For many cat parents, their feline isn’t just a pet — they’re the center of their world. In fact, new research from Whiskas and the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, released for International Cat Day, reveals that nearly one in five UK cat owners (18%) describe their cat as their “reason for being.”
The study highlights a striking disconnect between how cat parents feel about their companions and how others see that relationship. Two-thirds (65%) say friends and family simply don’t understand the bond they share, while 41% openly admit they value their cat more than people — which, depending on your perspective, might say a lot about both.
Over a third (35%) of cat owners even find their cat easier to understand than humans, a testament to both feline intuition and the sometimes puzzling nature of human interaction.
“Nearly one in five UK cat parents believe their cat is their reason for being — a reminder of just how profound the human-cat bond can be,” says Annie Argyle, European Brand Director at Whiskas. “We know the relationship between cats and their humans is deeply personal and often misunderstood by others.”
Dr. Tammie King, a cat behaviorist at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, points to each cat’s distinct personality as the reason for such deep connections. “Every cat is unique, and different things make different cats happy,” she explains. “We wanted to celebrate that variety and the joy it brings to their humans.”
The devotion isn’t just emotional — it’s tangible. Nearly half (49%) of cat owners have bought special furniture just for their pets, from heated sofas to miniature thrones, because standard human furniture simply isn’t good enough.
The findings confirm what millions of cat parents already know: cats are not “just pets” — they’re family members who offer emotional support, companionship, and a sense of purpose that rivals, and sometimes surpasses, human relationships.
So, if you’ve ever splurged on a heated bed, gourmet treats, or an ornate perch for your cat, you’re in good company. This International Cat Day, give your furry “reason for being” an extra cuddle — after all, they probably understand you better than most people do.
