Study links cats to national happiness

A study published in PLOS ONE on September 30, 2026, found a correlation between cat ownership and higher national happiness levels. Researchers, including Dario Maestripieri from the University of Chicago, analyzed data from 93 countries, comparing happiness metrics with cat population numbers, economic factors, and exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cats.

France's pet ownership trends

In France, 60% of people live with at least one pet, according to the FACCO-Odoxa 2025 barometer. Cats are the most common pets, with 39% of households owning one, compared to 29% with dogs. The country now has over 79 million companion animals, a rise from 75 million the previous year.

Health benefits of cat ownership

Researchers suggest that cats may help reduce loneliness and stress, and their purring is believed to have a calming effect. A U.S. study of over 4,400 people found that cat owners had a one-third lower risk of dying from a heart attack, suggesting potential health benefits of living with a cat.

Dogs as companions in the UK

In the United Kingdom, a study by the Dogs Trust found that companionship is the main reason people adopt dogs. Nearly 80% of current dog owners and over 87% of those planning to adopt cite companionship as their primary motivation, highlighting the emotional role pets play in people's lives.

Rising pet adoption and shelter numbers

Despite the growing appeal of pet ownership, adoption should be approached thoughtfully. In the UK, 9,508 animals were collected by shelters in July and August 2026, a 20.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, indicating a rise in the number of pets needing new homes.