A study carried out between the University of Edinburgh and Bronx Zoo compared our beloved domestic cat with its wilder relatives and the results were amazing.
Our domesticated house cats were compared with the snow leopard, the Scottish wildcat and the African lion, researchers found these larger predators shared very similar characteristics of aggression and neurotic behavior to our kitty companions.
Dominance, impulsiveness and neurotic behaviour are the most common traits that were found to shared between the domestic cat and the wild cat.
The researchers used a testing method known as the ‘Big Five’ personality test. The categories of this test include Openness to Experience, Extraversion/Introversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism.
A total of 100 cats, from two different shelters in the country of Scotland were used in the experiment, while the other animals were examined from zoos and animal sanctuaries located in both the UK and USA.
‘They’re cute and furry and cuddly, but we need to remember when we have cats as pets, we are inviting little predators into our house,’ psychologist Dr. Max Wachtel told reporters.
“For a lot of people, it is worth it. Cats can be fantastic, sweet companions. Until they turn on you.”
According to the study, only their size prevents the cat from being able to unleash its full predatory qualities.
“It is good to understand the personality characteristics of our pets. Different cats have different personalities. But as a species, there are a lot of commonalities,’ Dr Wachtel said.
Well, my fellow cat lovers, I think it’s safe to say what we think these researchers can do with the results of their “study.”
Might make for a great lining in the litterbox!