There is a lot of talk about cat people vs. dog people and what your pet preference says about your personality. But is there any merit to it? Or is it just another way to categorize people using broadly relatable terms? Do you identify with the stereotypes of your pet preference? Those with other pet preferences (ex: reptiles, fish, birds, horses, etc.) are also welcome to comment.
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I don’t think the animal does. I have all kinds of different animals. But having a pet does.
I love all animals, but my husband and I are both cat people more than dog people and we’re both fairly introverted. Cats read more introverted to me and dogs read more extroverted so that doesn’t surprise me a ton.
I think there’s some kernel of truth to them but they aren’t hard and fast rules. I also think some of the stereotypes are based on misunderstandings. Small dogs tend to be aggressive and skittish because they are treated and conditioned differently. People terrorize small dogs. I see it all the time. All of my small dogs are smart and well trained. When a larger dog is very well trained, I tend to think the reason is because a large breed dog being a terror is a lot more work and more difficult than a small dog being a terror so the owners are kind of forced to train that dog better.
I currently have a puppy who we think may turn out to be a large breed dog. We aren’t sure yet- we’re gonna get him a DNA test. He is the most active and hyper dog I’ve ever had and takes a lot out of me. If he were poorly trained, I just know it would be a huge hassle.
I just read a study this morning that there is a kernel of truth to women preferring smaller dogs with a caveat- it’s not that women prefer small dogs, it’s that women who prefer small dogs prefer SMALLER dogs than men who prefer small dogs. So if a woman prefers small dogs, she’s likely to have a preference for the smallest of dogs, compared to a man who would just like small dogs in general. There showed no differences between the men and women who prefer medium sized or large dogs- about the same numbers. I have a strong preference for small and medium sized dogs and I am particularly fond of very small dogs.
Big dogs are still beautiful and sweet to me, but the tiny ones are sooooooo cute, I love them.
I have 2 17 year old cats, and a 12 year old dog.
I’ve also had birds.
… what does it say if you have ALL the pets?
I have dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys and ducks…
It might. I’m a marsupial person. Animals that need to be cuddled (because they’re used to being in their mother’s pouches) and have unusual diets are my jam. I used to rehab possums…
No, however I have noticed people tend to suck when their “preference” is just hating the other animal
As an introvert with a cat preference, I do think that there’s some correlation there.
A dog is an inherently social pet. They tend to want to be with you, be active, and get/give lots of attention. That can wear out an introvert. It gets even worse because owning a dog can invite human interaction (when you’re out on walks, or at the park, or whatever)
But a cat is chill. Most are happy to ignore their owner for most of the time. They don’t require near constant interaction. They don’t require you to go places where there might be other humans. And so on. They fit better with a quiet introvert homebody type.
[Edit:] There’s also a level of ego that the dog/cat preference hints at. People who prefer dogs (or, more precisely, dislike cats) often say that the reason is that a dog is “more loyal, more obedient, etc.” because those people value those qualities in a pet. They *want* that loyal subject showering them in love and praise and can’t take the ego hit of a pet that may not even acknowledge their presence half of the time.
I (F) have always loved my big dogs but also have loved my horses. I call my current 112 lb lab my pony. He is a big baby.
I’m more of a cat person. I’m introverted, independent, and a bit stand-offish. Makes sense that I would prefer cats 🙂↕️
This is an interesting & sweet post. I love animals and am enjoying reading it. Thanks op!
Nah- i was a ‘cat person’ for all my life, most beautiful, most evolved etc etc.
Then I got a job a t a shelter. I wanted to work with the cats but because I had farming experience theysaid no, go to the 400+ dogs outdoor animal shelter.
Fast forward and i have 5 dogs.
Fast forward again I’ve built an entire career around canine animal care.
Haven’t had a cat in 1.5 decades. Still love cats tho.
How does one assess that??