Over lockdown, sales of puppies boomed – with mixed outcomes, as shelters have predicted many will be abandoned.
While puppies were attractive in lockdown, when the nation was housebound and had more free time, now more people are back to the office and spending free evenings out and about.
So we’re turning to cats to fulfil pet desires, Pets4Homes have found.
Less work than dogs thanks to their independent nature, sales and adoptions of cats are rising.
Lee Gibson, the pet company’s managing director, says this reflects a trend in more responsible pet buying.
Their latest report shows buyer knowledge has increased and people are researching their options more thoroughly.
‘Encouragingly, fewer pets are also bought on impulse with only 6.6% stating that they spent less than a week researching which pet breed they wanted,’ Lee tells us.
‘However, there is still a knowledge gap and we urge all buyers to be responsible and do their research before committing to rehoming a pet.
‘We will continue to put efforts into educating our users, contributing to a safer space for pets and pet parents.’
The cat breed that wannabe pet owners are particularly interested in is the munchkin cat, likely popularised by celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, who are known for being fans of the cute breed.
Though adoption of shelter cats is always in the better interest of animals, munchkin cats have been selling for £2,500 each.
During lockdown the average puppy sale shot to £1,900 with Cavapoos and Frenchies being the most popular breeds.
Now according to Pets4Homes, munchkin cats are outselling them, though Cavapoos are still in demand.
According to their data, there were 307 bids for every munchkin advertised during June alone. Earlier in the year, this figure was 491.
Though less work than most dogs, cats still need love and care – no pet should be bought haphazardly to cure boredom.
And for all the cats available to purchase, there are plenty up for adoption in need of a home.
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