IT’S OFFICIAL: Statistics Prove Cats and Dogs Are Taking Over. Sixty-three percent of U.S. households have at least one pet (80% here in NZ), and on their 89 million cats and 75 million dogs (1.5 million cats and 750,000 dogs in NZ), they’re spending a massive $60 Billion for pet products and services.

Pet owners worldwide annually spend an average of $400 on vet surgery, $200 on vet check ups, $300 on food, $300 on boarding, and $100 on treats and toys, totaling around one and a half thousand dollars per pet per year.

FORGIVE AND FORGET

Ever wondered why cats seem to hold grudges, while canines forgive so quickly and can be easily distracted from the task at hand? It probably has a lot to do with forgetting. According to a recent University study, dogs' memories of minor events last no longer than five minutes, while for cats' they last up to 16 hours. This might explain the protest toilet left in the lounge after you scold your moggie for jumping on the kitchen bench.

A DOG BY ANY OTHER NAME

The most popular pet names last year were Max and Buddy for Boys, Molly or Maggie for girls.

THE CULT OF PUPPY PERSONALITY

94% of pet owners believe their pets have human personality traits. 30% say their pet is emotional or sensitive, 28% describe their pet as outgoing, 26% say their pet is inquisitive, and 20% own a stubborn pet.

PETS: THE BEST LISTENERS

Rather disturbingly Forty-five percent of pet owners say that their pets are better listeners than spouses, friends, and family members. Perhaps this is because dogs hear sounds up to 45 kHz and cats hear noises up to 64 kHz, while people only pick up sounds as high as 23 kHz. Maybe the truth lies in not reading the paper while you talk.

WHERE DOES YOUR CAT NAP?

Survey says: the bed. 47% of pet owners say their furry friends most often share a snooze on their human’s beds, while another 26% say their pets catch their zzz's on their own pet bed.

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT

Cat lovers are called ailurophiles, while cat haters are ailurophobes. A group of kittens is called a kindle, while a group of cats is a clowder.

THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE

56% of pet owners say it's very likely that they would risk their own lives for their pets, while 64% percent say they would expect their pets to come to their rescue if they were in distress. That seems to me to leave 44% of people pretty selfish and 8% very selfish.

Regards, Dr Alex Melrose.