There is nothing quite as soothing as cuddling your cat or dog when feeling down in the dumps. They have a lovely manner of making us feel better in a way that nothing else can.
A survey for My Social Petwork revealed that 50 per cent of the nation's cat and dog owners share the sentiment – going as far as to seek solace from their animal companion rather than a loved one.
Fifteen per cent said they feel more at ease confiding with their four legged friend, while 24 per cent treat their pets like kids with dog food or cat food on tap and general pampering.
The poll of 1,124 pet owners carried out by Opinion Matters further showed that seven per cent of owners had bailed on a date to be with their pet and four per cent confessed to calling in sick to spend time with them.
TV vet and pet expert Emma Milne said: "The results of the census shows that the majority of pet owners in the UK are doing a fantastic job in providing their pet a healthy and happy life by putting their pets first."
