ANIMAL loving Brits would rather kick their partner out of bed than their pet, according to new national research.

Eight out of 10 pet owners happily compromise on their own sleep so that their four-legged friend can enjoy a great night’s kip, the study by Silentnight Pet Beds reveals.

Over a third admit to sleeping in an uncomfortable position so as not to wake their pet and a quarter let their pet hog the bed, steal the duvet or choose their position in bed first.

One in three Brits admit they have even stayed in bed longer than necessary if their canine companion is asleep.

The nation’s attitude to its pets’ creature comforts is also impacting its relationships; one fifth admit to preferring to sharing their bed with their pet rather than their partner, a quarter find their partner more annoying to sleep alongside and a fifth say their partner’s snoring or restlessness is more irritating than that of their dog or cat.

A total of 12 per cent of pet owners kick their partner out of bed so that their dog or cat can kip in style – while 17 per cent reported that their pet is more affectionate than their partner at bedtime.

Silentnight Pet Beds, which surveyed 2,000 Brits about their pet-loving habits, also found 18 per cent of the country will choose to lie awake because of their pets’ snoring rather than disturb their furry friend’s slumber.

And the pet love-in doesn’t stop there – 21 per cent of Brits admit tucking their pet in neatly under the duvet, with a further 22 per cent letting their pet sleep next to them on the pillow.

Brits are so dedicated to their pets’ sleep that many will leave their bedroom rather than wake-up their dog or cat.

Almost half of pet owners (44 per cent) have headed to the spare room to allow pets to sleep in their bed undisturbed.

A further 45 per cent have kipped on the bedroom floor, with 18 per cent confessing they’ve headed out to the car rather than disturb their pet’s sleep. Almost one in 10 pet owners have even endured a cold night in the garage to ensure their furry friend is well rested.

According to Silentnight’s research, 10 per cent of pet owners undertake one of these rituals nightly, 12 per cent weekly and 20 per cent regularly.

Almost one in 10 of Brit pet owners sleep alongside five or more dogs or cats. In total, 64 per cent of British cat and dog owners currently share their bed with at least one furry friend. And 12 per cent of them have even dressed their pet in pyjamas at bedtime.