Most Popular Pets in Russia
Quick answer
In Russia, cats are the most popular pet, kept in more homes than dogs, and the country has one of the highest rates of cat ownership in the world. Aquarium fish and birds are also widely kept, and cats hold a warm place in Russian folklore and culture.
Pet culture in Russia
Russia is famously a cat-loving country, with one of the highest rates of cat ownership in the world. Cats are kept in a larger share of homes than dogs and are woven into Russian folklore and superstition. Dogs are popular too, and hardy native breeds are well suited to the country's cold climate.
The most popular pets in Russia
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Cats
Russia has one of the highest rates of cat ownership on Earth; a cat is traditionally let into a new home first for good luck.
See the top 10 cat breeds -
Dogs
Widely kept, with cold-hardy native breeds like the Siberian Husky and the Samoyed suited to harsh winters.
See the top 10 dog breeds -
Fish
Home aquariums are a popular and long-standing hobby in Russian households.
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Birds
Caged songbirds and budgerigars are common pets in Russian homes.
Interesting facts about pets in Russia
- Russia has one of the highest rates of cat ownership of any country in the world.
- By tradition, a cat is allowed to enter a new home first to bring good luck to the household.
- Russia's State Hermitage Museum has kept working cats to guard its collection from rodents for centuries.
Frequently asked questions about pets in Russia
What is the most popular pet in Russia?
Cats are the most popular pet in Russia, kept in a larger share of homes than dogs. Russia has one of the highest rates of cat ownership in the world.
Why are cats so popular in Russia?
Cats are deeply woven into Russian culture and folklore, valued as companions and as good-luck symbols, which helps make Russia one of the most cat-loving countries on Earth.
What dog breeds come from Russia?
Russia is the origin of several cold-hardy breeds, including the Samoyed and the Borzoi, while the Siberian Husky shares roots in the country's far northeast.