Cat Lovers More Intelligent Than Dog Lovers

A new study reveals that cat lovers are more intelligent and sensitive than dog lovers.

A study led by Dr. Denise Guastello, an associate professor at Carroll University, highlighted the different personality traits that exist among cat and dog lovers.  The finding is based on a survey conducted on 600 college students.

The participants were asked to report the qualities they found the most attractive in their pets. They were also asked to answer certain personality questions. Nearly 60 percent of the participants recognized themselves as dog lovers and just 11 percent of them identified themselves as cat lovers. The remaining participants said they loved cats as well as dogs and didn't identify with either animal, according to psychcentral.com.

On analyzing the survey the researchers found that dog lovers are livelier, energetic and outgoing. Compared to cat lovers, dog lovers follow rules more strictly.

On the other hand, cat lovers are more introverted, open-minded, flexible and sensitive. They are non-conformists.

On an intelligence test, the cat lovers scored more than the dog lovers. According to the researchers, this difference may be linked to the different types of environment the cat and god lovers prefer. 

'Companionship' was the best quality highlighted by dog lovers and 'affection' was the top cat trait reported by cat lovers.

"It makes sense that a dog person is going to be more lively, because they're going to want to be out there, outside, talking to people, bringing their dog," Guastello said. "Whereas, if you're more introverted, and sensitive, maybe you're more at home reading a book, and your cat doesn't need to go outside for a walk."

The finding was presented at the annual Association for Psychological Science Meeting in San Francisco, mid-May.