Are you a cat lover? If you are, it’s not surprising. Introverts and cats have a lot in common. It’s no wonder many of us identify with these furry friends.
In this post, I’ve partnered up with introverted artist, David Wagenfeld to create a visual exploration of some of the qualities cats and introverts share. David has just created a comic strip for introverts, which I love! You can check it out here.
Loyal love
Just like introverts, cats are usually more selective with whom they show love and affection. They don’t go around wagging their tales at everyone they encounter like some other members of the animal kingdom (no need to name names, but I’m sure you know who I’m talking about). But with their owners, they are fuzzy little bundles of laid-back love.
Calm coolness
Most cats retire their rambunctious ways as soon as they outgrow kittenhood. They don’t go bouncing around with enthusiasm at the first sign of food or affection. Instead, they are calm and collected. They have a coolness about them that some might label as aloof.
That is one way of looking at their behavior. But I prefer to describe them as embodying a self-assured elegance. Like introverts, they don’t need lots of attention and hype to feel good, which brings me to my next point …
Simple needs
It doesn’t take much to make a cat happy. They’re not interested in going to parks to run around and sniff other kitties’ bums. They’re quite happy to stay at home and curl up in their favorite corner. And if they can find a sliver of sunshine to lie under, well that’s even better.
Pretty much everything a cat needs can be summed up with the following equation:
Food + Affection + Quiet comforts = Kitty Joy!
And what do you know – the equation for introverted bliss looks pretty similar.
The in or out dilemma
Most introverts can totally relate to a cat’s indecisiveness when it comes to leaving the house. Often, they’re out for less than five minutes before they want to come back in again. Sometimes they might just linger at the doorway, pondering whether leaving the house is the best idea. Perhaps they’re weighing the pros and cons in their little kitty brain.
Hmmm … I really should go out today. It’s been a while since I’ve seen my other cat friends. But it’s so nice and comfy here at home. What to do [rolls onto back and purrs as he stretches his furry belly out].
Besides the rolling over and purring part, I think most introverts can relate to the above inner dialogue.
The lone wanderer
Cats are not pack animals. They are the lone wanderers who can’t be bothered to follow the group – or anyone for that matter. They do what they want regardless of what their owner or the cat next door thinks.
Introverts, too, are known for being lone wanderers. This isn’t to say that we dislike other people. We just don’t feel the need to make all our plans based on what the group is doing. We’re happy to come and go as we please without having to answer to anyone.
Are you an innie artist?
I’d love to have a chat about the possibility of collaborating on something. You can send me a message and a link to your work here.
Love,
that was a wonderful read! the way you have drawn parallels b/w the two and those cat pics cracked me up esp the last one 😀
enjoyed every bit!
This explains alot I naturally attracts cats without even trying. We have so many cats at home but they only allow me to touch them they never allow the other family members to get close to them.
They are always in between my legs, on my things or pulling the hems of my clothes with their claws. At first I didn’t understand. But now I get it.
Thanks alot.
…That’s been a little too harsh for dogs! Now, dogs aren’t bad, they’re just way too extroverted, eh?
So, as much as I love cats, my dad’s allergic to them (a pity, because he loves them too) so we instead have got a dog, but guess what: he somewhat behaves as a cat. As soon as he gets in a room, he wants to go out; he’s usually laid back sleeping; he only wants to sleep, affection and eat (okay, playing as well, but in low proportions); and from time to time, he moves to an almost obnoxious low speed.
Anyway, yes, we are like cats. Or at least I wish I was one.
This is so true, I often tell my husband that I should be a cat! And naps, I love naps too 🙂
Great post, great art. I have two cats and the three of us are introverts, my younger cat is the most introverted of us. I noticed that he prefers to be alone more often and when in the same room he will maintain distance before approaching and I treasure that part of his personality.
Hi! I’m a newbie here (1st post), and this site has convinced me what I’ve always suspected…I’m an introvert after all! Anyway, on this topic, I’ve never been a cat lover. I love dogs, and here’s why.
I think I’ve just always been jealous of cats attitude. They have a take it or leave it mentality or more precisely, “what can you do for me right now?” It reminds me of my ex-wife. Whereas, no matter how bad your day has been, most dogs can’t wait to see you at the door, be with you, and try to please you. Loyalty counts big time for me. If you need help, you can usually depend on Lassie instead of Felix the cat.
Looking at the small photo of me (gravatar) it’s quite easy to see, that I’m a cat lover. 😉 On my shoulder is ROSI, she climbed up herself… it’s a great honor for me. The other cat’sname is KITA. – We’re like a “family”. I’m often thinking, for the cats I would be a “big cat” and I would be very proud of regarded as a “cat”. 🙂 – Of course that doesn’t mean, that I don’t like humans! – But I’ve to admit, that I always prefer humans as “single”, that means 1 : 1 …1+1 =2. A third person (1+1+1=3) would be one too much. I like to hug “single persons” – but crowds I avoid like hell. –
… I can’t help it 😉
– Matthias
PS: My cats are teaching me, WHAT is really important in life:
a comfortable place (a very small one is enough!) , something to eat (not much!), much time to hang around and sleep, avoid noise and crazy people and last but not least: lots of hugs (whenever you want!)
I have always said I have a cat personality…when a cat gets stressed it finds a place to go lick itself..not that I can lick myself..lol..when a cat gets scared it runs and hides as far away as possible..I do that..and the worst way to irritate a cat is to grab its tail and drag its hair all the wrong way..that is how I feel when I get irritated..oh and I shed when I am stressed..just like a cat..lol..yep..I am a cat..
Oh I hate cats and comparing them to Introverts just HURTS! 😛 But there are some similarities for sure..
I love this! I have two cats whom I feel more at home with than some of my extroverted friends! They do their own thing AND seem perfectly happy doing it. Actually, I even wrote a speech on how cats are manly, yes manly. 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this! CAT FOREVER ♥
Ohhhh this made me laff!…so very true…adds some extra explanation to why a 20 year relationship finally ended in August…I always said he loved me best when I was at my weakest, but probably more true was that he never understood my self-sufficiency and independence…can’t really blame him because I’m just beginning to understand these things about myself…reading “Quiet” was a huge epiphany for me…I just don’t need or require much from others, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love and care for them…great site, thanks Michaela!
Love your website! 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth! 😉
The crazy cat lady agrees…..this was a good article and the pics were awesome. What type of art are you looking for? I’m not rebound or any thing I just sort of scribble. However I’d like to share some of my abstract work.
gypsyhorsesense@gmail.com
Great article Michaela. I love cats; so cool,calm and collected. I wish I was!
Thanks, Mark! 🙂
Exactly why i like my cat. I feel like we’re the same lol.
That meditating cat at the end cracked me up.
I’m not sure if I like cats that much though. They ruin the sheets and carpets, express their love through scratching and sometimes leave me gifts in my shoes.
I consider myself to be an introvert, but in the course of my life, I have preferred dogs. I figure that you don’t have to like cats even if you are like one afterall dogs make such good playthings. I really enjoy this site, I believe that I will be coming here often.
This can be so true! And what gorgeous pictures . I think cats are similar to introverts after reading this, but I love dogs too! The thing is there are loads of introverted dogs but poor things are often assumed to be unfriendly because their friends aren’t as introverted as they are ?
I think the pictures are gorgeous though. Just one thing: Hopefully , introverts don’t kill small animals and bring them as a ‘present’ in the middle of the night ?
“Besides the rolling over and purring part, I think most introverts can relate to the above inner dialogue.”
…I sometimes do the rolling over & purring part, too. 🙂
Fabulous article. Glad I found you!
Some humans are socially tolerable to other humans cause they are forced to be. If they could have a real legit one on one convo with cats…if cats could work in the business industry and replace humans…99.999999999% of humans would be worthless and being out in the public would be so much more a joy than having to live life as a tolerance with being in society.
really great article !!!! thx Michaela for it 🙂 and yes – cats are absolutely awesome 🙂 i have 3 boys (16years, 4 and half, and 4 years old-all find in streets abandouned) and they are just absolutely awesome. i love them and enjoy their company, muuuuch more and better then i enjoy ppl company… i no need to see humans for long days, but just some hours without my cats and i feel like not complete and im sad and i will just go really quick at home and be with them and hear them snore and purrr … i admit i’m completely dependent of my kitty boys purrr 😀
Yes, my boyfriend (an extrovert) says I am just like a cat, but I don’t agree with you about dogs. I have 2 and I just love them and they love me back and accept me the way I am. Yes, you must take them for a walk, but for me it’s very relaxing, a moment in nature with good company and not having to talk.
Loved the article. Feel free to checkout this one too.
https://theintrovertspot.blogspot.com/2019/06/why-introverts-are-mostly-cat-people.html?m=1