Being a cat person 'says so much about you' says psychologist – it's not what you think

Black Cat Day (27 October) seeks to promote the well-being of black and all our feline friends.

It originated in 2011 to remind us of the value of black cats, to dispel prejudices, to encourage people to give a new home to black cats left behind at shelters. But if you're an all-year-round cat person, what does that say about you?

Cat people often get a bad reputation for loving the aloof – sometimes nonchalant – animals, but a psychologist has shared that the misconceptions about cat people should be avoided. They added animal lovers are all much more similar than we think, despite the fact that and 'dog people' are often put on a pedestal.

Veronica West, psychologist and the Founder and Lead Content Creator of My Thriving Mind, told The exactly what being a cat person means about you.

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She said: "Being a cat person? Oh, that says so much about you! First, let's clear something up – just because you're a cat person doesn't mean you're secretly plotting domination while sipping tea and ignoring texts (well, most of the time). Sure, cats are known for their independence and 'I'll love you on my terms' attitude, but being a cat lover? It's less about aloofness and more about appreciating life's subtleties.

"Cat people tend to vibe with the idea that relationships don't always need to be in your face 24/7. Maybe you're someone who loves your space but also enjoys the occasional 'Oh, you want attention now? Sure, I'll be in your warm lap for exactly 7 minutes of interaction. '

"There's a certain finesse in loving a creature that might look at you like you've offended their ancestors just because you sneezed. It shows you can handle sass, you're patient, and—let's face it—you probably have a great sense of humour. After all, nothing humbles you like watching your cat knock your favourite mug off the counter with calculated precision.

"But here's the twist: Cat people can be just as soft and emotionally connected as dog lovers. If anything, they've mastered the art of subtle affection. You don't need a dog jumping up to greet you every time you walk through the door; a slow blink from your cat across the room is like receiving the feline version of 'I love you' (trust me, it's a big deal). And who says cat lovers aren't loyal? You're dedicating yourself to an animal that treats affection like an exclusive club.

"So, are cat people aloof? Nah, they're just masters of quiet love, subtle sass, and giving space when needed. Plus, they laugh off rejection when their cat decides the box on the floor is more interesting than the expensive cat bed they just bought."

also found that many cat owners skip social occasions to spend time with their cat. 58.73% admitted their cat influenced their decision to stay home rather than go out, suggesting that many cat owners prioritise the comfort and care of their pets, or simply find their company relaxing enough to skip social events.

It also indicates that spending time with their cat may be a more rewarding or convenient way to unwind. This is further supported by the finding that 70.58% of respondents agreed that they sometimes prefer to spend time with their cat over friends and family.

An overwhelming 96.73% of cat owners believe that their pet reduces their stress level and positively contributes to their emotional well-being. 97.33% speak to their cats, and 81.31% allow their cats to sleep in bed with them, showing cat lovers have a soft side compared to dog owners, where only 49.83% of owners will share a bed with their pooch.

Charlie Soames, Head of UK Operations at Pets4Homes, noted that: "Interestingly, 72% of cat owners said they would also own a dog, challenging the idea that people are exclusively 'cat people' or 'dog people.' I would suggest that there may not be strict divisions between 'cat' or 'dog' people, but rather 'pet people' versus 'non-pet people'.

"Cat owners often prefer independence and flexibility in their lives and their pets, expressing love in quieter, less structured ways."