Is there any truth to the idea that your choice of pet can reveal something about you?

Whether you’re a dog person, cat person, or even a fish person, studies have shown that people with certain characteristics tend to choose different furry – or feathery, or fishy – companions:

Dogs

Dog owners are more likely to be extroverted, agreeable and conscientious. Dog-lovers thrive living with other family members, and in one study were described as “the most fun to be around”.

Cats

Cat people tend to be more creative and adventurous than dog people. Cat people are generally very dependable and emotionally sensitive to others. They’re also more likely to experience anxiety than other pet owners.

Reptiles

Reptile lovers are the most independent of all pet people, and tend to be the most eccentric. Unfortunately, they also score lowest when it comes to a sense of humour. Within the reptile world, turtle-owners are more likely to be hardworking and reliable, and snake-owners more novelty-seeking.

Birds

Bird-owners tend to be more outgoing, while female bird-owners are more likely to be socially dominant. They are also more likely to be polite, caring and expressive.