Several studies and survey findings have determined that there are real differences in personality between dog people and cat people. Whether you identify as a cat person or a dog person can say a lot about your preferences and how you interpret the world around you.
In this video, we will explore the personality differences between dog people and cat people, according to psychology.


Cat people are more neurotic than dog people.
A study conducted by the University of Texas determined that cat people showed more neurotic behaviors than dog people by about 12 percent. Neuroticism in Psychology is defined as a tendency towards anxiety, negativity, persistent worrying, and self‐consciousness. Neurotic people easily get stressed or upset.
Dog people are more extroverted
Multiple studies have shown that dog people are much more sociable compared to cat people. They are also more likely to distinguish themselves as “people persons.”. Cat owners on the other hand, tend to be introverted and keep to themselves.
Cat people are more intelligent than dog people
A lot of evidence to suggest that people who like cats tend to be more naturally intelligent. In a personality experiment carried out in Wisconsin, USA, 600 college students were first asked about their pet preference then asked a series of questions to determine their intelligence levels. The outcome showed that most of the feline fans achieved a higher score than the caninelover participants.
Another study conducted by Bristol University found that People who own a cat are more likely to have a university degree than those with a pet dog.
Cat people are more openminded
In almost all the studies done on the topic of ‘cat people versus dog people’, those who love kitties tend to produce results that indicate they are more creative and adventurous. They possess a stronger sense of imagination and hold a greater appreciation for new experiences, arts, and emotions. These people are also more likely to hold unconventional and unusual beliefs, straying from traditional, cliche interests and ideas. It is even stated that cat people are more likely to lean towards the left when voting during elections.
The studies found that the effect even persisted regardless of gender of the respondents.
Dog people are likely to tolerate cats but cat people hate dogs
Despite studies showing that cat lovers are more openminded, there is one thing that they aren’t openminded towards; that thing being dogs. Psychologists from University of British Columbia were researching the concept of people’s personalities being reflected by their pets, and asked each cat person: “If you had adequate living space, and there were no objections from other people in your life, and someone gave you a puppy as a gift, would you keep it?”. The responses showed that over twothirds of cat lovers would not accept the puppy. Whereas, when dog lovers were asked the same question about a cat, 70% of them said they would admit a cat into their household.
Dog owners are more dominant
Another study from Australia, published in 2015, found that dog owners scored higher on dominancerelated traits than cat owners. People who are high on dominance are generally described as being forceful, assertive, and persistent. These people tend to stand out in social gatherings.
Cat owners, conversely, are people who are low in dominance and come across as being more timid, bashful, shy, and unaggressive.
Cat people are more likely to live alone than dog people.
One study found that cat owners are a third more likely to live alone than dog owners
Being married, living in a house, and having children living in the home are all factors that are more likely for dog owners than cat owners. In addition, according to the statistics, the most likely individuals to own cats are single women.
Cat people are more likely to be atheists.
One recent study published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion examined the role of religion in pet ownership and found that people who attended religious services tended to own fewer pets. More specifically, they were less likely to own cats than other people, but not less likely to own dogs. The reasons for this are unclear, but they might relate to the personality traits of those who prefer dogs over cats.
Dog people believe they are more masculine.
It has been said many times that all cats look like females and all dogs look like males. Although there are exceptions, a study conducted on 326 individuals found that dog lovers of both sexes see themselves as more masculine than cat lovers do.
Petowners have healthier hearts
Cuddling and petting your pet produces a calm, relaxed feeling which is caused by the release of Oxytocin in the brain. This feelgood chemical makes your body feel more peaceful.
This also translates to a decreased risk of heart disease. One study found that pet owners are less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than nonowners