Pet Cats Outnumber Pet Dogs in Taiwan
Tuesday, 2026/04/28214 words3 minutes722 reads
In a notable demographic shift, Taiwan's pet cat population has exceeded that of dogs for the first time, reaching 1,742,033 in the previous year—a substantial 32.8% increase from 2023. Conversely, the canine population experienced a marginal 1.2% decline to 1,462,528, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Department of Animal Welfare Director Chiang Wen-chuan attributes this trend to evolving social dynamics, particularly the proliferation of single-person households and the constraints of urban living spaces. In metropolitan areas where residential spaces are typically more compact, cats are increasingly perceived as more practical companions than dogs. Notably, while dog-owning households still marginally outnumber those with cats by 1.2%, the phenomenon of multi-cat households has become more prevalent, contributing significantly to the overall feline population surge.
Registration compliance has improved for both species, with dog registration rising from 69.5% in 2021 to 77.2%, and cat registration increasing from 58.45% in 2023 to 66.48%. However, public awareness gaps persist, particularly regarding mandatory cat registration requirements instituted through amendments to the Animal Protection Act, which took effect on January 1st following their December 16, 2024 announcement. The ministry has pledged to intensify oversight, policy guidance, and public education initiatives, especially in regions with lower registration and sterilization rates, to effectively manage stray animal populations at their source.
