A SURVEY by an animal charity has found women are more attracted to a man with a cat.

The survey was carried out by Cats Protection in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day last Friday and found that six in 10 women viewed a man with a cat as more caring.

The charity believes the qualities needed to look after a cat are similar to what women look for in a partner, making them more attractive.

The survey also showed that just 27% of women think men who own cats are ‘soppy’.

Lynne Pothecary, publicity officer at Cats Protection’s Bracknell and Wokingham Districts branch, said: “Apart from their many other qualities, the research shows that cats can make a man more attractive to women.

“This could be because the qualities needed to look after a cat, such as having a caring, loving and responsible nature, are the same ones that women look for in a boyfriend.” The charity’s survey also found that 50% of both men and women in the 45-54 age group believed having a cat improved a relationship.

Half the women asked thought that owning a cat enhances human relationships, and men with cats are kinder and more loving.

The survey was carried out by Atomik Research on behalf of Cats Protection, with 2,015 UK respondents.

If you want to adopt a cat, visit the website of the Bracknell and Wokingham Districts branch of the charity at www.cats.org.uk/bracknell or call 0845 371 4212.