The ‘Feline Five’: An exploration of personality in pet cats (Felis catus)

Abstract

The idea of animals possessing personalities was once dismissed by the scientific community, but has since gained traction with evidence for potential application to improve captive animal management and welfare. Although domestic cats are popular companion animals, research has tended to overlook the value of personality assessment for management and care of pet cats. The aim of this study was to investigate personality in a large sample of pet cats with a view to understanding practical implications for pet cats in the home. Personality of 2,802 pet cats, from South Australia and New Zealand, was rated by their owners utilising a survey measuring 52 personality traits. Five reliable personality factors were found using principal axis factor analysis: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Dominance, Impulsiveness and Agreeableness. Implications for the ‘Feline Five’ are discussed in relation to their potential application to improving the management and welfare of pet cats. Highly Impulsive cats for example, may be reacting to something stressful in their environment, whereas cats with low Agreeableness scores, showing irritability may indicate underlying pain or illness. Thus, the need for a systematic and holistic approach to personality that includes both the individual pet cat and its environment is recommended, and opens the door to future interdisciplinary intervention.

Personality and faecal cortisol metabolites levels of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus)

“…Definitions point to those characteristics of individuals that describe and account for spatially and temporally stable patterns of affect, cognition, and behaviour (Siegford et al, 2003;Gosling, 2008;Gartner e Weiss, 2013). Terminology still presents some dissonance and the terms used include temperament, individuality, coping styles and behavioural syndrome (Lowe e Bradshaw, 2001;Siegford et al, 2003;Natoli et al, 2005;Gosling, 2008;Uher, 2011;Gartner e Weiss, 2013;Litchfield et al, 2017). Individual differences in the behaviour of adult animals seem to be a function of biological tendencies and experience of life, as is the case with humans (Weinstein et al, 2008).…”

“…Recent studies have investigated cat personalities dimensions using online surveys with tutors (rating method) (Kaleta et al, 2016;Bennett et al, 2017;Ha & Ha, 2017;Litchfield et al, 2017). They vary on the amount of dimensions found -from three to six.…”

“…Personality assessments add a new layer in the decision process that tutors can leverage to find out the ideal animal for them (Gosling, 2008). In general, tutors end up presenting more positive attitudes toward their animals when their behavioural style complement their own personal styles (Zeigler-Hill e Highfill, 2010; Litchfield et al, 2017).…”

“…Gosling and Oliver John published a review that undoubtedly showed that the personality dimension in non-human animals can be common among a wide range of species. Since then, the area has grown, but the terminology still presents disagreements and many are the terms used, i.e., personality, temperament, individuality, coping styles, behavioural tendencies and behavioural syndrome (Lowe and Bradshaw, 2001;Siegford et al, 2003;Natoli et al, 2005;Gosling, 2008;Gartner and Weiss, 2013;Litchfield et al, 2017). Nevertheless, despite small differences, definitions converge to "those characteristics of individuals that describe and account for temporally stable patterns of affect, cognition, and behaviour" (Siegford et al, 2003;Gosling, 2008;Gartner and Weiss, 2013).…”

“…Its objective is to promote successful adoptions by identifying ideal animals based on potential tutors expectations (Gosling, 2008). Researchers have already shown that tutors end up presenting more positive attitudes toward their animals when the animals' behavioural style complements their own personal styles (Zeigler-Hill and Highfill, 2010;Litchfield et al, 2017). The ASPCA has implemented a program called Meet your Match ® (MYM) (ASPCA, 2007) which evaluates cats (and dogs) in shelters and interviews potential tutors to promote the perfect match -thus increasing the adoption rate and decreasing the return of adopted animals (Zeigler-Hill and Highfill, 2010; Moore e Bain, 2013).…”