Cat owners 'better educated than dog lovers'

Monday, 8 February 2010 10:35

Cat insurance policyholders are likely to be better educated than their dog-owning counterparts, new research has found.

A study conducted by Bristol University academics and published in Veterinary Record identified that the UK's cat and dog owners have some different characteristics.

Cats are more likely to be owned by households based in semi-urban or rural locations and containing at least one graduate.

Dogs are less likely to be owned by households containing degree-educated people, but more likely to be owned by larger households.

Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection lecturer in feline epidemiology, said the reason for the difference in education levels between cat and dog owners is not clear, but suggested it may simply be a case of practical pet health care issues.

"It could be related to household members with longer working hours having less time available to care for a dog," she explained.

Research conducted by Canterbury Christ Church University last year suggests that while cat owners may be better educated than dog lovers, their pets are less intelligent than canines.

Felines were less successful than dogs in completing tests designed to measure their understanding of the connection between cause and effect.

As one of the biggest independent cat insurance providers in the UK, Animal Friends Insurance products are available to buy online or the phone (0844 70 50 300). We offer a wide range of affordable cat insurance options to suit all budgets from accident only policies to full lifetime cover.

Posted by Elaine