Feline Temperament Type Sorter: For Cat Owners

[Gloriana]

Also: Please tell me I'm not the only one going through the quiz again using my own name.

 

[Gloriana]

 

[Mole]

The Fur Ball

For Cat Owners, Past and Present. This is a Feline Temperament Type Sorter you can take to determine the 'type' of your cat:

Introduction - Purrsonality

I mentioned this to my favourite cat, Jasper, the great hunter and the owner of the footpath, and he coughed up a fur ball.

And being a student of feline body language I couldn't help feeling he was coughing up purrsonality. I think he felt it was an infringement of his dignity.

What next, he seemed to say, will you be Typing lions and tigers next?

Oh, what a tiger my Jasper is, eyes burning bright in the forest of the night - coughing up fur balls at the mere mention of Typing.

 

[BlackCat]

For Tiger (RIP)-

BSPQ (Bold Social Compliant Quiet)

For most people this is a cat with a delightful temperament. A confident, easy-going, quiet, friendly cat, whose bold nature may cause him to get into mischief, but his charming, compliant attitude makes you love him anyway. The SPQ cats, whether bold or cautious, are often the 'beloved' cats in your life. Because he is bold, the BSPQ cat does not require the patience of an experienced cat lover to reveal his social inclinations. This kitty tends to have a repertoire of cute endearing gestures that he uses to get attention and initiate contact. Unlike his vocal counterpart, he is rarely annoying or perceived to be demanding. He may physically interfere with a project by laying on your computer keyboard, book, or newspaper, or by knocking beads, papers, tools, or other craft items on the floor. When he wants your attention at least he is quiet about it. Once he does get your attention, he then puts on a 'cute act' and disarms your anger over the interuption.

The BSPQ will most likely be a charming kitten. Bold and friendly, he welcomes attention and is likely to investigate anything or anyone new to his environment. Being a compliant cat, he will probably allow you to pick him up, unless he is feeling particularly frisky and playful. It is often a good idea to acquire kittens in pairs, this is especially true with bold social kittens who may be bored and lonely without a companion. The BSPQ will generally do well in a multi-cat group. He is probably pretty flexible when it comes to indoor or indoor / outdoor lifestyle choices as long as his indoor environment is sufficiently stimulating. Bold social cats need adventure and companionship, it would not be fair to leave him alone in a small apartment for long periods of time.

Your BSPQ cat will generally accept a reasonable amount of manipulation; so grooming, pilling, nail trimming and the like are not a major ordeal. Not only will your veterinarian be able to work with this cat, but you will also be able to follow through with treatment at home. However, a very bright BSPQ cat may make you feel as though he is always one step ahead of you. A master of the subtle art of body language, he will be able to read you like a book. Before you know it he will have you trained. He is a bold cat so clapping hands and verbal admonishments will probably not discourage unwanted behavior. As with most cats, encouraging appropriate and desirable behaviors is a matter of negotiation rather than a declaration of law.

The BSPQ is often the cat who is able to make a cat lover out of a skeptic. He is the cat who can cause a person to sheepishly recant previously stated notions about the undesirably of cats as friends and beloved companions. This is the cat who most often elicits the declaration, "I've always been a dog person, but this cat is different!"

 

[Mole]

Touché

For Tiger (RIP)-

BSPQ (Bold Social Compliant Quiet)

For most people this is a cat with a delightful temperament. A confident, easy-going, quiet, friendly cat, whose bold nature may cause him to get into mischief, but his charming, compliant attitude makes you love him anyway. The SPQ cats, whether bold or cautious, are often the 'beloved' cats in your life. Because he is bold, the BSPQ cat does not require the patience of an experienced cat lover to reveal his social inclinations. This kitty tends to have a repertoire of cute endearing gestures that he uses to get attention and initiate contact. Unlike his vocal counterpart, he is rarely annoying or perceived to be demanding. He may physically interfere with a project by laying on your computer keyboard, book, or newspaper, or by knocking beads, papers, tools, or other craft items on the floor. When he wants your attention at least he is quiet about it. Once he does get your attention, he then puts on a 'cute act' and disarms your anger over the interuption.

The BSPQ will most likely be a charming kitten. Bold and friendly, he welcomes attention and is likely to investigate anything or anyone new to his environment. Being a compliant cat, he will probably allow you to pick him up, unless he is feeling particularly frisky and playful. It is often a good idea to acquire kittens in pairs, this is especially true with bold social kittens who may be bored and lonely without a companion. The BSPQ will generally do well in a multi-cat group. He is probably pretty flexible when it comes to indoor or indoor / outdoor lifestyle choices as long as his indoor environment is sufficiently stimulating. Bold social cats need adventure and companionship, it would not be fair to leave him alone in a small apartment for long periods of time.

Your BSPQ cat will generally accept a reasonable amount of manipulation; so grooming, pilling, nail trimming and the like are not a major ordeal. Not only will your veterinarian be able to work with this cat, but you will also be able to follow through with treatment at home. However, a very bright BSPQ cat may make you feel as though he is always one step ahead of you. A master of the subtle art of body language, he will be able to read you like a book. Before you know it he will have you trained. He is a bold cat so clapping hands and verbal admonishments will probably not discourage unwanted behavior. As with most cats, encouraging appropriate and desirable behaviors is a matter of negotiation rather than a declaration of law.

The BSPQ is often the cat who is able to make a cat lover out of a skeptic. He is the cat who can cause a person to sheepishly recant previously stated notions about the undesirably of cats as friends and beloved companions. This is the cat who most often elicits the declaration, "I've always been a dog person, but this cat is different!"

Touché.

 

[Red Herring]

Holmes: CSPQ (cautious, social, compliant, quiet)
Watson: BSPQ (bold, social, compliant, quiet)

They are brothers, so they get along very well most of the time.

Edit:
In MBTI terms I´d say Holmes - INFJ, Watson - ESFP

 

[Chaotic Harmony]

Grayson:

CSDQ (Cautious Social Defiant Quiet)
Cautious social cats require time and familiarity to gain confidence and reveal their social nature. Once you have established a relationship, CSDQ cats can be very affectionate companions. This cat even though social is usually no where to be seen when you have house guests. Your friends will probably just have to believe you when you tell tales of your charming playful cat who showers you with affection.

If as a kitten the CSDQ cat has had positive contact with people, he will probably be open to a friendly approach. He may be easily frightened however, so a calm, patient demeanor will be needed. He may not reveal his defiant tendency as a young kitten. Sometimes the first clue you get is during his routine kitten visits at the veterinary clinic. He is a cautious kitty and will not like being in an unfamiliar environment. Drawing blood or trimming claws may prompt his first show of defiant behavior, usually fear, expressed with a hiss, spit, and a slap. Over reacting to his kitten defiance may set the stage for unpleasant veterinary visits from then on.

It may be dificult for you to get your CSDQ cat into a carrier, trim his claws, groom him or give him pills. Active resistance to restraint or manipulation can make these cats dificult to work with. Quiet defiant cats are generally less intimidating than their vocal counterparts. Patient calm persistance may allow you to establish regular routines for these activities that your CSDQ cat will find acceptable. It is, however, easy to miss a quiet cat's more subtle warnings and exceed his limits resulting in a bite or scratch. Quiet defiant cats may confuse some people, but are generally more managable because it is easier for one to remain calm when a cat is not screaming, growling, hissing, and spitting at you. Still, determined physical resistance is likely to discourage all but the most determined cat owners. CSDQ cats are often the arbiters of good and bad human behavior and are able to effectively train their human companions. Your cat may be the boss and you don't even realized it.

Cautious social cats may not initiate contact, but are likely to respond favorably to contact initiated by a familiar companion. With people the cautious social cat may respond to a friendly overture with face rubbing and bunting behavior. Frequent facial rubbing is common in cautious but social cats since a stable recognizable home territory is where they feel most confident. Being surrounded by olfactory evidence that he is on his own property is reasuring, and the more friendly facial pheromone marking system does not preclude social interaction. Because he is a social cat, the CSDQ cat will probably be comfortable in a multi-cat home. The CSDQ cat needs to gain familiarity with and trust in his feline companions as well as his human ones. An instance of displaced aggression could result in a long standing feline feud. It is less likely that a CSDQ cat will resort to urine marking even if there is a purrsonality clash in a multi-cat home. CSDQ cats are probably content to be indoor cats as long as they receive enough social interaction.

This is a cat that will respond favorably to your attention and love. Because we rarely have to 'make' our kitties do something that they don't want to do, life with a CSDQ cat can be very pleasant. As long as you behave, this cat will make you feel special.

Farrah:

BSDQ (Bold Social Defiant Quiet)
Like her vocal counterpart the BSDQ cat is one who actively seeks attention and companionship. As long as she does not feel restricted or imposed upon, she is a friendly charming companion. As a quiet cat, she is less likely to annoy you with frequent meowing, or intimidate you with vocal defiance. However, when crossed the BSDQ is more likely to be pushed to acts of physical violence. Both the BSDV cat and the BSDQ cat like to have their own way. Because people generally respond more readily to vocal communication the BSDV cat is a bit more effective in pushing us around. The BSDQ cat tends to catch us by surprise when her defiant side shows itself.

As a kitten, the BSDQ cat is a lively, friendly cutie. She may be more talkative as a kitten than as an adult, but is still much quieter than the BSDV cat. She is a squirmy kitten who likes your company, folllows you around and even likes to be petted, she just does not want to be confined or restricted. She will get increasingly agitated when you try to hold on to her or make her do something she does not want to do. The BSDQ kitten may get quite angry when you try to trim her claws. She may become a cat who is a difficult patient in a veterinary clinic. Any anger she feels in response to examination and treatment, is likely to be expressed as a bite or a swat with little in the way of an obvious warning.

In a multi-cat group the BSDQ cat will tend to be a dominant member of the group. She is bold and social so she will seek out the company of others and she is not easily intimidated. Other cats will understand her quiet gestures and body language. Because she likes to get her own way, there may be conflict when she is interacting with another defiant cat. If neither cat is vocal, people in the household may not even be aware of the on-going power struggle between two Bold Defiant Quiet cats.

When living with a BSDQ cat, it is important to learn how to effectively communicate with him. Her behavior is negotiable, but not likely to be enforceable. Fighting with a defiant cat is not likely to be productive. This is a cat that may end up biting 'unexpectedly' when seemingly unprovoked. (At least in the eyes of the provocator who received the bite.) When you have house guests you may need to watch her closely. She may join the party, get over stimulated or feel imposed upon, and bite a well-meaning, but cat-body-language-illiterate guest. The BSDQ cat can be a favorite, as long as you are not intimidated by her take-charge attitude. Mutual respect is required for a successfull, loving relationship with a BSDQ cat.

Both are mostly accurate... However, Grayson is the older cat and has been in the house longer, so he's the dominate cat, not Farrah like the description would lead you to believe.

 

[lunalum]

Based on the very limited information I know about Velocity so far:

BAPQ (Bold Aloof Compliant Quiet)
The BAPQ cat does not provide the 'dog-like' behavior that some people value so highly. He must be appreciated for the traditional 'cat-like' qualities of independence and above-it-all confidence that he so perfectly embodies. This temperament type is an ideal cat for someone who wishes to decorate his or her home with an undemanding self-sufficient companion. Confident and quiet, BAPQ cats can be very attractive. They are not likely to interfere with your projects. You can read, work at the computer, sew, or do crafts without interference from a kitty craving social interaction. Your lovely bold cat will remain on display even in the presence of strangers as long as no one rudely invades his space. His compliant nature will prevent him from actively resisting their advances, he will simply leave quietly at the first opportunity. It is likely that he will find a less accessible, but still visible vantage point. He is bold cat, after all, and likes to be where the action is.

It may be dificult to distinguish between a BAPQ kitten and a BSPQ kitten. Both will be confident and adventurous. Both will allow you to pick them up with little struggle. And, both will be quiet. If you have the opportunity to observe the litter and notice which kittens seem to like the company of others, and which kittens tend to wander off on their own, you may be able to spot the more independent BAPQ. Interaction with people will be influenced by early experience. As an adult he will not likely be described as a really friendly cat. He will be more likely to be described as an independent cat.

When allowed outdoors the BAPQ cat may be a happy wanderer. His bold nature leading him to seek adventure, he may disappear for days at a time. When confined to the indoors, he may need some form of entertainment or his natural exuberance may result in destructive activities. In multiple cat groups the BAPQ probably is not a trouble maker but he would not be inclined to form close alliances. His bold compliant nature would tend to command respect without precipitating conflict. However, a crowded household may cause the BAPQ cat to quietly move down the road rather than share space with too many other individuals. He is easy going but does not enjoy constant contact with others.

Compliant quiet cats are generally easy to work with. Aloof cats do not tend to actively seek social interaction, but dealing with veterinarians, groomers, pet sitters, and the like does not ruffle the feathers of the BAPQ cat. As long as you can find him in time for your appointment, veterinary visits will not be a problem. Confident, with a go-along to get-along attitude, this quiet, independent cat can be a wonderful low-maintenance companion.

 

[OrangeAppled]

I suppose this is accurate....although my cat acts out by puking, not "inappropriate elimination". She can be super lovable once she trusts you too. I think she would have been feral if we had not taken her in...

I think she's somewhere between social & aloof though....if we had gotten another cat earlier, she'd probably be more open to other cats.


CADV (Cautious Aloof Defiant Vocal)
Cats of this temperament type may actually discourage interaction with people. This is another temperament type you are likely to find with greater frequency in successful feral cats. Caution, independence and defiant vocalization allow this cat to remain free of human interference. Her aloof nature may even help her to avoid infectious disease because she will tend to be a solitary cat. Unlike her quiet counterpart, this vocal cat communicates her fear and anger clearly to those people who would interfere with her for good or ill. Provision of food shelter, and security are the way to win the heart of a CADV cat, but one also needs a good deal of patience. Familiarity and a sense of control are needed for her to feel comfortable, but she also needs her space. Because she is aloof and vocal, her repertoire of sounds probably tends to be weighted towards the discordant end of the spectrum.

The CADV kitten will tend to be shy and may greet your advances with angry sounding hissing spitting and yowling. She will probably try to just get away, but may bite or claw a well meaning person who doesn't heed her vocal warning and makes her feel trapped. Familiarity with friendly people from very early kittenhood (prior to weaning) will probably be necessary for her to form a successful human bond as an adult. A calm non-reactive demeanor, food, and patience are the tools needed to win her trust, a trust that is easily broken if you make her feel uneasy. She will probably never be a 'party cat'; your friends may never see her,she is not that interested in social interaction and makes friends very cautiously if at all.

This is not a cat who likes to live in groups. Like the CADQ cat, her vocal counterpart is probably happiest when she is able to establish a territory and conduct her affairs with minimal social interaction. She wants to know the boundaries of her territory and she wants others to recognize them as well. Urine and feces rather than facial pheromones may be her markers of choice. In a multiple cat household she may apppear to be low man on the totem pole, frequently engaging in vocal conflict even when approached by the most mellow of house members. She is not bold or social. She does not initiate these encounters. She would prefer to avoid them. Inappropriate ellimination may be the ultimate manifestation of this conflict. The CADV cat may not be the one you observe engaging in the behavior even though she may initiate the cycle of urine marking. Cautious aloof cats may be able to live harmoniously in multi-cat homes as long as there is sufficient space and their boundaries are respected by all. Living in a single cat household with a person who has reasonable expectations when it comes to display of affection may work out best.

This is a temperament type for whom a veterinary visit can be a horror show. She is defiant with little desire for physical contact, and she hates the anxiety and loss of control she feels when removed from her home territory. Whats more she is inclined to express her fear and anger in loud intimidating ways, and will follow up with physical violence when backed into a corner from which she feels there is no excape. It is fruitless and even dangerous to engage in a battle with the CADV cat. A screaming angry cat does not bring out the best behavior in people either, so avoiding a violent confrontation is advisable. It is often best to lightly anesthetize her with a quick acting inhalant like isoflurane or sevoflurane after shifting her from her carrier to an anesthesia chamber with as little fanfare as possible whenever examination and treatment are needed.

Aloof cats with a defiant nature that causes them to adopt a defensive aggressive response to fear or anger are not the easiest cats to live with. A cautious nature makes this cat more easily spooked than her bold counterpart so her defiance is more often an expression of fear. If you want a lap cat that showers you with love and affection, the CADQ is not the cat for you. It is possible, however that you may have a truely meaningful relationship with your CADV cat. Sometimes the relationships that require the most of us can be the most rewarding in the long run. To be the one special person in the life of a clever, unique cat who does not give her love and trust easily is really something special.

 

[stringstheory]

Sophia:

CSPV (Cautious Social Compliant Vocal)
As long as this kitty is allowed time and opportunity to gain confidence, the CSPV is an affectionate easy going companion. Her vocal style can be an asset or a liability depending on the extent of her vocabulary. Sociability in a cautious cat is generally limited only by opportunity to gain confidence and develop relationships at her own pace. CSPV's are not neccessarily "one person cats". The extent to which your CSPV cat will interact with your friends and family is largely dependent on familiarity and prior experience. She is probably not a cat who will make an appearance at a party, but she may graciously interact with frequent overnight guests.

As a kitten the CSPV is a team player. She may form an attachment to a bolder sibling or several cautious littermates may "hang out " together. She likes interactive play and does not tend to venture out on her own. Adopting a pair of kittens will make her transition to her new home easiest. Prior experience influences the behavior of this cautious cat. Early positive contact with people encourages her sociability with people.

When a person has not known a CSPV cat from kittenhood, it is easy to assume that she has known "abuse" even if this is not the case. Being social and compliant this cat seeks attention and tends to have a fairly high tolerance for handling, however she is cautious, and will tend to frighten easily. She will crouch, duck, or flee if she is the least bit unsure about a situation. When her sense of caution and uneasiness is expressed vocally it is very easy to get the wrong impression. To avoid unpleasant veterinary exams, it is important that no one overreact to the vocal communication style of the CSPV. She is a compliant cat, so she will probably not be that hard to handle, but she may sound like she could be.

The CSPV will probably make out just fine in a stable multi-cat household. As with all of the cautious cats, she does not like change. There is a good chance that she will be content as an indoor cat, she is not likely to long for adventure. The major difference between the CSPV and her quiet counterpart will be the extent to which she talks to you. These two temperament types share many attractive qualities. It is well worth your while to take the time to get to know her. If you provide a safe secure environment, she is easy to get along with and will give you lots of affection.

 

[LEGERdeMAIN]

CSDV (Cautious Social Defiant Vocal)
Taking a cautious approach to life is probably the wiser and safer approach for a small predator like the cat. Boldness may work well when it comes to managing people and dealing with life in a human household, but caution certainly makes sense for a cat living on its own. Most people expect to have to gain the trust of a new feline acquaintance so a cautious nature does not preclude adoption and formation of a lasting bond, it just slows the process. The CSDV is basically a social cat. She prefers companionship to solitude. Once an environment has become familiar, the social nature of this cautious cat becomes more obvious. However, if one tries to rush the relationship the fearful, vocal, defiant response of the CSDV cat may mask her social inclinations and discourage you from trying to get to know her. She will often revert to these alarming responses whenever she feels unsure of himself. If she lives an unsettled life filled with frequent changes of address or roommates, she may never have an opportunity to establish a close relationship.

The CSDV may be a very attractive kitten at least until her defiant qualities are revealed. When raised in the presence of gentle people, familiarity and positive expectations allows caution to quickly give way to sociability when introduced to a new human companion. Vocal communication styles are often easily understood by most people. Social vocal cats probably tend to develop a larger more conversational vocabulary than aloof vocal cats. Angry sounding vocalization would not often facilitate their goal of social interaction. In multiple cat groups the CSDV can be a contented member of the group. Her social nature and cautious style make her willing to carefully build relationships. There may be some cat temperament types with whom she does not mix well. She does have a controlling defiant nature. Conflict will probably be obvious because she will respond vocally.

A veterinary visit with a CSDV cat may be particularly stressful for all concerned. Vocal defiance brings out the worst in people. Veterinary staff members who are partial to dogs hate to see this cat on the schedule. Often even the most cat savvy vets and techs can not calm a defiant, vocal cat whose cautious nature causes her to feel reactive and defensive as soon as she leaves her home territory. Owners who have built a loving relationship with a CSDV cat feel as though they have betrayed a trust. No one feels good when examination and treatment result in a loud melee.

When you are in a relationship with a cat of this temperament type, she is often the boss. Your good behavior is rewarded with enthusiastic attention and affection and your "bad" behavior is met with fear and flight, or vocal defiance. A cautious cat on her own turf can be every bit as dictatorial as her bold counterpart. The CSDV cat hates change and disruption of her normal routines. You may feel that you have to walk on eggs to keep your CSDV cat calm and happy, but at least you will be loved and appreciated.


If you would like to read about other temperament types,
click on the group for a list of all 16 types.


Click this kitty if you would like to type another cat in your household

 

[miss fortune]

aka "the asshole" and "the crybaby"

 

[miss fortune]

I'm a BADV cat apparently... adapting the questions to humanity

 

[Thalassa]

BSPQ (Bold Social Compliant Quiet)
For most people this is a cat with a delightful temperament. A confident, easy-going, quiet, friendly cat, whose bold nature may cause her to get into mischief, but her charming, compliant attitude makes you love her anyway. The SPQ cats, whether bold or cautious, are often the 'beloved' cats in your life. Because she is bold, the BSPQ cat does not require the patience of an experienced cat lover to reveal her social inclinations. This kitty tends to have a repertoire of cute endearing gestures that she uses to get attention and initiate contact. Unlike her vocal counterpart, she is rarely annoying or perceived to be demanding. She may physically interfere with a project by laying on your computer keyboard, book, or newspaper, or by knocking beads, papers, tools, or other craft items on the floor. When she wants your attention at least she is quiet about it. Once she does get your attention, she then puts on a 'cute act' and disarms your anger over the interuption.

The BSPQ will most likely be a charming kitten. Bold and friendly, she welcomes attention and is likely to investigate anything or anyone new to her environment. Being a compliant cat, she will probably allow you to pick her up, unless she is feeling particularly frisky and playful. It is often a good idea to acquire kittens in pairs, this is especially true with bold social kittens who may be bored and lonely without a companion. The BSPQ will generally do well in a multi-cat group. She is probably pretty flexible when it comes to indoor or indoor / outdoor lifestyle choices as long as her indoor environment is sufficiently stimulating. Bold social cats need adventure and companionship, it would not be fair to leave her alone in a small apartment for long periods of time.

Your BSPQ cat will generally accept a reasonable amount of manipulation; so grooming, pilling, nail trimming and the like are not a major ordeal. Not only will your veterinarian be able to work with this cat, but you will also be able to follow through with treatment at home. However, a very bright BSPQ cat may make you feel as though she is always one step ahead of you. A master of the subtle art of body language, she will be able to read you like a book. Before you know it she will have you trained. She is a bold cat so clapping hands and verbal admonishments will probably not discourage unwanted behavior. As with most cats, encouraging appropriate and desirable behaviors is a matter of negotiation rather than a declaration of law.




(I answered this for the pic of that gray cat you see with me where I'm wearing the pink shirt and smiling. )

 

[INTP]

most of the questions cant be answered or i would need to select both options, so i cant bother with going through the test.

looking at the descriptions, she is bold and cautious depending on situation. if she is at home and something unexpected happens, like she hears something happening on balcony, she will go there and find out or at least be interested of it. but if placed in new environment, she is very cautious.

definitely social

in my hands, she is very easy to work with, which implies to compliant, but i think its because i can handle her. she does have her own mind and is very stubborn, but i know how to convince her and ultimately is very obedient(unless she is in some closet that i want her to get out from), its just that she might protest against. how ever someone who does not know how to handle her, she is very defiant.

and definitely vocal, but she does use body language a lot too(which implies to quiet). certain things she is more body language oriented than others(quiet), but most the things she is vocal + body language about.

 

[garbage]

I can't believe I answered all of these questions...

CSDQ (Cautious Social Defiant Quiet)
Cautious social cats require time and familiarity to gain confidence and reveal their social nature. Once you have established a relationship, CSDQ cats can be very affectionate companions. This cat even though social is usually no where to be seen when you have house guests. Your friends will probably just have to believe you when you tell tales of your charming playful cat who showers you with affection.

If as a kitten the CSDQ cat has had positive contact with people, he will probably be open to a friendly approach. He may be easily frightened however, so a calm, patient demeanor will be needed. He may not reveal his defiant tendency as a young kitten. Sometimes the first clue you get is during his routine kitten visits at the veterinary clinic. He is a cautious kitty and will not like being in an unfamiliar environment. Drawing blood or trimming claws may prompt his first show of defiant behavior, usually fear, expressed with a hiss, spit, and a slap. Over reacting to his kitten defiance may set the stage for unpleasant veterinary visits from then on.

It may be dificult for you to get your CSDQ cat into a carrier, trim his claws, groom him or give him pills. Active resistance to restraint or manipulation can make these cats dificult to work with. Quiet defiant cats are generally less intimidating than their vocal counterparts. Patient calm persistance may allow you to establish regular routines for these activities that your CSDQ cat will find acceptable. It is, however, easy to miss a quiet cat's more subtle warnings and exceed his limits resulting in a bite or scratch. Quiet defiant cats may confuse some people, but are generally more managable because it is easier for one to remain calm when a cat is not screaming, growling, hissing, and spitting at you. Still, determined physical resistance is likely to discourage all but the most determined cat owners. CSDQ cats are often the arbiters of good and bad human behavior and are able to effectively train their human companions. Your cat may be the boss and you don't even realized it.

Cautious social cats may not initiate contact, but are likely to respond favorably to contact initiated by a familiar companion. With people the cautious social cat may respond to a friendly overture with face rubbing and bunting behavior. Frequent facial rubbing is common in cautious but social cats since a stable recognizable home territory is where they feel most confident. Being surrounded by olfactory evidence that he is on his own property is reasuring, and the more friendly facial pheromone marking system does not preclude social interaction. Because he is a social cat, the CSDQ cat will probably be comfortable in a multi-cat home. The CSDQ cat needs to gain familiarity with and trust in his feline companions as well as his human ones. An instance of displaced aggression could result in a long standing feline feud. It is less likely that a CSDQ cat will resort to urine marking even if there is a purrsonality clash in a multi-cat home. CSDQ cats are probably content to be indoor cats as long as they receive enough social interaction.

This is a cat that will respond favorably to your attention and love. Because we rarely have to 'make' our kitties do something that they don't want to do, life with a CSDQ cat can be very pleasant. As long as you behave, this cat will make you feel special.

...but I did it all for her.

If anyone so much as rears up for a sneeze, she runs off. And Manx cats don't really meow anyway. They're pretty weird.

 

[ebrietas]

Richard

CAPQ (Cautious Aloof Compliant Quiet)
The classic shy cat, he avoids contact, preferring solitude, but does not vigorously resist handling. He may seem to be afraid of his own shadow. A peace loving soul, maybe a deep thinker, he is probably at his best when no one is around to see him. To most people he probably appears quite bland. He doesn't talk. He doesn't fight. He tends to hide whenever anything is going on in the house. He certainly doesn't show up for parties. He may live a very interesting secret life, however, entertaining himself with toys and dash abouts when he feels relaxed and secure. If allowed access to the outdoors, he may be a skilled and successful hunter, spending long periods off on his own.

As a kitten he may attract attention as the lonely shy one. He won't be the one to make the first move but he will not struggle when picked up. He may just have a sad look of uncertainty on his face. Early positive human contact makes him less likely to run and hide when meeting someone new on his familiar home turf. If found as a feral kitten he would avoid contact if possible, but once captured he would not put up a fight. Calm consistent behavior and regular routines are the best way to win the trust of the CAPQ kitten. Meal feeding rather than providing a free-choice, buffet bowl allows for regular positive interaction. Such contact would be very helpful if you want to really get to know this quiet cautious cat.

In a busy, crowded household, the CAPQ cat would probably disappear into the woodwork. He might end up being forgotten altogether, and slip away to become a feral cat. In a multiple cat group, he would most likely be a quiet loner. He would not be a trouble maker, but he may not thrive in this environment. Sharing a home with a quiet adult with a regular lifestyle, he may be a perfect companion, undemanding, peaceful, clean, and easy to work with when need be. The CAPQ cat will probably not be a lap cat, but may be a cat who likes to share the room with a person whom he has grown to love and trust. He probably only tolerates brief petting of his head and neck. Stroking his back and tail may be a bit overstimulating. His passive nature makes him easy to get along with, but you may feel as though you have to take extra care to avoid startling him resulting in a mad dash to his favorite hiding place. A trip to the veterinarian does not produce the obviously traumatic response seen with the cautious defiant temperaments, but is upsetting for the CAPQ cat if not the vet or his owner. He is a passive 'cooperative' patient. He just freezes, he would run away if he got the chance, if only he knew where to run. In the car he may sit in silent fear, or may cry the sad 'end-of-the-world' meow. Otherwise, he rarely meows, and when he does it is usually very soft.

The CAPQ is definitely not a cat with a temperament that will persuade the dog lover of the virtue of cat ownership. Earning the devotion of a cautious aloof cat requires more work for less obvious reward than a typical dog person is willing to do. Unlike his social counterpart who generously rewards your patience with lavish affection, the CAPQ will never be a demonstrative cat, his affection will be expressed in very subtle ways.

 

[prplchknz]

BSDV (Bold Social Defiant Vocal)
This is a cat who demands attention. He confidently rules his world, announcing his presence and seeking interaction with anyone he meets. If 'allowed' outdoors (actually he probably is a cat who insists on going out) this cat is probably well known in his neighborhood. He is often a cat who has a regular routine of stopping in for a visit and a snack at homes or businesses in the area. The BSDV tends to be a 'chatty' cat. He will provide escort to passersby as they stroll through his territory, frequently giving running commentary as they walk along. Well meaning individuals may mistakenly assume that he is asking for assistance when all he really wants is to pass the time of day.

As a kitten the BSDV is a handfull, loud, active, and very entertaining (as long as he gets his way). From the start, this is a cat who likes to be in charge. Being a social kitten he is probably inclined to initiate play among his littermates. He may appear to be a bit of a bully. He needs to remain with his mom and siblings long enough to learn how to play like a gentleman. If you take him home with you before he has learned feline social graces, he may never learn to keep his claws sheathed and his bites soft. The behavior of the BSDV cat in a multi-cat group is probably largely determined by his early experience with other cats.

If you share your home with a BSDV cat you will probably find him charming, but perhaps a bit overwhelming. A bright BSDV cat learns early on that people are trainable. He will use both positive and negative reinforcement techniques. If you are too easily intimidated the BSDV cat can rule as a tyrant. Because he is social and enjoys attention, you can negotiate with a BSDV cat, however, engaging in a direct battle of wills is unlikely to be productive. The BSDV cat may be a difficult patient in a veterinary exam room. He may back down with just a token grumble when approached in a confident non-reactive manner, however if he has ever had an opportunity to find out just how intimidating his vocal defiance actually is, he can be a formidable adversary.

Being bold and social the BSDV may be described as 'dog-like', although a person who wants an obedient pet will not find him to be dog like in that regard. He may also be a cat that people like to describe as the 'alpha-cat' (even though such a social hierarchy is not actually applicable to cats). This is a cat who will be a favorite for someone who likes a spirited, friendly, talkative cat. This is a cat whose presence is not likely to go unnoticed.

sounds about right. of course he's deaf so i had to think back to the time when he could hear and how he'd react to a situation involving noise

 

[Savage Idealist]

My pet cat Benny (I may post pictures of him in the near future).

BSPV (Bold Social Compliant Vocal)​

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Bold and Social, the BSPV cat enjoys adventure and companionship. It is easy to make friends when you meet a confident cat with a vocal communication style, who actively seeks attention. When his vocal style includes a large vocabulary of pleasant chirps and mews, the BSPV can be the 'perfect' cat. However, if your idea of the 'perfect' cat is a quiet house quest who is pleasant but undemanding, the BSPV cat may be too needy for your tastes. When his vocal communication style is loud and repetitive, with a limited vocabulary, this attentive cat may drive you nuts.

As a kitten the BSPV cat is likely to be the one that meows in greeting, runs over to you, climbs into your lap, and steals your heart. If you like a conversational cat, go for it. If you prefer a quiet household try to find his quiet counterpart, the BSPQ kitten. Whenever possible, acquiring two kittens will make it easier to satisfy the social needs of the BSPV or the BSPQ. Bold, social, compliant cats generally live happily in groups. Sociability in cats is not indiscriminate however. Who and what any cat chooses to befriend is dependent on mutual compatibility and previous experience. BSPV/Q cats are just easy to get along with so the chances of forming friendships is greater than with some other temperament types.

Even though the BSPV is a compliant cat, he may actually be intimidating when you attempt to do things to him (like trim his nails or groom him) because his vocal commentary may sound more angry and reactive than he actually feels. Once a kitty learns that you are easily intimidated, even a compliant cat can dictate your behavior. Siamese cats have a bit of a reputation for being difficult in a veterinary exam room. Actually they are often just vocal cats, and are not necessarily any more likely to bite, scratch or struggle than any other cat. BSPV cats express their opinions out loud. It is perfectly reasonable to expect that a vocal cat will make less than happy sounds when placed in a potentially threatening situation. Over reaction to their vocalization can result in a confrontation rather than a pleasant exam. If your veterinarian or other experienced cat handler recognizes that your BSPV cat is just expressing his opinion, they will find him to be quite manageable.

The popularity of Siamese cats and more recently Maine Coon cats reflects our desire to share our home with a companion who will talk to us, enjoy our company, and approach life with confidence. Both of these breeds are reputed to have a temperament that fits the profile of a BSPV cat. Maine Coon cats are generally of the soft-spoken, large vocabulary communication style. The Siamese being recognized as the great orator of the domestic cat world. Whether or not this temperament type occurs with greater frequency in any particular breed of cat remains to be seen. It is however a temperament type that is likely to appeal to many cat owners.

 

[Owlesque]

BSPV (Bold Social Compliant Vocal)

Bold and Social, the BSPV cat enjoys adventure and companionship. It is easy to make friends when you meet a confident cat with a vocal communication style, who actively seeks attention. When his vocal style includes a large vocabulary of pleasant chirps and mews, the BSPV can be the 'perfect' cat. However, if your idea of the 'perfect' cat is a quiet house quest who is pleasant but undemanding, the BSPV cat may be too needy for your tastes. When his vocal communication style is loud and repetitive, with a limited vocabulary, this attentive cat may drive you nuts.

As a kitten the BSPV cat is likely to be the one that meows in greeting, runs over to you, climbs into your lap, and steals your heart. If you like a conversational cat, go for it. If you prefer a quiet household try to find his quiet counterpart, the BSPQ kitten. Whenever possible, acquiring two kittens will make it easier to satisfy the social needs of the BSPV or the BSPQ. Bold, social, compliant cats generally live happily in groups. Sociability in cats is not indiscriminate however. Who and what any cat chooses to befriend is dependent on mutual compatibility and previous experience. BSPV/Q cats are just easy to get along with so the chances of forming friendships is greater than with some other temperament types.

Even though the BSPV is a compliant cat, he may actually be intimidating when you attempt to do things to him (like trim his nails or groom him) because his vocal commentary may sound more angry and reactive than he actually feels. Once a kitty learns that you are easily intimidated, even a compliant cat can dictate your behavior. Siamese cats have a bit of a reputation for being difficult in a veterinary exam room. Actually they are often just vocal cats, and are not necessarily any more likely to bite, scratch or struggle than any other cat. BSPV cats express their opinions out loud. It is perfectly reasonable to expect that a vocal cat will make less than happy sounds when placed in a potentially threatening situation. Over reaction to their vocalization can result in a confrontation rather than a pleasant exam. If your veterinarian or other experienced cat handler recognizes that your BSPV cat is just expressing his opinion, they will find him to be quite manageable.

The popularity of Siamese cats and more recently Maine Coon cats reflects our desire to share our home with a companion who will talk to us, enjoy our company, and approach life with confidence. Both of these breeds are reputed to have a temperament that fits the profile of a BSPV cat. Maine Coon cats are generally of the soft-spoken, large vocabulary communication style. The Siamese being recognized as the great orator of the domestic cat world. Whether or not this temperament type occurs with greater frequency in any particular breed of cat remains to be seen. It is however a temperament type that is likely to appeal to many cat owners.

A pretty accurate description of my cat.