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

Virgo pets match most easily with earth and water owners: Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer and Scorpio. A Virgo cat or dog wants order, a routine and someone who notices the details, and those four signs offer all three. Every other sign can win a Virgo over too, with a little extra punctuality.

Virgo pets are born between 23 August and 22 September, ruled by Mercury. They're the organisers of the zodiac: a Virgo dog helps carry the shopping in and checks every bag, a Virgo cat inspects the result from a spotless corner of the worktop.

Earth owners: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Taurus owner (easy): you like things done the same comfortable way every day, and a Virgo pet agrees completely. A Virgo dog is waiting by the lead at exactly the usual time; a Virgo cat settles on the same cushion at the same hour each evening.

Virgo owner (twins): you both notice when something's been moved. You'll spot the crooked picture frame at the same moment, and while you straighten it, a Virgo cat will be inspecting the nail.

Capricorn owner (easy): you run a tight ship, and a Virgo pet loves a well-run home. A Virgo dog takes on their own small job, like carrying the post to you; a Virgo cat watches the morning routine from the windowsill and approves.

Water owners: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Cancer owner (balancing): you make the home cosy, and a Virgo pet keeps it in order. A Virgo dog gathers the toys into their bed at the end of the day; a Virgo cat chooses the neatest blanket in your nest and settles exactly in the middle.

Scorpio owner (balancing): you're observant, and so is a Virgo. Neither of you misses a thing: a Virgo dog sniffs every new parcel as carefully as you open it, and you're both curious what's inside.

Pisces owner (opposites): you lose track of time; a Virgo pet never does. Fall into a daydream at dinner time and a Virgo dog will appear beside you with a meaningful look, or a Virgo cat will sit squarely on your book until you remember.

Fire owners: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Aries owner (odd couple): you rush, and a Virgo pet likes to do things properly. You throw your coat on the chair; a Virgo cat sniffs it, studies it and settles on it only after the collar has been rearranged to their liking.

Leo owner (odd couple): you want an audience, and a Virgo pet wants a job. Teach a Virgo dog a trick and they'll practise it until it's perfect; the applause is all yours to give.

Sagittarius owner (tricky): you change plans at the door, and a Virgo pet had the old plan memorised. Take a new route on the walk and a Virgo dog will stop at the usual turning to check you know where you're going.

Air owners: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Gemini owner (tricky): you start three things at once, and a Virgo pet wants to see one finished. A Virgo cat sits beside the half-unpacked bag in the hall, looking from it to you, until you deal with it.

Libra owner (odd couple): you make the home lovely, and a Virgo pet keeps it neat. A Virgo cat chooses the most beautifully folded throw on the sofa and leaves it, after a nap, exactly as tidy as before.

Aquarius owner (odd couple): you keep unusual hours, and a Virgo pet quietly adjusts. A Virgo dog learns your odd timetable within a week and starts nudging you towards the door at the right moment, even on days you'd forgotten.

Virgo pets with other pets

A Virgo pet gets along with housemates who keep to their own spots. Give each animal their own bed and bowl in fixed places, and a Virgo will happily supervise the arrangement, watching where everyone is and noticing when they move.

Virgo dogs and Virgo cats as partners

A Virgo dog wants to help with every job, nose in the shopping, toys tidied into the basket. A Virgo cat reviews the work from somewhere clean. Together they make a very efficient team: one does it, the other signs it off.