Most members of the Cat Fancy have heard the term, “Tortie-tude” – a term of endearment to describe the sassy, no-nonsense mean streak that tortoiseshell cats are widely known for having.
Well, it turns out, according to a recent study by the University of California, Davis, that there actually is a link between the color of a cat’s fur and their level of aggression!
Scientists surveyed 1,274 cat parents about the everyday interactions of their pet. Their answers were then used to give each cat a rating on an “aggression scale.”
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, found that cats who were black and white, tortoiseshell and white or grey and white were the most likely to exhibit aggressive behavior.
More specifically, black and white cats responded badly to being handled or held, gray and white cats are most aggressive at the vet’s office, and tortie’s ranked worst for everyday interactions with humans (which explains why they have a reputation!).
The study revealed that the most friendly felines were black, solid gray, and tabby.
Does your cat’s ‘cattitude’ match the results of this study?
