Typical life of spoilt British pets: Food, naps and cuddles
GETTY An incredible 76 per cent of owners treat their pets like children
Pet owners who serve their dog or cat breakfast at the ideal time should then make them dinner 10 hours and 55 minutes later, at the precise time of 6.28pm. The study by nutrition experts at pet food brand IAMS looks at the parenting strategies adopted by those who own dogs and cats. The survey of British pet owners found that 76 per cent treat their pet as if it were their own child.
IAMS Nutrition Expert and Veterinary Training Manager Kellie Ceccarelli revealed her perfect formula for a happy pet, which stipulates exercise and play, divided by diet, multiplied by affection, plus veterinary support and care equals happiness. Lucky dogs are given a daily treat by 94 per cent of owners and almost a third (27 per cent) of owners admit to feeding their dogs human snacks. Dogs are far more demanding than cats, with canine friends requiring 61 minutes of play and 64 minutes of cuddles every day, compared with just 34 minutes of play for cats.
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GETTY Cats love to have an average of five catnaps per day
Showering our pets with love and affection is natural Kellie Ceccarelli of IAMS
Not all dogs get the exercise they need, however, with half of dogs (49 per cent) considered overweight and a third of us (30 per cent) admit giving our dog less than 30 minutes of exercise each day. The study found that the sweet spot for catnaps is five per day and more than half (54 per cent) of pets slumber in their owner's bed or on the family sofa. Miss Ceccarelli said: "Showering our pets with love and affection is natural, and when faced with puppy-dog eyes, or an adorable cat brushing up against you, it can be hard not to give in to their demands.
GETTY Dogs require an more play and cuddle time that a cat