Match has found whether the animal you choose to have for a pet actually affects your love life.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

62% of female cat owners think that having such a pet comes with it's own set of preconceptions. They worry that it might be getting in the way of them finding love.

23% actually worry that any potential partners might see them as a 'crazy cat lady'. Due to this stereotype, 21% would wait to gauge how their date felt about cats before telling them they have one at home.

The reality is- the majority of Brits who own cats aren't afraid to post pictures of them on Instagram and visit cat cafes. It would seem that these views are well out of date and 74% are unaffected by it because there is nothing unnatural about owning a cat.

Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran are often seen on social media with their cats, which shows that you can love both a significant other and a cat at the same time without it being a problem for new partners.

Over half of Brits have no problem dating someone who owns a cat- in fact 25% see it as a positive- that their date has a caring nurturing side to them.

Only 6% still hold onto the notion that a woman who owns a cat is lonely. One in ten would be delighted if their date told them they had a cat waiting to meet them at home.

This however changes if a woman owns three cats or more. Some people see this as them sailing close to the stereotype. It would seem that singles who own several cats would not choose between them and a date, so if the number is a problem- the relationship isn't going to last every long.

As the stigma still exists, Instagrammer Holly-Marie Cato has captured images of single female cat owners in their own environments. The pictures highlight their beauty, pride and confidence alongside their cat.

Holly-Marie Cato, photographer and prolific Instagrammer, comments: "It's amazing to help match dispel the stereotype that surrounds single women with cats. The women that have allowed us to come into their home and document their relationship with their cats have been a mixture of fun, sophisticated, creative and cool, and all have a shared love for their four legged furry friends."

Kate Taylor, dating and relationship expert for Match, adds: "If your date owns a cat, you've truly hit the dating jackpot. People who own pets typically make great partners, as they're generally responsible and caring people. Cat owners don't tend to be clingy - they are happy to share their lives with an independent pet who has its own life and have the time to socialise without having the ties of a needier pet, such as a dog.

"If you own a cat, talk about it with pride! But don't let it take over your dating profile or dominate your conversation on the first date. As with every hobby or interest, your cat should form part of your life, not become all of it. Always ensure your date knows there is still room in your heart for someone else, even if they can never be as fluffy and cute as your cat!"

Lisa Buddrus, who took part in the photography series, 27 from Bath said, "Some people consider cats to be unsociable animals compared to dogs, and tarnish their single owners with the same brush, but cats can be very affectionate and entertaining when you spend time with them. My cat is a big part of my life and I would never hide the fact that I have a cat."

Jessie Parsons, 23, from Croydon, who was also part of the project said, "Not every single female that has a cat is a crazy cat lady. I'm a 23-year-old sales manager and consider myself to be pretty normal. I'm not embarrassed to have a cat and certainly wouldn't ever hide the fact that I'm a cat owner when on a date."


by for relationships.femalefirst.co.uk
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