Mau Mau:
CADQ (Cautious Aloof Defiant Quiet)
Cats of this temperament type do not generally encourage interaction with people. This is likely to be the temperament of the feral cat you rarely see, can not catch, and if you did he would vigorously resist your well meaning attempts at restraint, exam and treatment. When raised from kittenhood or patiently allowed to establish a level of trust, the CADQ cat may form an attachment to one or maybe two individuals. His need for contact is limited by his aloof nature. The only difference between this cat and his vocal counterpart is the extent to which his fear and anger are obvious to people who would interfere with him for good or ill. Provision of food shelter, and security are the way to win the heart of a CADQ cat. Familiarity and a sense of control are needed for him to feel comfortable, but he also needs his space.
The CADQ kitten will tend to be shy and may greet your advances with a defensive aggresive posture (halloween cat), if he does not just run away. He may bite or claw an unsuspecting, well meaning person who makes him feel trapped. Early (less than 7 weeks of age) positive contact with people is most likely needed to establish a foundation upon which future relationships can be built. A calm non-reactive demeanor, food, and patience are the tools needed to win his trust, a trust that is easily broken if you make him feel uneasy. Young children and CADQ kittens are not a good mix. As an adult, this cautious aloof cat may be able to effectively avoid the advances of an enthusiatic child, but as a kitten he may not escape in time. Neither the kitten or the child will be the happier as a result of the encounter. Exposure as a child to a cat or kitten that inflicts a painful wound seemingly out of the blue, may cause of a life long distrust and dislike of all cats.
This is not a cat who likes to live in groups. The CADQ cat is probably happiest when he is able to establish a territory and conduct his affairs with minimal social interaction. He wants to know the boundaries of his territory and he wants others to recognize them as well. Urine and feces rather than facial pheromones may be his markers of choice. This individual may be the root cause of discord in a multicat household, but since he expresses his defiant aloof nature in gesture, posture and expression rather than frequent vocal outbursts his role may not be obvious to the human observer. Inappropriate ellimination may be the ultimate manifestation of this conflict. The CADQ cat may not be the one you observe engaging in the behavior even though he 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 another temperament type for whom a veterinary visit can be traumatic. Even though he tends to be quiet, he is defiant with little desire for physical contact, and he hates the anxiety and loss of control he feels when removed from his home territory. It is fruitless and even dangerous to engage in a battle with the CADQ cat. Since his trust in human kind is often tenuous at best, avoiding a violent confrontation is advisable. It may be best to lightly anesthetize him with a quick acting inhalant like isoflurane or sevoflurane after shifting him from his 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 his bold counterpart so his defiance is more often an expression of fear. Even though neither temperament type makes them affectionate, a bold cat is easier to get to know because he is more confident and his cat curiosity will lead him to be more open to new things. However, a bold aloof defiant cat may be more frightening because he is more confident in his aggression. If you want a lap cat that showers you with love and affection, the CADQ is not the cat for you. This temperament type probably most closely resembles that of solitary living wild cats.
Boskiris:
BADV (Bold Aloof Defiant Vocal)
As this temperament type designation seems to suggest, people may preceive this cat to be a 'BAD' cat. (Actually, it was unintentional the letters just worked out that way.) An aloof cat, she does not make friends easily. A defiant cat, she has little tolerance for interference from others. She is a bold, confident cat, not easily intimidated, and she will most likely express displeasure in loud angry sounds when crossed. Her repertoire of pleasant conversational tones and disarming gestures is usually limited since she prefers independence and solitude to companionship and social interaction. A fixed stare says 'don't mess with me' and is backed up with a rumbling growl. These are usually sufficient to convey the message she wishes to get across. Angry screams, hissing, and spitting will be employed if needed, particularly for those especially rude folks at the veterinary clinic. The BADV cat may be pleased to have a human companion serve her meals and see to her needs which usually include opening the door and letting her in or out at her discretion.
The BADV cat will tend to be an explorer and a wanderer. She is observant of others, but avoids or actively discourages contact. She will fight when necessary. When allowed access to the outdoors, this cat may often come home sporting the wounds of serious cat conflict. She does not play well with others. The best relationship one can have with a BADV cat is one of mutual respect, which grows into friendship. It is not that a BADV cat cannot form close bonds, it is just that her natural tendency is to avoid excessive social interaction that might limit her freedom. Attempts at pushing for a relationship will usually meet with rebuff. A person she does not respect will be treated with contempt and be seen as little more than a servant. A good relationship with a BADV can be misinterpreted by the casual observer. This is a cat who does not display affection well. She is vocal, with a vocabulary more suited to warding off contact than inviting it. Even in a friendly interaction with a human companion she may sound like she is complaining or annoyed.
As a kitten the BADV does not invite or welcome attention but neither does she run away when approached. Kitten curiosity may prompt her to approach and investigate, however attempts at picking her up will probably be met with resistance, both vocal and physical. It is best if she has sufficient time with her littermates to learn some cat social skills. The BADV cat's response to early positive contact with people is probably favorable because the window of opportunity available to impress her with the desirability of human contact is short lived. Without early experience she is most likely one of the least approachable of cats later in life. Her vocal warnings tend to discourage further exploration of a relationship by any other than the most determined of cat lovers. The BADV cat will probably not be your best loved cat of all time, but she still may be a memorable character whom you respect and love even if she doesn't shower you with affection.