At Tree-Free Greetings, we spend a lot of time thinking about art, emotion, and how a simple card can carries a lot of emotion. We also spend a surprising amount of time debating the age-old rivalry: Dogs versus Cats. Perhaps it’s because we’re a proudly dog-friendly office—yes, Piper and Otto regularly attend our Zoom meetings and consider themselves senior members of the creative team. But personal bias aside, we wanted to look at the data: Which animal reigns supreme in when it comes to greeting cards?

The Verdict: Dogs Lead, Cats Rule

The short answer? Dog cards tend to outsell cat cards overall—but cat cards inspire a deeper, cult-like loyalty. Both are essential for a well-rounded card rack, but they serve very different emotional purposes.

Why Dog Cards Lead the Pack

Dog imagery consistently performs well across almost every greeting card category. Because dogs represent unconditional love, optimism, and pure joy.

From our experience working with independent artists and retailers, dog cards are the ultimate crowd-pleasers because they:

• Feel Universally Relatable: Even non-dog owners appreciate the "good boy" energy of a golden retriever.
• Bridge the Gap: They work equally well for deep sentimental moments and lighthearted humor.
• Drive Impulse Purchases: A joyful pup is approachable and easy to give, making it a go-to for "just because" moments.

Why Cat Cards Win on Personality

Cats, on the other hand, don’t try to please everyone—and that is exactly their superpower. Cat cards shine in humor, honesty, and attitude. They speak directly to shoppers who see their own wit, independence, or "introvert energy" reflected in feline form. While cat cards may sell fewer units in total volume, they often spark higher engagement. A "cat person" doesn't just buy a card; they find the exact card that matches their cat’s specific level of judgment.

Merchandising for Success: Don’t Pick Sides

The most successful retail assortments don’t choose a winner. Instead, they leverage the contrast. A thoughtful mix of dog and cat cards helps shoppers find a design that truly fits the recipient's personality.

Retailer Tip: Create a "Dog People vs. Cat People" section within your Humor or Everyday categories. Use playful signage to guide browsing and face-out your most expressive designs to catch the eye of pet parents.

The Takeaway

Dogs may lead in volume and cats may win in personality, but together, they create the perfect balance of choice and joy.

At the end of the day, the best greeting card isn’t really about the animal on the cover. It’s about the person opening the envelope and the sender saying, “This reminded me of you.”

(Though, if you ask Piper and Otto, the dogs have already won.)