Family lawyers will be familiar with divorcing or separating couples fighting like cat and dog, but it seems that many now literally fight over their feline and canine companions when their relationships end.

Research by Co-operative Pet Insurance has revealed that one-fifth of separating couples have sought legal advice to try to keep custody of their pet, and 10% have used mediation to resolve the issue.

The survey of 2,000 pet owners showed that in 56% of cases both parties wanted to keep the pet concerned, while in one in 10 (rather sad) cases, couples argued because neither party wanted to keep it.

The survey also shows that after separation, nearly a quarter of those who lost custody of their pet still see their furry companion, while one in five couples agreed joint custody arrangements.

Lee Mooney, head of pet insurance at Co-operative Insurance, said: ‘Whereas possessions such as televisions used to dominate divorce proceedings, the custody of the family pet is now one of the subjects that causes the most upset and arguments for separating couples.’

He suggested it could be time for couples to draw up pre-nuptial agreements before they take the step of getting a pet together. Perhaps the idea is not as barking as it sounds.