RESEARCH has revealed that two thirds of pet owners believe their furry friends have seen a ghost before.

Most owners are also convinced their pets have a sixth sense.

It comes after a poll by national pet charity Blue Cross, which surveyed 1,362 pet owners and found that 88 percent believed their pets can see things that they cannot see.

And with more than half of owners believing their pets have stared at a space intently to warn them of a ghost, 37 percent of them said their dogs had barked at an empty space or empty room.

They believe this was their way of indicating the presence of an unfriendly spirit to their owners.

A further 36 percent also said their pets have stood or sat still, as if in shock due to the presence of a ghoul near them.

One person surveyed described a spooky tale of her cat refusing to come inside after moving to a new house.

Upon her cat being picked up and taken inside, her personality changed by hissing and growling persistently.

It was then revealed that a mother and son were murdered in the same house but, after deciding to move again, the cat returned to her playful and happy self.

Kirsty Smith, Rehoming Supervisor at Blue Cross Southampton, said: “The reality is that there is still so much that we don’t fully understand about the powerful senses of our pets and the ways in which they perceive the world in which we share with them with their sharp sense of smell, eyesight and hearing.

“Their physical reactions may include pupils dilating, bodies tensing, hair standing on end, dogs may growl, and cats may hiss, they may hold their ground, or they may run away.”

She added: “To a general observer it can look like that the animal has responded to something that isn’t there or might be ‘supernatural’.

“Our belief that this might be the case will often be compounded by the context of the situation.

“If a dog or cat did this whilst you were alone - when you are feeling vulnerable - you may be more inclined to feel that something extraordinary is occurring.”

With Halloween being a frightening time for pets, especially dogs, Blue Cross have released a new online video with tips to help to keep pets safe over the spooky season.

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets for over 120 years.

To watch their video, visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-keep-your-dog-safe-halloween.