If you’ve ever stared at your cat doing midnight zoomies or giving you that “I rule this house” glare, you’ve probably wondered what goes on inside their furry little head. Now, science has an answer — or at least a tool to get closer.
Researchers have developed a new cat personality test called CAT-Tri+, designed to uncover the hidden traits behind your cat’s quirks. Don’t worry — it’s not about labeling your cat as “bad.” It’s about understanding their unique personality so you can care for them better.
The Big Idea: Mapping Cat Personality
The CAT-Tri+ test is based on the triarchic model of psychopathy, a framework originally used for humans. Scientists adapted it for cats and discovered five key personality traits:
- Boldness – fearless, adventurous, stress-resistant.
- Meanness – aggressive, possessive, less tolerant of others.
- Disinhibition – impulsive, excitable, easily overstimulated.
- Pet-unfriendliness – not great with other animals.
- Human-unfriendliness – aloof or cranky with people.
Think of these like sliders on a soundboard. Every cat has its own “mix,” and no two profiles are the same.
How the CAT-Tri+ Test Works
Owners answer simple questions about their cats:
- Do they charge into new rooms like tiny explorers, or hang back cautiously?
- Do they pick fights with other pets, or hide under the bed when strangers visit?
- Do they follow house rules, or act like rules don’t exist?
Responses are rated from “not my cat” to “exactly my cat,” creating a unique cat behavior profile.
What Scientists Found
- Cats high in boldness and meanness often had lower-quality relationships with owners. Fearless climbers, food-bowl bullies, or swat-first types can be tough to live with.
- Cats high in disinhibition or pet-unfriendliness sometimes scored higher on closeness with owners. Why? Needy, vocal, attention-seeking cats may be dramatic, but they spark more interaction and bonding.
The takeaway: the test isn’t about judging cats, but predicting friction points so owners can adjust the environment and strengthen relationships.
Is Your Cat’s “Dark Side” Really Bad?
The word psychopath sounds scary when applied to humans. But in cats, these traits are often leftover survival tools from the wild:
- Fearlessness helped hunters chase prey.
- “Meanness” protected territory and resources.
- Impulsivity got them moving fast in dangerous situations.
In modern homes, those instincts can look like chaos; pawing food off counters, ambushing ankles, or demanding attention at 3 a.m. But they’re not evil; they’re just old software running in a new world.
Turning Science Into Everyday Care
Once you know your cat’s personality mix, you can use it to improve daily life. Here’s how:
For bold cats (fearless explorers):
- Provide tall cat trees and secure shelves.
- Offer rotating novelty like boxes or scent trails.
- Stick to routines to prevent risky thrill-seeking.
For “mean” cats (resource guarders, swatters):
- Add duplicates of food bowls and litter boxes.
- Use play-before-meals routines to burn off energy.
- Redirect swats with wand toys instead of hands.
For impulsive cats (excitable, noisy):
- Schedule short play bursts throughout the day.
- Offer puzzle feeders and snuffle mats.
- Reward calm behavior to encourage self-control.
For pet-unfriendly cats:
- Give them safe zones away from other animals.
- Use gradual scent-swapping before introductions.
- Try parallel play sessions to reduce rivalry.
For people-aloof cats:
- Let them initiate touch — don’t force cuddles.
- Focus on preferred petting spots (cheeks, chin, ears).
- Pair gentle handling with treats to build trust.
⚠️ Tip: sudden changes in behavior may signal health issues, so always check with a vet first.
The Emotional Side of Cat Behavior
It can feel frustrating when your cat swats at you or ignores affection. This framework helps you reframe those behaviors, not as rejection, but as signals of their personality and needs.
Instead of thinking, “Why is my cat like this?” you can ask, “What setup helps this cat thrive?” That shift reduces stress, strengthens bonds, and can even prevent cats from being surrendered to shelters.
The Takeaway: No Cat Is “Good” or “Bad”
The CAT-Tri+ cat personality test doesn’t hand out verdicts. It gives you a map, a way to see your cat’s quirks as traits to understand, not flaws to fix.
Those zoomies, sudden swats, or aloof stares aren’t moral failings. They’re data points in the unique constellation that makes your cat your cat.
So, is your cat a psychopath? Wrong question.
The real question is: What mix of boldness, meanness, and impulsivity makes your cat who they are, and how can you create a home where that personality shines?
