HONOLULU (KHON2) — Your cat might be cute, cuddly and playful. But is there something darker behind those big eyes and twitchy whiskers? A team of scientists have created a test to help answer that exact question.
In 2021, researchers launched a survey that uses a psychology tool usually reserved for humans. Called the CAT-Tri+ questionnaire, it’s based on the triarchic model of psychopathy.
This model measures three key traits: boldness, meanness and disinhibition. Your cat’s results could give you a better idea of what kind of personality you’re really living with and how to improve your relationship.
The CAT-Tri+ survey includes 46 statements. Owners rate their cats on each one, from “does not describe my cat” to “describes my cat extremely well”.
Questions ask how your cat responds to danger, whether it follows house rules, if it picks fights with other pets or people, and how often it needs attention. It even explores behaviors like sudden mood swings, refusing to be petted and how it handles being left alone.
The survey also looks at how friendly your cat is with humans and with other pets. That helps scientists understand how the cat-owner relationship works.
Some traits like boldness can be positive. A bold cat might enjoy climbing, exploring and trying new things. But when that boldness shows up as aggression or rule-breaking, it can lead to problems at home.
Cats with extreme behavior are more likely to be given up to shelters. Many are abandoned. Some are euthanized. Scientists believe that by better understanding these traits, owners might be able to adjust how they live with their pets, maybe even prevent unwanted behavior from getting worse.
By studying 2,042 cat owners, the researchers found patterns that helped build the final test. They also found clues to how a cat’s personality affects their relationships with humans.
According to the researchers, “Disinhibition and pet-unfriendliness predicted a higher quality cat-owner relationship; meanness and boldness predicted a lower quality relationship.”
The questionnaire is online and easy to find. It’s not a joke. The answers could explain things you’ve always wondered about your cat and help you both live more peacefully together.
So, go forth and find out if your favorite roommate, the one who cuddles with you the most, is actually a psycho-killer at heart.