In Italy, the animal-related market is valued approximately 6.8 billion euros per year. The Coop Studies Office explains that this amount includes food (4.3 billion euros, or 64% of the total), veterinarian appointments (1.3 billion), and other costs (1.1 billion). According to research, Italy now has more cats (10.2 million) than dogs (8.8 million), but both species have increased over the past decade. 53% of Italians aged 18 to 65 have a pet at home, 15% want to have one, and another 15% have had one before. As a result, nearly eight in ten Italians have had at least one pet. A geographically equal distribution, but one that is concentrated among older generations: 60% of those over the age of 55 live with a pet. In terms of domestic dog and cat populations, Italy is third in Europe, trailing only Germany and France.
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