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Irish Daily Mirror

Cats are taking over Irish homes - and they're choosing you first

The secret life of Irish cats is revealed in the most comprehensive report yet on the nation's relationship with our feline friends. Retailer Petmania carried out the study, which shows our growing affection for cats and the significant cultural shift in how they're cared for and perceived. Their Petmania Cat Report 2025, based on insights from over 1,500 pet owners and 20 rescue centres, tracks the changing face of cat ownership in Ireland. Some findings include how over half of cat owners (60%) say their moggy just walked into their lives, two-thirds say the cats live with them inside the house and how 45% are not microchipped. Key themes include how cats enter and live in Irish homes, how many are microchipped and looks at their place in every day life. It also addresses misconceptions about cats - negative stereotypes such as the belief that cats are dirty, disloyal, or less affectionate than other pets. A huge majority of cat owners - 93% of respondents - believe cats are widely misunderstood. It found many owners see their cats as far more than just pets, frequently describing them as loyal companions, family members, and sources of comfort and and joy. Cat ownership is thriving across both rural and urban communities across Ireland with 69% of cat owners adopting their pet. It's striking how many cats chose to live with their owner, with over a quarter (26%) saying their cat 'found them.' In this group, 40% came from rescue centres and 34% were found as strays. The remaining 31% either bought them as pedigree breeds (11%) or acquired their cats through other means, likely from family, friends,or neighbours. They are not standoffish at all, says science (stock) (Image: Getty Images/Westend61) Once an outdoor pet, our cats are more likely to live with us than ever before. Two thirds (63%) of cats live indoors while enjoying regular outdoor access, showing how cats are being fully welcomed into the home, becoming part of everyday family life. Launching the new report, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania, said: '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 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. ' 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 need for greater awareness of pet identification. The report also highlights growing pressure on Ireland's volunteer-run rescue network, with only two centres employing full-time staff. Foster families are in short supply, while centres care for up to 500 stray kittens annually, most of whom are abandoned, surrendered, or born to unneutered strays. 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. Supporting the launch of the report, 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. "This report 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. The Petmania Cat Report was carried out on owners between May and June. Petmania is Ireland's leading pet retailer, with 17 stores nationwide. For more details of the report on The Changing Face of Cat Ownership in Ireland, see Why I love my cat, by Larissa Nolan The biggest reveal in this report is how we don't choose cats - cats choose us. Over a quarter of owners say their cats 'found them' and another third arrived as strays. They wander into our lives and we fall in love with them. If they like us enough, they'll stay. This is what happened with my cat Kray, who popped up at the back door of my new home last year. Kray started coming in, but at first was terrified at the slightest sudden move or noise and would race back out as though being pursued by an axe murderer. Larissa Nolan with her cat Kray I thought she'd never relax around us, but now she loves cuddles, lounges on her favourite chair and follows me everywhere. She can understand words and talks back in her own way. She's a part of the family and I never feel alone when she's here. Kray is often outside rambling around the city rooftops and hanging out with her pals, who look like the cast of Top Cat. They bring presents of birds to me every so often, which is, er, nice. The best thing about cats is they're so independent and low maintenance. But they're not without drama. She got fleas last month which involved a visit by Rentokil. She went missing a while ago for about three days and the whole house was devastated until she finally turned up with a broken leg. The vet checked for a microchip and we found out that Kray wasn't Kray - but Nemo, a four year old male. 'She'was in fact a 'he', whose address was two doors down. I'll never get used to Kray being a boy. She - or he - is ours now, in a situation agreed by all, but mostly Kray herself. Facts from the Petmania Cat Report 60% would bring a cat on holiday 23% would bring their cats shopping 26% say their cat found them 34% of cats were strays 40% of owners got their cats from rescue centre 63% of cat owners also have a dog 45% of cats are not microchipped 63% of cats live indoors, with outdoor access Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.