62% of American homes have pets. Dogs are the most popular pets with 39% of U.S. households having at least one canine while homes having one or more cats account for 33%. However there are 86 million pet cats versus 78 million pet dogs since many cat owners have more than one cat. Pet ownership is often based on age, living space and the pets we had growing up. Families with young children may be more likely to have dogs kids can play with outside while older people and singles may prefer lower maintenance cats. Suburbanites may adopt large dogs while apartment dwellers choose cats or small dogs.
A University of Texas study shows dog people are more extroverted, agreeable and conscientious, while cat people are creative, adventurous and prone to neuroticism or anxiety.
A Gallup Poll survey found that 33% of dog owners identified themselves as Republicans compared to 28% of cat owners.
Similarly, a Hunch.com poll of 200,000 pet owners found dog owners more likely to be conservative than cat people. Here are other findings about furry friend preferences from the Hunch.com survey:
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Dog people are more likely to: live in a rural area own their home call Animal Control if they find a stray kitten have kids pick Paul McCartney as their favorite Beatle prefer outdoor activities enjoy slapstick humor and impressions like jam bands, reggae and psychedelic rock choose these as their favorite TV program: American Idol/Everybody Loves Raymond |
Cat people are more likely to: live in an urban area rent their home rescue the kitten themselves prefer babysitting kids than dogs pick George Harrison as their favorite Beatle prefer individual over team competition enjoy ironic humor and puns like New Wave classic rock and electronic music choose these their favorite TV program: CSI/ Real Time with Bill Maher |
What do dog and cat owners have in common? Both are equally likely to have a four year degree but cat people are more likely to have completed a graduate degree. Both dog and cat people talk to animals, are optimistic, consider themselves closer to nature, and dislike clothing with animal prints. And people with both dogs and cats? According to the Hunch.com survey these people are likely to be females living in the suburbs who are middle-of-the road politically.
