Cats are more likely than dogs to live with owners who are university educated, new research indicates.

Scientists from the University of Bristol recently studied the academic achievements of the UK's animal lovers.

Researchers found that 47.2 per cent of moggies lived in homes where occupants had studied to degree level, while this figure stood at 38.4 per cent for properties that house pooches.

Jane Murray, feline epidemiology lecturer from the institute, stated her belief that the findings are a reflection of the busy careers that some cat fans may lead as a result of their academic records.

She told the BBC: "Our best guess is that it's to do with working hours and perhaps commuting to work, meaning people have a less suitable lifestyle for a dog."

Further figures from the study reveal that moggie owners tend to be older females, while dogs are favoured by younger men.

In other news, the New Scientist recently stated that dogs are favoured as pets over cats due to a range of factors, such as pooches' problem solving skills and their ability to bond with people.