If you are a cat lover, you may have come across some videos on TikTok that claim to reveal the personality traits of cats based on their coat colour. For example, orange cats are often portrayed as clumsy and silly, while tortoiseshell cats are said to have a fiery temper and a strong will. But are these stereotypes based on any scientific evidence, or are they just a product of human imagination?
The idea that a cat’s coat colour can indicate something about its personality is not new. In fact, it has been around for centuries, and it may have some cultural and historical roots. For instance, in ancient Egypt, black cats were revered as sacred animals and associated with the goddess Bastet, who represented protection, fertility and joy. On the other hand, in medieval Europe, black cats were feared and persecuted as symbols of witchcraft and evil. These contrasting views may have influenced how people perceived black cats and their behaviour.
In more recent times, some studies have tried to explore the link between cat coat colour and personality from a scientific perspective. However, most of these studies are based on surveys filled out by cat owners, which are subject to human bias and projection. For example, one study found that people generally believe that ginger cats are friendly, while tortoiseshell cats are seen as aloof and intolerant. However, this does not necessarily reflect how cats are, but rather how people perceive them.
The influence of genetics and environment
While coat colour is determined by genetics, personality is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, it is unlikely that coat colour alone can account for the variation in cat personality. One study suggested that cats, like humans, have five personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness and agreeableness. These traits may vary depending on the cat’s breed, age, sex, health, socialisation and life experiences.
For example, some breeds of cats, such as British Shorthairs, may be less likely to seek human contact, while others, such as Korats and Devon Rexes, may be more affectionate and sociable. However, there is also a lot of variation within breeds, so a cat’s breed may not fully explain its personality. Similarly, a cat’s sex may affect its behaviour, as male cats tend to be more territorial and aggressive, while female cats tend to be more cautious and nurturing. However, these differences may also depend on whether the cat is neutered or not, as neutering can reduce the influence of sex hormones on behaviour.
Another important factor that affects cat personality is the environment and how the cat is raised. If kittens are not socialised with people and other animals by the age of around nine weeks, they are more likely to be anxious and shy around humans and other animals. On the other hand, if kittens are exposed to a variety of stimuli and experiences during their early development, they are more likely to be confident and curious. Therefore, a cat’s personality may change over time as it adapts to its surroundings and learns from its interactions.
The danger of stereotyping cats
While it may be tempting to label cats based on their coat colour, this may not be fair or accurate. Stereotyping cats may lead to unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings, which may affect the relationship between the cat and its owner. For example, if an owner expects an orange cat to be goofy and playful, they may be disappointed or frustrated if the cat is actually calm and independent. Conversely, if an owner expects a tortoiseshell cat to be stubborn and feisty, they may not appreciate or respect the cat’s individuality and preferences.
Moreover, stereotyping cats may also have negative consequences for their welfare and adoption. For example, some people may avoid adopting black cats because they believe they are unlucky or unfriendly, which may contribute to the lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia rates of black cats in shelters. Similarly, some people may prefer adopting cats with certain coat colours because they think they are more attractive or desirable, which may create a demand for unethical breeding practices that may harm the health and diversity of cats.
Therefore, it is important to recognise that cats are complex and unique beings, and that their personality cannot be reduced to their coat colour. Instead of judging cats by their appearance, we should try to understand them by their behaviour and communication, and respect them as individuals with their own needs and preferences.
