New research out on May 3 reveals that cats are the purr-fect pal, with both men and women saying they would prefer to wake up with their puss (46%) than their partner (26%).

Long gone is the image of a moggy as a 'girls' pet. They are good news for blokes too, as research shows they are the new 'babe magnet' - 98% of single women would prefer to date someone who loves cats and, amongst women who are attached, 86% said that a cat enhances, or could enhance, their relationship.

According to Judy Bernstein, Head of Promotions at Cats Protection, it's amazing the kind of power that a puss has. "Research showed that both sexes believe that having a feline friend reflects what kind of person you are, with 94% saying that owning a cat showed you were 'caring', 83% said kind and 36% said sensual."

Owners surveyed also said that curling up with their cat was a great way to beat stress. When feeling uptight, those questioned would much rather have a snuggle and a stroke with Tiddles than have a massage (66%), phone a friend (64%) or have a drink (52%).

Cats are now the UK's favourite pet. Latest figures show 7.7million have a feline friend, compared with 4.9 million in 1979. Most popular among those aged 35-44, latest figures reveal that nearly a third (27.8%) of all people in the UK in this age group have a cat. By comparison, there are approximately 6.7million pet dogs, with dog ownership being most popular among the 45-54 age group.

Increased urban living and modern, working lifestyles mean that those looking for a pet are now choosing a cat over a dog. Only seven per cent named dogs as a person's best friend, compared to 37% naming the cat. Reasons for liking cats include:

• Affection. 57% of respondents said they were affectionate.
• Independence. 49% of respondents preferred their independence.
• Cleanliness. 46% liked the fact that cats are clean.
• Exercise. 27% were attracted by the fact that they don't have to walk a cat.
• Low maintenance. 24% said cats were low maintenance.

The research was carried out by Cats Protection, the UK's largest feline charity, to mark its 75^th Anniversary this month. To celebrate the nation's favourite pet and to promote the benefits of feline friendship, the charity is holding 'Curl up with Your Cat Day' on Monday, 6^th May.

Cats Protection has 30 permanent Shelters and 250 voluntary Branches across the UK. The charity's main objective is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome stray and unwanted cats.