Paris has more than 146,883 cats in the capital, living in Paris. They are the favourite pets of Parisians, far exceeding the 77,000 dogs (2023 figures). One in 10 Parisians live with a cat or a dog.
According to the Parisian Urban Planning Workshop (Apur), mentioned in the magazine of the mayor’s office, there are 16% more cats in Paris than ten years ago, with a strong presence in Montmartre, the 18th arrondissement (district), followed by the 15th and 20th arrondissements. Apur identifies the animals using the National Identification File for Domestic Carnivores in France, a reference database for domestic animals created from information from tattoos or microchips under the animal’s skin. This identification method was mandatory since 1999.
Among the names most often given to the Parisians’ beloved companions, are Simba, Nala, Maya and Lucky. Clearly, The Lion King movie has been influential.
An Animal House will also open soon in the 12th arrondissement to bring together cat, dog, hedgehog, and bird lovers.
