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

Libra pets match most easily with air and fire owners: Gemini, Aquarius, Leo and Sagittarius. A Libra cat or dog wants company, harmony and a lovely home, and those signs bring the sociable, cheerful life a Libra thrives on. Every other sign can win a Libra's heart too; a Libra is, after all, the charmer of the zodiac.

Libra pets are born between 23 September and 22 October, ruled by Venus. They're the diplomats of the zodiac: a Libra dog says hello to everyone in turn, a Libra cat sits in the doorway weighing up both rooms.

Air owners: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Gemini owner (easy): you love a chat and a busy home, and a Libra pet loves to be part of it. A Libra dog swivels their head to whoever is talking; a Libra cat joins the circle on the sofa as if they had something to add.

Libra owner (twins): you both take a while to decide. Hold the door open and you'll be standing there together, the cat on the threshold weighing up the hallway, you weighing up whether to wait.

Aquarius owner (easy): your friends are an interesting bunch, and a Libra pet wants to meet them all. A Libra dog trots round to greet each new face; a Libra cat picks out the most unusual guest and charms them first.

Fire owners: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Aries owner (opposites): you charge ahead and a Libra pet wants to stop and say hello. On the walk, a Libra dog pauses at every friendly face while you're already at the corner; somehow the two of you meet in the middle, and it works.

Leo owner (balancing): you bring the warmth and the visitors, and a Libra pet makes sure every guest feels welcome. A Libra dog does the rounds while you tell the stories; together you're the best hosts on the street.

Sagittarius owner (balancing): you love new people and new places, and a Libra pet loves meeting them. A Libra dog makes a new friend on every walk; a Libra cat greets your travel stories with a slow blink and a head bump.

Earth owners: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Taurus owner (odd couple): you both love beautiful, comfortable things, ruled by Venus as you both are. A Libra cat settles on your softest throw; a Libra dog chooses the prettiest cushion on the sofa, and neither of you will be shifted.

Virgo owner (odd couple): you keep things neat, and a Libra pet keeps them pretty. A Libra cat drapes themselves elegantly over your freshly made bed, adding the finishing touch, in their view.

Capricorn owner (tricky): you make quick, firm decisions, and a Libra pet likes to consider every option. Call a Libra cat in from the window and you'll get a long, thoughtful look before anything happens.

Water owners: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Cancer owner (tricky): you love a quiet evening in, and a Libra pet loves company. A Libra dog keeps glancing at the door, hoping someone will drop by; one friendly visitor and the whole evening is perfect.

Scorpio owner (odd couple): you're private, and a Libra pet is the friendliest face in the house. A Libra cat greets your rare guests at the door and wins them over before you've taken their coats.

Pisces owner (odd couple): you're gentle and dreamy, and a Libra pet loves a peaceful home. A Libra cat curls up beside you to listen to music, eyes half closed; a Libra dog lies with their head on your foot and sighs contentedly.

Libra pets with other pets

A Libra pet is often the peacemaker of a multi-pet home, sharing the sofa and offering a polite sniff to any newcomer. They expect fairness in return: equal cuddles, equal space, and nobody hogging the best cushion.

Libra dogs and Libra cats as partners

A Libra dog makes the rounds, greeting everyone and sharing toys fairly. A Libra cat lets the room come to them, then weighs up whose lap deserves the next ten minutes. Both want everyone to get along, and between them they usually manage it.