Women in the UK show more love for their cat or dog than their own partner, a new study has found.
Research commissioned by Burns Pet Nutrition suggests millions of British men are losing the battle for their partner’s affection to the four-legged ‘so-called’ friend sharing their home.
The study found a third (32%) of UK women spend more time sleeping in bed with a pet than their partner and two-thirds (64%) cuddle or snuggle up to their cat or dog more than their other half.
More than three-quarters (79%) of women spend time with their pet every day, compared to only half (50%) who see their partner the same amount.
And, a third of women (33%) chat more with their pet than their partner, and more than two-fifths (44%) spend more time watching television with them too.
The findings suggest a nation of beleaguered blokes may be pining for the attention of their partner.
With just over two-fifths (42%) of men admitting they cuddle their pet more than their partner, the data suggests it is women dictating who gets the strokes and snuggles in UK households.
Men, in contrast, spend more time outdoors with their dog. Half (51%) of men say they walk more with their pet than their partner, and a quarter (25%) say they exercise more with them too.
The survey of 2,000 pet owners found that two-thirds (65%) of men spend more time with their pet than their partner, meaning both sexes see a lot more of their furry companion than their other half.
Emily Boardman, Pet Nutritionist and Veterinary Advisor at Burns Pet Nutrition said: “A house is truly a home when it has a dog or cat, and these numbers suggest a furry little face is never far away at all times.
“Men should remember that three is never a crowd, especially when there’s a dog or cat involved.”
