CAT-EGORISE FELINE FRIENDS

Cat people know that their pets have unique purr-sonalities – and in a houseful of cats, each one will be completely different.

In fact, experts have found there are five common cat personality types – from Nervous Nala, Outgoing Oliver, Bossy Bella, Spontaneous Simba and Agreeable Alfie, according to eco cat-litter firm Natusan. Which one is yours?

Cats with this type of personality are extroverted and ‘talk’ to us. Although their low boredom threshold can also lead to yowling at 5am!

Frequent short daily play sessions can keep them entertained. If your cat gets a little too excitable, have them chase a toy into another room for a bit of time-out.

These cats are of a more delicate disposition, highly strung and shy.

Give them space – boxes, cat tunnels to hide in and high perches or shelves for them to sit on. They take comfort from routine mealtimes and playtimes, and only enjoy cuddles when they initiate it.

These types have assertive personalities and are in control of multi-cat households, even using intimidating behaviour to get what they want.

If you have other cats, provide separate feeding areas to prevent Bossy Bella from stealing their food and pet the other cats while she’s asleep to avoid jealous behaviour.

Impulsive and full of energy, usually on your head in the middle of the night.

Some cats are more nocturnal than others. Keep them awake during the day with frequent short sessions of play to help them rest at night.

This is the super-chilled cool cat we all know and love, usually as the result of proper socialisation as a kitten.

Consider expanding the family as these cats take younger ones under their wing. A well-adjusted cat can provide lots of comfort and cuddles, even if they can’t actually go and fetch your slippers…