Are cat owners really more neurotic than dog owners?

The enduring caricature of the “crazy cat lady” has long been a subject for jokes and speculation. But is there any validity to this stereotype?

According to a recent study by Australian researches, having a cat may be associated with specific personality traits, particularly neuroticism, a trait that indicates how emotionally stable a person is.

The results, derived from a study conducted at James Cook University by psychologists Jessica Oliva and Leah Michelle Baines, explore the distinctions between dog and cat owners and offer fascinating insights into their personalities.

The Study: Who’s More Neurotic?

Oliva and Baines grouped 321 Australian adults as either dog owners, cat owners, or neither in their study. When asked to select the animal they felt the closest to—a dog or a cat—those who owned both responded that they identified more with their dogs. Next, a number of personality qualities were measured, including neuroticism, resilience, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and extroversion.

The findings were striking: even after controlling for variables like age and gender, cat owners still scored higher on neuroticism than dog owners. Dog owners, on the other hand, showed stronger resilience, indicating that they are more adept at handling and adjusting to stressful circumstances.

It’s interesting to note that the study also discovered that women who had cats had higher neuroticism scores than males, which may contribute to the stereotype of the “crazy cat lady,” though this phenomena isn’t unique to women.

Why Do These Differences Exist?

The researchers were mindful to point out that it’s still unclear if having a cat makes one more prone to neuroses or if those who have neuroses are just more attracted to cats. There is some evidence that suggests a person’s taste for cats or dogs may be influenced by their genetic makeup. Additionally, the more isolated character of cats may contribute to higher levels of neurotic behaviour in their owners, whereas the lifestyle associated with dog ownership—such as frequent walks and increased social interactions—may help lessen neuroticism.

The Resilience of Dog Owners

Dog owners, by contrast, were found to be more resilient. This trait is associated with a greater ability to “bounce back” from difficult situations. The researchers pointed out that dog ownership has been linked to reduced loneliness, particularly during times of prolonged isolation, such as during the Covid-19 lockdowns. This suggests that the bond between dogs and their owners might foster stronger emotional stability and well-being.

A Closer Look at Pet Ownership and Personality

The study raises interesting points, but it doesn’t fully address all of the problems. Do neurotic individuals tend to be drawn to cats, or does having a cat at home exacerbate neurotic traits? In a similar vein, do resilient people naturally gravitate towards dogs, or does having a dog as a friend encourage resilience? Although further study is required to completely comprehend these relationships, it is evident that pet ownership is strongly associated with personality traits in ways that go beyond mere preferences. Whether you prefer dogs or cats, the pet you choose may reveal more about you than you would realise.