Have you ever wondered why some people are drawn to certain cat breeds? Is it just a matter of personal preference, or does it have something to do with their overall personality type? According to recent research we conducted, there may be an interesting correlation between the Myers Briggs personality types and the type of cat breed that a person is most likely to choose. We conducted a survey to uncover the link between the two, and we have some fascinating results!
What is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular system for measuring and classifying different personality traits and it’s been around since the 1940’s. The system is based on four key components: extroversion versus introversion (E or I), sensing versus intuition (S or N), feeling versus thinking (F or T), and judging versus perceiving (J or P).
Through our survey, we sought to uncover how these categories might influence a person’s choice of cat breed.
Our Survey Results
We surveyed more than 300 individuals with different personality types according to the Myers Briggs framework. We asked them which type of cat breed they would prefer as a pet, and they could only choose one. Based on their responses, we separated the results into four specific groups: extroverted-introverted (E vs. I), intuiting-sensing (N vs. S), thinking-feeling (T vs. F), and judging-perceiving (J vs. P). Out of our respondents, 41% stated that they knew their official Myers Briggs type while the remaining 59% selected a type based on the detailed descriptions provided.
It appears from our survey that individuals with different Myers Briggs personality types tend to prefer different cat breeds as pets. However, the majority of respondents showed a preference for domestic shorthair cats, irrespective of their personality type. This result may indicate a shift in attitudes towards purebred cats as a factor in cat selection rather than personality.
According to the survey, INTJ and INFJ were the most common types, making up 31% of cat owners. The least common types were ESTP and ESFJ. It is worth noting that four types, namely INFJ, INTJ, INFP, and ISTJ, comprising mostly introverts and “J’s,” account for more than 50% of cat owners.
Most Popular Breeds
In our survey, we included the 10 most common breeds of cats and asked each respondent which one was their favorite. The following is a very brief description of each cat breed and what personality traits they’re best known for. Note that all cats are different and you may have a cat that behaves differently than what is noted here.
Overall, the most popular cats, regardless of Myers Briggs Personality Type were:
Domestic Shorthair
Maine Coon
Ragdoll
Domestic long-haired cats
American Shorthair
Siamese
Which personality types are most drawn to each cat breed?
The following is a list of the breeds we surveyed and which type(s) was most drawn to it:
Domestic Shorthair is most loved by INTJ
American Shorthair is most loved by INFJ
Domestic Longhair is most loved by INFJ
Maine Coon is most loved by INFP, INFJ, INTJ, ISTJ and ESFJ
Siamese is most loved by INFP
Russian Blue is most loved by INFP
Ragdoll is most loved by INFJ
Bengal is most loved by ENTP, INFP, ISTJ
Bombay is most loved by ISTJ
Persian is most loved by ISFP
Top 10 Breeds And Breed Personality Descriptions
Domestic Shorthair
These cats are mixed breeds that have short coats. They are known for their adaptability, easy-going nature, and low maintenance. The domestic shorthair is most appreciated by INTJ’s.
American Shorthair
This cat breed is popular for their strong physique and skill in hunting. They also have a friendly and playful personality, which makes them suitable as pets for families. These cats are a favorite of INFJ’s.
Domestic Longhair
These cats are mixed breed cats that have long furry coats. They are known for their affectionate nature and beautiful, fluffy appearance. INFJ’s also tend to appreciate the domestic longhair cat.
Maine Coon
These cats are known for their large size, long fur, and gentle personalities. They are often called “gentle giants” and make great companion animals. Maine Coons are universally loved by most of the types, but especially by INFP, INFJ, INTJ, ISTJ and ESFJ.
Siamese
Known for their distinctive coloring and blue eyes, Siamese cats are talkative, energetic personalities. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and social. The type that loves Siamese cats the most is INFP.
Russian Blue
Their beautiful blue-gray coat and independent nature are hallmarks of the Russian Blue cat. They are loyal and affectionate with their owners. These cats are also most appreciated by INFPs.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are called so because of their gentle and docile nature, as well as their relaxed and floppy posture.They are highly social and affectionate. INFJ is the type that is most drawn toward the ragdoll cat.
Bengal
Their wild, exotic appearance and playful personalities are hallmarks of the Bengal cat breed. They are extremely active and require a lot of exercise and attention. ENTPs, INFPs and ISTJs are the personalities most drawn toward this energetic cat breed.
Bombay
These cats are known for their sleek, black coat and affectionate nature. They are highly intelligent and make great companions. ISTJs are highly drawn to the Bombay cat.
Persian
Their long, fluffy fur and peaceful temperament are common traits that make Persian cats a popular breed. They are highly social and love attention. While one of America’s favorite cat breeds, the beautiful and sweet Persian cat did not top our list. Many respondents seemed to be more interested in cats that were not purebred.
Breaking Down Each Human Personality Type & Their Favorite Cats
Here we broke down each human personality type to examine how they differ and how those differences manifest in preference for different cat breeds. In some cases, there were stark differences. Read on to see how our survey respondents answered.
Introversion vs. Extroversion
Introversion (I)
What they’re like: Introverted individuals prefer to focus on their internal world of thoughts and feelings. They tend to be reserved, reflective, and energized by solitude and introspection. Introverts made up a whopping 72% of the respondents!
Favorite Cat Breeds: Domestic shorthair, Maine Coon, and ragdoll. Only introverts wrote in choices that weren’t an option including “All cats,” “all rescue cats,” “tabby cats,” and “mixed breed.”
Extroversion (E)
What they’re like: Extroverted people like to focus on the external world of people and activities. They tend to be outgoing, talkative, and energized by social interactions. Extroverts comprised 28% of the cat owners surveyed.
Favorite Cat Breeds: Maine Coon, domestic shorthair, domestic longhair, ragdoll, and American Shorthair/Siamese.
Between the introverts and extroverts, introverts had three times the representation in our survey than extroverts. This may confirm some of the stereotypes of cat people being more introverted.
Intuiting vs. Sensing
Intuiting (N)
What they’re like: Intuiting people prefer to focus on the abstract and theoretical. They are usually imaginative, innovative, and interested in new possibilities and ideas. 68% of those surveyed were “intuiting” types.
Favorite Cat Breeds: The most popular breeds they selected were domestic shorthair, Maine Coon, American shorthair/domestic longhair, ragdoll, and Siamese. More than double the respondents are N (intuiting) and prefer domestic shorthair cats.
Sensing (S)
What they’re like: Sensing individuals focus on the concrete and that which is tangible. They tend to be practical, realistic, and interested in facts and details.
Favorite Cat Breeds: For “sensing” types, the most popular breeds were domestic shorthair, Maine Coon, ragdoll, domestic longhair, and American Shorthair.
Between intuition and sensing, twice as many people said they were intuiting rather than sensing. Given the sensitivity of cats and their subtleties, it would make sense that people who have more intuiting tendencies appreciate the subtleties of cats.
Thinking vs. Feeling
Thinking (T)
What they’re like: Thinking individuals prefer to make decisions based on logic and objective analysis and comprised 44% of respondents. They tend to be critical, rational, and interested in cause-and-effect relationships.
Favorite Cat Breeds: For “thinking” types, the most popular breeds were domestic shorthair, Maine Coon, ragdoll, domestic longhair, and American Shorthair.
Feeling (F)
What they’re like: 56% of respondents noted they are “feeling” individuals who like to make decisions based on values and subjective feelings. They tend to be empathetic, compassionate, and interested in harmony and interpersonal relationships.
Favorite Cat Breeds: For “feeling” types, the most popular breeds were domestic shorthair, Maine Coon, American shorthair, domestic longhair, ragdoll, and Siamese.
This category was almost evenly split between thinking and feeling types. It’s not surprising that “feeling” types seem to be drawn toward the sweet nature of Maine Coons and ragdoll cats.
Judging vs. Perceiving
Judging (J)
What they
