New Index Reveals Cities Driving the Rise of Cat Popularity
PHOENIX (July 8, 2025) Move over dogs, cats are now more popular than ever. For the past several years, cat adoptions have outpaced dog adoptions, fueling a rising feline fandom. In honor of Anything for Cat’s Month, PetSmart today unveiled the top 25 cat-loving cities leading this trend – where residents are not only adopting more cats but spoiling them most with the highest purchases of cat toys, treats and other pampering products from PetSmart.
“We’ve been following this trend as cat adoptions outpace dog adoptions — and it’s fair to say cats are having a moment,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “This index shows us that cat parenting is more universal than you might think, and those old stereotypes no longer apply. More people than ever are enjoying the playful nature of cat companionship. Cats can thrive in smaller living spaces, and their independence often makes them incredibly appealing to pet parents who can’t get out for regular walks.”
These are the top 25 U.S. cities where residents have invested the most in their love for cats, based on an index encompassing PetSmart Charities cat adoptions and sales of cat pampering products purchased from PetSmart.*
- Lexington, KY
- Green Bay, WI
- Mount Juliet, TN
- Spokane, WA
- Falls Church, VA
- New York, NY
- Clarksville, TN
- Fort Collins, CO
- Alhambra, CA
- Daly City, CA
- Plymouth Meeting, PA
- North Canton, OH
- Plattsburgh, NY
- Sioux City, IA
- Kennesaw, GA
- San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Fairless Hills, PA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Oviedo, FL
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Commerce Township, MI
- Springfield, IL
- Evansville, IN
- Johnson City, TN
- Kensington, MD
July is the perfect time for people across the U.S. to show their love of cats and adopt a cat or kitten during PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, July 21-27. PetSmart stores across the U.S. will host adoption events where prospective pet parents will get the chance to meet adoptable pets from local animal welfare organizations to find their perfect match. Summer marks the height of “kitten season,” the time of year when the majority of kittens are born. This creates an urgent need for adoptions as shelters are often overwhelmed with vulnerable cats and kittens in need of loving homes.
To encourage adoptions, PetSmart is offering new pet parents who adopt a pet during July’s PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week the opportunity to claim VIPP (Very Important Pet Parent) status, the highest tier and level of savings for PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty members. PetSmart is also making it easier than ever for pet parents to welcome adopted cats into their homes celebrating Anything for Cats Month throughout July, featuring the biggest deals of the year across cat products and services. Starting July 1, pet parents can earn 5X Treats Rewards points (10% back in savings)** on all cat purchases, including products and services, and enjoy exclusive deals and additional savings all month long.
“We’re seeing a remarkable surge in cat enthusiasm, and our top cat-loving cities index reflects this trend,” said Matt Byrnes, senior vice president of merchandising. “Through our compelling assortment, we offer pet parents everything they need to experience more joy with their cats, and this month even more value and savings with Anything for Cats month. Cats are claiming the spotlight in homes across the country, and we’re proud to be the go-to destination for cat families.”
Cat parents can find all they need for their cats and start saving during Anything for Cats Month in stores, at PetSmart.com or in the PetSmart app. To learn more about PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week events visit PetSmartCharities.org.
*Disclaimer: Rankings are based on internal PetSmart data from June 17, 2024 through June 16, 2025. Cities were evaluated using two key metrics: the number of pet adoptions recorded in PetSmart Charities’ Adoptions Database and customer spending on select cat product categories, including toys, furniture, collars and leads, scratch products and treats. To ensure fair comparison, results were adjusted for the number of PetSmart store locations in each city and indexed against national performance. Final rankings were determined using a weighted formula: 50% adoptions and 50% product sales.
**Offer valid 7/1/25-8/3/25. Terms apply. Offer activation required. See offer card in your PetSmart Treats Rewards account for complete details.
About PetSmart
PetSmart is the leading omni-channel pet retailer in North America with a mission to help everyone experience more joy with pets. The company offers a compelling assortment of pet care essentials, exclusive brands and must-have items for each season, along with expert pet services. With nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico – plus a seamless shopping experience at PetSmart.com and through the PetSmart app – PetSmart’s convenient shopping options are complete with autoship, same-day delivery and in-store pickup. Expert services include a professional grooming salon in every store, veterinary care in more than 700 locations, pet training, and Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel overnight boarding in many locations. The PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty program provides value to pet parents through personalized offers and points on every purchase that can be used for future savings.
PetSmart and PetSmart Charities have a long-standing commitment to supporting pets and people in the communities they serve, and PetSmart Charities is the largest funder of animal welfare in North America. Together, they are proud to have helped more than 11 million pets find loving homes through in-store pet adoption programs. For more information, visit PetSmart.com.
