The Psychology Behind Being a Cat Person vs. Dog Person

Are you a devoted dog person, always ready for a tail-wagging adventure or a gleeful greeting? Or do you consider yourself more of a cat person, perfectly at ease with your independent, slightly mysterious roommate who has a weird habit of testing gravity? We know it’s cliche, but pet preferences run deep. So deep, in fact, that they might just reveal more about our personalities than we realize. 

Science even has a thing or two to say about our four-legged companion preferences, and it isn’t always about cuteness or convenience. From sociability and independence to lifestyle habits, whether you’re drawn to purring or panting could give some big hints into your personality. Let’s explore.

What Your Pet Preferences Say About You, According to Science  

It’s fun to align with our favorite animals, and pop culture only fuels the divide. While dog lovers might see themselves as energetic, outgoing, and always up for an adventure, cat people embrace their introspective, witty, and sometimes enigmatic nature. While it’s not an exact or hard science, per se, research can go beyond cultural stereotypes and provide a glimmer into our personalities. 

“Research suggests that our choice between cats and dogs can be influenced by a mix of psychological, social, and cultural factors, shaping our personality traits and social behaviors,” says Patricia Dixon, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and author in Tampa Bay, Florida. 

So rather than our fave pet simply mirroring our personality, these preferences and relationships can give us insight into who we are, how we operate, and how we interact with the world. For example, it might tell us something about our attachment styles, whether we’re outgoing or introverted, or even how we handle independence and companionship. 

Attachment Style & Pet Preferences

Our emotional connections with different types of pets can potentially give us some insights into our attachment style (a pattern of behavior in relationships).

“Dog lovers [may] enjoy close and reciprocal relationships with dogs as they resemble secure, dependent bonds that provide emotional comfort, stability, and security,” says Michael Kane, PsyD, a psychiatrist based in Indiana. “Cat enthusiasts, on the other hand, [may] appreciate the less demanding and more autonomous companionship offered by cats. Feline indulgers enjoy the companionship of cats as they prefer connections that are meaningful but not as demanding.” 

Structure vs. Spontaneity

How we move about the world might also be related to our pet preference. For example, dog owners often thrive in environments with routine and structure. Think regular walks, feeding schedules, and training sessions naturally encourage a more organized lifestyle. Studies have even found that dog owners often score higher in conscientiousness, a trait associated with self-discipline, organization, and a preference for planned behavior.

In contrast, cat owners may be more adaptable and comfortable with a looser, go-with-the-flow approach, as felines tend to be more independent and require less regimented care. This could reflect a person’s comfort level with spontaneity, flexibility, and self-guided motivation in their daily life. 

Extroversion vs. Introversion 

Our pet preferences may also come in handy when analyzing whether we’re extroverted or introverted, Dr. Kane says. Think of it as the difference between a vibrant group hike and a cozy night in with a good book, adds Dr. Dixon. Both are wonderful in their own right—just different. 

“Studies show that those who call themselves ‘dog people‘ tend to have higher scores on extroversion, which means they are more sociable, in addition to agreeableness and conscientiousness, which describes a cooperative and responsible personality,” says Dr. Kane. “Meanwhile, ‘cat people’ have shown to be more open to experience and scored higher on introversion, which suggests that they appreciate more solitude and less social interaction.” 

The Differences Between Cat People and Dog People

We outlined some of the biggest differences between cat vs. dog people above, but let’s go ahead and dive a little bit deeper into each of these “types” of people. 

Characteristics of Cat People 

In a nutshell, cat people are often considered imaginative, inquisitive, and self-reflective. They also tend to be more reserved and appreciate solitude and silence. “Whilst many people appreciate loving relationships, the bond that cat people value usually grows over time, in the same manner that cats form relationships with humans,” Dr. Kane adds. “This can result in greater sensitivity to soft emotional signals and more profound intimacy, which in turn fosters stronger and more meaningful bonds.” 

Dr. Dixon adds that, psychologically speaking, a cat person might also strongly value independence and autonomy. “They thrive in their own space but can be social when it suits them—like an introvert who shines at a party, as long as it’s on their own terms,” she says. 

Cat People Traits

• Imaginative
• Introverted
• Curious 
• Drawn to creative or intellectual pursuits
• Spontaneous and flexible
• Self-reflective
• Reserved
• Values autonomy 
• Slow, deep bonds
• Social when it suits them 
• Independent thinkers 
• Emotionally intuitive

Characteristics of a Dog Person

The average dog person is perceived to be much more extroverted, energetic, and socially inclined than the average cat lover. “They’re typically someone who thrives on social connection and the joy of being needed,” Dr. Dixon says. “They love the feeling of being part of a pack, both with their furry friend and the people around them.”

Their pets reinforce this dynamic, encouraging a bounty of social interactions and an active lifestyle. Additionally, dog owners may love the reliability of a good routine and external motivation a la structured schedules, planned social outings, and even career choices that lend to teamwork.

Dog People Traits 

• Energetic
• Extroverted
• Socially inclined
• Loves to feel needed
• Prefers structure and routine
• Active lifestyle
• Outgoing and approachable
• Thrives in group settings
• Enjoys teamwork and collaboration
• Loyal and dependable
• Seeks external validation and affirmation
• Warm and emotionally expressive

The Impact of Pet Preferences on Lifestyle & Behavior 

Pet preferences can and do impact our lifestyle. This is true in terms of social context, flexibility on a day-to-day basis, and overall time commitment. 

For example, “dogs are fantastic icebreakers—perfect for meeting new people or joining a workout crew. They often reflect an active, outgoing lifestyle,” says Dr. Dixon. “On the flip side, cat people may lean towards a more introspective life, valuing independence and reclusivity over social gatherings.” 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum—and maybe it’s even somewhere in between—one thing is certain: both pets provide deeply meaningful companionship. Our fur friends provide us with mutual affection and the joy of simply coexisting with another creature that loves you through and through.