Leos love animals - especially those that are large and decorative - but, when it comes to pets, you need to be wary of treating them as accessories. You are strongly attracted to animals who share your flamboyant, big-hearted approach to life. And far from competing for centre stage, as can be the case when it comes to close human relationships, you are happy to let them share your limelight - and vice versa.

Of course, pets are quick to spot a weakness in their owners’ personality and yours tends to be a tendency to lavish them with love. Which is fine just so long as you also know when and where to draw the line and demand obedience.

Because the sign of Leo is symbolized by the Lion, and associated with cats big and small, you are the natural cat-owners of the Zodiac and, indeed, have much in common with these luxury-loving creatures. An ideal Leo cat is the extroverted, sleek-coated burmese which is full of life and full of demands, with the ability to attract attention to itself if it feels it is being ignored. It is slightly less talkative than its siamese ancestors and can be taught to retrieve like a dog. It also shares the Leo liking for the better things of life displaying a marked preference for the most expensive brands of cat food.

Dog-loving Leos should consider choosing an elegant afghan hound which was originally employed as a gun dog and boasts a history dating back 6,000 years. These beautiful aristocratic dogs enjoy showing off their long silky coats. Lively and affectionate with their owners, they are aloof with strangers and easily frightened. They love being the sole centre of attention and thrive in luxurious surroundings.

When it comes to other types of pets, your own taste for the dramatic is splendidly mirrored by the magnificent peacock which steals even a Leo’s thunder when it fans the ‘eye’ feathers of its train when courting. Despite their individualism and love of attention, peacocks are very timid when confronted.

The african grey parrot is an entertaining indoor Leo alternative to the exotic peacock. Extrovert, gregarious, with a need to be admired, there is no denying that these birds share many characteristics with the typical Leo. Parrots love to create a fuss and have been known to imitate the ringing of a mobile telephone just for the fun of watching their owners rushing around trying to find it. They love rich food and can be very strong-willed when it comes to getting their own way.

The suggestions above are merely guidelines and in no way suggest that there is only one breed or type of pet which is suitable for any one Zodiac sign. And it is, of course, essential to know everything there is to know about buying and keeping any pet before taking it home.