According to Statista, nearly 130 million cats live in Europe, including stray and domestic cats. The study done by Go Voyager ranked all 27 European Union countries based on two key factors, including the number of cats per km² and the percentage of households that own at least one cat in the family. This identified which EU member has the highest cat population density and in which country tourists have higher chances to meet furry friends outside.
Poland’s position as the third most cat-populated country in the EU can be attributed to several factors. With a cat density of 22.71 cats per square kilometre, visitors to Poland are likely to encounter furry friends in many areas of the country. A significant 41% of Polish households own at least one cat, making them the most popular pet in the country. In total, Poland is home to nearly 7.1 million cats, supported by its vast territory of over 312,696 km². Additionally, Poland's strong commitment to animal welfare is evident in more than 80 non-profit and state-funded organisations dedicated to stray animals' well-being, highlighting the government's and citizens' efforts to care for and support its feline population.
The list of the top 10 most cat-populated European countries highlight fascinating trends in pet ownership across the continent. Belgium leads the way with 81.89 cats per square kilometre, showcasing the country's high density of feline companions. Hungary follows closely behind, with 25.80 cats per square kilometre, and Poland ranks third with 22.71 cats per square kilometre, reflecting a strong preference for cats among Polish households, 41% of which own at least one. Romania, France, and the Netherlands also have notable cat populations, with Romania having the highest percentage of households that own a cat (48%). Other countries such as Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and Portugal contribute to the overall high levels of feline presence in Europe, with varying densities of cats and significant portions of the population opting to share their homes with cats.
Poland ranks 3 as the most cat-populated EU country. With a territory size of 312,696 km² and approximately 7.1 million cats, the country demonstrates a cat per km² index of 22.71, Thus, it can be assumed that both locals and tourists, especially those who are into cats, have a chance to meet furry companions on the streets of Poland, depending on such aspects as location, and time of the day, as the cat population is spread out across the country due to its size.
Nevertheless, the country has a high percentage of domestic cats. According to Eurostat, 41% of Polish households owned at least one cat in 2023, which makes Poland the one EU country with the highest percentage of domestic cats in Central Europe. The local population chooses to have a cat rather than any other pet and raises this beautiful creature with care and love.
Considering the percentage of households with cats, approximately 2,911,000 cats out of the total number are living on the street. Nevertheless, as Google Maps statistics show, there are more than 80 different non-profit and state-funded animal welfare companies in Poland (excluding branches). The local population and government are putting all efforts into helping stray creatures survive. The country also implemented policies and penalties in case a pet owner abandons a pet.
Cats hold a special place in Polish culture. The country offers cat-oriented cafés where cat lovers can observe how furry friends play with toys while enjoying delicious treats. Poles do not pet cats, but they refer to stroking them when saying “g?aska? kota”. Like many European cultures, a black cat crossing the road brings bad luck, and Polish mythology is no exception.
There are many well-known idioms in the Polish language that refer to cats, such as “kupi? kota w work”, with negative and positive connotations, which locals use daily in their communication. In some regional tales, cats served as clever guides or guardians of household secrets, like the legendary "Tatra Cat" from Podhale folklore, a giant silver feline said to protect mountain treasures.
