Researchers at the University of Lincoln have concluded that cats, unlike dogs, don't need humans to feel protected, preferring to look after themselves.

In particular, they found cats don't suffer from separation anxiety and any noise they make when their owner leaves is more likely to be out of boredom or frustration.

To find out if cats needed their owner to feel secure, the researchers observed how 20 cats reacted when they were placed in an unfamiliar environment together with their owner, with a stranger or on their own.

The study monitored the amount of contact sought by the cat, the level of passive behaviour, and signs of distress caused by the absence of the owner.

Although the researchers say cats can still develop bonds with, and affection for their owners, the new study shows that they do no need them in the same way that dogs do.

But before cat lovers start despairing about their aloof house guests, animal behaviourists say they should actually take the finding as a compliment. If cats stick around, it means they really want to be there.