Welcome to our third – and final – post in the series about 7 common cat traits!


If you missed the earlier posts of our “7 Common Cat Traits” series, here they are:

Part One: December 30 Covering:

  • The 7 Common Cat Traits & their Importance
  • How Traits Define a Cat’s Needs
  • The Feline’s 2 Behavioral Traits: Excessive Grooming & Litterbox Issues

Part Two: January 10 Covering the Cat Traits of:

  • Activity & Playfulness
  • Fearfulness
  • Aggression Towards Humans

Next, let’s look at the remaining 2 feline personality traits:

  • Sociability towards humans,
  • Sociability towards cats, and

discuss which specific cat breeds are most prone to these two traits.

1. Cat Traits: Sociability towards Humans

The Maine Coon has a social cat trait
Courtesy: ClaudiaWollesen / Pixabay

While many cats act standoffish with humans, 10 feline breeds are known to be the friendliest!

According to Pumpkin Pet Insurance, these social feline breeds are the:

  • Maine Coon
    Nicknamed “America’s Cat” and the gentle giants of the felines. They love other cats, people, children and dogs.
  • Siamese
    Known as the “people’s cat” according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Inquisitive and loving.
  • Abyssinian
    Sometimes called The Aby, loves family, social and loyal although they don’t like to be lap cats.
  • Ragdoll
    Loves small spaces, adults and children and other cats and dogs.
  • Sphynx
    Outgoing with adults, children, pets and dogs. Love to be the center of attention!

(Click on the link above for the other five breeds with social cat traits!)

The Sphynx has a very social cat trait
Courtesy: Dehogman / Pixabay

While these feline breeds are known to be friendly and social, remember, each cat is different with its own unique preferences!

Talk to an expert about a specific cat before adoption to make sure they are a good match when it comes to their social tendencies!

“Male cats are often more friendly than female cats,” says Susan Saffron, Founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals.

2. Cat Traits: Sociability towards Cats

Finally, let’s look at the best breeds that get along with other cats!

Courtesy: Dmitry Tsapenko / Pixabay

CAUTION: Not all cats will socialize with other cats.

If you have your heart set on a multi-feline household, look for breeds that are social, even-tempered, non-territorial and adaptable.

According to Vicki Jo Harrison, the president of the International Cat Association, the best breeds for a multi-cat home include 20 breeds:

  • Abyssinian.
  • Bengal.
  • Birman.
  • Bombay.
  • British Shorthair.

(Click on the link above for the other 15 best cats for a multi-cat home!)


Read the entire research paper from the University of Helsinki here!
“Reliability and Validity of Seven Feline Behavior and Personality Traits.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth look at the common cat traits!


Courtesy: Cornelazar / Pixabay

A Final Reminder about Cat Traits!

Remember, before adopting a new kitten or cat, consider the feline’s breed and associated traits (breed-related genetics). Make sure you are truly willing to live with those traits throughout your cat’s life.

For a happy relationship with your cat, go beyond the looks and make your pick based on demonstrated breed behavior.

Benjamin & Lynette Hart, Experts in Animal Communication & Behavior


A tabby cat being brushed with an EquiGroomer tool
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In our December 30th blog, we explored the new research
which reveals 7 common cat traits
! Understanding your cat’s traits is critical when it comes to fulfilling your cat’s needs.

Today’s blog will discuss three of the five cat personality traits, the specific breeds who are most prone to these personality traits and how the cat parent can encourage or discourage these traits.


Remember, before adopting a new kitten or cat, honestly consider the feline’s
breed and associated traits from “breed-related genetics.”

Are you willing to live with those inherited traits?


Cat Jumping in the Air for a Toy
Courtesy: Karsten Paulick / Pixabay

1. Common Cat Traits: Activity and Playfulness

Certain feline breeds love being active and playful including the Bengal and Abyssinian followed by the:

  • Siamese.
  • Oriental.
  • Cornish Rex.


The DVM360 found that “male cats far outranked females in being more outgoing, affectionate and playful.”


In contrast, the Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Ragdoll are relatively inactive breeds.

Keep in mind, these are guidelines. Each cat will have its own preferences for activity and playfulness.

But you can encourage a lazy cat to play more with these tips.

Gray Cat Sleeping in a Vertical Nest
Courtesy: Marjoleiny / Pixabay
  • Have plenty of toys your cat loves and rotate them to encourage more play.
  • Engage in quality playtime with your cat every day.
  • Engage your cat’s hunting instincts with battery-operated toys.
  • Use food puzzles to encourage your cat’s engagement.
  • Add a more active cat or kitten as a playmate.
  • Create a stimulating environment with vertical spaces especially near windows:
    • Perches.
    • Cat Trees.
    • Suspended catwalks.

But what if your cat is too active and even destructive? The tips below can help your cat chill out!

Playing Kittens Around Scratching Posts
Courtesy: 12222786 / Pixabay
  • Ensure enough one-on-one playtime daily.
  • Redirect hyper-activity to an acceptable behavior like chasing a toy or playing with an empty box.
  • Offer your cat outdoor experiences to relieve “cabin fever.” For example:
  • Proactively address any boredom your cat may be feeling with:
    • Toys and food puzzles.
    • Extra play and exercise.
    • Scratching posts.
    • Another cat.
  • Consider feline nutraceuticals and/or a calming collar.

According to Homes Alive Pets,
cats need between 30-60 minutes of activity … each day …
depending on age and health conditions
.”
Just like with dogs, a tired cat is a happy cat!


2. Common Cat Traits: Fearfulness

According to Veterinary Scientist and Research Author, Hannes Lohi of the University of Helsinki, “the most fearful (cat) breed was the Russian Blue, while the Abyssinian was the least fearful.”


Interestingly, DVM360.com says,
“females far outrank males in being more aggressive and fearful.”


Gray Cat Looking Fearful
Courtesy: Ihtar / Pixabay

Living with a fearful cat can be challenging. Fearful or anxious cats may act out aggressively so try the tips below.

  • Give them their own space to hide and relax.
  • Stay calm and keep a consistent routine.
  • Never push a fearful cat outside its comfort zone.
  • Introduce new pets, people or changes in the home slowly.
  • Try a pheromone plug-in, diffuser or spray to calm your cat.

3. Common Cat Traits: Aggression Towards Humans

White and Yellow Cat (Turkish Van) Peeking Around Curtain
Courtesy: Pasi Mammela / Pixabay

Certain cat breeds tend to be more aggressive towards humans including the:

  • Bengal.
  • Abyssinian.
  • Turkish Van (pictured on the right).
  • Siamese.

The Ragdoll ranks low for aggression along with the Sphynx, Burmese and Maine Coon.

Never encourage aggressive behavior! But how can you discourage aggressive cat behavior?

Feline aggression can come from boredom and/or pent-up energy. Follow the tips above to help your cat positively deal with his boredom and excess energy through daily play and mental stimulation and enrichment.

If these tips do not make a difference in your cat’s aggression, look for the triggers causing your cat to act aggressively. Removing these triggers, avoiding pushing your cat beyond his comfort zone and enough activity and interaction should help reduce your cat’s desire to aggressively strike out.


If any negative behavior(s) continue despite your best efforts, rule out any medical issues (including stress and anxiety) with your veterinarian
and consult a certified feline behaviorist.


(Note: The remaining 2 personality cat traits will be covered in our next blog. So, subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to
receive notifications!)


Cat Gift Bag
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Cats challenged with aggression or fear can be helped to calm down with regular brushing.

Enhance your bond and quality time with your favorite feline with the EquiGroomer EasyGroomer Tools!

Don’t miss our Cat Gift Bag too! All bags include a Shedding Brush, Laser Pointer and Cat Toy!

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According to new research,
the feline personality has just 7 common cat traits!

4,316 Cat Parents ~ 138 Questions ~ 26 Feline Breeds = 7 Feline Traits


7 Common Cat Traits

Courtesy: Scott Payne / Pixabay

Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Helsinki defined 7 common cat traits in the most extensive and significant research done to date.

FIVE Personality Traits

  • Activity and playfulness.
  • Fearfulness.
  • Aggression towards humans.
  • Sociability towards humans.
  • Sociability towards cats.

TWO Behavioral Traits

  • Litter box issues including inappropriate elimination; and
  • Excessive grooming.

Keep reading to learn what else they found out about your cat’s traits!

Cat Traits: Why are They Important?

All Cats Have 2 Common Traits
Courtesy: Aleksandr Tarlokov / Pixabay

The most critical reason behind understanding feline traits is their direct connection to problematic cat behaviors.

By clearly understanding these common cat traits, potential cat parents can fully understand what they are getting into when adopting a specific cat breed.

In addition, knowledge about these cat traits will:

  1. Improve a cat’s overall welfare.
  2. Provide answers to unwanted feline behaviors; and
  3. Help identify potential genetic and environmental issues.

There were also “significant differences observed between cat breeds.”

Common Cat Traits Define their Needs
Courtesy: Desha / Pixabay

Traits Define Cat’s Needs

Like all living beings, felines possess fully-formed personality traits which also define the cat’s needs.

It’s important to realize when a cat’s specific needs (i.e., personality traits) go unfulfilled, negative behaviors may begin to develop, emerge and worsen.

Next, let’s take a deeper look into the two common behavioral cat traits.

(Note: The other 5 personality cat traits will be covered in future blogs, so subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications when these blogs (and others) are published!)

Two Common Behavioral Traits

These common traits include:

  • Litter box issues; and
  • Excessive grooming.

When choosing a new kitty to add to your home,
it’s critical to take into consideration their breed and associated traits
influenced by breed-related genetics.”

Ask yourself, will I be able to live with these cat traits?
Keep in mind, inherited traits may be resistant to behavioral modification
.


Litter Box Issues

Bengal Cats Share Common Cat Traits
Courtesy: Irina Kukuts / Pixabay

While all cats can exhibit occasional issues with the litterbox, there are specific breeds who are more prone to bathroom issues including the:

  • Persian.
  • Bengal.
  • Manx.

Inappropriate urine spraying (aka marking) is also more common with the:

  • Bengal.
  • Sphynx.
  • Cornish Rex.
  • Ragdoll.
  • Burmese.

To encourage these breeds to use their litter boxes:

  • Keep all litter boxes and the surrounding area clean with daily cleaning.
  • Experiment with different types and textures of litter to find one your cat likes.
  • Make sure your cat can easily and comfortably get in and out of the litter box.
  • Ensure you have enough litter boxes for the number of cats in your home. PetMD recommends “the same number of litter boxes as the number of cats, plus one extra box.” Also, if you have a multi-level home, experts also recommend at least one litter box on each level in a private area (even if you have one cat!).

If the behavior continues, rule out any medical issues (including stress and anxiety) with your veterinarian and/or a local certified behaviorist.

VetStreet: Most Common Cat Potty Problems Solved!

Excessive Grooming

Siamese Cats are Prone to Excessive Grooming Trait
Courtesy: Adina Vlicu / Pixabay

Excessive grooming is commonly found in certain breeds “due to their sensitive and attention-demanding dispositions.”

  • Siamese.
  • Abyssinian.
  • Burmese.
  • Himalayan.

If you own one of the above breeds, try to stop their overgrooming with these tips:

  • Rule out any medical issues including infections or allergies.
  • Maintain a predictable schedule to reduce any feline stress.
  • Add more mental and physical stimulation and quality one-on-one time.
  • Try cat calming products and/or medications or nutraceuticals.

(Note: The other 5 personality cat traits will be covered in future blogs,
so subscribe to our blog (in the lower right-hand column) to receive notifications when these blogs (and others) are published!)


The EquiGroomer Cat Gift Bag
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No matter what feline breed shares
your life, your cat will love being
brushed with the pain-free
EquiGroomer EasyGroomer Tools!

Don’t miss our Cat Gift Bag too!

All bags include a Shedding Brush, Laser Pointer and Cat Toy!

For individual or bulk orders, call 860-573-0604 or click here to send us an email.


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