Cat owners are more lonely and anxious than dog owners

Experts in Australia have found that those with pet felines are more neurotic than dog owners - suggesting that the 'crazy cat lady' stereotype could have an element of truth to it.

However, dog owners are more likely to have the resilience to cope with and adapt to difficult situations.

Psychologists Jessica Oliva and Leah Michelle Baines, who conducted the study for James Cook University in Queensland, said: "Cat ownership positively predicted neuroticism.

"The type of people that enjoy owning dogs are also the type of people that can 'bounce back' from stressful situations more easily.

"Conversely, the type of people that like to own cats may be more susceptible to the negative impacts of stress."

However, it has not been established whether owning a cat makes a person neurotic or if anxious individuals are simply more likely to buy a moggy.

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