Cats or dogs? In East Asia, more people are becoming feline fans
Cats or dogs In East Asia – For decades, the question of whether someone prefers cats or dogs has sparked endless debate. However, in recent years, East Asia has seen a significant shift in pet preferences, with cats gaining ground over dogs. This trend is evident in countries like Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, where the rise in cat ownership reflects broader societal and lifestyle changes.
A Trend Across East Asia
According to a 2025 government survey, pet cats in Taiwan have surpassed dogs for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s pet culture. The number of cats in the island nation grew from 1.3 million in 2023 to 1.7 million in 2025—a 33% increase. Similar patterns emerged in mainland China, where the cat population surged notably by 2021. Japan, often cited as the birthplace of this phenomenon, saw cats overtake dogs a decade earlier, setting a precedent for the region.
Even in areas where dogs remain more common, such as South Korea and Hong Kong, the appeal of cats is growing. This shift is not random; it is tied to shared urban characteristics. In densely populated cities, people often live in compact apartments, work demanding schedules, and experience prolonged periods of solitude. These factors make cats a more appealing choice for many, as their care demands less time and effort compared to dogs.
“Having a cat would be more convenient in a city, because you have to frequently take dogs out for walks, you might not have that much time, and some people are afraid of dogs,” said Ellen Chung, a resident of Hong Kong. She spoke to CNN while visiting a cat café filled with visitors and cats adorned in colorful outfits.
Chung’s comments echo a broader sentiment. In cities where time is a luxury, cats offer a low-maintenance alternative. Their ability to thrive indoors, coupled with their affectionate yet independent nature, makes them ideal companions for busy urbanites. This trend aligns with the growing preference for pets as emotional substitutes for children, according to Paul Wong, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
The Rise of Cat Popularity
Wong noted that the role of pets has evolved from functional to emotional. Historically, dogs were used for security and pest control, while cats served as practical mouses. Today, however, their primary purpose is to alleviate loneliness. “People choose not to have kids now. So having a pet almost resembles having a child,” he explained. This perspective underscores how the demands of city life have reshaped pet ownership.
The shift is also influenced by cultural factors. Japan, for example, has a deep-rooted affection for cats, exemplified by the global phenomenon of Hello Kitty. Created in 1974, the cartoon character has become a cultural icon, generating an estimated $80 billion in revenue. Beyond pop culture, Japan’s “cat islands”—areas with large feral cat populations—have turned into tourist attractions, further embedding the cat in local identity.
South Korea, on the other hand, had a long-standing aversion to cats, often linking them to ill fortune or evil spirits. This perception contributed to their lower popularity compared to dogs. But the situation has changed since the start of the pandemic. A 2025 report by KB Financial Group highlighted a sharp increase in cat adoptions, attributed to the ease of indoor care during lockdowns. With outdoor activities restricted, cats became a more accessible option for many.
Urban Life and Social Trends
East Asia’s demographic transformations have also played a role in this trend. Over the past few decades, young people across China, Japan, and South Korea have flocked to cities in search of work, leaving behind rural communities with aging populations. This migration has altered social dynamics, creating a generation that prioritizes flexibility over traditional family structures.
Urban living presents unique challenges. The hyper-competitive job markets, stagnant wages, and high cost of living have made raising children more daunting. In China, the excessive work culture has been so intense that it drew criticism from the country’s top court in 2021. Japan, too, has its own term for “death by overwork”—karoshi—which highlights the toll of urban lifestyles. These pressures have led many to view cats as a more practical solution to companionship.
“These conditions make cats a more practical option, especially for the younger generation,” said Joe Ngai, an assistant professor at Hong Kong Shue Yan University. “As cats adapt well to indoor environments and do not require daily walks, they offer a form of companionship that fits more easily within the constraints of urban life in Hong Kong.”
The growing preference for cats is also tied to evolving attitudes toward pets. In the past, animals were often seen as tools or utility animals. Today, they are regarded as emotional companions, particularly in societies where family commitments are becoming less central. This mental shift has allowed cats to thrive in environments where dogs might struggle.
Beijing Gong Su-hyun, a veterinarian at the Ballyeomaru cat adoption center in South Korea, observed this change firsthand. “I can feel that the interest in cats is growing,” she said. The center has reported an uptick in adoptions and volunteers, indicating a newfound enthusiasm for feline companionship. This surge has been particularly notable in cities like Seoul, where cat cafés have become a cultural staple.
Future Implications
As the trend continues, some experts predict that East Asia could soon have more cats than toddlers. This statistic highlights the growing role of pets in personal lives, especially for those delaying marriage or parenthood. The rise in cat ownership may also signal a deeper societal shift, with individuals seeking emotional fulfillment in ways that align with modern living.
While the phenomenon is widespread, regional nuances remain. In Japan, the cultural embrace of cats is well-established, whereas in South Korea, the change is more recent. Despite these differences, the common thread is the adaptation of pets to urban living. As cities grow more crowded and lifestyles become busier, the appeal of cats is likely to persist, reshaping pet ownership in East Asia for years to come.
Looking ahead, the success of cat cafes and the increasing number of feline-centric communities suggest that this trend is here to stay. The combination of convenience, companionship, and cultural resonance has made cats a symbol of modernity in the region. As societies continue to prioritize individual well-being over traditional responsibilities, the feline boom may reflect a new era of pet and human coexistence in East Asia.
