Cat owners are more likely to have university degrees than people who have dogs, according to a new scientific survey of pet ownership.

Researchers at the University of Bristol say the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to their pets. Rather, more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.

Dr Jane Murray, cats protection lecturer in feline epidemiology, who led the study, said: "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference. Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."

Homes with degree-holders were 1.36 times more likely to have a cat than other households. The same homes were less likely to have a dog than households where no-one went to university. The study of 2,980 people, published in the Veterinary Record journal, also found that cat owners were more likely to be older and female.

It also revealed that the combined cat and dog population of Britain is more than 20.8 million - 50% higher than previously thought. Dr Jane Murray said: "We are confident that our figures are the most accurate yet. We are not saying there has been a huge spike in the cat and dog populations - we are just getting better at counting them."

I've got three degrees and two dogs... should I get a cat instead?

Admittedly some dogs are more stupid than others...

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