred after careful evaluation with her spouse and family.
“It wouldn’t cost that much at the beginning but it will definitely cost more when the dog gets older, when they enjoy their senior stage, at that time we’ll probably figure it out later with the help of our parents,” said He.

Many people may also underestimate the costs associated with cats, as opposed to dogs, which can lead to poorer financial planning, suggests Bouchard.
According to the AVMQ, to provide for the basic needs of a healthy adult cat, an owner should expect to invest between $1,751 and $2,108 this year. This amount includes food, medical consultation, litter, renewal of basic accessories and vaccines.
“We’re talking about the big basics,” Bouchard said. “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. 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 the public to think carefully about the financial responsibilities involved. It’s important to plan for basic expenses and, if possible, to take out insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances, recommends Bouchard.
The Léger survey was conducted from Dec. 6-9, 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.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews