Introduction
Cats have been closely intertwined with human civilization for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians worshipped feline deities, with cat cult temples dating back over 7000 years ago. Today, cats remain one of the most popular pet choices—38.4% of U.S. households own at least one cat. With cats woven into the fabric of human society for millennia, many myths and stereotypes have emerged about so-called “cat people.” While cat owners are often typecast as eccentric recluses or neurotic women, the science reveals a more nuanced picture. This article will explore what research says about the traits, health, intelligence, and environmental impact of cat people. While some stereotypes hold a kernel of truth, cat ownership correlates with both benefits and drawbacks. The relationship between cats and their human counterparts is a complex one, rooted in thousands of years of co-evolution.
Traits and Personality
Studies have found some notable differences in personality traits between cat owners and non-owners. A 2019 study published in the journal PLOS One analyzed responses from over 5,000 people, assessing the Big Five personality traits in relation to cat ownership.
The results showed that compared to non-owners, cat owners tended to be more open and sensitive, more shy and insecure, and less cooperative and outgoing. Cat owners scored higher in traits related to self-sufficiency and introversion. They were more open to experience new things but were also more anxious and neurotic.
This lines up with some common stereotypes depicting cat owners as more socially withdrawn and introverted (e.g. the “crazy cat lady”). However, these are broad generalizations and many extroverted, socially adept people also love cats. The study authors emphasized that personalities are multi-faceted and owning a cat should not be taken as diagnostic of any particular personality disorder.
Mental Health
Research has found several positive mental health associations with cat ownership. One study published in Effects of the characteristic temperament of cats on human mood and cardiovascular function looked at how interactions with cats can improve mood and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps relieve stress. The study found that cat ownership was linked to lower anxiety, depression and negative emotions compared to non-cat owners.
There are a few potential reasons for this mental health benefit. Petting and interacting with cats has been shown to release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, which can relieve stress and improve mood. Having a companion pet can also provide social support and help people feel less lonely. Caring for a pet gives people a sense of purpose and routine as well. For individuals with anxiety or depression, having a cat that depends on them can help motivate them to get out of bed and stay on a regular schedule. More research is still needed, but current evidence indicates cat ownership is associated with reduced anxiety and improved mood.
Physical Health
Research has shown that owning a cat can provide several cardiovascular benefits. One major study found that cat owners were 30% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than non-cat owners (https://brownsburganimalclinic.com/is-owning-a-cat-good-for-your-health/). The researchers hypothesized that cats have a calming effect that lowers stress and anxiety, which improves heart health. Simply petting a cat can lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
While some people worry that cat allergens may trigger asthma and allergies, studies show that early exposure to cats may actually lower rates of allergy and asthma in children. One study found that children exposed to 2 or more cats in their first year of life were less than half as likely to develop allergies and asthma later on (https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover). Researchers believe early exposure trains the child’s immune system to tolerate cat allergens.
Social Life
Having a cat can positively or negatively impact someone’s social and romantic life. According to Dutch’s blog, cats tend to be less social than dogs, but they still require socialization at a young age to reduce aggression and fear around strangers (https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/how-social-are-cats). Some research has found cat owners can have smaller social networks than dog owners. A 2021 study published in PLOS One showed cat owners had fewer social network ties and fewer close friendships compared to dog owners (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8044293/).
When it comes to dating and romantic relationships, some perceive cat owners as more introverted and neurotic. However, other studies suggest cat and dog owners have similar personality traits. According to a 2022 study in Animals, there are also misconceptions about cat people being more lonely, anxious and depressed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8749887/). In reality, cats can provide companionship and emotional support that enhances social wellbeing. With proper socialization, cat ownership does not have to limit one’s social life.
Intelligence
Research has shown that cat people tend to score higher on intelligence tests compared to dog people. One large-scale study published in the journal Anthrozoös found that cat lovers scored better on IQ tests, especially in the areas of working memory and intelligence (Source). Another survey of over 600 college students revealed that cat lovers had higher grade point averages and outperformed dog lovers on tests of cognitive ability, open-mindedness, and verbal ability (Source).
There are a few possible reasons for the correlation between cat ownership and intelligence. Cats are more independent than dogs, so preferring cats may signify greater intelligence, nonconformity, and open-mindedness. Intelligence is also linked to introspection and cats may appeal to deeper thinkers. Additionally, the patience required to earn a cat’s affection and trust could also attract more analytical people. Overall, the research indicates cat people tend to excel in cognitive abilities, but further studies are still needed to understand the underlying factors.
Environmental Impact
Outdoor and feral cats can have a significant impact on wildlife and the environment. According to a study by Loss et al. published in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms2380), free-ranging cats are estimated to kill between 1.3-4.0 billion birds and between 6.3-22.3 billion mammals annually in the United States alone. They have contributed to the extinction of at least 63 species globally.
Cats have a larger carbon footprint than other popular pets like dogs, rabbits, and chickens. This is due to their high protein diet requiring more meat production. According to a study by UCLA professor Gregory Okin, the carbon pawprint from the manufacture of cat and dog food is equivalent to 64 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. Keeping cats indoors can help reduce their wildlife impacts.
Famous Cat People
There are many famous figures throughout history who have been known for loving cats. For example, Charles Dickens was a devoted cat lover and once said that cats were “severe, wise, undemonstrative, decorous, full of scholarly thought and fixed purpose.” Famous Cat Lovers In History. Other famous cat lovers include Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Florence Nightingale, and Freddie Mercury.
What the experiences of famous cat lovers reveal is that having a fondness for cats often correlates with traits like creativity, intelligence, and independence. Many innovative thinkers and artists have felt a kinship with cats due to perceiving them as enigmatic yet introspective animals. Cats can appeal to complex personalities who feel affinity with their aloofness and aura of mystery. Overall, famous cat lovers illustrate how an appreciation for cats transcends culture, class, and time period.
Advice For Cat People
For those who are first-time cat owners or want tips to improve their lives as cat people, here are some key recommendations:
Make sure to take new cats to the vet for a checkup and to get them vaccinated properly (source: https://petfriendlybox.com/resource-center/new-cat-guide). This will ensure they start off healthy and protected.
Introduce cats slowly to any other pets at first so they can get used to each other (source: https://www.comfortzone.com/behavior-blog/new-pet/top-10-tips-for-new-cat-owners). This will help avoid territory conflicts.
Make sure to groom cats regularly by brushing and bathing. This will reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy (source: https://bowmananimalhospital.com/blog/tips-for-new-cat-owners/).
Spend time training cats through positive reinforcement. This will lead to better behavior and a stronger bond (source: https://petfriendlybox.com/resource-center/new-cat-guide).
Overall, optimizing health through vet visits, introducing them properly to other pets, regular grooming, and positive training will lead to happier and healthier relationships for cat people.
Conclusion
In summary, cat people tend to exhibit certain personality traits like being more introverted, open minded, sensitive, and imaginative compared to dog people. They also tend to experience lower stress levels and reduced risk of heart diseases. Cats can provide companionship without requiring as much care and attention as dogs. However, cats have a bigger environmental impact in terms of wildlife predation. Famous cat lovers through history have included Mark Twain, Florence Nightingale, Marie Antoinette and many others. For cat people, it’s important to consider your cat’s environmental impact through keeping them indoors or putting bells on their collars. But ultimately, cats can provide wonderful companionship and benefits for their owners.
For non-cat people, try to have an open mind about the pros of cat guardianship. While cats may seem more aloof than dogs, they can have deep bonds with their owners and provide comfort through their purring and companionship.