Cats are neurotic, but are they trying to kill you?

• Researchers examined personality traits of domestic cats and wild cats 
• Cats compared to African lions, leopards and the Scottish wildcat
• Study found cats are neurotic, dominant and impulsive like African lions 

By Tom Wyke for MailOnline

Published: 31 October 2015 

They are well loved for their immaculate fluffy coats and unique personalities but new research suggests cats do have a much darker side.

A study carried out between the University of Edinburgh and Bronx Zoo compared our beloved domestic cat with its wilder relatives.

Compared with the snow leopard, the Scottish wildcat and the African lion, researchers found these larger predators shared similar characteristics of aggression and neurotic behaviour to domestic cats.

A study carried out between the University of Edinburgh and Bronx Zoo compared our beloved domestic cat with its more wilder relatives

Dominance, impulsiveness and neurotic behaviour are the most common trait shared between the domestic cat and the wild cat.

The researchers used a testing method known as the 'Big Five' personality test: Openness to Experience, Extraversion/Introversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism.

A total of 100 cats, from two different shelters in Scotland were used in the experiment, whilst the other animals were examined from zoos and animal sanctuaries in the UK and USA. 

'They're cute and furry and cuddly, but we need to remember when we have cats as pets, we are inviting little predators into our house,' psychologist Dr. Max Wachtel told 9NEWS. 

Predators: Researchers have examined the traits of 100 domestic cats and compared them with leopards

African lions from two different zoos in the UK and the USA were examined as part of the experiment

'For a lot of people, it is worth it. Cats can be fantastic, sweet companions. Until they turn on you.' 

Only their size prevents the cat from being able to unleash its full predatory qualities. 

'It is good to understand the personality characteristics of our pets. Different cats have different personalities. But as a species, there are a lot of commonalities,' Dr Wachtel said.

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