Are You a Dog or a Cat Person?

Animals 4 Minutes

Did you ever wonder if you’re personality influences your preference for a dog or a cat?  I found this article on Happyoodles.com that attempts to explain the correlation.

From Happyoodles:

Have you ever noticed how some people instantly connect over stories of dog rescues, while others bond over sharing memes of hilariously judgmental cats? My sister and I grew up in a home filled with both dogs and cats, but we’ve always had distinct favorites. I’m definitely a dog person—I thrive on their playful energy, unconditional affection, and eagerness for new adventures.

On the other hand, my sister has always gravitated towards cats, appreciating their serene, independent nature. She finds a kindred spirit in their quiet companionship, especially while she’s working. Their calm demeanor and self-sufficient attitude perfectly complement her lifestyle.

Turns out, these pet preferences might reflect more than just our taste in animals—they can reveal deeper insights into our personalities. Scientific studies have backed up this fun theory, suggesting dog lovers and cat lovers really do differ in meaningful ways. Whether you’re team dog, team cat, or find yourself happily in the middle, your choice can say a lot about who you are, how you live, and even how you connect with the world.

Ready to discover what your pet choice says about you? Let’s get started!

Team Dog: The Social Butterflies

If you’ve ever seen someone plan their day around a “pup-date” at the dog park or insist on only visiting places where their canine best friend can tag along, you’ve probably encountered a “dog person.” Dog lovers seem to thrive on social interaction—always up for walks, doggy playdates at the park, or casual chats sparked by the ever-popular question, “Can I pet your dog?”

Science backs up these stereotypes, confirming that dog lovers often display distinct and measurable personality traits. Research by Gosling et al. (2010), involving a survey of over 4,500 participants, found that self-proclaimed dog people consistently scored higher on extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness compared to cat people. This suggests that dog lovers tend to be naturally outgoing, socially engaging, friendly, and responsible—ideal traits for managing the demands of regular walks, playtime, and companionship. Additionally, Lau and Oliva’s (2022) study, which examined Australians living alone during COVID-19 lock downs, revealed that dog owners exhibited greater resilience and experienced lower levels of loneliness, highlighting how these social and emotional strengths benefit dog owners during challenging times.

Even Hollywood highlights this personality type. Just scroll through the Instagram feeds of stars like Jennifer Aniston or Chris Evans, who proudly and regularly showcase their dogs. Whether it’s Jennifer Aniston sharing playful moments with her pups Clyde, Sophie and Chesterfield or Chris Evans posting heartwarming adventures with his beloved rescue dog Dodger, these celebrities exemplify how dog lovers often naturally enjoy connecting and engaging socially.

So, if you’re the person constantly coordinating your plans around your dog’s needs, rest assured: you’re in good company.

Team Cat: The Independent Thinkers

If your ideal evening involves cozy blankets, binge-watching your favorite Netflix series (hello, Rom-Coms), and your cat silently judging your life choices from across the room, you’re likely a true cat person. Cat lovers embrace a different kind of vibe—one that’s a little quieter, slightly mysterious, and unapologetically independent.

Science offers intriguing support for these stereotypes, confirming that cat lovers often have distinctive personality traits. According to the same study as above, Gosling et al. (2010), self-identified cat people typically score higher in openness, reflecting their imaginative, creative, and curious nature. They’re drawn to new ideas, artistic pursuits, and often value independence—qualities that mirror the behavior of their more self-sufficient feline companions.

If you are looking for a pop-culture icon for Team Cat the perfect one is none other than Taylor Swift. The superstar, known almost as much for her beloved cats as for her hit songs, embodies the creative, independent spirit often seen in cat lovers. Her laid-back yet introspective vibe aligns perfectly with the quiet confidence and enigmatic charm of her feline companions—who occasionally steal the spotlight right alongside her.

So if you’re someone who values quiet nights, deep thoughts, and the occasional judgmental stare from your furry roommate, congratulations: you’re in excellent company.

Why Are We Like This? Science Explains

If you are wondering why people have a strong preference for one pet over the other, psychology has some answers. It all starts with something called “The Big Five” personality traits—Extroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness. These five traits help psychologists understand how we relate to the world, ourselves, and even our pets.

The research highlighted above by Gosling and colleagues (2010) found intriguing connections between these traits and pet preferences. Dog lovers tend to be more extroverted (social and outgoing), agreeable (friendly and cooperative), and conscientious (organized and responsible). Cat people, on the other hand, typically score higher in openness (curiosity and creativity).

But your pet preference might not just come down to your personality—it could even be in your DNA. A fascinating study by Fall and colleagues (2019) found evidence suggesting genetic factors may influence whether we’re naturally inclined toward dogs. This means your choice of pet might literally be wired into you, adding another layer of curiosity to the classic dog versus cat debate.

What If You Like Both Cats and Dogs?

If you’re someone who can’t choose sides in the great dog vs. cat debate you’re likely a member of Team Both. Pet enthusiasts who adore both dogs and cats equally often reflect a unique blend of personality traits from both camps.

Research suggests that people who equally enjoy dogs and cats tend to be more adaptable, open-minded, and balanced in their personalities. They’re comfortable navigating both energetic social settings, typical of dog people, and quiet introspective moments favored by cat lovers. It’s the best of both worlds: you’re just as likely to enjoy an afternoon at the bustling dog park as you are a quiet night curled up at home with a good book and your feline friend.

Ultimately, if you find joy and companionship with both dogs and cats, you probably possess a flexible, balanced personality. After all, why limit yourself to one type of furry companion when you can have the best of both?

SOURCE: HAPPYOODLES.COM

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Published by pat frederick

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107 thoughts on “Are You a Dog or a Cat Person?”

  1. Good Morning!

    It’s 6* here…SIX! sigh. but no more snow on the deck–so there’s that…lol

    I have always been a dog person ever since a cat scratched my face while I was babysitting the neighbor kids. But my son and daughter in law have 2 boxers and a cat…and i find myself petting and playing with them all. The only thing i don’t like about any of them is the hair everywhere…LOLOLOL.

    but i could probably get over that or just ignore it. LOL

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    1. Good morning, Pat! Sent e-mail. Wow! I can’t believe it’s colder here @ 5! Altho I have no doubt I have less snow than you do – it warmed up enough yesterday that most of the little bit of snow that fell has melted. Just looked at the forecast: 22 today, followed by 34, 38, 29 and plunging to 4 on Friday! Sheesh! Talk about a see-saw!!! But it picks right back up again – calling for 45 & 43 the 1st & 2nd of February! And no snow or any kind of precip the entire time! Definite deepening of the drought! No sign of Wheezer overnight – had to bring in his tuna to thaw!

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      1. I can only imagine!

        the neighbor (part time neighbor) talked with us before he put in his own private gun range. said there might be some construction sounds, then after they build it, there might be muffled gunshot sounds. and his property abuts ours, but his house and gun range are way down the street. the part that abuts ours, he keeps as woods. still was thoughtful to warn us, so we didn’t worry about the gunshots.

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    1. Just to be real…..the cat is more likely sitting on it’s haunches with it’s back turned to you, casually grooming itself and smirking over it’s shoulder!!!

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  4. Matt Van Swol
    @mattvanswol
    I’ve tried to write this a couple times to sound less angry… but I’m just gonna let loose.

    I’m fucking sick and tired of the GOP pretending like they can’t do anything.

    WHAT THE FUCK YOU MEAN “WE CAN’T DO ANYTHING”???

    Don’t any of you realize what’s at stake here?

    Do any of you actually give a shit about the country or where Democrats will take it once they gain power?

    Are you not paying attention AT ALL to what’s happening?

    If Democrats win the midterms… it’s over.

    Fucking done.

    No DOGE cuts.
    No Executive Orders codified.
    No election integrity laws.
    No opportunity to cut legislative regulations.

    None of it.

    And guess what happens after that?

    They start passing bills.

    They actually do everything you won’t do, for God-only-knows-what-reason…

    They nuke the filibuster DAY ONE.
    They start ramming through insanity.

    Transgender plays in Uganda are back.
    Elmo in Afghanistan comes back.
    NPR/PBS funding is back.
    ICE gets defunded.

    ALL OF THIS IS ON THE TABLE AND YOU DO… NOTHING TO TRY TO STOP THE ABSOLUTE SHIT STORM THAT IS ABOUT TO BEFALL YOU????

    YOU DON’T EVEN PASS THE SAVE ACT SO AT THE VERY LEAST WE CAN HAVE ELECTION INTEGRITY???

    YOU WON’T DEFUND THE FUCKING TALIBAN????

    WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE GOP????!!!!!!

    The playbook is obvious. It’s staring you in the face.

    Yet you are content to take LOOOOOOONG vacations and make TikTok content and do podcasts and write X posts blaming Democrats.

    WE DO NOT GIVE A SINGLE FUCK ABOUT YOUR CONTENT.

    NOT ONE!!!

    We want you to deliver results.

    That’s what we want.

    Do any of you seriously think you’ll win again without Trump on the ballot to drag your sorry asses over the finish line?

    You think you’ll be able to come back home and look us in the eye and make up excuses for why you didn’t deliver?

    No.

    Maybe in the past, but not this time.

    The stakes are far, far too high.

    Stop talking about what you’d do, “if only you had the power.”

    You have power.
    Right now.
    Today.

    And if you’re too cowardly to use it… then STOP ASKING FOR MORE OF IT FROM US.

    “We can’t do anything” is no longer a valid excuse for your pathetic performance, it’s just a confession that you don’t care enough to try.

    It’s you admitting you’re fine with losing.

    You’re fine with the country going into the hands of the radical Left.

    You’re fine with voters screaming themselves hoarse while you go on your stupid little TikTok rants and call it “fighting.”

    No. That’s not what fighting looks like anymore.

    You wanna know what it looks like?

    Here’s your blueprint:

    Fighting looks like FORCING VOTES.

    Fighting is making it PAINFUL for the other side to hide.

    Fighting looks like using every lever you’re allowed to touch and making Democrats explain, on record, why they’re voting the way they’re voting.

    Put clean, single-issue bills on the floor and make them vote yes or no.

    Make them OWN it.

    And by the way… if your own GOP leadership blocks it?

    Then NAME them. Publicly. Loudly. Every time.

    Don’t let them hide.

    Be relentless.

    All gas, no breaks until the midterms.

    Because I’m angry.

    I am literally watching you treat the most important moment in modern politics like a content-creation calendar.

    And I’m telling you right now, our collective patience for this shit is GONE.

    And Trump won’t be there to save you either when it’s election time and you ask us for votes and we ask you for your record.

    None of us are asking for perfection.

    We’re literally just asking for proof of life that you care about America AT ALL enough to save her.

    Deliver results.

    Or don’t be surprised when the people you keep taking for granted stop showing up to rescue you from yourself.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. ⁿᵉʷˢ Barron Trump 🇺🇸
    @BarronTNews_
    Commentary account
    🚨 HOLY CRAP. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem just absolutely OBLITERATED CBS’ Margaret Brennan on live TV.

    NOEM: 70 percent of the illegals we arrested already have criminal charges.

    BRENNAN: It’s not 70 percent.

    NOEM: You PICK AND CHOOSE which numbers you use. We will keep going no matter how much you lie and refuse to tell the public the truth. It absolutely IS.

    BRENNAN: Our reporting says 47 percent.

    NOEM: Which means you’re WRONG AGAIN. We’ll get you the correct numbers so you can use them next time.

    This is what happens when narrative journalism collides with reality.
    The media cherry-picks numbers. DHS enforces the law.

    Noem didn’t blink. Noem didn’t back down.
    She exposed them in real time.

    NOEM UNLEASHED.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. AmaraGrace

    January 19, 2026 1:22 am

    Just to refresh some memorable points… Arizona likely being an upcoming leftist Dog&PonyShow theater on the touring protesters’ itinerary.

    “… Minnesota’s claim: “The Tenth Amendment gives the State of Minnesota and its subdivisions, including the Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, inviolable sovereign authority to protect the health and wellbeing of all those who reside, work, or visit within their borders.” Link: “Minnesota: Federal law shouldn’t apply to us.”
    …

    That sounds like a bold plan… until you remember one inconvenient detail. This argument was already lost in court years ago.

    … The exact opposite fight played out a decade ago, when a state actually wanted to help enforce federal immigration law and the US government said no.
    …
    When Arizona tried to step in, the Obama administration argued that immigration enforcement belonged exclusively to the federal government, even when Washington chose not to act. The courts agreed. That ruling didn’t expire, and it didn’t change just because the politics flipped. Obama’s win set the precedent Minnesota is now running into headfirst, and Tim Walz doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on.
    …
    Biden also tried to challenge the ruling for his benefit, and it also failed.

    https://r.zry.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026.01.16-03.39-revolvernews-696a5bb789c86-1024×355.png

    States don’t get to dictate federal enforcement priorities, and they don’t get to block them either. The Supreme Court made that clear again in 2023.
    …”
    { https://revolver.news/2026/01/remember-this-obama-photo-well-its-coming-back-to-haunt-tampon-tim-in-a-big-way/ }

    It’s good to be clear.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. hmmmmmm

    Charlotte99
    January 19, 2026 3:33 am

    BOMBSHELL!

    @johnkonrad
    Jan 16
    
    A very smart geopolitical strategist told me privately yesterday: the UK may be quietly selling off Canada to China to test two things, how it works, and how the U.S. reacts, before rolling up the rest of the Commonwealth into the CCP.

    Canada’s the dry run.

    I disagreed vehemently but he reminded me that he’s been more accurate in his geopolitical predictions than me.

    https://nitter.poast.org/johnkonrad/status/2012296668721361013#m

    The only person in Canada with the power to fire/dismiss the PM and Parliament is the King’s Representative in Canada the Governor General.

    Our PM swears an oath to the King of England. So do our Members of Parliament.

    So do our unelected Senators. So do our Federal LEOs.

    Listened to a few scholarly discussions on how Canada was not an actual country but a corporation.

    Your friend might be on to something.

    https://nitter.poast.org/warrenyuill1/status/2012331980126371990#m

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Charlotte99

    January 19, 2026 6:39 am

    JUST IN: Matt Walsh calls for Don Lemon to be “dragged out of his house by a SWAT team at GUN POINT” after he and anti-ICE agitators swarmed a Minneapolis Church and terrorized Christians “That’s what Biden did to pro-lifers. Time to make these scumbags play by the same rules. Force feed them a dose of their own medicine for once.” HE’S GOT A POINT!

    https://nitter.poast.org/EricLDaugh/status/2013074239985692698#m

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. those tats are distinctive…hope they nail this bitch.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Kim “Katie” USA
    @KimKatieUSA
    Maryland Democrats just introduced the “ICE Breaker Act of 2026” a bill to BAN any ICE agent hired during Trump’s term from ever working as local or state law enforcement in Maryland.

    Their only goal: ruin the lives and careers of anyone who enforced the law under Trump.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. It’s almost unbelievable that they had planes like this back then! The first time I flew I was 9 in 1961 – we went to FL to visit my Dad’s parents on a regular airplane. The most memorative thing was being smacked in the face with the FL humidity when the door opened! It was dripping!

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. The Miramonte Hotel in South Tyrol, Italy

    “Naples is widely recognized as the birthplace of pizza, with its roots tracing back to the 18th century when flatbreads topped with tomatoes became popular among the working class. 

    What began as a humble street food evolved into a culinary icon, especially with the creation of Pizza Margherita in 1889, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy and designed to reflect the colors of the Italian flag. The dish’s simplicity and reliance on fresh, local ingredients became central to its identity, and Naples fiercely protected that legacy as pizza spread across the globe.

    In 2004, Italy formalized this cultural pride by passing a law that defined the exact ingredients required for a pizza to be considered authentically Neapolitan. This wasn’t just about taste, it was about preserving tradition in the face of global commercialization. 

    The law mandates the use of specific elements like mineral water and natural yeast, and even regulates preparation methods, such as hand-stretching the dough and baking in a wood-fired oven. The move helped secure Neapolitan pizza’s status as a protected cultural product, eventually leading to its recognition by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

    I was surprised to learn that the dough must be hand-kneaded or mixed using low-speed mechanical mixers, high-speed mixing is strictly forbidden under the official guidelines.

    This rule isn’t just about tradition; it’s based on how gluten develops. Slow mixing preserves the dough’s elasticity and texture, which is essential for the signature soft, chewy crust with a slightly crisp edge.

    The law even specifies that the dough must rest for at least six hours before baking, and the pizza must be cooked in a wood-fired oven at around 485°C (905°F) for no more than 90 seconds. These hyper-specific rules turn pizza-making into a kind of culinary ritual, where even the speed of your mixer can disqualify your pie from being “truly Neapolitan.” (Courtesy of The Historian’s Den)

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  20. A Stork with two Chicks, Bouée, France

    Hoover Dam

    Once the desert gets in your soul, it never leaves (NF: I’ve not spent enough time in the desert to find out!)

    Amazing Machine

    Liked by 1 person

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  25. Liked by 1 person

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  26. “The Cold/Warm Civil War”

    Clandestine, Jan 19, 2026

    “Most people have no idea how dangerous our current situation is. The entirety of the Democrat Party are engaged in a treasonous coup and open rebellion against Trump, at the federal, state, and local levels.

    It’s not as easy as just doing some paperwork and arresting people. It’s all one giant criminal conspiracy, imbedded within our own system. Uprooting it, while managing public perception, is not an easy or straightforward task.

    This is why the Insurrection Act and the NG Quick Reaction Force are so important, because the enemy we are facing is within. Foreign adversaries have infiltrated the United States, and they used the Democrat Party as a vehicle to destroy this nation from within.

    The US MIL must be on standby to safeguard the public, because the Dems are going to try to burn this nation to the ground in an attempt to avoid accountability for their crimes.

    That’s what you are witnessing right now. A cold/warm civil war, that the Dems are trying to turn into a hot civil war.”

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  27. 199 & 201 Henry Street

    Henry Street, 1980 – © Brian Rose / Edward Fausty

    In 1980, photographers Brian Rose and Edward Fausty conducted a photo survey of derelict NYC, particularly the Lower East Side. This image is of 199 & 201 Henry Street, with a 1967 Chrysler Town & Country wagon at the curb.

    199 & 201 Henry Street, Manhattan, NYC (Google Maps 2024)

    According to a recent comment on FB,  Apartment No. 3 at No. 199 Henry Street is now a 1 bedroom / 1 bath and rents for $2,600 / month.”

    Liked by 1 person

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      1. Oh, duh! W/O the explanation, it’s impossible to tell! It’s a leaf with the base stuck in the snow and the wind is pushing it around in a circle.

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      1. Cool! I wish I could afford to donate something! When I first got my inheritance, I wanted to donate at least some $$$ and asked my uncle who he advised – he said the ONLY place where he donated was Judicial Watch.

        Liked by 1 person

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          1. I was a fan of his from the first time I ever met him when I was very young. So level-headed and respectful, even tho I was only 9 or 10 years old. He also had a wicked sense of humor! He died of cancer about a year after my Mom died.

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  33. ☢️ 15 Years After Fukushima, Japan Rolls the Nuclear Dice

    “Fifteen years after the Fukushima Daiichi disaster — the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl — Japan is preparing to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa. The plant has been completely offline since 2012. Not a single watt generated.

    Now, just weeks before the anniversary of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed ~20,000 people, Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) plans to restart Reactor No. 6, boosting electricity supply to Tokyo by… 2%. Two percent.

    For the 420,000 people living within a 30 km evacuation zone, that 2% comes with a familiar knot in the stomach. Over 60% of locals say conditions are not safe. Seismic faults surround the site. A nearby quake already caused damage and fire in 2007. Another utility was just caught fabricating seismic data.

    Japan’s government calls this “energy security.” Residents call it a gamble. Some lessons are learned. Others are apparently restarted…”

    Liked by 1 person

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  34. Greenland’s New Hat: “Make America Go Away”

    Greenlanders have unveiled a new MAGA parody hat: “Make America Go Away.” Honestly? Efficient branding. It pairs nicely with the ongoing Danish petition to buy California from Trump, which has now gathered thousands of signatures. Geopolitics has entered its satire arc…

    🪨 Bokty Mountain: A Geological Layer Cake

    “The striking bands of Bokty Mountain in western Kazakhstan aren’t tectonic folds — they’re a pristine record of ancient rivers, floodplains, lakes, and deserts layered over millions of years. What you’re seeing is differential erosion, not violent upheaval. A reminder that some of Earth’s most dramatic features are the result of patience, not chaos.”

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