Are you more of a cat person or a dog person?
I would guess this very question evokes some strong emotions from you. It’s an age-old debate – what is better: cats or dogs?
Oftentimes, people that are strongly tied to one pet or the other may sometimes match certain personality traits to that animal. Where did these stereotypes come from? How true are they? What makes this a divisive topic? Let’s discuss!
What are dog and cat people stereotypes?
The most common stereotype boils down to the divisive trait of extraverts vs introverts. Typically, dogs are viewed as social friendly creatures while cats are known for being quieter homebodies. People may attribute pet parent personalities as alike to their furry friend.
How true are these stereotypes?
Interestingly enough, there is some data on the difference among these personalities. In a 2014 study, cat lovers were comparatively more introverted, sensitive, and open-minded. Meanwhile, dog lovers were described as being more lively, energetic, and outgoing.
This study also noted that dog people tend to be close rule followers while cat lovers are more non-conformists. Correlation does not mean causation, but among this study, it was found cat lovers scored higher on intelligence! For more information on this interesting study, check out Dog People vs Cat People: Who's More Outgoing? More Intelligent?
Where do these stereotypes come from?
When you think of dog and cat lifestyles, it makes sense that dog and cat people may align with their pet’s preference. If you are someone who loves to spend time socializing outside, a dog is likely to make a great companion.
Meanwhile, if you love to sit at home with a cozy book in a calm space, having a cat likely better aligns with your lifestyle. That’s not to say that extraverts can’t have cats and homebodies can’t have dogs. Stereotypes aren’t a rule of thumb, but rather a biased belief.
Let’s take a moment to discuss why stereotypes even exist in the first place…
Stereotypes can help our brains by allowing us to process information efficiently. Humans naturally categorize information to help make meaning. Furthermore, if you have been reaffirmed by meeting a dog lover who replicates the personality of a golden retriever, odds are you will continue to hold these beliefs.
A go-to trope is the black cat vs golden retriever. This theory points to opposites that attract in a relationship, in real life and fiction. This viral hypothesis is that one partner, stereotypically the man, may have a more outgoing, loyal, and goofy personality while a black cat female may be more intense, quiet, and mysterious.
What causes pet preferences, anyway?
Overall, these stereotypes do not have to be fact – you can have whatever personality you want while loving whatever pet you want: cat, dog, or otherwise. But, what causes our pet preferences?
Interestingly enough, “research shows that we tend to gravitate toward the animal with which we were raised” according to Dog People vs. Cat People: What Pet Preference Says About You.
Additional factors include age and living environment. Families with big backyards in suburban regions are more likely to have larger dogs while urban apartment dwellers are more likely to have small dogs or a cat.
In the end, status-quo should be broken! Maybe you are an outgoing socialite that loves their feline at home! Did you know a cat lover is called an ailurophile while a dog lover is called a cynophile? No matter which you are, pets can be such beautiful additions to our lives. All that matters is that you align your pet and lifestyle, so that you can be the best parent you can be!
