Purrfect Partners

Opposites attract when it comes to cat companions, and another survey seeks to find out how much we value feline friendship.

Survey results released by the UK's leading feline welfare charity reveal that opposites really do attract when it comes to choosing a purr-fect feline friend.

Cats Protection's 'What Your Cat Says About You' survey, conducted between April and June 2006, revealed that outgoing owners are attracted to cats with introverted natures whilst shy or retiring types tend to go for cats with character and confidence.

Furthermore, the survey showed that when choosing a rescue cat, potential owners considered the cat's character to be the most important factor, followed by appearance, and then age. In addition, kittens were eight times more likely to be chosen than senior cats.

The survey, which pulled in 8,000 responses, was designed to find out why some cats find homes quicker than others and what factors lead to that perfect match between cat and owner.

"The findings illustrate that first impressions are extremely important when people choose a cat as the most confident and attractive ones are always the first to catch a potential owner's eye," explains Betty Boud, Manager of Cats Protection’s National Adoption Centre based in Sussex. "As a result, we work very hard to socialise stray and unwanted cats to rebuild their confidence and hopefully increase their chances of finding a home.

"To add to this, it is unsurprising but still very sad to hear that senior cats lose out in the rush for cute, fluffy kittens, especially because they can make great companions due to their relaxed and settled nature," she says.

The survey also highlighted a few interesting facts regarding owner's purr-sonalities. Worriers were more likely to choose a cat because of its character than confident people - 23 per cent compared to 19 per cent. Extroverts were more likely than introverts to choose a cat with a sad past - 18 per cent compared to 8 per cent. Risk-takers were more likely than cautious people to choose a cat because it was featured in a special rehoming plea - 24 per cent compared to 10 per cent.

"The bond between cat and owner is a very special one," says Betty. "Whether we think we share character traits with them or not, a relationship with a rescue cat will always be rewarding."

Would you describe your cat as 'just a pet' or is he more like a member of the family? Cats Protection is appealing for people to take part in a national survey to find out more about the special relationships we share with our feline friends.

Cats are currently the UK's favourite pet and appear to be growing in popularity. Independent and affectionate, our felines fulfil our need for a companion animal, yet are low maintenance and fit in well with urban living and different lifestyles.

For this reason, Cats Protection is keen to find out more about the important roles felines play in our lives in a bid to encourage more people to realise the many benefits of pet ownership.

To take part in the survey, please log on to www.cats.org.uk or request a copy by emailing media.office@cats.org.uk. Closing date for receipt of survey forms is 8th January 2007. The findings of the survey will be released early in 2007 as part of the charity’s 80th birthday celebrations.

For further information about rehoming a Cats Protection rescue cat, please call the charity’s Helpline on 08702 099 099 or email helpline@cats.org.uk.

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