Founder's Notes · Industry News · MEOW! Franchise Insights · Pet Industry Trends
Remember coming home to an empty house, a key around your neck, and only the cat to tell your day to? Like, totally. We were the latchkey generation, and that early bond with our cats stayed with us.
Now that our own kids are heading out and the nest is empty again, Gen X is officially returning to our roots. A recent report in Petfood Industry highlighted a trend I found hard to look away from: cat ownership among Gen X climbed 8% year over year in the American Pet Products Association’s latest National Pet Owners Survey.
Gen X cat ownership, 2025
+8%
Year-over-year growth in the APPA’s National Pet Owners Survey, presented at Global Pet Expo 2026.
Gen X pet ownership overall
+12%
Across all pet types — and up nearly 20% over the last six or seven years, according to the same survey.
We have officially transitioned from latchkey kids to, like, totally cat-obsessed.
As a proud Gen Xer and the owner of a cats-only franchise, this news hits home — both personally and professionally. Our generation, often dubbed the latchkey kids, grew up with a level of independence that made us incredibly resilient. Now, as we enter the empty nest phase of life, we’re filling that newfound quiet with feline companions.
As our kids head off to college or start their own careers, the house can feel a little too still. Industry analysts have pointed to exactly this — households where the children are gone, and where a pet that passes away doesn’t get replaced, get very quiet very fast.
For many of us, a cat is the ideal bridge into this new chapter. They offer that low-maintenance loyalty we value. They don’t need a 6:00 AM walk, but they’ll be right there on the couch when you’re finally ready to binge-watch one of your favorite shows from the 80s.
Gen X isn’t only embracing the companionship. We’re also the ones building and running the businesses that care for these cats. And I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
Purpose, not just a paycheck
We’ve reached a point in our careers where the work needs to mean something. Most of us have done the version that didn’t.
No one-size-fits-all
We know cats are individuals, and we want to provide care that respects that instead of treating them like small dogs.
Actual neighborhoods
We grew up with physical communities and tangible connections. A local business is a way back into that.
And we were the generation that came home to our pets while our parents were at work — which means we understand the bond between a human and a cat in a way that’s hard to fake.
Honestly, I love meeting fellow Gen Xers who are rediscovering the joy of feline companionship, whether you’re a lifelong cat lover or a first-time cat parent filling an empty nest. There’s something about our generation and cats. Always has been.
Ownership opportunities in select markets
Thinking about what the next chapter looks like?
If you’re a Gen Xer weighing what comes after the corporate stretch, tell us the city and state you have in mind. Start a franchise inquiry, or read the steps to ownership first.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. An offer may be made only through delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document in compliance with applicable law.
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