“Dog people are friendlier than cat people.”

Dog people are more outgoing, but cat people are more open to new ideas. Does outgoing mean friendlier? In the largest study of the question, 4,565 people who called themselves “dog people” scored about 13% higher on agreeableness than self-described “cat people.” Researchers say the gap is real but modest. They also say it may come from the lives people choose rather than from how kind they are. Dogs get you out the door and talking to strangers, while a cat suits a quiet night with a book. The question is whether being more social makes someone friendlier.

Stanley Coren, University of British Columbia psychology professor (agrees): “The general pattern that comes out of both studies is that dog owners are more social, interactive, and accepting, and cat owners (who own cats exclusively) are more introverted, self-contained, and less sociable.” Denise Guastello, Carroll University psychology professor (middle): “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. 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.” Catster, pet-care publication (disagrees): “At the end of the day, ‘cat people’ and ‘dog people’ are really just ‘pet people’.”