Do You Prefer Dogs or Cats? Psychologists Have Figured Out What This Means

They say that people are divided into those who love dogs and those who are crazy about cats.

What personality traits can be attributed to us based on our likes for some and dislikes for others?

We present research by American psychologists.

Research conducted by experts at the University of Texas at Austin has shown that dog lovers differ from cat lovers in temperament.

Are we more like our beloved pets than we think? Scientists conducted an online survey in which users were initially asked to indicate whether they considered themselves to be dog or cat lovers. They then answered a series of questions about their behavior and personality.

What was revealed

It turned out that people who chose dogs are 15 percent more extroverted than those who chose cats. They are more likely to be positive, enthusiastic and energetic, the survey showed.

According to the survey, dog lovers are considered more agreeable. Dog lovers are 13 percent more sociable, altruistic, reliable and affectionate.

They were more likely to be attributed with traits such as loyalty. They also excelled in interpersonal relationships. The study found that they were easier to get along with and that other people enjoyed being in their company.

The study found that they were 11 percent more conscientious than cat lovers, with responses indicating that they were more disciplined, obedient and more likely to plan their actions.

Cat protectors: creative and unconventional neurotics.

What about cat lovers?

It turns out that they, too, more often exhibit the character traits attributed to their pets and are great individualists who follow their own path.

The study found that cat lovers are 11 percent more creative and inclined to think outside the box. This group is more likely to have so-called artistic souls.

The study also found that cat lovers were 12 percent more likely to have neurotic tendencies, such as being more anxious, prone to stress, or reacting to stress with anxiety, than dog lovers.

Like their pets, they often prefer to be alone rather than in a group. In fact, solitude can sometimes be very fruitful for them.

It is in solitude that interesting, unusual or innovative ideas usually blossom in their heads. Unless, of course, they get bogged down in worries, which, according to research, are not alien to them.

The differences are not that big

Of course, to understand who we are dealing with, it is not enough to ask a person about their preferences regarding animals. Scientists warn that the differences in personality traits between supporters of one and another animal are not so radical and cannot be generalized on this basis.

What does this look like in percentage terms: what proportion of people choose dogs and what proportion choose cats?

The population is not divided in half between supporters of one animal and another. It turns out that the proportions are not distributed evenly at all. Which group prevails?

All indications are that dogs are generally more loved. About 50 percent of respondents said they felt more affection for these animals. In contrast, only 12 percent of respondents admitted to preferring cats. And what about the rest?

Not everyone was ready to take sides. Some people claimed that they had a positive attitude towards both canine and feline representatives. Such people turned out to be more than 25 percent, that is, approximately every fourth respondent. Others did not express a preference for either type of animal - 15% of respondents said that they did not like either dogs or cats.

We are interested to know whether the predictions of American researchers were confirmed in your case or not? And the question for the millionth time: who loves dogs or cats more?

Previously we wrote about which products are harmful for cats.