The Influence of Cat Owners on Their Feline Companions' Personalities

According to a study published in PLOS One in 2019, researchers from Nottingham Trent University surveyed more than 3,000 cat owners and their pets to determine whether the owners' personalities influenced their cats' behavior. The study found that certain human personality traits, such as neuroticism and conscientiousness, did impact their cats' behavior. Interestingly, the results of this study were similar to previous studies on the effects of parental traits on human children. These findings suggest that the bond between humans and their pets may be more similar to that between parents and children than previously thought.

The Big 5 personality inventory is not only used to measure human personality traits but also cat personality traits. In a study conducted via online surveys, cat owners were asked to complete the Big 5 inventory to measure their own personality traits and answer survey questions about their cat's breed type, behavioral styles, physical health, and origin. The cats were then assessed based on five personality categories: agreeableness, dominance, extraversion, impulsiveness, and neuroticism. The results of the study, which were published in NCBI, allowed researchers to draw patterns and gain insight into how cat personality traits are influenced by their owners.

A study conducted by Nottingham Trent University examined the correlation between a cat's personality and its owner's behavior. The study found that like parents and children, cats can also be influenced by their owner's personality traits. For example, cats of anxious owners were found to be more anxious themselves, while cats of open and laid-back owners tended to be more relaxed and healthy. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the owner's personality and behavior when evaluating a cat's behavior and well-being.

According to the study, there is a correlation between a cat's energy level and the personality of its owners. Specifically, people who scored high in areas such as extroversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness tended to have cats with higher energy levels and overall healthier behaviors. This may be due to the fact that owners who scored in these ranges were more likely to provide their cats with outdoor access, as opposed to more neurotic owners who might keep their cats inside more often.

The people who self-assessed as more neurotic seemed to have more cats with so-called "behavioral problems.", cat owners who score high in neuroticism tend to have cats with more behavioral problems, such as anxiety and fearfulness. Additionally, these cats were more likely to develop stress-related illnesses and other medical conditions. Furthermore, neurotic cat owners tended to have overweight cats. In contrast, those who scored high in agreeableness and conscientiousness had more satisfying relationships with their cats, and their feline companions had better overall health.

Social engagement can positively affect a cat's emotional stability and happiness. Cats are naturally curious and playful animals and need stimulation and enrichment activities to fulfill their physical and mental needs. This is particularly important for indoor cats, who may not have access to the same level of environmental enrichment as their outdoor counterparts. As with children, cats can become more outgoing and sociable when they are exposed to positive human interaction and examples. Providing your cat with appropriate activities and socialization opportunities can improve their overall well-being.

The emotional connection between a pet parent and their cat plays a significant role in the cat's overall well-being, as this study indicates. A person's ability to maintain positive emotional interactions with their feline friend can impact the household's overall atmosphere. This can manifest as either chaos and uncertainty or strict authoritarianism, depending on the person. Just like in children, these dynamics can result in cats that are less emotionally regulated and display negative behaviors. Conversely, a structured yet gentle parenting style can result in more agreeable cats with better emotional regulation.

A common misconception is that cats are generally independent and unaffectionate, but this study suggests that a cat's personality and behavior are influenced by its owners. The study found that conscientious pet owners tend to have cats who exhibit less aggression, anxiety, and avoidance, and instead display more outgoing behavior, such as vocalization and scent marking. This correlation is not unique to cats, as the socialization and environment that children and dogs are exposed to can also shape their personality and behavior. Essentially, a cat's behavior is not solely dependent on its inherent traits but also influenced by the social dynamic of its living environment and its owner's behavior.

This social dynamic pattern is true across the board — an anxious owner may have a more anxious cat, while an owner who engages with toys may have a cat who likes to play. The environment your cat is in, and the amount of socialization they have access to within that environment, can affect their personality and behavior, just like it would for children or dogs.

If you're a neurotic cat owner but still want to establish a strong bond with your feline friend, don't worry! You can still have a great relationship with your cat by focusing on creating a secure and consistent environment. One way to achieve this is by establishing a daily routine for your cat, such as regular feeding times and a predictable bedtime. Keeping their food and water bowls clean and full, and ensuring their litter box is fresh will also help create a safe and comfortable space for your cat.

However, because it's said that 30 to 60% of behaviors are inherited at birth, engaging and socializing with your cat isn't necessarily a guarantee that your cat will be a well-adjusted delight to be around all of the time. Just do your best, keep them clean, fed, exercised, and mentally stimulated, and they'll likely love you for who you are, neuroses and all.

Additionally, providing your cat with enrichment activities can help them stay mentally stimulated and relieve stress, leading to a happier and healthier cat. Some great options for enrichment include water fountains, window perches, scratching pads, cat trees, and interactive toys.

It's important to note that genetics can also play a role in your cat's behavior, with studies suggesting that up to 60% of behaviors are inherited. However, by doing your best to provide a positive and engaging environment for your cat, you can build a strong bond and a happy life together, regardless of any inherent traits.