On a global scale, pets are only partly a sign of wealth. To be able to afford food for a pet, you must first be able to feed, clothe and house yourself. Therefore, not all individuals and not all nations are capable of caring for domestic pets.

Below is a list of the richest nations and those with the most companion pets:

The ten countries with the most family dogs are:

1. United States
2. Brazil
3. China
4. Japan
5. Russia
6. South Africa
7. France
8. Italy
9. Poland
10. Thailand

The ten countries with the most house cats:

1. United States
2. China
3. Russia
4. Brazil
5. France
6. Italy
7. United Kingdom
8. Ukraine
9. Japan
10. Germany

Contrast those with the list of the ten richest countries (based on gross domestic product per capita):

1. Qatar
2. Luxembourg
3. Singapore
4. Norway
5. Brunei
6. United Arab Emirates
7. United States
8. Hong Kong
9. Switzerland
10. The Netherlands

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