New Research Suggests Black And White Cats Have The Most Attitude
Some cats walk into a room like they pay the rent, and a new study suggests the tuxedo crowd may be the most convinced of all. Black and white cats, it turns out, are being linked with a whole lot of attitude, which is probably no surprise to anyone who has ever been judged by a cat from across the couch.
The research looked at more than 1,200 cat owners and asked them to weigh in on their pets’ personalities, behavior, and tolerance for humans, including the vet. The results put black and white cats at the top of the sass chart, while other coat colors landed in very different spots.
If you have a tuxedo cat at home, this may feel less like news and more like confirmation.
"Who, me? Couldn't be."
Yes, you, sassy pants.
Tuxedo cats are well-known for their cattitude. They're loud, sassy, and unapologetically full of spunk. Now, the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science has published a study out of the UK that shines a whole new light on the reality of the situation. In fact, the study suggests that a cat's coat and temperament are linked.
The researchers started with a simple idea: a cat’s coat might be tied to its temperament.
First, the scientists concocted a theory: that a cat's coat can and will directly affect a cat's temperament.
Then, the researchers conducted their research on approximately 1,274 cat owners!
The 1200+ cat owners were asked to fill out a survey or questionnaire.
The questions were about everyday interactions with their cats, and then each answer was rated by the owners for the intensity and frequency of their cat's behavior on an "aggression scale." The results were astonishing to the researchers.
Then the survey answers started painting a very specific picture.
The researchers listed their findings.
Topping the most aggressive list? Black and white cats, specifically those with tuxedo patterns.
Speaking of pure chaos, orange felines dominating social media with unfiltered mistakes is the same energy.
Second on the aggressive list?
Tortoiseshell with white, among the most aggressive.
Followed closely by gray and white cats.
Much to their disagreement, clearly.
On the contrary, among the sweetest kitties are solid black cats.
As well as solid gray cats.
Like Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist, who states, "Cats, much like people, have distinct personalities that can shine through their behaviors." Understanding these unique traits can help us appreciate the attitude of our feline friends.
Researchers also learned that black and white cats preferred to be affectionate on their own terms.
They were simply less tolerant of being handled by their humans.
That sounds about right for a cat that wants affection, but only when it says so.
As far as other humans are concerned, the least likely to tolerate the veterinarian, though, were gray and white cats.
Tortoiseshells were the “moodiest” with their humans when compared to all cats.
If you've read about Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist, you might understand that emotions in animals can be as complex as those in humans. He states, "Animals, like humans, express their feelings through behavior, and a cat's attitude can reflect its emotional state." This insight aligns with the idea that a tortie's rage is not just a quirk, but a genuine expression of their personality.
And then there's calicos.
The UK-based study was surprised to learn that female calico cats in the US are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards their owners.
Hmm, it seems purrfection might be under the temperament radar for ginger cats?
So much for the idea that orange cats always run the show.
Of course, in my opinion...
Tuxedos are as purrfect as the rest.
Ready for more attitude from the orange crew, see 50 Orange Cats Who Clearly Think They’re the Stars of the Show.
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