The 'Feline Five': An exploration of personality in pet cats (Felis catus)

Carla A Litchfield; Gillian Quinton; Hayley Tindle; Belinda Chiera; K Heidy Kikillus; Philip Roetman

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0183455

The 'Feline Five': An exploration of personality in pet cats (Felis catus)

PLoS One. 2017 Aug 23;12(8):e0183455. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183455. eCollection 2017.

Authors

Carla A Litchfield¹, Gillian Quinton¹, Hayley Tindle², Belinda Chiera³, K Heidy Kikillus⁴, Philip Roetman²

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Social Change, School of Psychology, Social Work & Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
² Discovery Circle, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
³ School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
⁴ Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.

Abstract

The idea of animals possessing personalities was once dismissed by the scientific community, but has since gained traction with evidence for potential application to improve captive animal management and welfare. Although domestic cats are popular companion animals, research has tended to overlook the value of personality assessment for management and care of pet cats. The aim of this study was to investigate personality in a large sample of pet cats with a view to understanding practical implications for pet cats in the home. Personality of 2,802 pet cats, from South Australia and New Zealand, was rated by their owners utilising a survey measuring 52 personality traits. Five reliable personality factors were found using principal axis factor analysis: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Dominance, Impulsiveness and Agreeableness. Implications for the 'Feline Five' are discussed in relation to their potential application to improving the management and welfare of pet cats. Highly Impulsive cats for example, may be reacting to something stressful in their environment, whereas cats with low Agreeableness scores, showing irritability may indicate underlying pain or illness. Thus, the need for a systematic and holistic approach to personality that includes both the individual pet cat and its environment is recommended, and opens the door to future interdisciplinary intervention.

MeSH terms

Animal Welfare
Animals
Behavior, Animal*
Cats / psychology*
Female
Humans
Male
Pets / psychology*

Grants and funding

The project (PR) received funding from the South Australian Dog and Cat Management Board (http://www.dogandcatboard.com.au/). The project (PR) was also funded by the University of South Australia’s Discovery Circle Initiative (http://www.discoverycircle.org.au) which receives external funding from the Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board; Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; City of Marion; and City of Salisbury.