One of the biggest factors for cats being surrendered in Canada and the U.S. is behavioural issues. A cat’s personality has a much larger significance than one might imagine. When a cat starts to show unfavourable personality traits it is important to look at all factors. There are tons of stereotypes surrounding the mysteries of cat personalities, from breeds to gender and even colors, but what factors really influence your cat’s personality?
Studies have shown that genetic factors almost certainly have a role to play in the temperament of your feline companion; however, just like humans, environment and upbringing also have a large part to play.
Veterinarian, Dr Paola Cuevas, who has been lucky enough to have the opportunity to study animal behavior and spend many years living among different animal groups, agrees: “What shapes an individual cat’s personality is a combination of biological factors such as genetics, brain development, gender, age, health status, hormones, and the individual’s past life experience and learning.”
Studies have shown that personality can affect health. Fearful or anxious cats may have lowered immune function, while overly friendly cats are susceptible to disease and illness from frequent interaction with other cats. Socialization with other pets and humans during the early part of a cat’s life is a key factor in determining their personality. The first 12 weeks are crucial in raising a well-rounded cat, but socialization and upbringing can have a role in shaping your cat’s personality for up to 2 years.
Mom and Dad can also play a surprisingly important factor too. One study showed that the offspring of a friendly father was friendlier, less shy, and bolder than kittens from an unfriendly father—socialized or not. Also, kittens learn a lot from the first few weeks of living with their mother. If the mother is fearful and skittish, the chances are high that some of the kittens will also exhibit this behavior.
Researchers have found some evidence that phenotypes (physical characteristics) also have a role to play in cat personality. For example, often orange male cats are more socially dominant and even aggressive with other cats but are generally friendly toward humans. Calicos and torties are often found to be skittish and suspicious around humans, while long-haired cats such as Persians are friendly, docile felines that love to be in their owner’s lap.
If you see behavioural differences in your senior cat related to injury or age try supplementing with CanEVA PET.