The most popular pet around the world by population is the domestic cat. In 2006 there were staggering 202 million cats being kept as pets around the world, with 93 million cats living in 38 million American households in 2008.

First domesticated around 7500 BCE, cats have gained in popularity because of their both their ability to adapt to high rise living for urban owners, and their pest controlling talents for those living in rural areas. They are affectionate companions who have spread throughout the world, following their owners as mankind scattered around the globe.