Cat People vs. Dog People

Coke vs. Pepsi, Star Wars vs. Star Trek, Pineapple on Pizza vs. the rest of humanity and Cats vs Dogs - these are some rivalries that have decided human civilizations for ages. You may think it’s just about a simple choice. But it goes way deeper. It's a battle of personalities, lifestyles, and sometimes. And in the case of cats vs dogs, even wardrobes, because let's face it, no dog owner has ever worn black without a lint roller in hand. 

Now before writing anything on this topic, we would like to tell you that whatever we write about these two kinds of people is going to be based on our understanding. It may or may not relate completely to you. On that note – let’s start. 

Are There Differences Between Dog People and Cat People? 

There have been many studies to find out the personality differences between people who strongly associate themselves with either cats or dogs. The wide understanding is that people who prefer cats show a tendency of similar personality traits as felines and the same for dog people. For example, dog people are more like the life of a party and cat people are more like a good book, a cozy corner, and a glass of wine people. 

A psychology study at the University of Texas was conducted to measure both dog and cat people on the Big Five personality dimensions. It found that just like dogs are seen to be more sociable than cats, dog people were 15% more extroverted and 13% more agreeable than cat people. Both these traits are seen in people who are more social. Dog people were also seen as 11% more conscientious than cat people; meaning people with more self-discipline and those who prefer planned rather than spontaneous behavior. ⁽¹⁾

Cat people, on the other hand, were seen as 12% more neurotic; meaning someone who is uptight, anxious about the tiniest of slights, emotionally unstable, quick to anger, and frequently obsessive about small things. Surprisingly, they were also 11% more open to appreciating art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, imagination, curiosity, and a variety of experiences. This means that cat people may have more unconventional beliefs than dog people. ⁽¹⁾

In conclusion, we can say that the choice of pet does talk about your personality. But that doesn’t mean that this will stand true all the time. You may see extremely extroverted cat people and book-worm types of dog people. 

What is a Cat Person's Personality? 

A cat person’s personality is often marked by a blend of independence, introspection, and a touch of quirky charm. As we said above, the pet you own can speak a lot about you. So, if we were to take a survey of millions of cat people around the world, the below personality traits may be found common in many of them – ⁽²⁾

Probably not shy or anti-social but someone who enjoys spending time alone than with a bunch of people. 

Cat people usually are more sensitive towards other people, their surroundings and nature. 

The tendency to want to spend time alone is often associated with then being independent. They are usually self-sufficient for most things. 

As we saw in the study data mentioned above, cat people are usually more open to new things and experiences. This in turn makes them more creative and open-minded (you can also expect some good sense of humor from them).

Most cats like to communicate subtly – with a soft purr or a gentle headbutt. Cat people also usually tend to be more subtle. They like noticing details. They usually also are great listeners. 

Sounds like you or someone you might know?  

What is a Dog Person’s Personality? 

Not the exact opposite of cat people, but dog people do tend to show some major differences in personality than cat people. Here are some common traits that you may find in dog people around the world – 

Dogs are social animals and so are most of their owners and lovers. They are usually more extroverted and hence derive energy by being around people. 

A dog’s willingness and need to play is usually higher than that of a cat. The same is seen in dog people most of the time. You’ll find them in for almost any spontaneous adventure. 

Not that cat people are not loving, but dog people tend to show their affection more loudly than cat people. They enjoy physical touch and are usually not shy about showing emotions in front of people. 

Dog people tend to look on the bright side of life and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging situations. This also helps people around them feel more motivated. 

Having said these things, there is no conclusive evidence of a dog person’s or a cat person’s personality being a certain way. 

What Animal is Good for Depression?

In the United States, about 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats are owned as pets. Approximately 37-47% of all households in the United States own a dog and 30-37% own a cat. Pets have contributed to our mental and physical health in numerous ways. Compared to non-owners, pet owners have lower scores on depression and loneliness and higher scores on social interaction. Looking at the psychological benefits, it seems like pet ownership, irrespective of the pet, may be an important coping mechanism for millions of people around the world. ⁽⁵⁾

For conditions like depression, doctors usually prefer ESAs or emotional support animals. There are certain traits that an animal must have for it to be eligible for being an ESA. Both cats and dogs can be ESAs for people in need. However, dogs are usually preferred over cats for this duty. Due to their friendly and outgoing nature, certain dog breeds, such as golden retrievers and labradors have been seen to create a positive impact the patients with depression. Other breeds such as German Shepherds and even small ones like Chihuahuas can help here. ⁽⁶⁾

Other animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, birds and even bearded dragons can be recommended for people with depression. ⁽⁴⁾ 

If you are planning to get an ESA for yourself or a friend, do consult your doctor or psychologist before making any decision though. 

What is the Best Pet for a Lonely Person? 

We would say that it completely depends on the type of person you are. If you’re looking for someone to play, cuddle, interact and spend most of their time with you, then a dog may be a good option for you. 

But if you’re looking for a pet that will spend time with you but won’t bother you all the time; someone that may play with you but if you don’t want to play together then won’t mind playing alone as well, then a cat may be a better fit for you. 

Having said that, certain cat breeds will make you question if you’ve got a cat or a dog at home. They will play with you, sit on your lap, try to seek your attention all the time and much more. 

So, depending on how much time you’re willing to spend with the pet, how much physical activity are you willing to do with your pet, how much time are you willing to spend on their grooming, etc. you can make a choice. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Irrespective of the pet you choose or the kind of person you are, there is something that is always going to be more important – your pet’s health. Pets like dogs and cats are prone to multiple illnesses during their lifetime. Some can be cured without doing anything while others may even need surgery. The treatment costs for some can put a big dent in your savings. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of them and much more. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about cat insurance or get a free quote!