Online Valentines urged to quiz partners on smoking, pets and style to secure Tinder loving care

WANT to know what to ask after swiping right on Tinder this Valentine’s Day? A new study finds it’s not about marriage and kids, but cats versus dogs.

4/4/14. Feature issue big read. Its about Tinder - a dating app on iphones. Not your standard shoot here - we're not showing the faces of our talent Clancy Bennett or Laura Poole. Pic Keryn Stevens

FORGET asking about marriage and kids on a first date.

What successful Australian couples really need to know is about smoking preferences and where potential partners sit on the dog versus cat divide.

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These are the findings of a Pureprofile study of 4910 successfully coupled Australians in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, which chief executive Paul Chan said largely disproves the old saying that opposites attract.

Rather than traditional relationship hotpoints, Chan said a couple’s opinions on smoking proved the most important shared belief, with 85 per cent of successful couples sharing a stance on the issue.

Online Valentines ... A Pureprofile survey found potential Tinder matches should discuss the dogs versus cats debate. Pic Keryn Stevens

A preferences for dogs and cats followed on 78 per cent, surprisingly tying with agreement on religion.

Other important shared beliefs centred on modern versus vintage styling (71 per cent), and whether personalty or appearance was more important (74 per cent).

Mr Chan said the five day-to-day preferences could make or break a relationship, and suggested those using online dating services and apps, like Tinder, heed the findings this Valentine’s Day.

“You should be asking these questions on any sort of first date, but it would be smart for those first comments after the swipe to be asking about smoking and cats versus dogs,” Mr Chan said.

“It could be very telling. Smoking is clearly a deal-breaker, and if you aren’t compatible on at least the majority of these items, it’s going to be pretty tough.”

Must love dogs ... Sydney couple Sarah Kippenberger and Cohen Mason share a love of dogs.

Sydney marketing project manager Sarah Kippenberger, 25, who took part in the survey, said an anti-smoking stance, preference for dogs, and non-religious lifestyle had provided a solid basis for her two-year relationship to Cohen Mason.

The pair, who met at uni, bonded when they both moved to Sydney and discovered shared beliefs on everyday situations.

“We don’t have a dog yet but I’m a massive fan of dogs,” she said. “When we settle down, I want a dog and that’s something he knows.

“There are certain practical things that you have to be in line with. If you’re too different, you’re going to clash.”

Originally published as Online Valentines urged to quiz partners on smoking, pets and style to secure Tinder loving care