Could your pet be shaping your intelligence?
It might sound strange, but researchers think your furry companion could say more about your brain than you think.
A new study has uncovered some surprising links between personality, lifestyle, and the type of pet you own.
And while both dogs and cats come with their own perks, one group of pet owners came out ahead in a key area.
What Your Pet Says About You
The study comes from Carroll University in Wisconsin, where researchers surveyed 600 students.
They wanted to understand how pet ownership connects to personality traits and thinking styles.
Participants were asked about the animals they preferred and then completed assessments covering personality and cognitive ability.
It didn’t take long for patterns to emerge.
People who preferred one particular type of pet consistently showed stronger results in certain areas.
But what does this really mean?
And could your loyal companion be influencing the way you think?
The Divide Between Dog People and Cat People
The results pointed to more than just pet preference.
Researchers found that personality types split sharply between cat lovers and dog lovers.
Dog owners were more likely to be extroverted and energetic.
They preferred social interaction, enjoyed being outdoors, and tended to be more easygoing.
Cat owners, in contrast, showed higher levels of introversion.
They preferred quiet environments, were more sensitive, and often more independent in their thinking.
These lifestyle and personality traits were also reflected in the types of activities each group enjoyed.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Could Lifestyle Be the Key?
Cat people were more drawn to mentally stimulating solo activities – things like reading, writing, or working on creative projects.
They spent more time indoors, often alone, and favored deep thought and introspection.
Dog lovers, on the other hand, were more physically active and socially engaged.
Their time was filled with walks, socializing, and shared experiences.
While both lifestyles have value, the quieter, more solitary habits of cat owners could offer more chances to develop certain cognitive skills.
That may help explain the most eye-catching part of the study.
The Surprising IQ Connection
Here’s where the researchers found a measurable difference.
Participants who preferred cats scored higher on intelligence tests than those who preferred dogs.
It wasn’t a massive gap – but it was consistent.
This doesn’t mean owning a cat makes you smarter.
It suggests that people who are naturally more thoughtful, introverted, and intellectually curious are often drawn to cats.
And those traits are also associated with higher cognitive performance.
As psychology professor Denise Guastello put it:
“If you’re more introverted and sensitive, you’ll probably enjoy quiet time, like reading a book with your cat, who doesn’t need to go outside.”
It’s Not About the Pet – It’s About You
This study isn’t saying one pet is better than the other.
It’s showing that your pet preference might reflect something deeper about who you are.
And while cat lovers may have a slight edge in IQ scores, dog owners are more likely to thrive in social and physical environments.
Each group brings strengths to the table.
So if you’re a cat owner, science says you may belong to a personality type that leans toward higher intelligence.
If you’re a dog owner, you probably have a lifestyle filled with fun, energy, and connection.
No need to swap pets anytime soon.
But next time someone teases you about being a “cat person” or “dog person,” you’ll have some science-backed insight to throw into the conversation.