Research conducted by the University of Helsinki has identified seven distinct personality and behaviour traits in cats, aiming to address various behavioural problems commonly seen in felines. The study responds to the growing interest in feline behaviour, particularly in relation to issues like aggression and inappropriate elimination. Mikkola, a doctoral researcher from the university and the Folkhälsan Research Center, stated that there is a significant demand for understanding cat behaviour compared to that of dogs.
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The study utilized a comprehensive questionnaire, developed by a research group led by a professor, which included 138 statements related to personality and behaviour, as well as background and health information. Through factor analysis, the researchers identified the following seven traits:
1. Activity/playfulness
2. Fearfulness
3. Aggression towards humans
4. Sociability towards humans
5. Sociability towards other cats
6. Litterbox issues, including inappropriate elimination and litterbox cleanliness
7. Excessive grooming
Mikkola noted that while previous studies had reported variable numbers of traits, activity, fearfulness, and aggression were frequently identified across research. The other two issues, litterbox problems and excessive grooming, are not classified strictly as personality traits but may indicate a cat's sensitivity to stress.
The research also highlighted clear personality differences among cat breeds. For instance, the Russian Blue was identified as the most fearful breed, while the Abyssinian was deemed the least fearful. The Bengal was noted for its activity, whereas the Persian and Exotic breeds were described as more passive. The Siamese and Balinese breeds exhibited higher rates of excessive grooming, while the Turkish Van breed showed increased aggression towards humans coupled with lower sociability towards other cats.
Importantly, the researchers did not conduct pairwise comparisons between breeds at this phase. Mikkola explained the intention was to gain an overview of personality trait differences among breeds, with future studies intended to apply more complex models that consider factors such as age, gender, health, and environmental influences.
Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of assessing the reliability and validity of questionnaires used in evaluating feline behaviour. By inviting cat owners to fill out the questionnaire multiple times, either themselves or through another household member, the researchers aimed to determine the consistency of responses over time and between different respondents. The results indicated that personality and behaviour traits were reproducible and reliable, affirming the effectiveness of the questionnaire.
This extensive survey represents a significant contribution to feline behaviour research. According to Lohi, a member of the research group, establishing the reliability of behavioural questionnaires is crucial for accurately identifying risk factors associated with problematic cat behaviour.