Pet Ownership and Emotional Needs in China
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
In recent years, pet ownership in China has surged like a tidal wave — not just as a lifestyle trend, but as a heartfelt response to deepening emotional needs. With urbanization accelerating and traditional family structures evolving, more Chinese millennials and Gen Zers are turning to cats, dogs, and even pocket pets for companionship, comfort, and unconditional love.
According to the 2023 China Pet Industry White Paper, over 120 million households now own pets, with dog owners totaling around 54 million and cat lovers surpassing 62 million. What’s driving this boom? It’s not just about cuteness — it’s about connection.
The Loneliness Epidemic Fueling Pet Adoption
Modern life in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen can feel isolating. Long work hours, delayed marriages, and smaller living spaces have weakened social bonds. A 2022 survey by Peking University found that nearly 40% of young adults in major Chinese cities report feeling lonely “often” or “very often.” Enter pets: silent therapists with wagging tails or purring engines.
Psychological studies show that interacting with pets reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin (the bonding hormone). For many, a pet is no longer a luxury — it’s emotional first aid.
Pet Ownership by the Numbers
Let’s break down the latest data to see how deep this pet love runs:
| Category | Number (Million) | Year-on-Year Growth | Avg. Annual Spending per Pet (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Owners | 62.9 | 8.7% | 3,256 |
| Dog Owners | 54.3 | 5.2% | 4,180 |
| Other Pets (birds, fish, rodents) | 18.7 | 12.3% | 1,200 |
| Total Pet-owning Households | 120.1 | 7.6% | N/A |
As the table shows, cat ownership is outpacing dogs — likely due to their low-maintenance nature and suitability for compact apartments. But dog owners spend more, investing in grooming, training, and premium food.
From Taboo to Trend: How Culture is Changing
Just two decades ago, pets were often seen as unclean or unnecessary in many Chinese households. Today, they’re celebrated on social media, featured in ads, and even welcomed into co-living spaces. Platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and Douyin (TikTok) overflow with pet content, fueling the ‘petfluencer’ economy.
Brands have taken notice. From Alibaba’s pet insurance to Xiaomi-backed smart feeders, tech and commerce are racing to serve this emotionally driven market.
Challenges Ahead
But it’s not all tail wags and cuddles. Pet abandonment, lack of public facilities, and housing restrictions remain issues. Some cities still ban certain dog breeds, and rental landlords often reject tenants with pets.
Still, the emotional value is undeniable. As one Shanghai-based pet owner put it: “My cat doesn’t judge me after a bad day. She’s my home.”
In a fast-moving society where human connections can feel fleeting, pets offer something rare: stability, presence, and pure love. In China, the pet revolution isn’t just growing — it’s healing hearts, one paw at a time.