Fur babies splash out on a pawsome Mother's Day

• Quarter of dog owners and a fifth of cat owners have received a gift from their pet 
• Half of pet owners consider pets members of the family
• Sales of pet accessories soaring at John Lewis with pet beds +76% and clothing +58% 

If you thought that Mother’s Day was the preserve of human beings - then you would be barking up the wrong tree.

New research shows that our four legged friends - and their owners - are using Mothering Sunday to show appreciation to their human mum with a range of cards and gifts. 

With 48% of pet owners considering their pet a child, 37% say they’ve already received a Mother's Day gift from their pet. 

When it comes to the most generous companions, dogs come top of the pile with 26% of their owners having received a gift. While cats are not far behind (19%), rabbits (4%), birds and even fish (both 3%) are also getting in on the act.

According to the survey of 2,000 pet owners, the most popular gifts included Mother’s Day cards, chocolates, pet-themed gifts and flowers. 

Other gifts selling well at John Lewis included a range of Emma Bridgewater mugs showing different dog breeds. Retriever, labrador and cockapoo mugs were in particularly strong demand with sales up 52% compared to this time last year. 

While some mums receive ‘human gifts’ from their pets, others are clearly being given a gift to share with their fur baby. 

In fact, 20% of the owners who expect a gift from their pet, would welcome presents to be used by their animal companion. 

The trend is supported by data from John Lewis, which has seen sales of pet accessories soaring including pet beds +76%, clothing +58% and toys +53%.

Lucy Steer, category manager for gifting at John Lewis, said: “From pampered pooches to family-fish, we’re seeing a real demand for pet presents this Mother’s Day - which we’ve reflected in our range.

“Whether picking up something for mum, or the four legged friend, we’re making it easy to find the paw-fect present. Our dog raincoats have been a particular hit this year, as have collars and pet bowls.”

Reflecting on their companions, half (48%) of owners say they feel their pet is a member of the family because of the emotional value they bring.

22% also said that they didn’t mind whether their gift came from a pet or an actual child - but that they were just happy to receive something. 

While pets might be giving their mums the perfect gift, not all mums love the gifts they have received on previous Mother’s Days. 

In fact, one in ten pet parents (9%) agreed that Mother's Day gifts from pets are better than those from children, as they resulted in better gifts.

A separate survey of 2,000 mums with children, found that over a fifth have been given ‘inappropriate’ Mother’s Day gifts, with 15% of those surveyed having received kitchen utensils.

Elsewhere, 14% admitted to being bought deodorant, while items like washing up liquid (11%), ironing boards (10%) and DIY tools (9%) also made the list of unfortunate gifts.

One in ten (9%) even said they’d been given a gift to help them lose weight, while the same number admitted to having simply received an IOU.

Perhaps it’s not surprising then that 16% of mothers would prefer to choose their own gift, while 13% admitted that they dread having to act surprised or happy with their gift.

Lucy continues: “If you want to avoid the faux pas, personalised items can add a thoughtful touch. Otherwise simple accessories, like a scarf or gloves, can be used time and time again. 

“Flowers are a fail safe option too - and definitely less offensive than rubber gloves. Whether from a child or a pet, they’re much less likely to land you in the dog house!”