How does individuality relate to emotional wellbeing?
All cats are happiest when given the freedom and opportunity to express their individuality through species-specific, natural behaviour. A cat’s individuality will influence every aspect of their life and needs to be taken into account in every care decision.
Understanding and nurturing your cat’s unique characteristics, temperament, learned behaviours, and personality traits and giving them ways to express their individuality will help them attain and maintain optimal emotional wellbeing.
As well as nurturing your cat’s individuality by tailoring decisions about their lifestyle, you also need to be aware of how individual variation in their emotional responses may dictate how your cat behaves.
Individuality is a complex, multifaceted topic influencing almost every aspect of caring for your cat when looking to give them the happiest, most fulfilled life.
In this section
You will learn more about:
- Personality as a key contributor to individuality
- Is your cat's individuality shaped by nature or nurture?
- Choosing the right cat
- How to nurture your cat's individuality
- Individuality and agency
- Key Points
Key terminology
Individuality
The combination of characteristics, personality traits, learned behaviours and temperament that is unique to each individual and distinguishes them from others of the same kind.1 The ways in which this combination of characteristics varies across a population is referred to as individual differences.
Personality
Consistent patterns in the way individuals behave, think, and feel. In cats, variations in personality are often described using traits or dimensions known as the ‘Feline Five’ – Neuroticism, Extraversion, Dominance, Impulsiveness and Agreeableness.1 Personality is generally considered a combination of inherent temperament and experiences.
Trait
Internal dispositions that are relatively stable over time and independent across situations. In human psychology, a combination of traits is often used to describe an individual’s personality.1,2
Temperament
An individual’s inherited natural predisposition to react in a certain way to a stimulus.1,2
Agency
The capacity of your cat to make their own choices and act beyond the degree dictated by their momentary needs, including the propensity to engage actively with the environment to gather knowledge and enhance their skills for future use.3,4 For cats, we often need to add richness and complexity to their environments and provide opportunities to solve novel challenges.
Personality as a key contributor to individuality
While not synonymous with your cat’s individuality, personality is an important contributor to it. Human psychologists often describe distinct personality types, consisting of a few key traits. The ‘Big 5 Model’ is one such example, which assesses ‘openness’, ‘conscientiousness’, ‘extraversion’, ‘agreeableness’ and ‘neuroticism’. For each trait, an individual usually sits somewhere on a scale between the two extremes, for example, at some point between ‘introverted’ or ‘extraverted’, ‘stable’ or ‘neurotic’ or ‘hostile’ or ‘agreeable’.5
Researchers have shown that there are also five key personality traits that can be reliably found in cats, known as the ‘Feline Five’. These are Neuroticism, Extraversion, Dominance, Impulsiveness and Agreeableness.1 Such models are useful for thinking about a cat’s personality, where each individual might land on a spectrum of certain traits, and which shape their requirements for emotional wellbeing.
Uniquely feline
Though our knowledge of human psychology has been highly beneficial to developing an understanding of our cat’s personality, it is unlikely to provide a full picture of feline individuality which is also influenced by other factors including breed, age, and environment. Past experience is also likely to affect personality, with studies suggesting well-socialised kittens are more willing to explore and interact with people.6 This highlights the role of positive socialisation in shaping your cat to become a well-adjusted adult (see Socialisation).
Understanding a cat’s personality is also important when choosing a cat to suit your current lifestyle. Failure to provide your cat with what they need can lead to unwanted behaviour, neglect, and emotional distress for both feline and human. For example, a cat that is extremely shy (scores high in ...
Though our knowledge of human psychology has been highly beneficial to developing an understanding of our cat’s personality, it is unlikely to provide a full picture of feline individuality which is also influenced by other factors including breed, age, and environment. Past experience is also likely to affect personality, with studies suggesting well-socialised kittens are more willing to explore and interact with people.6 This highlights the role of positive socialisation in shaping your cat to become a well-adjusted adult (see Socialisation).
Understanding a cat’s personality is also important when choosing a cat to suit your current lifestyle. Failure to provide your cat with what they need can lead to unwanted behaviour, neglect, and emotional distress for both feline and human. For example, a cat that is extremely shy (scores high in Neuroticism) may become stressed by living with too many other pets, especially if they can’t escape and hide.
Do our personalities match our cats’?
A recent study found a correlation between the owners’ personalities and those of their cats. Owners who scored high on the dominance scale were more likely to have dominant, impulsive, extraverted, and neurotic cats, while impulsive owners frequently saw their impulsivity reflected in their pets. What’s more, similarity of specific owner-cat personality traits predicted owner satisfaction.7 So perhaps it’s true that cats and their owners are alike!
Personality testing – how useful is it?
Unlike dogs, cats are less likely to undergo as extensive personality and temperament testing before adoption at rehoming centres. Sociability toward other cats, people and dogs are often evaluated, along with their response to novelty. However, many cats are extremely sensitive to change so that it can be difficult to assess their true personalities when placed in a stressful environment for an extended period of time. This can make successful rehoming challenging. Fostering cats in a home environment may be a preferable option for many cats.
Behaviour problems are a significant reason for owners surrendering or rehoming their cat, therefore the use of personality or behaviour assessment tools aimed to better understand cat behaviour, may help to reduce these numbers. One such example is the Fe-BARQ (...
Unlike dogs, cats are less likely to undergo as extensive personality and temperament testing before adoption at rehoming centres. Sociability toward other cats, people and dogs are often evaluated, along with their response to novelty. However, many cats are extremely sensitive to change so that it can be difficult to assess their true personalities when placed in a stressful environment for an extended period of time. This can make successful rehoming challenging. Fostering cats in a home environment may be a preferable option for many cats.
Behaviour problems are a significant reason for owners surrendering or rehoming their cat, therefore the use of personality or behaviour assessment tools aimed to better understand cat behaviour, may help to reduce these numbers. One such example is the Fe-BARQ (Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire), an evaluation that can be useful in screening for certain behaviour and temperament traits in cats. While not originally designed to assess personality, it is often described as a personality test and can give information about a cat’s personality type.
Is your cat’s individuality shaped by nature or nurture?
Both genetics (nature) and life experiences (nurture) play a critical role in the expression of behaviour and the development of your cat’s individuality.
We’ve put together a useful guide which covers this fascinating topic including ‘Understanding your cat’s unique genetics’ and you can download it below.
Choosing the right cat
A cat’s individual personality, temperament and behaviour patterns need to fit in with your family’s lifestyle and should be among the main considerations when choosing your cat. To give you the help you need, we’ve compiled a complete guide to help you pick out the perfect cat for your family – and to make sure you’re the perfect family for that cat.
The guide includes:
• The best places to look for a cat
• The places it’s usually best to avoid
• Choosing the right cat from a breeder
• Choosing the right cat from a shelter or adoption centre
And don’t miss
• Our top 5 tips for picking out the right cat
How to nurture your cat’s individuality
Every cat is unique and will have different social, health-related, nutritional and environmental preferences and needs.
Discovering these preferences is the key to helping your cat express their individuality and to fostering emotional wellbeing. You should celebrate your cat’s quirks – there’s no other cat just like them!
Tailor Socialisation
It’s important to find out what type of social interactions, environments and situations your cat enjoys or makes them uncomfortable. This makes it easier to tailor social experiences to your cat’s unique preferences and helps recognise where they may need support to help them feel more relaxed.
Make individualised health choices
Your cat’s health needs and preferences will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors including their personality, life stage, sex and health status.
Providing preventative healthcare tailored to your cat’s individual needs is also critical to providing optimal care and nurturing physical and emotional wellbeing long-term. Your cat may require protection against different types of parasites, depending on their lifestyle or environment, as well as vaccinations if they spend time travelling or visiting a cattery. By discussing your cat’s individual lifestyle and preferences with your veterinarian, you can acquire targeted healthcare advice to suit their unique needs. For example, some cats that dislike taking tablets may find using a topical or ‘spot-on’ flea treatment less stressful.
As your cat grows older, their he...
Your cat’s health needs and preferences will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors including their personality, life stage, sex and health status.
Providing preventative healthcare tailored to your cat’s individual needs is also critical to providing optimal care and nurturing physical and emotional wellbeing long-term. Your cat may require protection against different types of parasites, depending on their lifestyle or environment, as well as vaccinations if they spend time travelling or visiting a cattery. By discussing your cat’s individual lifestyle and preferences with your veterinarian, you can acquire targeted healthcare advice to suit their unique needs. For example, some cats that dislike taking tablets may find using a topical or ‘spot-on’ flea treatment less stressful.
As your cat grows older, their health needs and interests in different types of physical activity may change. So, it’s important to watch for changes in their behaviour and preferences to make sure their physical, mental and emotional needs continue to be met. See Health for more ideas on tailoring your healthcare for your cat’s unique needs.
Find the right diet to enrich your cat’s life
Nutrition is essential for physical health but is also a source of enjoyment for your cat and can be used to reinforce positive behaviours or encourage mental stimulation.
Your cat’s favourite foods can be used to reward desirable behaviour and encourage enrichment activities like puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, and scavenger hunts. You can also try offering your cat foods with different textures (e.g., wet or dry), flavours and smells. Gaining an understanding of what your cat really likes and dislikes will help with shaping new behaviour, improving the bond with your cat and assisting you in recognising when something changes. For example, if your cat suddenly goes off a certain food or eats differently, this may be related to an underlying health issue or behavioural concern.
Nutrition is essential for physical health but is also a source of enjoyment for your cat and can be used to reinforce positive behaviours or encourage mental stimulation.
Your cat’s favourite foods can be used to reward desirable behaviour and encourage enrichment activities like puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, and scavenger hunts. You can also try offering your cat foods with different textures (e.g., wet or dry), flavours and smells. Gaining an understanding of what your cat really likes and dislikes will help with shaping new behaviour, improving the bond with your cat and assisting you in recognising when something changes. For example, if your cat suddenly goes off a certain food or eats differently, this may be related to an underlying health issue or behavioural concern.
The key is in balancing your cat’s preferences for what, when and how they are fed, with their physical requirements to stay healthy.
See Nutrition for more information on how to get the right diet for your cat.
Create an environment that suits your cat
Developing the perfect enriched environment will depend on your cat’s age, temperament and physical capabilities, as well as your preferences.
Some cats are better than others at coping in new or changing environments. This will also depend on their upbringing and socialisation experiences (see Socialisation). Resilient cats are less likely to experience stress and therefore will have better emotional wellbeing in some situations than will others who are highly sensitive to change.
It is also important to provide outlets for natural feline behaviour which is often based on innate needs – even if they are not always considered as desirable to us humans, by providing appropriate scratching surfaces or climbing platforms, or appropriate ...
Developing the perfect enriched environment will depend on your cat’s age, temperament and physical capabilities, as well as your preferences.
Some cats are better than others at coping in new or changing environments. This will also depend on their upbringing and socialisation experiences (see Socialisation). Resilient cats are less likely to experience stress and therefore will have better emotional wellbeing in some situations than will others who are highly sensitive to change.
It is also important to provide outlets for natural feline behaviour which is often based on innate needs – even if they are not always considered as desirable to us humans, by providing appropriate scratching surfaces or climbing platforms, or appropriate items to chew and play with, as well as considering unique preferences such as whether your cat likes exploring outdoors. Knowing what works for your cat is essential for optimal emotional wellbeing. For more ideas about how to tailor your cat’s environment and provide enrichment to optimise their wellbeing, see Environment.
Individuality and agency
Agency refers to the capacity of your cat to make their own choices and act beyond the degree dictated by their momentary needs. It enables them to demonstrate adaptability and sophisticated communication skills. Having ‘agency’ means your cat can integrate its individuality into behaviour that will optimise its physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Problem solving, exploration and play are great examples of ways to encourage your cat to exercise their agency and express their individuality to benefit their emotional wellbeing.
A few questions to help you get to know your cat
- What foods do they love?
- How and where do they like to be touched?
- What activities do they seem to enjoy most?
- Which activities make them stressed?
- Do they have a favourite place to sleep or rest?
- How do they interact with other cats and animals?
- Do they have a favourite toy?
- Do they have a different relationship with different household members?
- What type of socialising do they enjoy? With whom? Where?
- How do they best like to interact with their environment?
- How do they behave when left to their own devices?
Key points
01
Individuality is the sum of all characteristics, temperament, learned behaviours, and personality traits that make a cat unique.
02
Individuality is influenced by nature factors such as genetics, life stage, sex; and nurture factors such as past experiences and neutering status
03
Personality and behavioural traits vary greatly between individuals of the same breed – even more than between breeds.
04
You cannot generalise about a cat’s personality or predict behaviour based on their breed alone.
05
Learning your cat’s subtle body language and their behavioural and personality quirks will help you optimise their day-to-day happiness.
06
To provide opportunities for your cat to express their individuality, think about what your cat loves, and balance with what they need.
07
When getting a new cat, ensure their individual needs and preferences are truly compatible your family, lifestyle and current pets.
08
You can nurture your cat’s individuality by tailoring decisions about their socialisation, healthcare, nutrition and enrichment to their unique needs and preferences.
References
- Litchfield, CA, Quinton, G, Tindle, H, Chiera, B, et al., 2017, The ‘Feline Five’: An exploration of personality in pet cats (Felis catus), PLOS ONE, Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183455, Accessed 11 January 2022
- Mikkola, S, Salonen, M, Hakanen, E, et al., 2021, Reliability and Validity of Seven Feline Behavior and Personality Traits, Animals, Vol 11(7), DOI: 10.3390/ani11071991, Accessed 07 February 2022
- Mellor, DJ, 2016, Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the “Five Freedoms” towards “A Life Worth Living”, Animals, Vol 6(3), 21
- McFarland, SE, Defining Animal Agency with Sarah E. McFarland, Available at: https://www.animalsandsociety.org/resources/resources-for-scholars/defining-human-animal-studies-an-asi-video-project/defining-animal-agency-with-sarah-mcfarland/, Accessed: 03 February 2022
- Pytlike Zillig, LM, Hemenover, SH, & Diesnstbier, RA, 2002, What Do We Assess when We Assess a Big 5 Trait? A Content Analysis of the Affective, Behavioural, and Cognitive Processes Represented in Big 5 Personality Inventories, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol 28 (6), doi: 10.1177/0146167202289013
- Karsh, EB, Anderson RK, Hart, BL, et al., 1984, The pet connection: its influence on our health and quality of life, 1st edition, University of Minnesota Press, pp. 207-215
- Evans, R, Lyons, M, Brewer G, et al., 2019, The purrfect match: The influence of personality on owner satisfaction with their domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus), Vol 138, pp: 252-256
- Herron, ME, Horowitz, DF, & Siracusa, C, 2020, Decoding Your Cat: The ultimate experts explain common cat behaviors and reveal how to prevent or change unwanted ones, 1st Edition, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: New York
- McCune, S, 1995, The impact of paternity and early socialisation on the development of cat behaviour to people and novel objects, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol 45(1), pp. 109-124
- Kemperman, G., 2019, Environmental enrichment, new neurons and the neurobiology of individuality. Nature Reviews, 20, 235-245
- Ellis, S, Kitten Socialization, Available at: https://icatcare.org/app/uploads/2020/02/kitten-socialization.pdf, Accessed: 10 January 2022
- Barry, KJ. & Crowell-Davis, SL, 1999, Gender differences in the social behavior of the neutered indoor-only domestic cat, Applied Animal Behaviour, Vol 64(3), pp. 193-211
- Crowell-Davis, SL, Curtis, TM, & Knowles, RJ, 2004, Social organization in the cat: a modern understanding, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, Vol 6, pp. 19-28
- Howe, LM, 2015, Current Perspectives on the optimal age to spay/castrate dogs and cats, Vet Med (Auckl), Vol. 6, 171-180
- O’Neill, DG, Church, DB, McGreevy, P, et al., 2015, Longevity and mortality of cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England, J Feline Med Surg. Vol 17(2), pp: 125-133
- Serpell, J. & McCune, S, 2018 , WALTHAM™ pocket book of responsible pet ownership, 1st Edition, Sleek Creative Ltd: Leicestershire, Available at: https://www.waltham.com/sites/g/files/jydpyr1046/files/2020-05/responsible_pet_ownership_book_waltham.pdf, Accessed 04 January 2022