An animal's personality traits are as diverse as those attributed to humans. Cat's have as individual a personality, as does any human. Personality traits for domesticated animals are part genetic and part environmental. Therefore when choosing a pet cat it is important to observe the behavior of the parent cat and the environment the feline is coming from.
First correction that this article requires is that Tabby is not a feline breed. Tabby actually applies only to the color and pattern of a part of the American or just plain Short Haired breed of felines. Secondly the classic orange color is actually referred to as Red Tabby. This includes all shades of orange from deep reddish fur to the yellow fur. Most people believe it is classic for the tabby to be orange because of the common American stereotypical depiction of this short haired feline. For example, Morris the Cat from the commercials, or the cartoon depiction of the Red Tabby, Garfield. There are Red Tabby long hair breeds, as well.
With that clarified, let us get to feline personalities, in general. It is seems that the common belief is that this color feline has the attitude that is referred to as "Tom". Tom refers to an outside, un-neutered male cat. The actual definition is: the male of an animal species; tomcat.
Toms are typically believed to be wild and unkempt, with attitudes and a personality one would attribute to such creatures. Again, tabby or tom does not refer to how a cat behaves, as much as it does their color, sex and living environment.
Behaviors common to most domesticated cats are as follows:
Cats tend toward independent behavior. They do not need to be walked. Grooming, being combed or brushed, is not much of a necessity at all. This is particularly true of the short haired breeds. Feeding and watering are necessities, other than that your common house cat will find a comfortable chair, windowsill or high bookshelf to groom himself and nap.
Most cats, indoor and outdoor behave in what would be described as an aloof or uninterested manner. Meaning they do not seem to care much about the goings on of a household. Unless of course they hear the can opener or cat food bag rustling. Humans tend to attribute this behavior as personality, and at times it is the personality. Cats sleep often, this is not just an appearance. They do sleep often during the day. Cat's are predatory and have the behaviors and habits of a predator, including a night life.
Cats have fixed habits or behaviors. They are creatures of routine. Preferring the same food varieties, sleeping areas and people for long periods of time.
The common domesticated cat is also hygiene oriented. When a cat is awake and not eating. they will often be found grooming.
If one requires a personality guide, cat personalities can be described as follows:
Alert refers to the activity of the cat in question. Active and curious are the criteria.
Kittens and young cats tend to be active, playful or curious. They hunt and get into things, like trees and closets. They tend to be friendlier and want the attention of their humans more often that an older cat.
Older cats, middle aged to old (3 years and up) are more settled in their routines. They often give the appearance of being less alert. This is also referred to as aloof or indifferent. Older cats do not seem to care what the human wants or says. They play less and get into less mischief.
Sociable refers to how the cat in question gets along with other cats, pets and humans.
Gregarious cats purr often and look for attention. The kittens play and are into things. The older gregarious cat curls into the human's lap and lets them pet him or her.
The Anti-social or Loner does not get along with other cats, pets or even humans. They tend to shy away from attention and when forced will growl and walk away.
Equable refers to the temper or mood of a cat.
The long suffer tends toward the toleration of other pets and humans. They will allow you to pet them. They will stay in the room with others, but not necessarily associate with anyone, human or otherwise. In a sense they only tolerate the company of others, often begrudgingly.
The skittish cat tends to be afraid of everything or reactive to the goings on around him. He hides and runs when others are about, pets or humans. This personality usually has one human they can tolerate or like better than others. However, the tolerance is always on the cat's terms.
All of these personality types are contingent upon how a kitten is raised
and in what type of environment. Domestic cats, regardless of breed, have personalities that are molded, like us. An alert and sociable cat can also
turn skittish if the neighborhood boy, that throws rocks at him, comes in
the room. A cat that has never encountered a curious puppy may not behave in as friendly a manner as the cat that was raised from a kitten with a Rottweiler.
For the most part, feline personalities should be considered when choosing a pet. Kittens are always a good place to begin when it comes to bringing a cat into a family that is established. However, it is very popular and necessary these days to adopt pets from shelters.
Shelter workers evaluate all the animals for a period of time before adoption is allowed. The evaluation process allows the shelter staff to get to know an animal's history and personality. This gives them the information needed to properly place each animal in a home. If a shelter cat is what you are leaning towards avail yourself of the knowledge of the shelter staff. Also, shelters often allow visitations between the perspective adoptive families and the animal. Allowing a relationship to begin between the family and the cat.
Older people may prefer an older cat who may be of the less alert description. Less energetic and mischievous might be a better fit. These cats, with steadfast routines and some age, are commonly found in shelters. Cats that require adoption because the owners can no longer care for them or have passed on.
Whatever your adoption choice is, it is vital to look at your lifestyle and family dynamic before choosing a cat. The cat with the personality for you is much easier to find when the family's home and routine is considered beforehand. A cat's personality will adjust to the environment, whether friendly or aloof. The environment will not necessarily do the same. Consider carefully when choosing any pet. Happy pet owners are created by happy pets.