Thursday, November 7, 2024

You’re Probably Passing Down Personality Traits To Your Cat

Cat owners, listen up. Next time you find yourself watching trashy reality TV while inhaling a bag of chips and shit talking your Alexa, just remember you’re being watched — by your cat.

Tired Cat GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

We all know creepy cats who like to stare into your soul, but it turns out they’re actually picking up your behavioral cues. And you thought you were safe not having kids.

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Lincoln found a correlation between the personalities of cats and their human friends.

RELATED: Ask A Vet: How Old Is My Pet In Dog Or Cat Years?

According to the study, the more neurotic the human, the less likely his/her cat was pedigree. The personality trait was also associated with a decreased likelihood of unlimited access to the outdoors, and cats having behavioral problems, defined as “displaying more aggressive and anxious/fearful behavioral styles and more stress-related sickness behaviours, as well as having an ongoing medical condition and being overweight.”

Cat Remember GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

But that’s not all.

RELATED: Talking To Your Dog Or Cat Means You’re Smart, Not Crazy

Other, more desirable, owner personality traits were found to correlate more positively with various lifestyle, behavior and welfare parameters, according to the study.

For example, higher owner Extroversion was associated with an increased likelihood that the cat would be provided ad libitum access to the outdoors; higher owner Agreeableness was associated with a higher level of owner reported satisfaction with their cat, and with a greater likelihood of owners reporting their cats as being of a normal weight. Finally higher owner Conscientiousness was associated with the cat displaying less anxious/fearful, aggressive, aloof/avoidant, but more gregarious behavioural styles.

The results of this study demonstrate that the relationship between a caregiver and a dependent may very well extend beyond the human family to animal family.

MUST READ

The Best Easy Tailgate Cocktails

Fall is football season and with it comes another fun thing. To help, here are the best easy tailgate cocktails.

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

Can Gummies Bring Down Election Anxiety

It is a popular vacation spot since no passport is needed, but what about US territory Puerto Rico and cannabis?

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.