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Cowtown is quickly becoming Dogtown.

The city’s latest census shows the number of canine companions registered in Calgary has soared to more than 135,000, making for more than one pooch for every 10 Calgarians.

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But pet ownership in the city isn’t necessarily purring along. The same data shows registered cats have plummeted to lows not seen in more than 20 years, dropping to just over 70,000.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said because the data is linked to licensing, the most likely explanation for the growing rift between cats and dogs is fewer people renewing their cat licenses, despite the fact it is mandatory in Calgary.

“We probably need to do a little bit of work around compliance with licensing and ensure people are reporting their cats,” he said.

“We should make sure people understand the benefits of having their cats registered.”

Under city bylaws, cat owners are required to renew their pet’s licence every year. Cats over six months old that have not been spayed or neutered cost $35, while altered cats and kittens younger than six months cost $17.