Dogs or cats, who do people care more about? Researchers surprise with the answer

Experts found that people are willing to pay higher veterinary fees for their dogs

When it comes to keeping pets, we all know whether we care more for dogs or cats.

Now, at the risk of upsetting cat-favourites, experts have found that people's attachment levels are higher when it comes to their dogs - and they're willing to pay higher vet fees for them.

Researchers tested 2,117 people who owned either dogs, cats or both.

Participants were asked to answer questions about caring for pets and their relationship with them. 

The analysis found that people seemed to care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries and across all measures.

They had higher bonding scores for their dogs, neutered their dogs more often, generally expected to check out more treatment options for dogs, and paid more for that treatment. 

However, there were striking differences in attitudes between countries. Participants in the study were drawn from Great Britain, Denmark and Austria. 

Although the preference for dogs was only slight in the UK, in Austria it was more pronounced and, in Denmark, the preference was very pronounced.

Dr Peter Sandoe, first author of the study at the University of Copenhagen, said: "We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs." 

But writing in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the authors said there may still be other places where the level of care and bonding with cats is higher.