Almost half of all UK pet owners treat their animals like one of their own children, according to new research.

Some 47 per cent of pet owners feel their cat or dog is part of the family but only half this number have protected their pet in case of an accident or emergency, reports Saga Insurance.

Two in five pet owners prefer the company of their hamster or rabbit to humans and one in 20 regard their pet as more important than their family.

This is particularly true for the over 50s age group where 48 per cent prefer pet company to humans and seven per cent think more of their animals than their relatives.

A fifth of pet owners say they plan to leave money in their will for the care of their pet although only 20 per cent have taken out insurance for their alive pet.

The cosy arrangement with pets goes as far as half of dog owners allowing their dog to lounge on the sofa and half of the UK cat population sleep on their owner's bed every night.

Andrew Goodsell, chief executive of Saga, said: "We know that, for many, the company of a beloved cat or dog can really make a difference to their quality of life.

"However, it's important that people seriously consider taking out insurance to cover their pet in case of an accident or illness."