Mars Unveils World’s Largest Pet Parent Study Amid Debate On Family And Pet Priorities

Mars, Inc., a global leader in pet care, has unveiled the results of the world’s largest pet parent study, underscoring the growing global obsession with pets.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that cat ownership is now more common than dog ownership, with men making up 52% of cat owners globally.

With over one billion pets worldwide, it’s clear that the bond between people and their animals is stronger than ever.

The Mars Global Pet Parent Study surveyed more than 20,000 pet parents across 20 countries, including the Philippines, and revealed significant insights into pet ownership trends and behaviors.

The study found that more than half of people (56%) are now pet parents, with 47% of these being first-time owners.

Additionally, over one-third (37%) of pet owners consider their pets the most important thing in their lives. Mars is responding to these findings by launching its first-ever Global Adoption Weekend to help ensure that every pet finds a happy and healthy home.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that cat ownership is now more common than dog ownership, with men making up 52% of cat owners globally.

The survey highlights the emotional connection pet parents feel toward their pets, particularly among younger generations, where nearly 45% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials rate their pets as central to their lives.

The rise in pet ownership speaks to the increasingly pet-centric culture Mars aims to support through innovations in pet care.

Amid the celebration of pets, Pope Francis recently expressed concern over a societal trend he believes takes away from family life. Speaking during his recent visit to Indonesia, the Pope remarked, “Some families prefer to have a cat or a little dog instead of a child.”

He has previously criticized this preference, lamenting the decline in birth rates, particularly in Europe.

Pope Francis emphasized that prioritizing pets over children undermines the human capacity to foster life, a sentiment that resonates with many conservative viewpoints around the world.

As Mars pushes forward with its efforts to help pets find loving homes, Pope Francis’s remarks provide a broader context for the evolving societal debate about the roles of pets and children.

While both perspectives highlight a form of care and responsibility, they represent two different aspects of modern family dynamics, each contributing to the ongoing discourse on how society values life.