# Adoptable Cat App Takeovers Fresh Step's Date Cats, Not Humans Makes Adorable Matches By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-02-03 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-cats-not-humans References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fresh-step-and-ariana-madix-help-singles-date-cats-not-humans-this-valentines-day-with-first-ever-bumble-cat-adoption-takeover-302677162.html) & [bestfriends.org](http://bestfriends.org/FreshStep)  A new study commissioned by [Fresh Step](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sciencebacked-odor-removers) shows that having a cat doesn't replace a romantic partner, but it may make you a better partner, prompting the leading litter brand to launch the Date Cats, Not Humans campaign. This Valentine's, Fresh Step is partnering with national animal welfare organization [Best Friends Animal Society](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamebased-pet-adoption-event) to take over a dating app so that users can swipe right and make a connection with a feline friend. Fresh Step is providing free litter to new cat parents and covering cat adoption fees during Valentine's Day weekend. And for February, Fresh Step will provide a coupon for a month of free litter to everyone who adopts a cat with Best Friends, redeemable at Walmart or [Walmart.com](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surprise-family-reunion-dinner). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.1/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 64% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Interactive](https://www.trendhunter.com/interactive) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pet-centric Dating Platforms:** The integration of adoptable pets into dating apps creates a unique niche that combines pet companionship with social interaction, appealing to both animal lovers and those seeking unconventional matchmaking experiences. - **Brand Partnerships with Social Causes:** By collaborating with animal welfare organizations, brands can strengthen their social responsibility credentials while engaging consumers through cause-driven initiatives that resonate on emotional and ethical levels. - **Incentive-driven Adoption Campaigns:** Offering tangible incentives like free products or services can boost engagement rates in adoption campaigns, transforming traditional approaches to socially beneficial marketing into more compelling consumer propositions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Pet Care Industry:** This industry sees growth opportunities by blending traditional pet services with lifestyle and tech-driven innovations, such as app-based platforms that promote pet adoption alongside dating functionalities. - **Romantic Matchmaking Services:** Dating services can disrupt the usual matchmaking algorithms by including compatible pet matches, diversifying their platform offerings and appealing to a wider range of user interests and values. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):** Corporations engaging in sustainable and social good practices, such as supporting animal welfare, can enhance their brand reputation and foster consumer loyalty, driving long-term business success. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cat-Themed Vday Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuddle-collection.md) - [Dog-Friendly Valentine's Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-selection-box.md) - [Dog-Themed Valentine's Day Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barkhaven-pawsitively-in-love.md) - [Matchmaker-Trained AI Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/three-day-rule.md) - [Livestream Adoption Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/february-14th-livestream.md) - [Pet-Inspired Proposal Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engaged-couples.md) - [High-Frequency Radio Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morrisons-ad.md) - [Heart-Shaped Functional Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lovestruck-lamb.md) - [Parental Pet Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petters.md)