Cancer pets and their owners: who's a cosmic match?

Cancer pets match most easily with water and earth owners: Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Virgo. A Cancer cat or dog wants a safe, cosy home and a person who stays close, and those four signs give it naturally. Every other sign can make a Cancer feel at home too; it just takes a few more welcome-home rituals.

Cancer pets are born between 21 June and 22 July, ruled by the Moon. They're the homemakers of the zodiac: a Cancer dog drags a blanket to wherever you sit, a Cancer cat walks you to the door and waits on the mat until you're back.

Water owners: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Cancer owner (twins): you both like a night in, under a blanket, with no plans. Expect a Cancer dog to bring their own blanket to join yours, or a Cancer cat to claim the warm dip on the sofa the second you stand up.

Scorpio owner (easy): you're protective of your home, and a Cancer pet agrees completely. A Cancer dog keeps watch at the window while you sleep; a Cancer cat patrols the bedroom door, and the two of you trust almost nobody else.

Pisces owner (easy): you drift into a daydream, and a Cancer pet drifts in beside you. A Cancer cat kneads your jumper until you've both dozed off; a Cancer dog sighs and rests their chin on your knee for the whole film.

Earth owners: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Taurus owner (balancing): your home is soft, warm and well stocked with cushions, and a Cancer pet is delighted. A Cancer dog builds a nest out of your throws; a Cancer cat picks the softest one and refuses to move.

Virgo owner (balancing): you keep the house running smoothly, and a Cancer pet loves knowing what comes next. A Cancer cat appears at the same doorway when you start your evening routine; a Cancer dog fetches their blanket the moment you reach for the remote.

Capricorn owner (opposites): you're out building plans; a Cancer pet keeps the home fires going. Your key in the lock each evening gets the full Cancer welcome: a dog wriggling on the mat, or a cat trilling from the hallway, as if you'd been gone for a week.

Fire owners: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Aries owner (tricky): you dash in and out of the door, and a Cancer pet prefers a proper goodbye. A Cancer dog sits by the door looking reproachful as you grab your keys; a slower farewell, with a pat and a word, makes a big difference.

Leo owner (odd couple): you light up a room, and a Cancer pet loves a warm one. A Leo throws a party; a Cancer cat watches it from the safety of the bedroom doorway, then wins over one guest at a time.

Sagittarius owner (odd couple): you're always planning the next trip, and a Cancer pet wants to come too, or at least keep something of yours while you're away. Expect a Cancer dog asleep in your open suitcase the night before you go.

Air owners: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Gemini owner (odd couple): you chatter, and a Cancer pet listens. A Cancer cat curls up on the sofa arm beside the phone during your long calls, ears turning to follow every word.

Libra owner (tricky): you love a full house, and a Cancer pet loves a quiet one. When friends come round, a Cancer cat slips under the bed for a while; a Cancer dog stays close to your feet, watching the door, until the last guest leaves.

Aquarius owner (odd couple): you need your own space; a Cancer pet needs to be in it. Settle down to work and a Cancer dog lies across your feet under the desk, while a Cancer cat settles on whichever page you were about to read.

Cancer pets with other pets

A Cancer pet often mothers a newcomer, sharing a blanket and keeping a watchful eye on them. Give each animal their own den, though: a Cancer is happy to share the home but likes one spot that's theirs alone.

Cancer dogs and Cancer cats as partners

A Cancer dog carries home around with them, dragging the blanket from room to room and greeting you at the door. A Cancer cat keeps home warm while you're out, waiting on the mat. Put them together and you'll find them asleep in the same nest, keeping it ready for you.