If your cat is an A*****e, it probably means you are too.
Cats have quite a bad reputation.
From viral videos of them causing trouble to their general nonchalant demeanor, they've built up some serious haters.
However, there are those among us who love them for their quirky personalities, even if they do test us at times.
Now a study is showing that our personality impacts our furry friends, so your cat's questionable behavior could be all your fault!
The Study
Nottingham Trent University and University of Lincoln has found that human's personality traits reflect in their cats.
The study analysed 3,331 cat owners on their personality and health using the Big Five Inventory.
These are five traits that are used to measure human personality and include Extroversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness.
Once owners answered a number of questions, they then compared their results with how their cats behaved.
Humans with high levels of Neuroticism are more likely to have a pet cat with behavioral problems including aggression, fearfulness and issues with stress-related illnesses.
The cats are also more likely to be overweight and have limited access to go outside.
Owners showing higher levels of Extroversion are more likely to give their cats more access to the outdoors.
Those landing in the Agreeableness category were overall satisfied with their cat, with the pets carrying a normal weight.
People showing personality types of Conscientiousness and Openness owned more sociable cats who were generally less anxious.
The study in the PLOS One scientific journal concluded:
"Our results present initial evidence which may indicate that lower levels of owner Neuroticism but higher levels of Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion and Openness may potentially be generally more beneficial for cats; a finding mirroring conclusions from the parent-child literature."
So if you're cat is showing some bad behaviors you might need to take a look at yourself.
