PET dogs are much more likely than cats to cause accidents around the home, new research has revealed.

Admiral, the insurance company, looked at all home insurance claims involving dogs and cats in the last year and has found pet pooches are a much bigger liability.

It identified 51 incidents caused by cats, while over the same period, its customers had registered 195 claims due to dogs.

John McSherry, head of household claims at Admiral, said: "Our data suggests dogs are just more accident prone than cats. So if you’re house proud, are looking to get a pet and can’t decide between Fido or Mittens, I’d suggest you go for a feline friend.

"That said, a dog can deter potential burglars, and while I’ve known some feisty cats in the past, I’m yet to meet a guard cat. I guess you just need to decide what you want from your pet and do what you can to prevent accidents involving either of them happening in the first place."

The research has been published to mark National Cat Day, on Saturday, October 29.