Homeware pays homage to pets

That’s why pet-inspired homeware has always sold well. Anything that reminds us of our beloved animals tugs at the heart strings and has a potent “Ahhh” factor that has us reaching for our wallets.

But sticking a cat or a dog on any old product isn’t good enough as our tastes become more sophisticated.

That’s why designers are giving them a lot of thought and have come up with a combination of the classy, the kitsch and the practical

For class look no further than Emma Bridgewater, who realised early on that dogs favoured by her fans – usually country dwellers or those who aspire to be country dwellers – would be surefire winners. She has chosen working dogs such as border terriers, labradors and lurchers who look marvellous on her baby and half pint mugs.

Equally sophisticated are the black cat cushions from Hunkydoryhome, now £18 in the sale down from £35, and Jan Constantine’s mini bull dog cushion £48.50.

For kitsch, it’s hard to beat the cute, moulded plastic dog lamp £75 from Rockett St George. Co- founder of the hip interiors website Jane Rockett, admits: “I have one in my sitting room and it gives out a really cosy light, plus I can’t resist smiling when I look at him.”

Dog light stitches £26.95 from Anythingdogz, www.anythingdogz.co.uk, are also fun. Anythingdogz also features more practical items such a dog lead hooks, though for high end design the Alessi dog and cat bowls are a must They cost £37.38 each from A White Room, Hebden Bridge, www.awhiteroom.com

For investment buys look at antique and collectable pottery. Sylvac have almost every breed of dog and the odd cat. Its terriers produced in the 1940s and 50s are most collectable but are still affordable and you can find them on Ebay for about £20.

It’s interesting to note that contemporary homeware is also favouring dogs and that could reflect a recent shift in pet ownership patterns.

Figures show the number of dogs is at all-time high and is on course to end feline supremacy.

Britain’s dog population has risen steadily from five million in 1970 to 8.3 million today, according to analysts, Mintel.

The data, compiled by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, shows the cat population peaked in 2004 at 9.6 million and has since dipped to 8.6 million.

Ben Perkins, an analyst at Mintel, says: “The trend indicates dogs overtaking cats this year. For years, dogs have been chasing cats. And now they are finally overtaking them.”

Smaller breeds of dog, which are usually cheaper to feed and care for, are driving the increase. Pugs have risen six-fold while the number of Chihuahuas has trebled.