Britain’s 20 and 30-somethings are increasingly putting off having children and turning their beloved pets into surrogate kids.

New statistics from Norwich Union reveal that our prized pooches and moggies are becoming substitute children – with many being given the latest trendy baby names.

Gone are the days of Rover or Fido – and instead 13 of the 20 most popular dog’s names also feature in the top 20 of the latest baby names list*, including Jack, Sam, Charlie and Meg.

As for cats, 15 of the top 20 most popular feline names are also in the nation’s top 20 favourite baby names – with Chloe, Oliver, Alfie and Thomas topping the list.

The findings also show that we are naming ourselves. We are ‘mummy’ and ‘daddy’ to our furry ‘babies’. Furthermore, we proudly tell friends about our pet’s latest achievements and make sure we leave the lights and television on to keep them company when we’re out.

Isabel Baumber, niche development manager for Norwich Union, said: "While the UK’s birth rate has been falling over the past decade, nearly half the population now owns a pet – and the cat population has significantly risen since 1994 overtaking dogs as the number one choice of companion. This is partly down to changing lifestyles - more one-person households and a greater focus on career."

Households across the UK are spending around £3.5 billion a year cosseting their cats and dogs - showering them with brightly-coloured gifts and holding birthday parties in their honour. Norwich Union’s research reveals that one in ten pets get Christmas and birthday presents - gifts include doggie perfume, embroidered cushions, designer collars and christening gowns.

Even the treatments we expect from our vets are changing. Instead of worming tablets and flea collars, we want alternative therapies such as homeopathy and osteopathy available to our pets.

Norwich Union have tailored their ‘Cats and Dogs’ product to cover not only vet’s fees and advertising/rewards should a pet goes missing, but also alternative treatments including aromatherapy, acupuncture and behavioural counselling.

Isabel Baumber added: "Pets offer an alternative nurturing experience. When you consider the combination of changing attitudes towards work and the joy that pets can bring, it doesn’t seem unusual that we want to give our pets our favourite names, allow them to cuddle up to us in bed and place their pictures proudly on our mantelpiece."

Norwich Union’s top 20 pet names