Addressing misconceptions

This report examines the key themes surrounding how cats enter and live in Irish homes, the importance of responsible cat ownership, the ongoing stray cat crisis and the challenges involved in rehoming, rescue, and adoption.

It also addresses widespread misconceptions that continue to shape public perceptions, such as the belief that cats are dirty, disloyal, or less affectionate than other pets. In fact, 93% of respondents believe cats are widely misunderstood. Many owners see their cats as far more than just pets, frequently describing them as loyal companions, quirky family members, and reliable sources of comfort, calm, and joy.  

Cat adoption statistics

Cat ownership is thriving across both rural and urban communities, particularly in Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, and Wexford with 69% of cat owners having adopted their pet. Of these, 40% came from rescue centres, 34% were found as strays, and 26% say their cat “found them”. Additionally, 63% of cats live indoors while enjoying regular outdoor access, reflecting a clear shift in modern cat ownership as cats are being fully welcomed into the home, becoming part of everyday family life.  

Launching the new report, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania, shares: 

““At Petmania, we’ve always championed responsible pet ownership and feline welfare. The Cat Report is a powerful opportunity to listen to our communities and lead meaningful change for cats across Ireland. Cats are deeply loved, but still widely misunderstood. The Cat Report shows just how important cats have become to family life and makes the case for giving them the same recognition we afford dogs – as affectionate, loyal, and emotionally intelligent companions. We’re proud to stand with cat owners and rescues to lead the conversation on responsible care and create a future where every cat is safe, valued, and truly seen.”

Despite evolving attitudes and increasing affection for cats, significant gaps remain in feline safety and identification. The report found that 45% of cats are not microchipped, 66% do not wear collars, and 80% lack identification tags, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness of proper pet identification to ensure their protection. 

The report also highlights growing pressure on Ireland’s volunteer-run rescue network, with only two centres employing full-time staff. Foster families are reported to be in short supply, while centres care for up to 500 stray kittens annually, most of whom are abandoned, surrendered, or born to unneutered strays.  

Reuniting lost cats with their families remains a key priority for rescue centres, though success rates vary. Reunification rates range from just 1% to 70%, depending on whether the cat is microchipped or carries identification. Encouragingly, 100% of rescue centres reported vaccinating and neutering cats before adoption, and 40% also microchip them.  

Olivia O’Reilly from Galway Cat Rescue shared:  

“We see the heartbreak, but we also see the hope. Every cat we rescue carries a story – some are abandoned, some injured, some simply forgotten. What keeps us going is the belief that every one of them deserves a second chance. We’re incredibly proud of our volunteers – they give so much of themselves, often quietly and without recognition. That’s why being part of this report matters – it helps the public see just how vital this work is, and how much these animals truly depend on all of us.”  

Ireland’s rescue centres are united in their call for action to better protect cats. They are advocating for mandatory microchipping aligned with dog ownership laws, increased government funding for rescue centres and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programmes, equal legal recognition of cats as companion animals, and enhanced public education alongside more positive media representation. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible pet ownership, Petmania is dedicated to supporting cat parents throughout Ireland. The retailer takes pride in offering expert nutritional advice, accessible everyday healthcare, and affordable microchipping, while also supporting rescue initiatives. Petmania encourages the public to stay informed, take proactive steps in their cats’ care, and promote education around feline welfare nationwide.  

Read the full report

The Petmania Cat Report 2025 is based on national research conducted between 20th May and 10th June 2025, drawing responses from over 1,500 cat owners and 20 rescue centres across Ireland. .

To view the full Report: The Changing Face of Cat Ownership in Ireland, click here.