We have spent more time than ever at home this year, and during these unprecedented times people have welcomed new furry companions into their lives.
Now, the most popular names for kittens and puppies in 2020 have been revealed by Pets at Home, who have tracked the names of pets through the registrations to its VIP Club over the past 12 months.
Advert
Luna and Bella topped the list for top 20 cats names and dogs names, respectively.
For cats Luna, Bella and Poppy were the top three choices. For dogs, Bella, Poppy and Lola were the most popular.
Claire Gavin, Director of Innovation at Pets at Home, said: "Welcoming a new pet is incredibly special and deciding on a suitable name is a big decision.
Advert
"The companionship of our furry friends has been so important to many pet owners during lockdown and it's clear that those special moments have been a highlight in what has been a really tough year."
One man who has spent a lot of time in our homes this year - virtually, of course - is Boris Johnson, and he has seemingly had some impact on pet names too. Puppies and Kittens named Boris have increased 145 per cent in 2020.
Top 20 cat names in 2020
Advert
1.Luna
2.Bella
3.Poppy
4.Charlie
Advert
5.Lola
6.Milo
7.Molly
8.Daisy
Advert
9.Oscar
10.Millie
11.Tilly
12.Willow
13.Alfie
14.Simba
15.Smudge
16.Gizmo
17.Coco
18.Rose
19.Tigger
20.Misty
Top 20 dog names in 2020
1.Bella
2.Poppy
3.Lola
4.Alfie
5.Charlie
6.Baily
7.Max
8.Daisy
9.Buddy
10.Molly
11.Teddy
12.Ruby
13.Luna
14.Milo
15.Oscar
16.Millie
17.Rosie
18.Archie
19.Coco
20.Toby
With more pets at home this year, leading charities have urged pet owners to prepare for Bonfire Night, which can be incredibly traumatic for pets..
A new study by the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) has revealed that 22 per cent of UK dog owners have a four-legged friend who is afraid of fireworks, suggesting around 2.2 million dogs could suffer this Bonfire Night.
Leading vet charity, PDSA, is warning that both the loud and disruptive fireworks, the large number of potentially affected dogs, and all the new owners who adopted a pet during lockdown, could leave the nation's pets suffering unnecessary distress and anxiety if owners don't act now.
PDSA Vet Lynne James said: "It's concerning that so many pets are suffering from severe stress and anxiety due to fireworks, and we fear this could be even worse this season."
The charity saw a 175 per cent increase in online searches for getting a dog in 2020, suggesting that the pandemic has resulted in a greater demand for pets while we spend more time at home. This means that there could be more new owners with little knowledge on how to prepare their pets for Bonfire Night.
Featured Image Credit: ShutterstockTopics: Life News, Pets, Cats, Dogs