According to a poll of over 10,000 households, conducted by the charity Cats Protection , the majority of cat owners see their pets as “great companions".The first annual Cats and their Stats (CATS) report, described by the charity as “the first comprehensive picture of owned cats in the UK”, delved into a range of aspects of cat ownership, from the benefits to owners, to the health of cats and popular names.

The two Pomeranians were stolen along with a Cocker Spaniel (Picture: PA)Two Pomeranian puppies and a Cocker Spaniel were stolen by burglars yesterday during a raid on a house in Winchcombe, near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire.Anyone with information about the dogs is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police or Crimestoppers.

All stories were inspired by Tabitha, the pet cat The Bronte Sisters : English author sisters, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, endorsed the theory that all their works of literature were inspired by cats.

The French bulldogs were stolen during a raid on January 4 (Picture: Wales news service) South Wales Police covering the area of Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan said the raid took place in Barry, Wales, at around 9am.