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Fur-real bosses: How cats and dogs secretly run your home

A fifth (21%) of pet owners say they are their pet’s personal masseuse and that their pet expects belly rubs 24/7
Two in five (40%) let their pet sleep in their bed
22% sing to their pet and the same number will respond to their dog or cat’s barks and meows by also barking and meowing
15% of pet owners say their pet sulks or holds a grudge when they don’t get their own way
Pet owners may think of themselves as the leader of the pack, but the latest research from Tesco Insurance reveals that our furry friends have a very different idea about who’s in charge.
The data found that over a fifth (21%) of pet owners admit to being their pet’s personal masseuse and that their fluffy friend expects belly rubs 24/7. More than a fifth (22%) also treat their pet like royalty and confess that they perform and sing for them.
When it comes to communicating with their pet, almost a third (30%) use their ‘baby voice’ with them and 22% bark or meow back at their highness’ demands. While two in five (40%) also - more conventionally - address their pet with a special nickname.
Meanwhile, other owners have been relegated to purely feeding duties, with a tenth (12%) saying their pet pretends they don’t exist until they hear the sound of their treat bag, and a similar number (10%) only acknowledge them when food is involved.
If owners dare push back on naughty behaviour, they’re likely to be met with sulking or a grudge being held against them, according to almost one in six (15%). Some common ways that pets show their discontent include huffing or sighing when they don’t get their own way (19%), or sitting with their back to their owner when they’re annoyed (16%). Other four-legged friends even go as far as avoiding their owner completely, with 14% reporting that their pet takes themselves to bed to sulk if they’re not happy with the level of service provided.
That being said, owners may be guilty of encouraging such behaviour by spoiling their pets. Two-fifths (40%) admit they let them sleep in their bed, a fifth (20%) cook special meals for them, and nearly a tenth (8%) have even downloaded special apps for their pet to play with.
When pets want something, many aren’t so subtle in getting their owner’s attention, as almost a quarter (23%) perch on or in front of their phones to make themselves known, while 12% simply steal their human’s most important possessions until they’re tended to.
Alex Cross, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Insurance commented: “Pets more often than not rule the roost - a statement that many pet owners will attest to. But behind the demands for belly rubs and treats is the simple fact that our pets love us and rely on us to take care of them.
“One of the best ways to do this is by having pet insurance in place. This provides a crucial layer of protection should they ever need it and brings you peace of mind that your furry friend would be in good hands in the event of illness or an accident, without having to worry about the cost.”