Introduction
Cats are one of the most popular pets in the United States, with 25.4% of households owning at least one feline friend. In 2022, there were around 32 million pet cats in American homes ([1]). Yet despite their prevalence and familiarity to many, myths and stereotypes still persist when it comes to so-called “cat people.” Are those who love and care for cats really all that different from other pet owners? In this article, we’ll explore common assumptions about cat guardians and analyze whether there is any truth to the notion that cat people are inherently more submissive.
[1] https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics
Defining Cat People
Cat people are often characterized as being more introverted, sensitive, and open-minded compared to dog people. Research has found some key differences between cat and dog owners in terms of personality traits.
One study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at personality traits and attachment styles of cat owners versus dog owners [1]. They found that cat owners scored higher on neuroticism and openness, while dog owners scored higher on extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
Cat owners tend to be more sensitive and anxious, as well as more open to new experiences. They also exhibit more insecure attachment styles compared to dog owners. Dog owners tend to be more outgoing, friendly, organized, and have secure attachment styles.
Other research has confirmed many of these findings, with cat owners scoring higher on neuroticism and openness, and dog owners scoring higher on extraversion and agreeableness [2]. Cat people also tend to be more intelligent and creative.
Submissiveness and Dominance
Submissiveness and dominance are personality traits that relate to how a person interacts with others. A submissive personality is characterized by a tendency to defer to others and comply with their wishes. Submissive people are often conflict avoidant and have a strong desire to please others (Source 1). In contrast, a dominant personality exhibits confidence, a desire for control, and assertiveness. Dominant individuals are comfortable taking charge and making decisions (Source 1).
According to psychologists, submissiveness and dominance exist along a spectrum within each person. Most people display some combination of both traits, depending on the situation. However, some individuals have a pronounced dominant or submissive inclination that consistently influences their relationships and decision-making (Source 2).
The Dog Person Stereotype
There is a common stereotype that dog people tend to be more dominant, authoritative, and discriminatory compared to cat people. This stems from the fact that dogs often exhibit submissive behavior towards their owners and require more direction and commands, whereas cats are usually more independent.
A 2014 study published in the journal Anthrozoös found that people who identified as “dog people” scored higher on tests measuring social dominance orientation, which is defined as a preference for hierarchy and resistance to social change (Daily Mail). The researchers theorized this was because dogs reinforce feelings of status and power in their owners.
However, it’s important to note that these are broad stereotypes and may not apply to every individual. There are many exceptions, and a person’s choice of pet does not necessarily define their personality or beliefs.
The Cat Person Stereotype
There is a common stereotype that cat people tend to be more introverted, anxious, and submissive compared to dog people [1]. This belief stems from perceptions about the temperaments of cats versus dogs.
Cats are often seen as more independent, low maintenance, and passive pets that appeal to quieter personalities. In contrast, dogs are stereotyped as energetic, needy, and obedient, attracting more extroverted and assertive owners [2].
Consequently, some people assume cat lovers are more submissive, introverted and anxious than dog lovers. The cat person stereotype depicts them as more neurotic and less sociable. However, these stereotypes may not accurately reflect cat and dog owners’ real personality traits.
Psychology Research
Several studies have looked at the personality traits of cat owners compared to dog owners. One 2021 study published in the journal Animals analyzed survey responses from over 3,000 cat owners to categorize different cat-owner relationship styles (Ines, 2021). The research found correlations between certain cat owner personalities and the kind of relationship they had with their cat.
Another 2019 study published in Scientific Reports analyzed a survey of over 5,000 owners and their cats and dogs (Finka et al., 2019). This study found significant correlations between owner personality traits and their cat’s well-being and behavior problems. For example, more neurotic owners tended to have cats with more behavior problems.
Overall, the psychology research suggests cat and dog owners differ in certain personality traits on average. And there appear to be relationships between owner personality and their pet’s behavior and wellbeing. However, more research is still needed to better understand these connections.
Anecdotal Observations
Some cat owners have shared personal stories and observations about their cats and their own personalities that provide first-hand insight into the cat person stereotype. As the Guardian notes, “As anyone with a cat knows, they can be extremely weird animals” (The Guardian). One cat owner shared how her cat steals her nephew’s clean socks and underwear and brings them to her, saying “Cats are weirdos!” (Medium). These anecdotal stories highlight the quirky and odd behaviors that cat owners often observe in their pets.
In terms of cat owner personalities, many share quotes and sentiments that align with the stereotype of cat people being more introverted, gentle, and caring. As one quote states, “Your house will always be blessed with love, laughter, and friendship if you have a cat” (Reader’s Digest). These quotes and stories provide first-hand insight into how cat owners perceive both their pets and themselves.
Addressing the Stereotypes
The stereotypes portraying dog people as outgoing and extroverted while cat people are more introverted and neurotic do not seem to hold up entirely based on the psychological research conducted. While some small studies have found slight differences in personality traits between dog and cat owners, many researchers have concluded these are relatively minor compared to the much greater variation among human personalities in general.
In other words, while there may be a kernel of truth to the stereotypes, the differences are often exaggerated. There is greater diversity among both dog and cat owners’ personalities than the stereotypes suggest. Their choice of pet does not determine someone’s personality nearly as much as other factors like genetics, upbringing, and life experiences. There are outgoing and agreeable cat people as well as introverted and neurotic dog owners.
Regarding the stereotype of cat people being more submissive, the research does not substantiate this. While cat owners may be marginally more introverted on average, this does not equate to submissiveness. There are many intelligent, confident, and assertive cat lovers. There are also obedient, docile dog owners who do not fit the stereotype of dominance.
In summary, the stereotypical portrayals of dog and cat people represent exaggerated tendencies rather than definitive facts. There is much greater diversity and variation among owners’ personalities than the stereotypes imply. While there may be a kernel of truth to some of the stereotypes, they should be taken with a large grain of salt rather than assumed to be true across the board.
Conclusion
After examining the evidence around cat owners and submissiveness, several key takeaways emerge:
– While some stereotypes exist around “cat people”, research does not conclusively show they are more submissive than others.
– Personality differences between cat and dog owners do exist, but the data shows these are often over-generalized.
– Factors like gender, culture, and individual personalities contribute to pet preference beyond broad traits like dominance.
– There are examples of dominant personalities who love cats, submissive people who prefer dogs, and vice versa.
– Judging someone’s personality based on pet ownership ignores the complexities of human behavior.
– More research is needed to understand if any legitimate links exist between personality traits and pet preferences.
In conclusion, the notion that cat owners are universally more submissive does not stand up to analytical scrutiny. While some truth may exist in certain stereotypes, the relationship between personality and pet choice is far more nuanced. We should avoid blanket judgments and instead view people as complex individuals.
References
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