The study suggests it could be because people with strong connections to their pet lack quality relationships with other people.

A new study conducted by Queen's University Belfast found that pet owners with close bonds to their cats and dogs were more likely to suffer mental health problems during lockdown.

The study conducted in lockdown in January 2021 found people less emotionally attached to their pets reported having better mental health.

The research from the school of psychology asked 143 pet owners and 103 people who did not have pets to fill out a series of questions.

The study suggests it could be because people with strong connections to their cats and dogs lack quality relationships with other people.

Dr Deborah Wells, lead author of the research, says that could be significant:

"...There's also the possibility that some people that who are especially bonded to animals might might like quality relationships with other people."

Women, people with fewer social connections and those with children at home were other cohorts more likely to report feelings of depression, the study said.

The research found women had higher levels of attachment to their pets than men, and dog owners reported a stronger bond compared to cat owners.

Dr Wells also said that maybe people with stronger connections to a pet could have “a personality type that predisposes them to poorer mental wellbeing”.