When it comes to curating a dating profile, singletons may spend countless hours deciding which photographs show their best angles.
But experts now suggest that attraction really is just about the animals you’re shot with, as 76 per cent of daters would be tempted to swipe right if a feline featured.
Dating app, FindingTheOne, polled 2,000 of its users on their preferences and pet peeves when it comes to furry friends online.
While dogs are usually deemed a man’s best friend, results show they’re certainly not the best wingmen, as just 41 per cent of users were tempted to date a pup’s parent.
Meanwhile, a startling 62 per cent wouldn’t mind falling for a snake or lizard owner – and 23 per cent even find them ‘sexy’.
Dating app, FindingTheOne, surveyed 2,000 users on animals in dating profiles
‘Dogs have always had a reputation as the pet of choice to tug at the heart strings of daters whilst cats took the back seat – but our new research suggests the dog has already had its day,’ Sylvia Linzalone, a relationships spokesperson at the site, told MailOnline.
‘It’s the cat that has finally got the cream in the world of online dating – and singletons should heed our advice to update their profiles with an image of their furry feline friend.’
As part of the study, respondents were simply asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on whether they’d match if they saw a dating profile featuring each pet.
Participants were also asked to provide any further comments on their reasons why to help experts better understand their dating habits.
Of those studied, a remarkable 54 per cent said they’d received an opening chat-up line of ‘I love your cat’ or something similar in the past.
Horses and rabbits made it to the top with cats, while 57 per cent also remarked that hamster owners seem ‘gentle’ and ‘caring’ on the surface.
However, fish owners can expect choppy waters ahead, as a whopping 76 per cent would swipe left on a profile featuring these creatures.
Even then, just under a third have been asked to bring a pet to a first date, while a hilarious 21 per cent preferred the pet to their match.
![Almost 80 per cent said they would swipe right on a profile featuring a feline friend](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75646143-12536059-Almost_80_per_cent_said_they_would_swipe_right_on_a_profile_feat-a-369_1695305689692.jpg)
![Almost 80 per cent said they would swipe right on a profile featuring a feline friend](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75646165-12536059-Almost_80_per_cent_said_they_would_swipe_right_on_a_profile_feat-a-368_1695305689673.jpg)
Almost 80 per cent said they would swipe right on a profile featuring a feline friend. Meanwhile, just 41 per cent of users were tempted to date a pup’s parent
![Almost 60 per cent remarked that hamster owners seem 'gentle' and 'caring' on the surface](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75646183-12536059-Almost_60_per_cent_remarked_that_hamster_owners_seem_gentle_and_-a-371_1695305689718.jpg)
![Around 62 per cent of users said they wouldn't mind falling for a snake or lizard owner](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75646181-12536059-Around_62_per_cent_of_users_said_they_wouldn_t_mind_falling_for_-a-372_1695305690035.jpg)
Around 62 per cent of users said they wouldn’t mind falling for a snake or lizard owner while 57 per cent also remarked that hamster owners seem ‘gentle’ and ‘caring’ on the surface
![You may be surprised to know that 23 per cent of dating app users find snake and lizard owners 'sexy'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75646133-12536059-You_may_be_surprised_to_know_that_23_per_cent_of_dating_app_user-a-373_1695305690036.jpg)
![Fish owners can expect choppy waters ahead, as a whopping 76 per cent would swipe left on a profile featuring these creatures](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75646223-12536059-Fish_owners_can_expect_choppy_waters_ahead_as_a_whopping_76_per_-a-374_1695305690052.jpg)
You may be surprised to know that 23 per cent of dating app users find snake and lizard owners ‘sexy’. On the flipside, fish owners can expect choppy waters ahead, as a whopping 76 per cent would swipe left on a profile featuring these creatures
![Around 61 per cent said they'd swipe right on a dating profile that featured a horse](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/21/15/75686259-12536059-Around_61_per_cent_said_they_d_swipe_right_on_a_dating_profile_t-a-375_1695305690053.jpg)
Around 61 per cent said they’d swipe right on a dating profile that featured a horse
‘Of course, featuring pets in your profile continues to be a smart way to attract a potential date. The science behind it is quite simple too,’ Ms Linzalone continued.
‘Daters see positive characteristics in those that own pets, such as commitment, companionship, and loyalty – which are all attractive qualities in a first date.’
Psychologist, Dr Anna Sergent, also agreed that judgements of character are often based on how a person treats animals.
She told MailOnline: ‘People who own pets may seem more attractive as they may appear more trustworthy and as they are able and willing to take care of a pet that may be vulnerable.
‘People tend to imagine that pet owners are devoted and dedicated to their pets and perhaps they would do the same for their partner.’
When asked why cats may be a favourite among daters, she added: ‘Perhaps it is a perception about cats, that they tend to be more independent than dogs.
‘Additionally, a perception may be that cat owners can read body language well and are more likely to commit, as cats are more introverted than dog owners.’
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