5 Types of Cat Personalities: Understanding Your Cat

If you're like most people, you might think that cats have only one personality type: cat. While some cats may be more affectionate or distant, in the end, aren't they all basically the same?

In fact, the answer is no. According to animal researchers, there are five basic cat personality types and five distinct personality traits. We'll introduce each personality trait in more detail here, so follow along and see which category your cat might belong to.

However, it's worth noting that, just like human personalities, cats may not neatly fit into any single category. Your cat may primarily be one type but have traits of another type, so don't force them into a framework if they don't fit (and if they do fit a framework, of course, they'll sit right inside it).

Five Types of Cat Personalities

The different cat personality types were primarily developed by Dr. Lauren Finka from the University of Lincoln in the UK. Dr. Finka's findings were based on interviews with 200 cat owners, and she eventually came up with the following personality types.

1. Human Cats

This is a cat that has adapted well to sharing space with humans. It enjoys being with you, shows affection, and is generally happy and well-adjusted. In many ways, this is the "ideal" cat as a pet because it will happily spend time with you without resorting to aggression or violence.

The downside of this type is that Human Cats are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety and may not like to share you with other animals (or humans).

2. Grumpy Cats

These are the opposite of Human Cats. Although not feral, Grumpy Cats really do not like being petted, picked up, or interacted with (except, of course, for being fed and given treats).

These animals are typically easily frightened, nervous, and may never be completely comfortable sharing a home with you.

Grumpy Cats are certainly not warm and cuddly, but they are independent creatures, so they will not mind if you are not home all day. Moreover, any affection your Grumpy Cat decides to give you will be more valuable than what a Human Cat gives you.

3. Hunter Cats

This is the personality type that is closest to wild cats. Hunter Cats spend most of their time hunting, whether it's chasing after mice or stealthily approaching toy mice. They seem to be unaware that you will provide them with all their food for free, so they spend most of their time trying to catch something to eat.

Hunter Cats may or may not tolerate affection, but they are generally far less motivated by love than by the opportunity to kill something.

4. Cat's Cats

These cats show affection towards their fellow feline companions, choosing to spend most of their time cuddling, grooming, and playing with other cats.

Cat's Cats may also love humans, but they prefer the company of other kittens (who could blame them?). Apparently, they do well in multi-cat households, and if kept as a single cat, they may become depressed.

5. Curious Cats

These cats love to explore and spend most of their time sniffing around the house. Any visitor will be immediately welcomed and thoroughly checked out, although they may or may not tolerate affection from them, they will definitely sniff them up and down.

Curious Cats get along well with toys, especially things like boxes, bags, and mazes. They are bold and confident, and usually do well outdoors because that confidence can get them into trouble (after all, we all know what curiosity did to the cat).

Five Personality Traits of Cats

Another way to look at cat personalities is through the lens of these five traits, which were developed by researchers at the University of South Australia.

Instead of trying to make general statements about the overall personality of cats, they chose to focus on the individual traits that make up their temperament.

1. Easily Startled

Easily startled cats are nervous and constantly on edge. They may not come out to visit often (never when strangers are around), and they will immediately flee to shelter at the slightest unexpected noise.

If you have an easily startled cat, you should provide them with plenty of places where they can hide and feel safe. Tall cat trees (especially those with built-in little cat apartments) are a good idea.

You might also want to see if you can determine what is causing them to be easily startled. They may be afraid of another cat in the house, or there may be something in your home that is scaring them. If you can eliminate or reduce the triggers, you may be able to decrease their panic.

It's also worth noting that being easily startled refers to persistent nervousness — not the nervousness a cat displays in a new environment. If you've just brought a cat home, it's normal for them to be a bit nervous for a few days. However, if that nervousness persists, you may have an easily startled cat.

2. Extroversion

In many ways, this is the opposite of being easily startled. Extroverted cats are very curious (much like the "Curious Cat" personality type), and they will happily come out to greet guests or investigate the groceries you just brought home.

These cats benefit from having a lot of toys and interactive playthings in the house, and you might consider building a cat house for them or at least placing a cat tree by the window. However, like the Curious Cat, you should not let them roam outside.

You should also be mindful if you have an extroverted cat that suddenly becomes more reclusive. While this could be a normal part of aging, it could also mean that your cat is experiencing pain or suffering from some kind of illness.

3. Dominance

Dominant cats do not get along well with other felines. They may fight or bully more submissive cats, and owning a dominant cat is a sure way to ensure that you have one or more easily startled cats.

You should not let a dominant cat roam outside, as they are very likely to engage in fights with other cats in the neighborhood. This greatly increases the chances of them sustaining serious injuries or contracting diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Dominant cats may also attempt to assert dominance over other species, such as dogs. This could end with your dog becoming as easily startled as other cats, or the dog immediately (and potentially fatally) putting an end to the bullying. Either way, it is best not to allow your dominant cat to interact with other animals.

While you might be able to curb a cat's dominance through training, socialization, or medical intervention (such as giving them anti-anxiety medication or spaying or neutering them), this may not be something you can help with. In such cases, your best option is to ensure they are the only little cat in the house, or to keep them separated from other animals at all times.

4. Randomness

Random cats are impulsive and unpredictable. They may be cuddling on your lap one moment and then running around your apartment at top speed the next, seemingly without any apparent reason for the change.

These little creatures are similar to easily startled cats, although their behavior may not be as neurotic. However, you should try to identify the cause of the impulsive behavior because if you can pinpoint and eliminate the triggers, they might stop.

5.Friendly

Contrary to dominance, friendliness in cats indicates a willingness to accept other people and animals into their territory. They may welcome other kittens (even dogs!) as additional playmates, and they are likely to be the first to greet guests when they walk through the door.

Although friendliness can be an innate trait in some cats, in most cases, it is the result of successful socialization. The more time your cat spends with other people and animals — especially when they are kittens — the more likely they are to see them as friends rather than threats.

Like the Curious Cat, friendliness is not always a good thing, especially if the cat is allowed to go out. Some animals are indeed threats, and a friendly cat may be less likely to recognize them before it's too late.

What is your cat's personality like?

Your cat may not neatly fit into any of the personality traits or types listed here, but at least one likely describes your pet quite well. You don't necessarily have to do anything with this information, but hopefully, it at least helps you understand your cat better.