Cat personality is a complex and fascinating topic that has attracted the attention of researchers and cat lovers alike. Cats are often seen as independent, aloof, and unpredictable, but they also have distinct traits and preferences that shape their behavior and interactions.
One of the most widely used methods to assess cat personality is the Feline Five, a questionnaire that evaluates cats on five major dimensions: skittishness, outgoingness, dominance, spontaneity, and friendliness. These dimensions are based on the Big Five model of human personality, which has been shown to be applicable to other animals as well. The Feline Five questionnaire asks cat owners to rate their cats on 52 items, such as “is curious about new things”, “is playful”, or “is aggressive towards other cats”, using a seven-point scale from “not at all” to “very much so”. The scores on each item are then averaged to obtain the cat’s personality profile.
The five dimensions of cat personality are described as follows:
Skittishness: This dimension reflects the cat’s level of fearfulness, anxiety, and stress. Cats with high skittishness are more likely to be nervous, shy, and wary of unfamiliar people, animals, and situations. They may also show signs of aggression or avoidance when they feel threatened. Cats with low skittishness are more confident, calm, and trusting. They can cope better with changes and challenges in their environment.
Outgoingness: This dimension reflects the cat’s level of curiosity, activity, and exploration. Cats with high outgoingness are more interested in new things, places, and experiences. They are also more energetic, playful, and alert. Cats with low outgoingness are more passive, quiet, and relaxed. They prefer familiar and comfortable settings and routines.
Dominance: This dimension reflects the cat’s level of assertiveness, competitiveness, and control. Cats with high dominance are more likely to be aggressive, territorial, and dominant over other cats and sometimes people. They may also be more demanding, stubborn, and confident. Cats with low dominance are more submissive, cooperative, and tolerant. They tend to avoid conflicts and follow the rules.
Spontaneity: This dimension reflects the cat’s level of impulsiveness, unpredictability, and variability. Cats with high spontaneity are more likely to be erratic, inconsistent, and moody. They may also show signs of boredom, frustration, or excitement. Cats with low spontaneity are more stable, consistent, and predictable. They have more regular patterns of behavior and mood.
Friendliness: This dimension reflects the cat’s level of sociability, affection, and attachment. Cats with high friendliness are more likely to be friendly, affectionate, and loyal to their owners and other cats. They may also seek attention, companionship, and physical contact. Cats with low friendliness are more independent, distant, and aloof. They may also be more selective, cautious, and reserved in their social interactions.
Understanding the personality of your cat can help you provide them with a suitable home, care, and enrichment. For example, cats with high skittishness may benefit from more hiding places, calming products, and gradual exposure to new stimuli. Cats with high outgoingness may need more toys, games, and mental stimulation. Cats with high dominance may require more space, resources, and boundaries. Cats with high spontaneity may appreciate more variety, novelty, and challenges. Cats with high friendliness may enjoy more socialization, affection, and bonding.
However, it is important to remember that cat personality is not fixed or static. It can change over time due to factors such as age, health, experience, and environment. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor your cat’s behavior and preferences regularly and adjust your approach accordingly. Moreover, cat personality is not the only factor that influences your cat’s well-being and happiness. Other factors such as breed, genetics, history, and individual differences also play a role. Therefore, it is essential to treat your cat as a unique and complex individual and respect their needs and wishes.