Proud cat dads have a head start in the dating game, with relationship experts claiming cats make the ultimate wingmen. So this Valentine’s Day, animal welfare charity Cats Protection is encouraging UK pet owners to loudly proclaim their love for their four-legged friends.
Jo Hemmings, psychologist, dating coach, and owner of an 11-year-old cat Louis, said: “In the often-soulless world of online dating, the presence of a cat can speak volumes.
“Cat photos on your profile can elevate a run-of-the-mill pitch to an emotionally rich 3D portrait. It isn't just cute; it can be emotional catnip. It says, if my cat trusts me, you can too.
“When a man chooses to share an image of himself with his cat companion, he is - often unconsciously- signalling emotional intelligence. Cats are relationally nuanced creatures: they require understanding rather than dominance, respect rather than control.
“Psychologically, this suggests a capacity for empathy, patience, and an ability to read emotional cues, qualities that many women instinctively register as attractive. It hints at a man who is comfortable with gentleness and emotional reciprocity, rather than performative toughness. Cats really are a win-win for love.”
Flagging a love for your cat can also steer away timewasters by showing that you already share your home with a life partner, and that’s a red line for you, Jo added.
“There is something quietly reassuring about what these images convey around values and boundaries. A cat does not offer unconditional approval; it chooses connection. A man who has earned that trust may be perceived as someone who understands consent, independence, and mutual respect.”
In a survey of more than 10,000 people, Cats Protection found that men are embracing cats as pets. The charity’s Cats And Their Stats (CATS) Report 2025 found a shift in the Cat Lady stereotype with nearly as many men (23%) as women (24%) naming cats as their pet of choice.
Jo, a former judge at the Cats Protection National Cat Awards, said: “Proudly showcasing your cat dad status is a positive symbol of modern masculinity. Add to this the breaking of traditional gender stereotypes - showing compassion, caregiving, and warmth without self-consciousness - and the appeal deepens.
“In psychological terms, the cat becomes a proxy: a soft yet powerful symbol of emotional depth, relational safety, and a grounded sense of self. And for many women scrolling through dating apps, that combination feels not just attractive, but emotionally promising. It could even be a green light to suitors on the lookout for a connection this Valentine’s Day.”
If you are already lucky enough to have a date this Valentine’s Day, don’t shy away from sharing the love for your cat, Jo said.
“A liking for cats could create a shared bond and provide a conversation starter to bypass the feared small talk. Share what amuses you about your cat’s personality, why you love it. At the very least, your face will light up when you speak about your cats and that’s always a winner. Just don’t overdo it!”
As a proud cat dad himself, Cats Protection Central Behaviour Officer Daniel Warren-Cummings knows a thing or two about sharing photos of his family cat. “We all like to show off our cats, talk about the things they do that make us laugh, but it’s good to remember that a cat isn’t a trophy to be paraded, it’s a living companion who relies on us for its care.
“These relationships will thrive best when we notice and respond to our cats’ welfare needs, respect their space and don't try to get them to pose when all they want to do is sleep. Unwilling or stressed cats in staged photos can be sniffed out from a mile off.”
Of course, not every cat owner is up for a night on the tiles and many single cat dads are more than happy to skip a candlelit dinner for two in favour of snuggling up with their cat.
Daniel said: “The bond we share with our pets can have great emotional impact, so for many people, kicking back on the sofa with snacks, a good film and a purring cat is the definition of a good night.
“Our cats welcome us home after a tough day, they snuggle up when we’re feeling under the weather and they make us smile with the cute, sometimes mad, things they do. They don't let us down. They just ask that we remain there for each other.”
For anyone looking to cuddle up on Valentine’s Day, there is still hope with many cats patiently waiting for someone to take them home. Visit cats.org.uk or contact your nearest Cats Protection team to meet the cats in need.
For more information, contact Cats Protection Media Office
