Guess how many Brits prefer their pets to their partners

As many as one in five pet owners in the UK say they prefer their pets to their partners, says a new study.

This might sound a lot - but isn't really that surprising when you consider that pets don't fight with us, they don't steal our clothes and they're always pleased to see us.

See also: Cat or dog? Which animal loves humans more?

See also: Should you let your dog lick your face?

The study, which asked more than 2,000 pet owners about their feelings, found that 25% of them felt happiest when they spent time alone with their pet. And a good chunk preferred them to their friends, too.

Almost half of the participants said their pets helped them feel less stress, had a direct impact on their social lives, made them less lonely and feel more energetic.

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