Study: Cats’ Personalities May Be Mirrors Of Their Human Parents’

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Pets are family, so it stands to reason our furry family members are a lot like us, right? A new study from the United Kingdom suggests that’s true for cats, as they’ve found personality traits of cat owners are often mirrored in their cat’s personality.

You are what you…watch? So say scientists from Nottingham Trent University about cats and their owners’ personalities. A new study shows that the personality traits of cat owners to some extent correlated with behaviors that their cats exhibited.

In essence, much like children and DNA aside, your cat’s personality may be mirroring yours!

Related:Research Suggests Your Pup’s Personality Is Part Of His Doggy DNA

Lauren Finka is an animal welfare researcher from Nottingham Trent University and a study author. She and her team looked at over 3,000 cat owners and asked them questions they measured on a scale known as the Big Five Inventory (BFI). This inventory assesses people’s personality traits–such as conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeability, neuroticism and openness.

They found that there were significant correlations between cats and their owners that not only gave insight to a cat’s overall welfare, but their personality too.

For instance, owners deemed as ‘higher neuroticism’ on the scale were linked with cats who were believed to have ‘behavioral problems’. These problems were shown in aggression, fear, anxiety or stress-related behaviors as well as physical issues like obesity or hair shedding.

The team also discovered that cat owners who were surveyed as more extroverted were more likely to have cats that were more extroverted as well–roaming around outside and being more social. Those who were more ‘agreeable’ found that they believed they had ‘contented’ (or agreeable) cats.

Related:Purrfect Match: Study Reveals Cats and Their Owners Share Personality Traits

Finka says the study surely doesn’t show causation, but the results can help cat owners who want to have strong relationships with their cats how to do so. More research into causality will help see how, if at all, owner personality directly affects cats’ behaviors and health.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Istrian Shorthaired Hound

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is a hunting dog, not a household pet. This active working dog is a calm and even-tempered breed.
Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Dog Don’t Got Game

What do you do when your dog doesn''t share your passion for the sport of agility? Instead of being benched, the Hairy Dogfathers have some advice to share.
Scottish Straight

The Scottish Straight is one of the feline breeds that make up the Scottish Breed Group, along with the beloved Scottish Fold.
4 Dog Mushing Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Noob

Bad habits are hard to break, so why not avoid them in the first place? Steer clear of these dog mushing mistakes that make you look like a rookie.
Old Danish Pointer

Also known as the Old Danish Pointing Dog, the Old Danish Pointer is a medium-sized pointing breed developed in Denmark for hunting.
Rhodesian Labrador

The Rhodesian Labrador is a mix of Labrador Retriever and Rhodesian Ridgeback. The hybrid breed prefers to be inside in the company of his family.
Siberian Husky

Before bringing a Siberian Husky into your home, you should be aware that it is a pack animal, so it needs to feel like it is part of the family.
Canadian Canine Oscar’s Chilly Response To Winter, Eh!

Having a small dog in a cold climate is a challenge. Having a small dog who hates everything to do with winter in a cold climate is a battle of wills.
Mini Rex Rabbit

The Mini Rex rabbit is a popular rabbit breed for families looking for a first-time pet for their children. It''s known to be a gentle and friendly rabbit.
Deutsche Bracke

The Deutsche Bracke is a scenthound that is known for its exceptional obedience. It''s an ancient hound-type dog known for its narrow head and long ears.
American Bullhuahua

The American Bullhuahua melds the American Bulldog with the Chihuahua. The American Bullhuahua is a highly social dog who loves people.
Dameranian

The lovely Dameranian will charm you from the get-go! They are a good choice for seniors and families with older children, as well as apartment dwellers.
Is Your Cat Losing Teeth? Here’s Why

Should you be alarmed if you cat is losing teeth? Let''s talk about why this happens and what you should do.
What to Do If Your Dog is Poisoned

Dog can get into trouble at any age - and that includes eating something they shouldn''t. Here''s what to do if your pet is poisoned.
Tonkinese

The Tonkinese has a reputation for being a feline innovator. They come up with all sorts of games involving their toys and their humans on a daily basis.