Are Cat Owners Smarter Than Dog People? Facts & FAQ
The fight between cat people and dog people has been going on for as long as we’ve kept both species as pets. Well, maybe calling it a “fight” isn’t right since it’s all in good fun, but many people feel very strongly about their preference for either cats or dogs.
One of the jokes that cat people sometimes tell is that dog people are less intelligent because they prefer a needier and less emotionally intelligent pet than cats. However, that may have led you to wonder if there’s any truth to the idea that cat people are more intelligent than dog people.
Well, science has an answer for you.
Are Cat People Smarter Than Dog People?
Interestingly, a survey has shown that people who prefer cats score higher on intelligence tests than people who prefer dogs. They also have a stronger tendency for introversion and being more sensitive people. Surprisingly, cat people also tend to be more open-minded than dog people.
Perhaps not surprisingly, cat people show a tendency to be more non-conformist than dog people, and they also prefer convenience over following the rules. Obviously, these tendencies are mirrored in pet cats, who are more interested in doing things their way than in following the rules.
Who Was Involved in This Study?
This information is primarily based on a survey distributed to 600 college students, so there is a chance that a larger survey would show different results. Only surveying people who fall within such a small age group could have produced false results in this survey. It’s also important to note that college students are in a specific life stage, which could also impact their responses to the survey and their preferences toward cats or dogs.
A survey of older or younger people could elicit different results in the study. It’s also important to note that it was a generalized survey of 600 college students, but it was not a carefully monitored scientific study with control groups or a sterile environment in which the participants could be questioned without outside influence.
What Does It Mean?
When it comes down to it, all people are different, regardless of what type of pet they prefer. We’re all individuals, and a generalized survey of 600 people from a limited group doesn’t reflect the results that might be seen in a proper scientific study. The results of this survey shouldn’t be taken as anything but fun information for the time being.
Conclusion
According to the survey performed by Carroll University in Wisconsin, cat people tend to be more intelligent than dog people and also more open-minded and non-conformist. The survey was performed on a limited group of people within the same age group and similar life stages, which could have impacted the results.
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Featured Image Credit: Left - Artem Beliaikin_Pexels; Right - StockSnap, Pixabay
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
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