More than 60 percent of single female cat owners still believe there’s a stigma attached to their pets
| Key findings:
· More than 60 percent of single female cat owners believe their pet carries a stigma and could be harming their chances in the dating game · However, the general public don’t agree – over half (56 per cent) would happily date a cat owner and 25 per cent see it as proof of someone’s caring nature · Match works with Instagram photographer Holly-Marie Cato to challenge the stereotype of the ‘crazy cat lady’ |
April 2016, LONDON – Does your choice of pet really affect your chances of love?
Match, the UK’s most successful dating service, polled 500 single female cat owners, over three fifths (62 percent) of whom believe their pet carries a stigma, and could be harming their chances in the dating game. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) worry that potential partners could associate them with the ‘crazy cat lady’ stereotype, while a fifth (21 percent) said they would wait to see how their date felt about cats before admitting to owning one.
In reality, however, the majority of Brits believe these fears are outdated. As celebrities post cute cat pics on Instagram and with the rising trend of cat cafes, the research shows three quarters (74 per cent) of Brits* believe these feline fears are untrue, stating it is completely normal for a woman to own a cat. Over a quarter (26 percent) of 18-24 year olds believe that celebs such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran lend a trendier and more attractive image to cat owners.
More than half of Brits (56 percent) said they would have no issue dating a cat owner, with a quarter (25 per cent) believing that it shows a caring side to a potential partner’s personality. Only 6 per cent of those surveyed believed that a woman owning a cat was a sign she was lonely – and one in ten (ten per cent) stated they would love their date to own a cat.
This view only changes once the number of cats reaches three – at this point, owners start to stray into territory dangerously close to that of their stereotype. Which is good news, as more than three quarters of cat owners (77 percent) say they would never date someone who asked them to choose between them and their beloved feline.
Looking to address the outdated stigma attached to ‘crazy cat ladies’, Match has worked with street Instagrammer Holly-Marie Cato to capture images of single female cat owners in their home environments, highlighting their beauty and confidence alongside their cat. As these singles grant us a glimpse into their private surroundings, Cato is hoping to instil pride in their owners, whilst challenging the stigma.
Holly-Marie Cato, photographer and prolific Instagrammer, comments: “It’s amazing to help match dispel the stereotype that surrounds single women with cats. The women that have allowed us to come into their home and document their relationship with their cats have been a mixture of fun, sophisticated, creative and cool, and all have a shared love for their four legged furry friends.”
Kate Taylor, dating and relationship expert for Match, adds: “If your date owns a cat, you’ve truly hit the dating jackpot. People who own pets typically make great partners as they’re generally responsible and caring people. Cat owners don’t tend to be clingy – they are happy to share their lives with an independent pet who has its own life and have the time to socialise without having the ties of a needier pet, such as a dog.
“If you own a cat, talk about it with pride! But don’t let it take over your dating profile or dominate your conversation on the first date. As with every hobby or interest, your cat should form part of your life, not become all of it. Always ensure your date knows there is still room in your heart for someone else, even if they can never be as fluffy and cute as your cat!”
Lisa Buddrus, who took part in the photography series, 27 from Bath said, “Some people consider cats to be unsociable animals compared to dogs, and tarnish their single owners with the same brush, but cats can be very affectionate and entertaining when you spend time with them. My cat is a big part of my life and I would never hide the fact that I have a cat.”
Jessie Parsons, 23, from Croydon, who was also part of the project said, “Not every single female that has a cat is a crazy cat lady. I’m a 23-year-old sales manager and consider myself to be pretty normal. I’m not embarrassed to have a cat and certainly wouldn’t ever hide the fact that I’m a cat owner when on a date.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Media Contacts
For images of the photography series, interviews or comment please contact
Brands2Life – 020 7592 1200 and matchconsumer@brands2life.com
About #Catitude:
Commissioned research to explore how single female cat owners view themselves and their pet, as well as Brits attitudes towards cat owners.
About Match:
As the most successful dating service in the UK, 1 in 2 online daters* have used Match and 1 in 5 singles who met their partner online, met on Match*. As the number 1 dating for young online daters**, Match continues to empower singles to meet exciting and interesting people that you would not otherwise have met.
Match offers members more ways to meet, including singles events located in 32 cities, one of the reasons it’s been voted as the under 35’s number 1 choice for great singles night out**. It’s also available on all mobile platforms making it the perfect dating companion for busy singles on-the-go.
As a founding member of the Online Dating Association (ODA), Match is committed to providing a safe and confidential community for its members.
*Survey conducted by Opinium from March 3rd to 8th 2016 among 508 single women who own cats
*Survey conducted by Opinium from March 4th to 7th 2016 among a representative sample of 2006 persons aged 18+ in the UK.
