Petting a cat and personality traits

Petting a cat, a seemingly simple action, may reveal something about a person's personality. A study published in the journal Anthrozoös found that people who choose to interact with cats instead of dogs in stress-relief programs tend to have a specific personality profile. Researchers examined over 1,400 individuals across more than twenty universities to understand the connection between their choices and their traits.

Stress reduction through cat interaction

The study involved participants spending ten minutes petting a cat in a quiet room. This activity was found to significantly lower their stress levels. The Cornell Feline Health Center reported that petting a cat or a dog reduces cortisol, a stress hormone, in saliva samples. The process also stimulates oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation.

Emotivity as a personality trait

Researchers focused on a personality trait called emotivity, which is part of the Big Five model. Emotivity refers to the intensity of emotions and how quickly a person reacts to them. People with high emotivity scores were more likely to seek out interactions with cats. Patricia Pendry, a professor at the University of Washington State, explained that emotivity is a stable trait that remains consistent over time.

Personality predicts cat interest

The study found that personality traits predicted a person’s interest in cats more than their status as a student or employee. Joni Delanoeije, the lead author from KU Leuven, noted that while students are often seen as unique, the findings showed that emotivity was a stronger predictor of cat interest. This interest remained consistent even when factors like prior cat ownership or gender were considered.

Cats and emotional regulation

People who seek out cats tend to have higher emotional sensitivity and empathy. They often prefer calm, less stimulating environments and value sincere relationships over social ones. Cats provide a comforting presence without being intrusive, aligning with these preferences. The interaction with a cat becomes a ritual for emotional regulation, offering a reliable source of comfort during stressful times.