![photo of a cat and a dog]()
Dr. Denise Guastello, an associate professor of psychology at Carroll University, did a study on the personality differences between dog lovers and cat lovers. Her research revealed that "dog people" and "cat people" really do have different personalities and people who say they are dog lovers tend to be more lively, energetic and outgoing. They are also said to follow the rules more closely. Those who identify themselves as cat lovers are more introverted, open-minded and sensitive than dog lovers. Cat lovers are also said to be non-conformists, and scored higher on intelligence than dog lovers.
Part of the reason for the personality differences may be related to the types of environments cat or dog people prefer, said Dr. Guastello. She presented the findings of her research at the annual Association for Psychological Science meeting in San Francisco, mid-May.
"It makes sense that a dog person is going to be more lively, because they're going to want to be out there, outside, talking to people, bringing their dog," Guastello said. "Whereas, if you're more introverted, and sensitive, maybe you're more at home reading a book, and your cat doesn't need to go outside for a walk."
The researchers surveyed 600 college students.