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).

Dog Popularity in Saudi Arabia

Statistical Overview

• Adoption Rates and Growth: The pet care market in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly, reaching SAR 4.4 billion in 2024, with dogs becoming a key segment of this growth. Dogs accounted for 60.68% of the pet fitness care market revenue share in 2024, making them the largest category in this sector.
• Breed Preferences: Chihuahuas are the most popular dog breed in Saudi Arabia, with 13.3% of dog owners choosing them due to their small size and manageable care requirements.

Common Demographics

• Age Group: Younger generations, those under 30 years old, are driving the rise in dog ownership. This demographic tends to prefer smaller breeds like Chihuahuas because of their convenience and adaptability to urban lifestyles.
• Urban vs. Rural: Dog ownership is more common in urban areas such as Riyadh, Mecca, and the Eastern Province, where access to pet services is higher. Riyadh leads in commercial registrations for pet care businesses with 451 registrations, followed by Mecca (309) and the Eastern Province (125). Urban households benefit from policies like allowing dogs on public transport, which makes owning dogs more convenient. In contrast, rural areas have lower adoption rates due to cultural factors and limited access to pet care services.

Cultural and Religious Factors

• Traditional Views: Historically, cultural and religious traditions have limited dog ownership in Saudi Arabia. Dogs were often kept outdoors or used for security purposes rather than as household pets.
• Changing Attitudes: Younger Saudis and expatriates are increasingly adopting dogs as pets, influenced by global trends and the growing humanization of pets. This shift has been supported by pet adoption programs that make it easier for families to own pets without high costs.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Dogs are still less likely to be kept indoors compared to cats due to traditional views on cleanliness and religious practices.

Cat Popularity in Saudi Arabia

Statistical Overview

• Adoption vs. Purchase: Cats are the most popular pets in Saudi Arabia, with adoption being a common practice due to the abundance of stray cats. However, many families also purchase purebred cats, such as Persian cats and Arabian Maus, which are well-suited to the local climate.
• Top Cat Breeds: The Arabian Mau, a natural breed native to the Arabian Peninsula, is highly popular due to its adaptability to the hot climate and its affectionate yet independent nature. Persian cats are also widely owned for their calm temperament and luxurious appearance.
• Local Shelter Data: Stray cats are common in urban areas, with shelters and adoption programs playing a key role in promoting responsible pet ownership. The International Cat Show in Riyadh highlighted efforts to encourage adoption and educate the public about feline care.

Demographics

• Age Group: Cat ownership is popular among younger Saudis and expatriates, who are more likely to adopt or purchase cats as companions.
• Cities with Higher Ownership: Riyadh leads in cat ownership, as evidenced by the success of events like the International Cat Show, which attracted over 200 participants and breeders from across the Kingdom. Other major cities like Jeddah and Dammam also have high cat ownership due to urbanization and greater access to pet care services.

Cultural Factors

• Historical Significance: Cats hold a special place in Islamic culture, with historical figures like THE Prophet Muhammad ( P.B.U.H) known for their fondness for cats. This cultural reverence has contributed to the widespread acceptance of cats as household pets.
• Adaptability: Breeds like the Arabian Mau are valued for their ability to thrive in the harsh desert climate, making them a practical choice for Saudi households.
• Changing Attitudes: Events like the International Cat Show in Riyadh aim to promote responsible pet ownership and shift attitudes toward adopting stray or shelter cats rather than purchasing expensive breeds.

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

Demographic Insights

Gender and Age

• Gender Preferences: Women in Saudi Arabia tend to prefer cats due to their low-maintenance nature and cultural familiarity. Cats are also more suited to indoor living, which aligns with traditional roles for women in the region.

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.

• Age Groups: Younger adults (under 30), who make up 63% of the Saudi population, are driving the rise in pet ownership overall. They are more open to adopting both cats and dogs, influenced by global trends and urban lifestyles.

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

Regional Differences

• Riyadh: Riyadh leads in pet ownership due to its progressive urban culture and better access to pet care services. The city sees a balanced preference for both dogs and cats, driven by younger populations adopting pets as companions.
• Jeddah: Jeddah has a strong preference for cats, influenced by its coastal environment and cultural affinity for felines. Cats are more common in this region due to their adaptability to indoor spaces and lower maintenance needs.
• Dammam: Dammam shows moderate pet ownership rates with a growing interest in both dogs and cats. Urbanization is playing a key role in increasing pet adoption here, with younger families opting for pets as part of modern lifestyles.

Income Level

• Higher-Income Households: Wealthier families are more likely to own purebred pets such as Persian cats or Chihuahuas, reflecting their ability to afford higher costs for premium food, grooming, and veterinary care.
• Middle-Income Households: Middle-income families often adopt stray animals or shelter pets, cats, which are considered more affordable to maintain compared to dogs.
• General Trends: The rising disposable income across Saudi Arabia has contributed significantly to the growth of the pet care market, which reached $137.7 million in 2023 and continues to grow at a projected CAGR of 7.20% through 2032.

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

Choosing Dogs Over Cats

• Companionship: Dogs are often preferred for their loyalty and ability to provide companionship. They are more likely to follow owners around the house and engage in interactive activities.
• Ease of Care: Dogs require more maintenance than cats, and some owners prefer the structured routine that comes with caring for dogs, such as regular walks and training sessions.
• Religious Perspectives: Historically, dogs have been less common as pets in Saudi Arabia due to cultural and religious traditions. However, younger generations are increasingly adopting dogs as pets, influenced by global trends.
• Availability: The availability of dog breeds and the rise of pet stores and online platforms have made it easier for people to acquire dogs.
• Cost: Dogs generally cost more than cats due to higher food and grooming expenses; some owners are willing to invest in them for the benefits they provide.

Choosing Cats Over Dogs

• Companionship: Cats are valued for their independence and affectionate nature. They provide companionship without requiring constant attention, making them suitable for busy households.
• Ease of Care: Cats are generally easier to care for than dogs, requiring less space and exercise. They are well-suited for apartment living and are low-maintenance pets.
• Religious Perspectives: Cats have historically been more accepted as pets in Islamic culture, with Prophet Muhammad known for his fondness for cats. This cultural affinity contributes to their popularity.
• Availability: Cats are abundant in Saudi Arabia, with many strays available for adoption. This availability, combined with their low-maintenance nature, makes them a popular choice.
• Cost: Cats are generally less expensive to maintain than dogs, with lower costs for food, grooming, and veterinary care.

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.