THE CAT PERSONALITY TEST

In our new series, Dr Lauren Finka has developed fun quizzes that will reveal more about your cat’s character! This month, it’s what your feline thinks of humans…

Take the fun quiz to uncover more about your cat’s character.

Just like in humans, a cat’s underlying personality will shape the way they think and feel about the world and the types of behavioural characteristics they display. For example, some cats are inherently more cautious and wary of novelty, while others are much more bold, brazen, and eager to investigate. Some cats will enjoy social interactions with humans and/or other cats, while others prefer their own company. Some cats are extremely predatory or playful, while others might prefer to quietly watch the world go by from the comfort of their favourite spot in the sun.

Of course, understanding our cat’s character and what this means in terms of their likes, dislikes, and specific needs is at the heart of good pet parenting. This level of understanding is integral to ensuring that each cat has a good level of well-being when in our care. Indeed, this approach is at the core of much of the research, consultancy, and science communication work that I undertake. It was also the inspiration for my book ‘The Cat Personality Test’ from which the following series of mini-quizzes have been adapted.

1 What do you usually need to do to get your cat to approach you? (Choose the closest answer.)

A I don’t need to do anything — my cat won’t leave me alone!

B Just a little gentle encouragement or call their name.

C I may have to call their name a few times and keep patting my lap, but they will usually come eventually.

D Work pretty hard, usually involving a piece of string or by rattling the treat packet.

E Food, and it must be visible.

2 Does your cat prefer you or food?

Get a small handful of your cat’s usual dry food, or some treats, and one of their favourite toys. Sit or kneel down a few metres away from your cat and place the treats and toy either side of you, about level with your knees. Use your smoochiest cat voice to call your cat over and offer them your hand (palm facing down). Only stroke them if they decide to rub against you. Observe your cat for 60 seconds. Ideally, repeat the above several times at different times of the day. Each time, alternate where you place the toys and treats so that sometimes they are both to your left or right, but are always the same distance away.

DID YOUR CAT:

A Trot on over, making a beeline for you and your chin tickles.

B Walk over, quickly inspect each item, then give you a few head rubs before moving on to the treats.

C Saunter over, give you a sniff, then eat some treats or start batting at the toy.

D Cautiously approach, grab a mouthful of treats, then scarper.

E Stay where they were and pretend they didn’t hear you calling them.

How many of these signs do you see and how often? (Choose the closest answer.) A Most of them, every day. B Some of them, most days. C Some of them, occasionally. D A few of them, but only when I have food. E None of them, ever.

3 When you’re around your cat, do they

(tick each relevant box):

■ Follow you around, often appearing at your side like a little furry stalker.

■ Approach you with their tail held high, perhaps with a small crook in the end like the top of a big furry question mark.

■ Gently wave their tail from side-to-side in the air, as if plucking at an invisible harp.

■ Weave around your legs as you stumble about and try not to step on them.

■ Happily converse with you via a combination of meows, purrs, and chirrups.

■ Rub against you or objects near to you. ■ Purr like a motorboat. ■ Knead you with their front paws, as if you are a loaf of bread.

■ Have a relaxed facial expression, ears pricked, and pointed forwards; it’s almost as if they’re smiling at you.

■ Generally look relaxed and comfortable in your presence.

4 When you’re around your cat, do they

(tick each relevant box):

■ Try to maintain a safe distance between the two of you where possible.

■ Walk or move away if you approach them or get too close.

■ Try to leave the room if you enter it, or keep quiet and hope you won’t spot where they’re hiding.

■ Look away from you if you try to get their attention or call their name.

■ Look directly at you without blinking for periods of time — is this a staring contest?

■ Look tense, hunched, or on edge, sitting on all four feet, tail pressed into their body.

■ Have a tense facial expression, ears either rotated backwards or flattened down to the sides.

■ Appear to ‘freeze’ a little if you approach or touch them.

■ Lick their nose.

■ Shake their head.

■ Have a twitching, swishing, or thrashing tail, usually held close to the ground.

■ Suddenly start grooming themselves for very quick, brief periods.

How many of these signs do you see and how often? (Choose the closest answer.)

A None of them, ever

B One or two of them, sometimes

C Some of them, occasionally

D Some of them, most days

E Most of them, every day

5 If your cat could sleep anywhere in the house, where would it be?

A On your chest, purring sweet nothings into your ear.

B Somewhere on your bed, until you move around too much and annoy them.

C Somewhere in your room but usually not on the bed.

D Somewhere quiet, away from snoring humans.

E As far away from you as possible.

6It’s evening and you’re sitting in front of the TV with a nice, soft blanket covering your legs. Does your cat:

A Jump straight up and plonk themselves on your lap, nuzzling you for strokes.

B Rub themselves against your leg, looking for permission to jump up.

C Come and sit by your side at some point in the evening. D Sit vaguely near you but not in reach.

E Studiously ignore you and refuse to come anywhere near you all night (except when you’re putting their dinner down).

7When do you give your cat attention or fuss?

A Every day without fail at regular intervals — if not, I’ll get in trouble!

B Every day, when my cat is in the mood for it.

C Often, but my cat has other priorities too!

D Only when I manage to get close enough/when they will let me.

E Never — this would likely result in some sort of injury.