Are Dog Kids and Cat Kids Really Different? What Science Says

 

You've probably noticed it at playdates or birthday parties—some kids light up when they see a dog, while others gravitate toward cats. It's easy to assume this is just random preference, but what if it actually reveals something about their personality? Turns out, there's real research on this. The catch? Most of it is about adults, not kids.

The Adult Research Is Clear

In 2010, psychologist Samuel Gosling at the University of Texas studied 4,565 people who identified as dog people, cat people, both, or neither. The personality differences were real and significant.

Dog people were found to be:

• 15% more extroverted than cat people
• 13% more agreeable
• 11% more conscientious (organized, disciplined, achievement-oriented)

Cat people were found to be:

• 12% more neurotic (meaning more emotionally sensitive or anxious, not "crazy"!)
• 11% more open to new experiences (creative, philosophical, nonconventional)

A 2014 study at Carroll University in Wisconsin confirmed these patterns with 600 college students. The explanation makes sense: dog lovers need to be outside, walking, socializing with other dog owners. Cat lovers can stay home with a book, and their cat doesn't need a walk.

What About Kids?

Here's the honest truth: research specifically on children's animal preferences and personality is limited. Most studies focus on the benefits of pet ownership rather than what the preference itself reveals.

What we do know from child studies:

• Children who prefer both dogs and cats show higher empathy than those who prefer just one
• Dog ownership is associated with higher empathy in children (though it's unclear if dogs cause this or if empathetic kids bond more with dogs)
• Early pet ownership may support emotional development

The catch? There's no strong research proving a child who wants a dog is definitely more extroverted than one who wants a cat. The personality differences are well-documented in adults, but children are still developing.

Why Preferences Might Still Mean Something

Even without definitive child studies, there are reasons to think these patterns start early:

The "dog kid" profile:

• Energized by social interaction
• Prefers group activities
• Active and always on the move
• Thrives on routine and structure
• Wants a companion for adventures

The "cat kid" profile:

• Happy in their own company
• Prefers one-on-one friendships
• More introspective and creative
• Emotionally sensitive
• Wants quiet companionship

Of course, these are generalizations. Plenty of extroverted kids love cats, and introverted kids can be devoted dog lovers.

The "Both!" Exception

Interestingly, children who love both dogs and cats equally score higher on empathy tests than kids who prefer just one. Adults who own both dogs and cats have personality profiles similar to dog-only owners—suggesting the "both" preference might reflect emotional flexibility and openness.

The Important Caveat: Kids Change

Children's preferences shift constantly as they develop. A child terrified of dogs at three might beg for one at seven. What looks like introversion at eight might shift by twelve.

Researchers use the term "temperament" for children rather than "personality" because it's understood to be more changeable and shaped by environment. Today's cat-loving kid might become tomorrow's dog person—or vice versa.

What Parents Can Take From This

Understanding these patterns can help parents:

See what they value: A child drawn to dogs might value active companionship and social connection. A child drawn to cats might value calm and independence.

Meet their needs differently: If you can't get a dog right now, a "dog kid" might benefit from more team sports or social activities. A "cat kid" might need more quiet time and creative outlets.

Manage expectations: If you get a dog, your extroverted child will likely thrive, while your introverted child might need more adjustment time—and that's okay.

Appreciate differences: Instead of wondering why siblings are so different, celebrate that they're drawn to different things for different reasons.

The Unanswered Question

Here's what science still can't tell us: Do certain personalities gravitate toward certain animals, or do the animals shape us? Does an extroverted child want a dog because they're outgoing, or would having a dog make them more social? It's likely both—and that's what makes it fascinating.

My Personal Take

As a mom of two very different kids—one who's been begging for a dog since she could talk, the other who quietly insists she'd prefer a cat—I find these patterns fascinating. When I step back and look at their personalities, the preferences make perfect sense. My dog-wanter is the extrovert who organizes neighborhood games; my cat-lover is the one happiest curled up with a book. Maybe it's confirmation bias, maybe it's real—but either way, paying attention to what they're drawn to has helped me understand what makes each of them tick.

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References:

1. Gosling, S. D., Sandy, C. J., & Potter, J. (2010). Personalities of Self-Identified "Dog People" and "Cat People." Anthrozoös, 23(3), 213-222.
2. Guastello, A. D., Guastello, D. D., & Guastello, S. J. (2017). Personality differences between dog people and cat people. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 5(1), 41-57.
3. Daly, B., & Morton, L. L. (2006). An investigation of human-animal interactions and empathy as related to pet preference, ownership, attachment, and attitudes in children. Anthrozoös, 19(2), 113-127.
4. Purewal, R., et al. (2017). Companion Animals and Child/Adolescent Development: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 234.
5. University of Texas at Austin. (2010). Dog people and cat people really do have different personalities, study finds. ScienceDaily.