The dog versus cat rivalry is age-old. But something is shifting

What pet ownership says about today's economy

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Columnists

October 5, 2026 - 8:46 PM

Photo by Ludemeula Fernandes/UNSPLASH

The rivalry between dog people and cat people has existed for as long as animals have been domesticated. If aliens had visited any city in the United States over the past few decades, they would’ve had little doubt which side won. The Martians would have seen sidewalks, parks and beaches filled with humans walking, carrying and chasing dogs.

But the ground is shifting beneath those puppies’ paws. According to statistics from my research firm Packaged Facts, for the first time since the data began being tracked, more U.S. households own kittens than puppies.…

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