7 Key Differences Between Dog and Cat Lovers: What Your Choice of Pet Says About Your Personality

Are you a dog lover or a cat lover?

Animal lovers we often divide into two big groups: those who love dogs and those who prefer cats. However, this division is not simply a matter of personal taste or choice of pet.

The research shows that the differences are not only noticeable, but also quite consistent and reveal many interesting ones psychological and social patterns. For example, did you know that dog lovers are generally more social and extroverted, while cat lovers value their independence and are often more introspective?

Although these differences are many, we have collected a few that best describe the fundamental characteristics of both groups.

1. There are more dog lovers than cat lovers

About six percent of households prefer dogs to cats. Research shows that people who love dogs often outnumber cat lovers by a ratio of five to one. About a quarter of all respondents say they like both dogs and cats.

2. Dog lovers are more social and open than cat lovers

Dog lovers tend to be more friendly and extroverted, while cat lovers prefer to spend time alone. Also, dog lovers are more confident and dominant compared to cat lovers.

3. Cat lovers are more intelligent than dog lovers

They also often point out that cats are more intelligent than dogs.

4. Cat lovers are more neurotic than dog lovers

Cat lovers are more prone to anxiety and neurotic disorders, perhaps because their animals do not provide a constant sense of security and acceptance.

5. Cat lovers are more likely to live alone and in apartments than dog lovers

One study found that cat owners were a third more likely to live alone and twice as likely to live in an apartment instead of a house. The most likely cat owners are single women.

6. Dog lovers are more likely to live in the countryside than cat lovers

Overall, dog lovers were 30 percent more likely to live in rural areas, while cat lovers were 29 percent more likely to live in cities.

7. Dog lovers are more conservative than cat lovers

Dog ownership correlates strongly with traditional values. Dog owners are also more likely to follow the rules than cat owners. Dog lovers lean more toward Republicans, while cat lovers lean more toward Democrats.

8. Dog lovers are more obedient - just like dogs

Cat owners tend to be non-conformists, while dog lovers tend to follow the rules.

9. Cat lovers are more outgoing than dog lovers

Cat lovers score higher in openness, imagination, creativity, adventure, and unusual beliefs. Dog owners, like dogs, believe almost anything you tell them.

10. Cat lovers are more sensitive than dog lovers

Although people often see sensitivity as a bad trait, this is not necessarily true. In the study, cat lovers showed more sensitivity, while dog owners showed less signs of sensitivity.

11. Dog lovers are more manly than cat lovers

It is often said that all dogs look like males and all cats look like females. Although there are exceptions, dog owners, regardless of gender, perceive themselves as more masculine than cat owners.

12. Dog lovers tend to tolerate cats; cat lovers hate dogs

Research has shown that people who love both dogs and cats have almost identical personality traits to dog owners. In general, dog owners are more willing to accept the idea of owning a cat than cat owners are to the idea of owning a dog.

13. Dog lovers and cat lovers have different favorite Beatles

Dog lovers prefer to listen to Paul McCartney, while cat lovers prefer to listen to George Harrison.

14. Dog lovers and cat lovers have different senses of humor

Cat lovers enjoy sophisticated, tongue-in-cheek humor based on imaginative wordplay. Dog lovers laugh at fart jokes and videos of people accidentally injuring themselves.

15. Cat lovers are more independent

As already mentioned, dog owners are more sociable and obedient. In contrast, cat owners, like cats, are more independent and have a mind of their own.

16. Cat lovers are more likely to be atheists

Some data show that there are more atheists among cat lovers than among dog lovers.

17. Dog lovers seek companionship; cat lovers looking for affection

Dog lovers are looking for a four-legged friend, while cat lovers want something to be by their side when it's dark and cold.

These differences, although perhaps stereotypical, give us insight into the complex world of relationships between people and their pets. Despite these differences, it is essential that we respect and we appreciate both dog lovers and cat lovers, as each brings a unique perspective and love for animals.