Most Popular Pets in Russia
Quick answer
Cats are Russia's most popular pets, with one of the world's highest cat-ownership rates. Dogs, aquarium fish, and cage birds are also widely kept, and cats hold a warm place in folklore.
Pet culture in Russia
International pet-population summaries and Russian household surveys consistently place cats ahead of dogs. Cats appear in folklore as good-luck symbols — traditionally the first to enter a new home — and the State Hermitage Museum has long kept working cats to protect collections from rodents. Cold-hardy dog breeds suit harsh winters.
The most popular pets in Russia
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Cats
Among the world's highest cat-ownership rates; a cat is traditionally first into a new home for luck.
Browse all cat breeds -
Fish
Home aquariums are a long-standing Russian household hobby.
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Birds
Caged songbirds and budgerigars are common pets.
Interesting facts about pets in Russia
- Russia ranks among the countries with the highest rates of cat ownership worldwide.
- By tradition, a cat enters a new home first to bring good luck.
- The State Hermitage Museum has kept working cats for centuries to guard against rodents.
How we ranked pets in Russia
Cat leadership reflects widely cited Russian and international pet-population estimates. Hermitage cats and folklore notes are cultural history, not ownership statistics.
Frequently asked questions about pets in Russia
What is the most popular pet in Russia?
Cats are the most popular pet in Russia and are kept in a larger share of homes than dogs in widely cited ownership estimates.
Why are cats so popular in Russia?
Cats are woven into Russian culture and folklore as companions and good-luck symbols, helping make Russia one of the most cat-loving countries.
What dog breeds come from Russia?
Russia is associated with cold-hardy breeds including the Samoyed and Borzoi; Siberian Huskies share roots in the far northeast.