Bangkok: Figures indicate that East Asians are increasingly becoming 'cat slaves'. "Dog or cat?" is a question heard at some point. In East Asia, it seems that the number of "cat lovers" is steadily increasing.

According to Thai News Agency, in Taiwan, a look at the government's pet survey reveals that by 2025, the number of cats will surpass the number of dogs for the first time. The pet cat population is growing rapidly, from 1.3 million in 2023 to 1.7 million last year, an increase of almost 33%. A similar situation occurred in mainland China in 2021, while Japan can be considered a pioneer of this trend, with the number of cats surpassing dogs as early as a decade ago. Even in areas where dogs are more common, such as South Korea and Hong Kong, cats are becoming increasingly popular.

These places share something in common: people live in cramped apartments in densely populated cities, often feeling isolated, and are so busy with work that they have very little time for their loyal canine companions. Ellen Chung, a Hong Kong resident, said that in her opinion, cats are cuter than dogs. "(In the city) keeping a cat is probably more convenient because dogs need frequent walks, which some people may not have much time for. Plus, some people are afraid of dogs."

If Ellen Chung's reasoning sounds strangely familiar, it might be because the increased number of cat owners is the same reason why people in these countries are having fewer children, despite the government's strenuous efforts to address the issue. Paul Wong, a clinical psychologist who works with animal therapy and an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), says, "Many people are choosing not to have children these days, so having a pet is almost like having a child." They added that the hardships of city life might make people feel that owning a cat is better than owning a dog.

Stressed, busy, and lonely. Some areas have a history of cat craze, which further fuels the currently booming cat-lover trend. For example, Japan, the birthplace of Hello Kitty, the famous cartoon cat character created in 1974, generates approximately 2.5 trillion baht in revenue. This doesn't even include the numerous "cat islands" with large cat populations that have become popular tourist destinations.

However, in other areas, cats are not as popular. South Koreans associate cats with bad luck or evil spirits, which is one reason why, historically, dogs were more popular than cats in Korean history. However, things are gradually changing. According to a 2025 report by KB Financial Group, the number of pet cats in South Korea has surged since the COVID-19 crisis, possibly because cats are better suited to indoor living, especially during years when outdoor activities were restricted by the pandemic.

Gong Soo-hyun, a veterinarian at the Ballyeomaru cat shelter in Hwaseong, a city in northwestern South Korea, said she feels that "people are more interested in cats." More people are coming to the shelter to adopt cats and volunteer than before.

Paul Wong said that the main change in the past ten years has been people's mindset. From viewing animals as tools for making a living, they have now become loyal companions. For example, in the past, people kept dogs to guard their homes and cats to control pests, but now people keep cats and dogs to alleviate loneliness.

Meanwhile, over the past few decades, demographic statistics and social trends have undergone significant shifts in many regions across East Asia. In China, Japan, and South Korea, young people are choosing to leave their hometowns and move to big cities in search of work. However, urban life comes with its own set of difficulties. Young people in East Asia are facing fiercely competitive labor markets, stagnant wages, exorbitant living costs, and grueling working hours.

In China, the culture of excessive work is a major problem, so much so that it was condemned by the country's Supreme People's Court in 2021. Japan has a similar situation, with a specific phrase for "working oneself to death," leading the government to enact laws limiting overtime hours. 'That's why cats are a better choice, especially for younger generations,' says Joe Ngai, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychology at Hong Kong Shue Yan University. 'Cats adapt well to their home environment, don't need daily walks, and feel like companions, which is more suited to the limitations of urban life in Hong Kong.'

These pressures are contributing to a growing number of young Asians choosing not to marry or have children. Japan's population has been declining for 16 consecutive years, while South Korea holds the record for the lowest birth rate in the world, and similar trends are seen across Asia. As more people choose to live alone, so does loneliness. Some young people completely isolate themselves from the outside world for long periods, a phenomenon known as "hikikomori."

In Seoul, South Korea, the government has invested over 10 billion won (approximately $4 billion) to combat loneliness within five years. In China, the "Are You Dead" app, where users are required to check in daily, has gone viral, reflecting the widespread feelings of isolation. When humans are no longer by their side, whether children or partners, people turn to pets instead, opening their hearts and their wallets, leading to a booming pet economy in Asia.

Research by investment bank Goldman Sachs in 2024 revealed that pet food was a rapidly growing sector in China, expected to reach a value of 12 billion baht by 2030. And in South Korea, pet strollers sold more than baby strollers for the first time in 2023, according to a report from South Korea's largest online retail platform. It might not be the most welcome news for a government that wants to see population growth, but it must be acknowledged that a four-legged friend could provide more comfort to young Asian people who live almost life-threateningly every day.

Paul Wong commented that if keeping pets could make people happier, it would be better than letting the already small population live in despair.