Purrfect Sleep – New Survey by Animed
Some people prefer thunderstorms, others the gentle crackling of an open fire but cat lovers swear by the sound of purring to lull them to sleep. A new survey* by Animed the online pet care retailer, showed that 76% of cat owner credited the comforting sound of their cats purr to help them nod off. However, a good sleep isn’t the only thing that’s good about owning a cat.
According to men, who represent 25%** of cat owners in the UK, a cat makes you a more attractive dating prospect. Almost 60% of the men surveyed said that being a cat owner demonstrated more empathy and emotional sensitivity than being a dog owner – qualities which appeal to a prospective partner. Women cat owners think owning a cat boosts mental wellbeing with almost 80% agreeing that they reduce stress and a further 48% saying that their cat helps them to concentrate on work and study.
“I would be surprised if the research said different; it’s such a relaxing sound”, says Cindy Dack from Norfolk. “Smoky often sleeps on our bed and I love to fall asleep to his purr at night. He’s a big fluffy 5kg cross between a Rag Doll and a British Short Hair. He has a big presence”!
“Cat owners tend to love their cats for their idiosyncrasies”, says Animed vet Jess Simmonds based in Diss, Norfolk. “While dogs on the whole are more expressive in their affection, cats are often more self-reliant and appear to share their living quarters with their humans rather than the other way around”!
Of course, owning a cat isn’t all purrs and perfection. Most cat owners agreed that cats can be aloof and difficult to understand at times. Over 60% said they found their cat hard to engage with and 25% said they wish they displayed the canine characteristics of love and devotion.
And the felines have their fair share of celebrity fans – here are few celebs whose cats are often the stars of their social media, films and music videos…
Ricky Gervais – Pickle
Taylor Swift – Olivia Benson, Meredith Grey and Benjamin Button
Ed Sheeran – Dorito and Calippo
Robert Downey Jr. – Monty and D’Artagnan
Drew Barrymore – Lucky, Peach and Fern
*Research conducted by Satellite Health July 2025 surveying 1,000 pet owners
**Cats Protection CATS Report 2024
