What are the main cat personality types?
Written by
David Smith
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.To truly understand your cat's unique character, we need to consider personality frameworks. The Feline Five model reveals basic aspects of personality, such as how anxious your cat is or how social they are. Dr. Finka's spectrum shows how social energy cats prefer. Together, they help explain why cats act differently.
Neuroticism
- Cats showing high stress reactions to changes
- Need quiet spaces and predictable routines
- Hide during storms or loud noises
Extraversion
- Highly curious and playful personalities
- Require daily interactive play sessions
- Explore new objects enthusiastically
Dominance
- Resource guarding behaviors in multi-cat homes
- Need multiple feeding stations
- Control access to litter boxes
Impulsiveness
- Reacts without considering consequences
- Benefit from structured routines
- Jump on counters unpredictably
Agreeableness
- Seek physical affection frequently
- Enjoy grooming sessions
- Form strong bonds with owners
Dr. Lauren Finka's work advances this with a social-energy spectrum. The model helps match cats to families. Human Cats want companionship from a human being all the time. Cantankerous Cats, on the Other Hand, like their space. This is why fitting personalities in adoption is so important.
By integrating both models, a total understanding is obtained. A cat may display great emotional instability as measured by the Feline Five, yet conform to the Human Cat outlined above. This explains the owner's response to the human's absence and the cat's tree-climbing response. Focusing on the dual aspects of the animal's life will yield the best results.
Put these insights into practice; observe your cat's behaviour when it comes to strangers and changes. Observe what they prefer to play with and their social habits. By doing so, you will reveal their original personality mix. You can curate the perfect environment for them.
Read the full article: 5 Cat Personality Types: Know Your Feline
