Dog vs. Cat Popularity in KSA: Key Statistics and Owner Demographics

Introduction:

Pet ownership in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly, with a cultural shift integrating pets into family life. Cat ownership in Saudi Arabia remains dominant due to cultural and historical factors, but dog ownership statistics in KSA show a rising trend among younger generations and urban households. The pet population has increased from 0.8 million to 2.4 million, with dogs gaining popularity as companions. This change is reflected in the dog vs. cat popularity in KSA, as policy changes, such as allowing dogs on public transport, have contributed to a rise in dog food sales, projected to surpass cat food sales for the first time in 2024.

Overview of Pet Ownership in KSA

Over the past decade, pet ownership in Saudi Arabia has shifted from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon, driven by cultural changes, economic growth, and government support for the pet industry. Cultural shifts have seen pets increasingly treated as family members, especially among younger generations, where pets are often preferred over children due to evolving family dynamics. The table below shows an overview of pet ownership in KSA ( 2015 – 2025).

Year Key Developments Market Value Growth Rate Insights
2015 Pet ownership begins gaining traction among urban households. Not Available Not Available A cultural shift starts as younger Saudis embrace pets.
2020 The pet industry is valued at $89.7 million. $89.7 million Not Available COVID-19 pandemic accelerates e-commerce in pet care.
2022 First Saudi Pet & Vet Expo held, attracting over 100 exhibitors. Not Available Not Available Increased focus on pet health and investment opportunities in the pet care sector.
2023 The pet industry grew to $137.7 million, marking a 53% increase from 2020. $137.7 million Over 8% annually Veterinary clinics rise to 434, with 1,366 specialized pharmacies and 3 veterinary hospitals established
2024 The pet care market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.20% through 2032. Not Available 7.20% (forecasted) Dog food sales expected to surpass cat food for the first time
2025 Continued growth driven by government support (Kafalah Program) and increasing urbanization trends Estimated at $150+ million Dynamic double-digit growth The younger population (63% under age 30) drives the demand for pets as family companions

Dog Popularity in Saudi Arabia

Statistical Overview

Common Demographics

Cultural and Religious Factors

Cat Popularity in Saudi Arabia

Statistical Overview

Demographics

Cultural Factors

These factors highlight how cultural heritage, urbanization, and growing awareness about pet care have solidified cats’ popularity in Saudi Arabia.

Dog vs. Cat: Key Statistical Comparisons

Category Dogs Cats
Ownership Rates
  • Cats dominate ownership, accounting for 77.4% of total pet ownership.
Average Monthly Expenditure
  • SAR 500–1,500 per month (higher costs due to food, grooming, and vet care).
Lifestyle Factors
  • Urban areas like Riyadh and Jeddah show higher dog ownership due to changing attitudes.
  • Common in both urban and suburban areas and culturally preferred in traditional households.
Popularity Trends
  • Year-over-year growth is higher for dogs; dog food sales are expected to surpass cat food sales by 2024.
  • Cats remain the most popular pets but show slower growth compared to dogs.

Demographic Insights

Gender and Age

Men are increasingly adopting dogs in urban areas, as they are often seen as companions for outdoor activities or security purposes. Dogs are also becoming a status symbol among younger male pet owners.

Older generations generally favor cats, reflecting traditional Islamic culture, where cats have been historically accepted as pets.

Regional Differences

Income Level

These demographic insights highlight how gender roles, age groups, regional preferences, and income levels influence pet ownership trends in Saudi Arabia, reflecting broader societal changes and economic developments.

Reasons Behind Pet Choice

Reasons Behind Pet Choice

Choosing Dogs Over Cats

Choosing Cats Over Dogs

Conclusion:

The Saudi pet care market has grown significantly, from $89.7 million in 2020 to $137.7 million in 2023, a 50% increase. Cats still dominate pet ownership at 77.4%, but dogs are gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. The market is projected to reach $426.29 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.20%.  Pet care costs range from SAR 300–800 for cats and SAR 500–1,500 for dogs. Urban areas like Riyadh lead in pet ownership due to better services and a younger population (63% under 30). These trends reflect cultural and economic shifts shaping Saudi Arabia’s pet industry.Soluky Pet Food, the Kingdom’s leading producer of premium organic pet food, is here to support the health and well-being of your pets. If you’re a cat or dog owner, Soluky offers carefully crafted meals tailored to your pet’s specific needs.Visit SolukyPet today to explore our range of organic pet food and provide your pets with the nutrition they deserve.

FAQs:

How many people own pets in Saudi Arabia?

Pet ownership has grown significantly, with the combined cat and dog population increasing from 0.8 million to 2.4 million in recent years.

Which is more expensive to own in KSA: a dog or a cat?

Dogs are generally more expensive to own, with monthly costs ranging from SAR 500–1,500, compared to SAR 300–800 for cats due to higher grooming and food expenses.

Are certain cat breeds more common in Riyadh?

Yes, Persian cats are popular in Riyadh due to their calm temperament and luxurious appearance, followed by the Arabian Mau, which is well-suited to the local climate.

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