Besotted pet parents are raising a generation of spoilt, selfish and pampered pets, according to the results of a new survey of 760 UK cat and dog owners commissioned by Norwich Union.

The "Pampered Pets" research, carried out by Taylor Nelson Sofres during April of this year says that cats and dogs are living the high life and costing their owners more than £7 billion a year to look after. The survey found that 14% of cats and dogs dine on fresh meat rather than tinned food; 10% get birthday or Christmas presents; 7% have their own easy chair and 8% get into bed with their owners.

Pets also get one-off treats. The research revealed cats and dogs that had been given christening gowns and self-portraits. Troubled pets also got psychiatric counselling.

More than two million people admit to taking more care over their beloved cat or dog than themselves. 14% of owners have forsaken buying clothes and 12% have given up holidays to care for their pet.

Ian Bettridge, product development manager at Norwich Union, said: "It used to be Dad who had an armchair that no one else could sit in. Now, apparently, it's Rover.

"We seem to have grown from a nation of animal lovers to a nation of animal worshippers. And for a good percentage of pampered cats and dogs, life couldn’t be sweeter."

Norwich Union has launched its first pet insurance product, "Cats and Dogs", offering people a choice of two cover options under "Cats and Dogs" – Essential Cover for those unexpected events for a maximum of 12 months and Lifelong Cover, where each illness and injury can be covered for a lifetime. more details are availble at: www.norwichuniondirect.co.uk

Submitted by: Steve O'Malley      

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