Pets provide a clue to finding the ‘purrfect’ partner

19 December 2008

Want to know what really makes a woman purr? Take a closer look at her pet. Research published today by Britain’s pet charity, The Blue Cross, reveals that women look for the same qualities in a pet as those that they seek in a human partner. 

The 2008 Blue Cross Pet Census shows that out of the 2,442 pet owners surveyed, 71% of women said that loyalty is one of the first qualities they look for in a pet, while 90% of women also look for this trait in a partner.  Similarly, 86% of women said that they look for an affectionate nature when choosing a pet, closely mirrored by 81% of women who also look for this in a loved one. Overall, pet owners prioritise loyalty, an affectionate nature and dependability in both a pet and a partner over other qualities, such as good looks, humour and confidence.

Steven Broomfield, who works at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria said: “These findings should give hope to people looking for someone to love this Christmas.  If mistletoe lacks the pulling power you need, jumping on your love interest’s lap and slobbering like an affectionate puppy might just do the trick!”

Other results indicate that younger pet owners tend to look skin deep when choosing a pet. Those aged 16-24 are twice as likely to opt for a pet based on its looks than those aged 55 and above, who are more likely to choose a pet for its affectionate qualities. 

Regional findings show that where we live also has a bearing on the type of pet we choose. Londoners are the most feline friendly, with 65% owning a cat, while pet owners in Yorkshire are the most likely to own a dog.

It seems our pets are firmly thought of as part of the family, as this year 76% of owners will give their pet a Christmas present.  In fact our pets are twice as likely as our friends to receive a Christmas present from us, and a third of people surveyed said that they even sign their Christmas cards from their pet.

The Pet Census is an annual survey undertaken by The Blue Cross to understand the relationship that people have with their pets.

Ends

Notes to editors

A Blue Cross spokesperson is available for interview – please contact the press office (contact below)

Summary of the Blue Cross Pet Census findings:

Pet Passions

Cats are the most popular type of pet in Great Britain, owned by 52% of the pet population, closely followed by dogs (51%) and fish (23%)

More than a quarter of women said they got their pet for companionship or love

Pet owners are more likely to get their pet from an animal shelter than anywhere else

Overall, women are more likely than men to own a pet

Men are more likely than women to own fish and birds, whereas women are more likely to own cats

Pet owners aged 24-34 are more likely than any other age group to adopt a pet for companionship or love

Pet owners aged 16-24 are the most likely to experience behaviour problems with their pet

Dogs and cats are most commonly owned by pet owners aged 55 and above

61% of pet owners have not insured their pet to protect against injury, ill health or theft

Pet Regions

The South West of England is the most pet friendly region in Britain – 60% of owners have a cat, 49% have a dog and a further 45% keep rabbits, fish or birds

More people own dogs in Yorkshire than any other region in Britain

Londoners are the most feline friendly, with 65% owning a cat

People in the North West spend the most on their pets, while Londoners spend the least

Wales is home to more equines than any other region in Britain

Pet owners in the North East are the most likely to own a pure breed pet, whereas Londoners are more likely to own a cross breed

More people in East Anglia (30%) own fish than any other region in Britain

Pets in Scotland are three times as likely as their owners’ friends to receive a Christmas present, the highest for any region in Britain

The Blue Cross Pet Census was carried out amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,442 adults aged 16+.  The online survey was carried out on behalf of The Blue Cross by Markettiers4DC in November 2008.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Ziela Haider, The Blue Cross press office, 0207 932 4063 ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk