For centuries, cats have fascinated humanity with their independence and often perplexing behaviors. A team of British researchers now offers a fresh perspective on studying the personalities of our feline companions. Their study, published in the Journal of Research in Personality, explores the idea that certain behavioral traits in cats could be analyzed through the lens of human psychopathy. So, is your cat merely mischievous, or does it harbor a cunning strategist within?
Understanding Personality Traits in Cats
Psychopathy in humans is characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsive behaviors, and sometimes manipulative tendencies. Although troubling in humans, these characteristics may provide insights into animal behavior.
According to the triarchic model of psychopathy, three main dimensions are studied:
Boldness: A tendency to explore the unknown with courage and low stress response.
Meanness: Behaviors that may include aggression or manipulation.
Disinhibition: Marked impulsivity and constant seeking of stimulation.
Why Apply This Model to Cats?
Rebecca Evans, a psychologist at the University of Liverpool, explains, "We were inspired by the diversity of feline behaviors. My own cat, Gumball, exhibits boundless energy and insatiable curiosity, perfectly reflecting the disinhibition dimension." This study aims not to stigmatize cats but to better understand their complex behaviors.
An Innovative Test to Analyze Your Cat
The research team designed a tool called CAT-Tri+, a questionnaire with 46 statements to evaluate various behavioral traits in cats. Owners must indicate how much each statement applies to their pet on a scale from "not at all" to "very much so."
The questions explore:
Reactions to dangers (stressful events, imaginary predators).
Social strategies with humans and other animals.
Adaptation to household rules.
Management of boredom and mental stimulation.
This test is based on data collected from over 2,000 owners, ensuring a robust and precise analysis.
A Validated Scientific Tool
The questionnaire approach minimizes biases. For instance, two different people evaluating the same cat with CAT-Tri+ tend to achieve similar results, capturing the nuances of feline behavior reliably.
Results: Between Science and Evolution
Behavioral traits often associated with psychopathy may have played a crucial role in the evolution of cats. For example:
Meanness: Useful for defending territory or accessing essential resources.
Disinhibition: Essential for exploring new environments and finding food.
Boldness: An asset for facing dangerous situations.
Understanding Current Behaviors
A cat that hides its food or swats at your hand during play may seem malevolent. However, these behaviors stem from their past as solitary hunters, reflecting adaptation to a wild environment where competition for resources was vital.
Similarly, a cat appearing indifferent to its peers might express a survival strategy that helped minimize conflicts in nature.
What Are the Links with the Owner?
The results indicate that:
A high level of disinhibition and low sociability towards other animals may correspond to a harmonious relationship with the owner.
Conversely, high levels of boldness or meanness may signal more complex interactions.
Is Your Cat a Strategist or a Psychopath?
Despite these fascinating results, it is important to remember that observed behaviors in cats do not mean they are psychopaths in the clinical sense. These traits reflect their evolution and adaptation to their environment.
If you are curious to understand your feline companion from a different angle, CAT-Tri+ can be an enriching experience. But rest assured: even if your cat watches you intently from the corner of the room, it is not plotting to take over the world... at least, probably not!