TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The number of pet cats in Taiwan has surged by 50% over the past two years, while the population of dogs continues to lead, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced on Friday (May 31).
A 2023 survey by Radio Taiwan International (RTI) reveals that Taiwan now has 1.48 million dogs and 1.31 million cats. This marks a notable increase from 2021, where the dog population was recorded at 1.23 million. Over the two-year period, the number of dogs has grown by 240,000, a 19% rise.
However, the rise in the cat population has been even more pronounced. Since 2021, the number of cats has increased by 440,000, from 870,000 to the current 1.31 million. The MOA attributes this rapid growth to trends observed in other countries as well.
The survey also highlights a diversification in pet ownership in Taiwan, with 9.3% of households now owning pets other than cats or dogs. Dogs remain the most popular pet, owned by 13.8% of households, up 1.3% from the previous survey. Cat ownership stands at 10.4% of households, reflecting a significant increase of 3.8%.
Overall, the proportion of households with pets has risen by 6.7%, reaching 28.3%, according to the MOA.
The survey also found that almost 70% of dogs in Taiwan are neutered or spayed, while the proportion for cats is even higher, exceeding 80%. Given the rising number of cats, the MOA is considering expanding mandatory pet registration, currently required for dogs, to include cats as well.
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