Brits share double the number of pet pictures on social media than photos of their partner or even selfies, new research has found.

The study commissioned by Burns Pet Nutrition reveals UK pet owners’ Instagram feeds are far more likely to be filled with snaps of their cat or dog than their spouse or children.

Researchers asked 2,000 Brits to scour the last 50 photos they have shared on Instagram and record whether the image was a pet, partner, family member or selfie.

The study found the average Brit had 15 pet pics, 12 family photos, five snaps of their partner and five selfies among their last 50 Instagram images. 

Emily Boardman, Pet Nutritionist and Veterinary Advisor at Burns Pet Nutrition said: “Cats and dogs are never not doing something worthy of a photo. 

“Pets bring constant joy to their owners and it’s only natural for them to want to celebrate and share that, but even we were surprised with the results of this survey.”

Men shared an average of 13 pet pics, compared to women who shared 16, according to the study. 

The average man posts seven photos of his partner while women share only five snaps of their significant other. 

Both men and women shared an average of 12 family photos and five selfies in their last 50 posts. 

When it comes to age, Gen X (aged 44 to 59) share the most pet pics at 17 while Gen Z (18 to 27) posted the fewest, with 12 photos of their furry friends. 

Millennials (aged 28 to 43) lead on partner pics at six, while Gen Z and Gen X share around  five.

The Burns survey also revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of Gen Z have a dedicated account for their pet, with a fifth (20%) admitting their four-legged friend has more followers than them.

Emily Boardman, Pet Nutritionist and Veterinary Advisor at Burns Pet Nutrition said: “Cats and dogs are never not doing something worthy of a photo. 

“Pets bring constant joy to their owners and it’s only natural for them to want to celebrate and share that, but even we were surprised with the results of this survey.”