A recent study by Budget Direct has revealed a clear trend in pet preference across Southeast Asia, with cats emerging as the top choice. By analyzing Instagram posts tagged with popular hashtags like #ilovedogs, #dogloversclub, and #doglovers for dogs, and similar tags for cats, researchers were able to track regional preferences using Instagram's geo-data.
The findings indicate that cats are more popular in nearly all Southeast Asian countries, with only Vietnam and Myanmar showing a stronger preference for dogs. In these two nations, "Dogstagram" posts slightly outnumbered "Catstagram" posts, reflecting a unique cultural affection for dogs compared to the rest of the region.
Why Are Cats More Popular?
The study suggests several reasons behind the widespread popularity of cats in Southeast Asia. Cats generally require less maintenance than dogs, making them an ideal choice for city dwellers and people with limited space. Cats are also valued for their independent nature, needing less attention and exercise compared to dogs. In many Southeast Asian cultures, cats are also viewed as symbols of good fortune and are known for their adaptability to urban environments, where they often find cozy spots in small homes or apartments.
This regional inclination towards cats reflects broader lifestyle and cultural factors that make cats particularly suited to the Southeast Asian way of life.
