In a recent study conducted by Australian researchers, it has been revealed that dog owners might be less prone to loneliness and more resilient compared to cat owners, who tend to exhibit higher levels of neuroticism. The study, carried out by psychology researchers Leah Baines and Jessica Oliva at James Cook University, delved into the personality traits of 321 individuals, with findings published in the journal Anthrozoös last month.
The survey, conducted between June and August 2023, aimed to explore the relationship between pet ownership and personality. It revealed that dog owners were generally more resilient, while cat owners showed a higher tendency towards neuroticism, a trait associated with increased vulnerability to stress.
Dr. Oliva, one of the study’s lead researchers, explained that the initial idea for the research came from observations during the COVID-19 pandemic, when dog owners appeared less lonely than cat owners. “During the pandemic, one in five Australian families acquired a new cat or dog,” noted Dr. Oliva. The initial assumption was that the social activities associated with dog ownership, such as walking, might contribute to lower loneliness rates. However, the lack of substantial evidence prompted further investigation into the personality traits of pet owners.
The study’s participants were assessed on what are considered the five major personality traits: extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. “We found that dog owners were more resilient, and cat owners were significantly higher in neuroticism,” Dr. Oliva shared. However, she cautioned against using these findings to reinforce stereotypes, such as the “crazy cat lady” trope. “These are just general findings,” she emphasized, noting that the study provides a snapshot in time rather than definitive conclusions.
Dr. Oliva also acknowledged the complexity of the findings, suggesting that the relationship between pet ownership and personality traits might not be straightforward. “It’s possible that people who are naturally more resilient are drawn to owning dogs, while those with higher levels of neuroticism might prefer cats. Alternatively, it could be that the responsibilities of dog ownership build resilience over time, while cat ownership could potentially contribute to increased neuroticism,” she explained.
Interestingly, Dr. Oliva pointed out a potential link between neuroticism and toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be transmitted from cats to humans. While the study doesn’t draw any firm conclusions, it raises intriguing questions about the interaction between pet ownership and mental health.
Marie Mahoney, secretary of the Queensland Feline Association, responded to the study by downplaying any significant differences between cat and dog owners. “I’ve never noticed any major distinctions between them,” she said. Mahoney also suggested that pet ownership, in general, can positively impact mental health. Regarding the “crazy cat lady” label, she remarked that the cat-breeding community tends to dismiss such stereotypes. “They just shrug it off; they don’t take it too seriously,” she added.
The research, titled “Unleashing the Personality Divide: Resilience in Dog Owners, Neuroticism in Cat Owners,” underscores the complexity of the relationship between pet ownership and mental health. Dr. Oliva concluded by advising caution for those considering pet adoption as a quick solution for mental health issues. “This study shows that while pets can have positive impacts, they shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix for mental health challenges,” she said.
