Catistics

According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey done by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Thirty-nine percent of Americans own dogs and 34 percent own cats, but the average dog owner has 1.7 dogs while the average cat owner has 3.4 cats

The average cat owner has had cats for 19 years

78 percent sleep on a family member's bed at night and 68 percent receive gifts.

The top benefit of having a cat, reported by 93 percent of cat owners, is "companionship, love and company." Sixty-four percent of owners said their cat is like a child or family member. And 60 percent said an important benefit is "relaxation/relieves stress."

Taken from The Cat Lady column in The New York Post