Issue Date: January 27, 2008
Pet census
We have 10 million more cats than dogs, according to the first counting since 2001.
By Steve Dale
Since 2001, turtles have replaced hamsters in the No. 5 spot.
|
Once again, the old saying that dogs are man's best friend doesn't play out in reality. According to a recently released "pet census" from the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats still greatly outnumber dogs as pets, with 82 million felines (up from 71 million in 2001, when the last survey was taken) and 72 million dogs (up from 62 million in 2001).
Our total pet population has reached a record high of just over 282 million. Nearly 60% of all homes in the United States have one pet, and 21% of homes have five or more.
Maine has the highest percentage of homes in which people are sharing their lives with purring friends (56%), while Wyoming has the highest percentage of dog owners (also 56%).
Birds are the third most popular pets. Although the number of bird-owning homes has declined, the actual number of pet birds has increased, from 10 million in 2001 to 11 million in 2006. Next, after feathered friends in terms of household pets, there are 6 million pet rabbits (up 28% from 2001). They are followed by about 2 million pet turtles, which jumped 86% from 2001 -- enough for them to take over the No. 5 spot from pet hamsters (at 1 million, up from 2001 by 41%).
What is America's favorite pet?
A nation of pet owners: According to the most recent pet tally, these are the four most popular household pets.
Cats: 82 million
Dogs: 72 million
Birds: 11 million
Rabbits: 6 million
Contributing Editor Steve Dale last wrote for USA WEEKEND Magazine about tips for pet ownersduring the holiday season.
|
