How many cats are there on Earth? - briefly
Estimating the exact number of cats on Earth is challenging due to the presence of both domestic and feral populations. Nevertheless, it is estimated that there are approximately 600 million cats worldwide.
How many cats are there on Earth? - in detail
Estimating the global cat population is a complex task due to the varied environments and conditions in which cats live. Cats can be found in homes as pets, in feral colonies, and even in some wildlife settings. The exact number of cats on Earth remains uncertain, but various studies and organizations have attempted to provide estimates.
One of the most comprehensive attempts to quantify the global cat population was conducted by the journal Nature Communications in 2019. This study estimated that there are approximately 223 million pet cats worldwide, based on data from 45 countries representing different income levels and geographic regions. However, this figure only accounts for domestic cats and does not include feral or stray populations.
Feral cats, which are descended from domesticated cats but have returned to a wild state, can be found in various urban and rural environments. Estimating the number of feral cats is more challenging due to their elusive nature. In some regions, such as Australia, feral cat populations have become a significant environmental concern due to their impact on native wildlife. According to the Australian government, there are likely millions of feral cats in the country, but precise numbers are difficult to determine.
In addition to pet and feral cats, there are also strays that live in close proximity to human settlements without being owned by anyone. Stray populations can vary greatly depending on the region and local efforts to control or manage them. For example, in some cities with effective trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, stray populations may be more controlled, while in other areas, they might be more prevalent.
Overall, while it is challenging to provide a definitive global count of cats due to the diversity of their environments and the lack of comprehensive data, the total population likely exceeds 500 million when considering both pet and feral populations. This estimate highlights the widespread presence of cats in human societies and underscores the importance of understanding and managing cat populations for both animal welfare and environmental conservation purposes.