A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen surveyed more than 2,000 pet owners across the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Austria to explore how people bond with dogs and cats. The findings appear in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a peer‑reviewed journal that focuses on animal health and welfare.
The survey included 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 individuals who owned both pets. Respondents answered questions about pet health insurance, willingness to pay for life‑saving treatments, and the strength of emotional attachment to their animals. The data provide a window into how owners prioritize veterinary care and what resources they are prepared to allocate for their pets’ well‑being.
Across all three countries, the results indicate a tendency for dogs to be valued more highly than cats, with the largest gap observed in Denmark and the smallest in Austria. Researchers propose that dogs may elicit greater attention and affection from their owners due to behavioral cues and daily interactions. They also suggest that cultural norms and societal attitudes toward companion animals could contribute to these differences. The study highlights the role of daily interactions, perceived loyalty, and perceived companionship in shaping how owners perceive and invest in their pets.
In context, the research aligns with broader veterinary and animal welfare discussions about how pet attachment influences owner decision‑making, including medical care and preventive health strategies. The results underscore the importance of recognizing species‑specific needs and the cultural context in which pet ownership occurs, informing veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and policy makers about how to better support diverse pet‑owning households.
Overall, the study adds a data‑driven perspective to the conversation about how people value dogs and cats differently, offering insight into potential drivers such as attention patterns, affection displays, and societal expectations around pet roles in households. The authors note that while dogs may often receive more visible affection and care, cats can be highly valued and cared for in ways that reflect distinct bonding styles, routines, and owner preferences.