How Many Outdoor Cats Are In the US?

Cat Counting In The US

Cat Population by State: How Many Outdoor Cats Are In the United States?

Estimating the number of outdoor cats in the United States presents a significant challenge due to their transient nature and the lack of comprehensive local and nationwide studies. 

However, several reputable organizations provide rough estimates. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the U.S. is home to approximately 73.8 million pet cats. Meanwhile, the Humane Society of the United States estimates the feral cat population to range between 50 to 70 million. The World Animal Foundation reports approximately 60 to 100 million feral cats living across the country. These estimates highlight the extensive presence of outdoor cats and the importance of ongoing efforts to manage their populations humanely.

Animal shelters play a crucial role in managing outdoor cat populations, with statistics showing high intake and surrender rates. Due to limited space and funding, animal shelters often face challenges such as overcrowding and high euthanasia rates, emphasizing the need for proactive measures like TNR spaying and neutering programs.

  • Humane Society of the United States: Estimates the feral cat population ranges between 50 to 70 million. Source 
  • World Animal Foundation: Reports approximately 73.8 million pet cats and an estimated 60 to 100 million feral cats in the U.S. Source 
  • American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): According to their 2024 data, the U.S. has approximately 73.8 million pet (indoor) cats. Source 

How Are Outdoor Cats Counted?

Counting outdoor cats is a challenging task, but various methods are used to estimate their populations, including direct observational studies, camera trap surveys, and citizen science initiatives where volunteers report sightings. Some of the most reliable studies utilize statistical modeling to project population sizes based on known data points such as shelter intake numbers, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program records, and veterinary reports. 

Studies conducted by universities, such as those by the University of Florida and the University of Wisconsin, have provided some of the most detailed insights into feral cat populations. These studies combine multiple data collection methods to produce accurate estimates, and they stand out as comprehensive and scientifically rigorous.

How are cats counted

How Many Community Cats Are In Each State?

Outdoor and community cats are present in significant numbers across various states, with some regions having well-documented populations. 

For instance, California has an estimated 500,000 to 1 million community cats in Los Angeles alone, while San Diego County is estimated to have between 300,000 to 500,000. 

In Hawaii, Oahu is home to approximately 300,000 free-roaming cats and Maui’s population is estimated at 500,000. 

Arizona’s Maricopa County has between 500,000 and 1 million outdoor cats, and Tempe alone reports around 10,000 feral cats. 

Other states, such as Texas, Florida, and New Jersey, also report substantial populations ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of cats.

Feral Cat Population by State

StateCity/RegionCat Population Estimate
CaliforniaLos Angeles500,000+ (feral), 1-3 million (community)
 San Diego County300,000 – 500,000
HawaiiOahu300,000
 Maui500,000
ArizonaMaricopa County500,000 – 1 million
 Tempe10,000
ArkansasNorth Little Rock80 – 150 cats monthly intake
DelawareNew Castle County10,000+
FloridaStatewide6.3 – 9.6 million (feral)
 Orange County93,000
IllinoisChicago200,000 – 500,000
KansasKansas City85,000
MarylandBaltimore City185,000
NebraskaOmaha60,000+
NevadaSouthern Nevada200,000
New JerseyStatewide1.3 – 2 million
 Camden County123,000
New YorkNew York City500,000 – 1 million
OregonLane County40,000
PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia400,000
Rhode IslandStatewide100,000 – 200,000
 Feral Colonies4,000
South CarolinaGreenville County125,000
South DakotaSioux Falls32,000+
TexasStatewide1.4 – 3 million

Arizona

Maricopa County:

  • In 2014, the Arizona Humane Society estimated that Maricopa County had approximately 250,000 outdoor cats. Source
  • By 2024, estimates suggest that the number of outdoor cats in Maricopa County has increased significantly, with figures ranging between 500,000 and 1 million. Source

Tempe:

  • The city of Tempe is estimated to be home to approximately 10,000 feral cats. Source

Arkansas

  • Russellville: A study conducted between October 2012 and December 2013 in the exurban city of Russellville estimated a feral cat density of approximately 0.10 cats per hectare. Male feral cats had larger home ranges (29.17 ± 7.70 hectares) compared to females (12.26 ± 2.90 hectares). This study highlights the adaptability of feral cats to exurban environments. Source
  • North Little Rock: In August 2024, the North Little Rock Animal Shelter reported receiving an average of 80 to 150 cats monthly. To address the growing feral cat population, the shelter implemented a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program aimed at stabilizing and reducing the number of outdoor cats in the area. Source

California

Owned Cats: The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that over 11.6 million households in California own approximately 23.3 million cats. Source 

Feral Cats in Los Angeles: In Los Angeles County alone, the feral cat population is believed to exceed half a million animals. Source 

Community Cats in Los Angeles: Recent reports suggest that Los Angeles is home to an estimated 1 to 3 million community cats, with some animal advocates believing the population is nearing 4 million. Source 

San Diego County: The San Diego Humane Society estimates that the county is home to approximately 300,000 to 500,000 free-roaming, unowned community cats. Source 

Delaware

  • New Castle County: In 2016, the Forgotten Cats shelter estimated that there were more than 10,000 free-roaming cats in the northern Delaware communities of New Castle, Newark, and Bear alone.
  • Statewide Initiatives: Recognizing the challenges posed by the feral cat population, Delaware enacted legislation in 2018 to encourage the spaying, neutering, and vaccinating of feral cats. This law aims to manage and reduce the number of free-roaming cats across the state. Source

Florida

Statewide Estimates:

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has estimated that the population of owned cats in Florida is approximately 9.6 million, with the feral cat population ranging between 6.3 to 9.6 million.
  • This suggests that the total number of outdoor cats, including both owned cats allowed outdoors and feral cats, could be in the range of 12.5 to 15.8 million. Source

County-Level Estimates:

  • Orange County: Based on research, PetSmart Charities recommends estimating the number of outdoor cats by dividing the human population by 15. For Orange County, this method estimates approximately 93,000 outdoor cats. Source

Hawaii

Oahu: Research from 2012 suggested that Oahu alone has at least 300,000 free-roaming cats. Source 

Maui: The State of Hawai‘i Department of Health estimates approximately 500,000 cats on the island of Maui, with thousands being feral. Source 

Kauai: While specific numbers are not provided, reports indicate a significant presence of feral cats contributing to ecological disruptions. Source 

Illinois

Urban Estimates: In Chicago, estimates suggest a free-roaming cat population ranging from 200,000 to 500,000. Source

Kansas

Kansas City: In 2014, estimates indicated approximately 85,000 free-roaming cats in Kansas City. Source

Topeka: In 2022, local shelters reported an increase in calls about stray cats, indicating a growing population in the area. Source

Jefferson County: Pawsitively Jefferson County, a non-profit organization, actively practices Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) to manage the community cat population, highlighting the presence of outdoor cats in the region. Source

Maryland

Baltimore City: Estimates suggest that there are approximately 185,000 stray and feral cats living on the streets of Baltimore City alone, equating to one cat for every 3.4 human residents. Source

Nebraska

Omaha: Estimates suggest that there are over 60,000 feral cats in Omaha, equating to approximately one feral cat for every seven residents. Source

Nevada

Southern Nevada: Estimates suggest that the free-roaming cat population in Southern Nevada is approximately 200,000. Source

New Jersey

Statewide Estimates: Reports indicate that New Jersey has an estimated 1.3 to 2 million stray and feral cats. 

Camden County: The county is estimated to have over 123,000 cats, with approximately 20% considered stray or feral. Source

New York

New York City: Estimates suggest that New York City is home to a significant number of feral and stray cats, with figures ranging from approximately 500,000 to 1 million. Source

Oregon

Lane County: As of 2021, Lane County was reported to have approximately 40,000 stray and feral cats. Source

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia: Estimates suggest that Philadelphia is home to approximately 400,000 stray and feral cats. Source

Rhode Island

  • A 2010 report by the Humane Society of the United States estimated that Rhode Island had between 100,000 and 200,000 feral cats. Source
  • In contrast, the Potter League for Animals estimates that there are over 50,000 

Feral Cat Colonies:

  • A survey conducted by the Rhode Island Feral Cat Working Group identified 302 known feral cat colonies in the state, totaling approximately 4,000 cats. Source

South Carolina

Greenville County: Estimates indicate that there are approximately 125,000 outdoor, free-roaming cats living in Greenville County. Source

South Dakota

Sioux Falls: Estimates suggest that there are at least 32,000 stray cats in Sioux Falls. Source

Texas

Statewide Estimates: Reports indicate that Texas has an estimated feral cat population ranging from 1.4 million to as many as 3 million cats across the state. Source

Shelter Intake Data: In 2023, it was estimated that more than 568,000 cats and dogs entered shelters in Texas, highlighting the challenges of pet overpopulation in the state. Source

Virginia

Statewide Estimates: A report by the Free-Roaming Cat Stakeholder Workgroup, presented to the Virginia General Assembly in early 2023, estimated approximately 2.1 million free-roaming cats in the state, with about 1.2 million being unowned.

Legislative Actions: In response to concerns about the impact of free-roaming cats on wildlife and public health, Virginia lawmakers have been considering measures to manage and reduce their populations. For instance, House Bill 221 was introduced to empower localities to adopt free-roaming cat management plans, aiming to mitigate associated risks. Source

West Virginia

Community Cats: The Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia (FOHO WV) estimates that there are approximately 118,004 community cats in the state, with 80% of them not altered. Source

Wisconsin

Statewide Estimates: A 1996 study by University of Wisconsin researchers estimated up to 2 million feral cats in rural areas of the state. While this figure is dated, it highlights the significant presence of feral cats in Wisconsin. Source

Population Growth: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has noted that the feline population has tripled over the last four decades, with about 2 million feral cats roughly estimated in the state. Source

Wyoming

Laramie County: The Cheyenne Animal Shelter estimates that approximately 30,000 stray or feral kittens are born annually in Laramie County. Source

Understanding Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats, also known as free-roaming cats, are domestic cats that spend a significant amount of their time outside. They can be owned or unowned, and their lifestyles can vary greatly depending on their circumstances. Outdoor cats are found in both urban and rural areas, often living in close proximity to human settlements.

Outdoor cats can be categorized into two main types: feral cats, which have never been socialized to humans, and stray cats, which have been lost or abandoned by their owners. The term community cat also applies to any outdoor cat, feral, or stray. 

The presence of outdoor cats can have a notable impact on their environment. On the positive side, they help control pest populations, such as rodents and snakes, which can be beneficial to farmers and homeowners. However, they also pose a threat to native wildlife, preying on birds and small mammals, which can disrupt local ecosystems. This dual impact underscores the complexity of managing outdoor cat populations effectively.

Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems

The impact of outdoor cats on wildlife and ecosystems is a significant concern. A study published in the journal Biological Conservation estimates that outdoor cats are responsible for the deaths of 1.4 to 3.7 billion birds and 6.3 to 22.3 billion small mammals in the United States each year. These staggering numbers highlight the profound effect that outdoor cats can have on local wildlife populations.

Birds, for instance, play crucial roles in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants, while small mammals contribute to seed dispersal and soil aeration. The loss of these species can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Moreover, outdoor cats can spread diseases and parasites, such as toxoplasmosis and fleas, which can affect both human and animal health. This further complicates the issue, making it essential to address the presence of outdoor cats in a humane and effective manner.

Managing Outdoor Cat Populations

Managing outdoor cat populations is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. One of the most effective methods is the implementation of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. These programs involve trapping outdoor cats, spaying or neutering them, and then releasing them back into their colonies. TNR programs have been shown to significantly reduce outdoor cat populations by preventing reproduction and stabilizing existing colonies.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, TNR programs can reduce outdoor cat populations by as much as 66% over several years. This method not only helps control the feral cat population but also improves the health and well-being of the cats involved.

Other strategies include TNR programs, public education and outreach, and the use of deterrents such as fencing and repellents. Encouraging cat owners to keep their pets indoors is also crucial. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that indoor cats are less likely to suffer from injuries and diseases, contributing to their overall health and longevity.

Overall, managing outdoor cat populations requires a comprehensive approach that combines education, outreach, and effective management strategies. By working together, we can reduce the number of outdoor cats and mitigate their impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

Cat ownership by state

Cat ownership rates vary across the United States, with some states having significantly higher percentages of households that own cats. Vermont leads the nation with 44.6% of households owning at least one cat, followed closely by Maine at 43.6%. West Virginia, Indiana, and New Hampshire also have high ownership rates, ranging from 36% to 38%. In contrast, states like Rhode Island, Maryland, and New Jersey report the lowest rates, with less than 20% of households owning cats. These statistics demonstrate the regional preferences and cultural attitudes toward cat ownership in different parts of the country.

Based on available data, here is a ranking of U.S. states by the percentage of households that own at least one cat:

Rank

State

Cat Ownership Rate

1

Vermont

44.6%

2

Maine

43.6%

3

West Virginia

37.7%

4

Indiana

37.5%

5

New Hampshire

36.4%

6

Iowa

35.6%

7

Arkansas

34.8%

8

Idaho

33.3%

9

Kansas

32.4%

9

Wisconsin

32.4%

11

Kentucky

32.2%

12

Michigan

31.2%

13

Nebraska

30.9%

13

Tennessee

30.9%

15

Ohio

30.7%

16

Washington

30.5%

17

Wyoming

30.0%

17

Oregon

30.0%

19

Mississippi

29.1%

19

Pennsylvania

28.9%

21

Missouri

28.6%

22

Oklahoma

28.4%

23

Colorado

27.1%

24

Connecticut

26.7%

25

South Dakota

26.6%

26

Minnesota

26.5%

26

North Carolina

26.5%

28

Arizona

26.4%

29

Alabama

26.1%

30

South Carolina

25.2%

30

New Mexico

25.2%

32

North Dakota

24.8%

33

Utah

24.7%

34

Florida

24.2%

35

Delaware

24.1%

36

Virginia

23.9%

37

Massachusetts

23.5%

38

Nevada

23.1%

39

California

22.9%

40

Montana

22.8%

41

New York

21.1%

42

Illinois

21.0%

43

Texas

20.5%

44

Georgia

20.4%

45

Louisiana

19.0%

46

New Jersey

18.9%

47

Maryland

18.6%

48

Rhode Island

16.7%

Please note that these figures are based on data available up to 2024 and may have changed since then.

World Population Review

Here’s a list of states that don’t have any reported data for outdoor cat populations.

While many states have documented outdoor cat populations, some states do not have readily available data regarding their community cat numbers. States such as North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming lack comprehensive studies or estimates on their outdoor cat populations. This lack of data doesn’t indicate an absence of outdoor cats but rather a gap in reporting and research efforts. Animal welfare organizations and local authorities in these states may be working on solutions to address outdoor cat populations without published data readily available.

Compiling and analyzing available data on outdoor and community cat populations reveals that feral and free-roaming cats are a widespread concern across the United States. Ongoing efforts by local and national organizations play a crucial role in managing these populations through humane solutions such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and public education initiatives.

Whisker Tracker can be a solution to help count and catalog community cats in these areas. The more people who use Whisker Tracker in your community, the more kitties we can identify, help, and secure funding and resources for. 

  • Alabama – NA
  • Alaska – NA
  • Colorado – NA
  • Connecticut – NA
  • Georgia – NA
  • Idaho – NA
  • Indiana – NA
  • Iowa – NA
  • Kentucky – NA
  • Louisiana – NA
  • Maine – NA
  • Massachusetts – NA
  • Michigan – NA
  • Minnesota – NA
  • Mississippi – NA
  • Missouri – NA
  • Montana – NA
  • New Hampshire – NA
  • New Mexico – NA
  • North Carolina – NA
  • North Dakota – NA
  • Ohio – NA
  • Oklahoma – NA
  • Tennessee – NA
  • Utah – NA
  • Vermont – NA
  • Washington – NA

This list and the information in this article were gathered from publically accessible sources but do not represent a complete count. We will continue to update these records when new information is available. 

The Importance of Counting Cats

Understanding the number of outdoor cats is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage their populations humanely. Accurate data allows animal welfare organizations, local governments, and communities to implement targeted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, allocate resources efficiently, and reduce the impact of free-roaming cats on local ecosystems. 

Without reliable population estimates, efforts to control cat overpopulation may be misguided or insufficient, leading to continued challenges in animal welfare and public health. Counting cats provides a foundation for creating sustainable solutions that benefit both the feline population and the communities in which they live.

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