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Pampered pets cost Brits £7 billion

22/05/2003

Besotted owners are lavishing so much attention on their animals that they risk creating a generation of spoilt, selfish and pampered pets, according to new research.

Four-legged friends are costing Britons more than £7 billion a year reveals the Norwich Union 'Pampered Pets' survey.

Nearly one in six cats and dogs (14 per cent) dine on fresh meat rather than tinned pet food and one in ten receives birthday or Christmas presents. Many are allowed the break the sacred 'not on the furniture' rule and seven per cent are even given their own easy chair, while eight per cent are allowed into bed with their owners.

More than two million people admit to taking more care over their beloved cat or dog than themselves and 14 per cent of owners had denied themselves new clothes, while 12 per cent had given up holidays, in order to care for pets.

Norwich Union's research also revealed more bizarre treats given to furry friends, including christening gowns, self-portraits and even psychiatric counselling.

Ian Bettridge, product development manager at Norwich Union, commented, 'We seem to have grown from a nation of animal lovers to a nation of animal worshippers. And for a good percentage of pampered cats and dogs, life couldn't be sweeter.'

Pet Insurance can mean the difference between being able to afford treatment for a pet immediately should it fall ill, and being faced with very difficult choices. Many insurance providers offer Pet Insurance policies for concerned owners.

Mr Bettridge added, 'Unfortunately there is no free health service for animals, and with one in three pets needing to visit the vet each year, all too often owners have to make cutbacks to meet these costs.'

He continued, 'The most common injury - a broken leg - can cost up to £300 for a cat and £1,000 for a dog.'

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Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting its web site at www.fsa.gov.uk/register.
Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. Company No: 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.