The number of cats on the island hit 578,993 two years ago, up 91 percent from 2011, and ahead of a 40 percent rise recorded by dogs. A COA official said this growth momentum is expected to continue going forward.
Wayne Chang, president of Taipei Pet Commerce Association, said cats are generally viewed as family members by the public, and require less care than dogs.
“Cats do not have to be walked like dogs and make less noise,” he said, adding that these are major sources of appeal in Taiwan’s work-dominated and urban-based society.
The trend is encapsulated by ROC President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, who adopted two tabbies Shiang Shiang and Ah Tsai. Their public debut in her recent Lunar New Year video message revealed a softer side to the chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party.
Tsai’s affection for the soon-to-be presidential cats is further shown in her World Animal Day statement. She said since adopting the felines, it is like she has two more family members as they always welcome her home and help her decompress after a long day.
Chang said this phenomenon is universal. “Many pet owners lavish their animal companions with attention and care, helping give rise to a booming local pet industry.”
COA statistics confirm this development, pegging Taiwan’s annual production value in pet-related products and services at NT$20 billion (US$598.4 million).
One of the most popular services is pet-care accommodation. Taipei City-based Cathy Hotel is a prime example, offering 17 spacious rooms spread over 330 square meters. Some of the features include climate control, iPads, TVs, nutritional food, medical care, 24/7 real-time monitoring, and grooming and spa treatments.
Cathy Hotel owner Li Yun-tse said consumers are increasingly willing to spend heavily on their pets.
“As cats are more sensitive to environmental changes than dogs, we offer tailor-made packages for our guests so as to help owners feel more comfortable when traveling out of town.
“With a little luck, someday felines will outnumber canines in the big cities and help cement the sector’s long-term profitability,” Li added. (YCH-JSM)
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