London (ots) - Britain's pet owners will spend over £100 million on Christmas presents for their pets this year, according to Britain's pet charity The Blue Cross ... but pets in the north will be pampered more than those in the south.

An online survey carried out for The Blue Cross reveals that nearly three quarters of pet owners (70%) are set to buy their pet a Christmas present this year, and that men are as soft as women when it comes to making a fuss of their pet at Christmas.

Nearly 4 million people will cook their pet a special Christmas dinner and the same number of people will send Christmas cards and presents to friends and relatives on behalf of their pets.

But there is a significant north-south divide. Pet owners in the north are far more generous than those in the south with 85% of pet owners living in the north set to buy their pets a Christmas treat, compared to just 58% of pet owners living in London.

Steve Broomfield, southern regional manager for The Blue Cross, said: "It is wonderful to see that we are such a nation of animal lovers. But we would like people to spare a thought for the hundreds of unwanted animals in our care that face Christmas alone."

To make a donation towards the cost of food and shelter for unwanted animals at The Blue Cross visit www.bluecross.org.uk or call 01993 822651.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

.