From cozy suburbs to vibrant college towns, cat lovers are claiming their territory across the U.S.—and a few unexpected cities have clawed their way to the top. According to new data from PetSmart, these 25 American cities are proving that cat companionship isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life.
A Cat Adoption Boom Sweeping the Nation
Move over, dogs—cats are officially leading the pack when it comes to adoptions. Across the country, feline friends now make up more than 80% of all PetSmart adoptions, according to Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities.
So what’s driving the cat craze? Gilbreath says people are discovering just how perfectly cats fit into modern lifestyles.
“Cats are playful, affectionate, and independent—they thrive in apartments and small homes, and their easygoing nature makes them ideal for busy pet parents,” she explains.
Whether it’s the soothing purr after a long workday or the endless entertainment of a cat chasing a laser pointer, Americans are finding joy in the quiet companionship cats provide.
Beyond the Basics: How Cities Were Ranked
To find America’s biggest cat-loving cities, PetSmart looked at two major factors:
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Cat adoption rates, and
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Sales of pampering products, like treats, toys, and accessories.
The idea was to measure not just how many people are adopting cats—but how much they’re spoiling them.
“Every cat owner buys food and litter,” says Gilbreath. “But treats, toys, and scratchers? That’s next-level love.”
America’s Top 25 Cat-Loving Cities
Drumroll, please! Here are the cities where cat parents are showing off the most “cattitude”:
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Lexington, KY
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Green Bay, WI
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Mount Juliet, TN
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Spokane, WA
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Falls Church, VA
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New York, NY
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Clarksville, TN
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Fort Collins, CO
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Alhambra, CA
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Daly City, CA
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Plymouth Meeting, PA
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North Canton, OH
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Plattsburgh, NY
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Sioux City, IA
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Kennesaw, GA
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San Juan Capistrano, CA
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Fairless Hills, PA
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Los Angeles, CA
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Oviedo, FL
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Flagstaff, AZ
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Commerce Township, MI
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Springfield, IL
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Evansville, IN
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Johnson City, TN
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Kensington, MD
While major metro areas like New York and Los Angeles made the cut, it’s the smaller college towns and suburbs—like Lexington, KY and Mount Juliet, TN—that dominate the list.
How to Help Your City Climb the Ranks
Want to put your hometown on the cat-lover map? The formula is simple: adopt and spoil.
“Adopt a cat—or buy some pampering products for the one you already have—and you’ll be helping both local shelters and your city’s ranking,” says Gilbreath.
And there’s no better time to act than summer, when shelters see an influx of adorable kittens during “kitten season.”
Celebrate National Adoption Week
From July 21–27, PetSmart Charities and PetSmart will host National Adoption Week, featuring adoption events, special promotions, and a coupon book to help new pet parents get started.
Not quite ready to commit? Fostering is another great way to make a difference.
“It’s an amazing way to experience the joy of kittens while giving them a safe place to grow,” Gilbreath says.
Whether you’re in Lexington or Los Angeles, one thing’s for sure: America’s love for cats is stronger—and fluffier—than ever.
