2026 Study Shows Correlation Between Happiness and Cats
A new study found a surprising (or, perhaps, not-so-surprising) factor linked to national happiness levels: how many cats live in your country. The more cats, the happier the people—but there’s a wrinkle.
Key Takeaways
- A 2026 study of 93 countries found that nations with higher cat populations reported higher levels of happiness.
- The study also analyzed each country’s GDP, income levels, healthcare costs, and reported toxoplasmosis cases.
- Nations with higher levels of toxoplasmosis cases in humans reported lower levels of happiness.
Cat Population Correlates With Happiness
The study, published in the journal PLOS One, measured the national happiness scores of 93 countries using various socioeconomic and environmental factors.
They included the typical measures such as income and healthcare access, but they took it one step further and mapped national happiness back to the estimated cat population. The idea was to build on the existing data showing that pets make people happier, taking it to a national level.
The results show a correlation: The greater the country’s cat density, the happier the residents.
However, the study authors uncovered an interesting angle: This correlation is stronger in richer countries than in poorer countries. Digging deeper, they discovered a possible culprit in the form of a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis.
The Effect of Toxoplasmosis on Happiness Levels
Toxoplasmosis in cats is spread through their feces, though the disease is typically not a serious issue for healthy cats.
Toxoplasma gondii can also infect humans—it’s estimated that one-third of the world’s population is infected. Most of those infected are unaware, as toxoplasmosis is usually harmless in healthy adults or manifests only as mild flulike symptoms.
However, toxoplasmosis can be harmful to people with compromised immune systems and people who are pregnant, and it has been linked to negative mental health.
This study analyzed public records of T. gondii infections in humans and found that populations with higher rates of toxoplasmosis were less happy overall, and that Toxoplasma infection rates were likely higher in poorer countries, no matter the density of cats in that country. The authors speculated that standards of animal care and access to veterinary services were the difference.
In fact, many countries with the highest cat density had fewer cases of toxoplasmosis. This is likely due to compounding factors like high income, high GDP, and low healthcare costs.
So while cats correlate with happiness, especially in wealthier countries, nations with higher reported rates of T. gondii, which tended to be less wealthy, reported lower happiness levels.
What Countries Have the Most Cats?
According to World Population Review data used in the study, the U.S. is home to the largest number of domestic cats. The top 10 countries with the highest number of pet cats are:
| Country | Estimated Pet Cat Population (2025) |
|---|---|
| United States | 74.2 M |
| China | 53.1 M |
| Russia | 23.1 M |
| Germany | 15.2 M |
| France | 14.9 M |
| Brazil | 13 M |
| United Kingdom | 12.2 M |
| Italy | 10.5 M |
| India | 10 M |
| Japan | 9.6 M |
When human population is factored in, the 10 countries with the most cats per capita are:
| Country | Pet Cats per Capita (2025) |
|---|---|
| Montenegro | 0.32 |
| Slovenia | 0.24 |
| France | 0.22 |
| Estonia | 0.22 |
| Latvia | 0.22 |
| United States | 0.21 |
| Ukraine | 0.2 |
| Austria | 0.2 |
| Finland | 0.2 |
| Belgium | 0.19 |
Wild cats and stray/feral cats are not included in these data sets.
More Science Behind the Human-Animal Bond
This is just the latest evidence pointing to benefits of human-animal bonds.
- A 2025 study connected caring for dogs and cats to slower cognitive decline in seniors.
- A 2024 survey found that more than half of pet parents said their pets helped them feel less lonely and brought joy and laughter into their lives.
- A 2021 study found that caring for pets is associated with greater happiness and lower stress levels.
It’s true that adopting a cat won’t solve all of your problems. But if you’re looking for a companion—and are ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet—a feline friend could bring many benefits to your life.
