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+--- Thread: Cat’s Attitude Closely Linked to Its Breed (/showthread.php?tid=63)
Cat’s Attitude Closely Linked to Its Breed - NatsFan78 - 07-03-2019
I came across this article in one of my ragdoll groups on Facebook. The article states that nearly half of breed behavioral differences can be attributed to hereditary factors.
“According to the study, Ragdoll cats were more likely to show shyness toward strangers and unknown objects as well as aggression toward humans.”
First time I have ever read anything about ragdolls being shy or aggressive. I can’t help but wonder if that was supposed to say less likely.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/survey-suggests-cat-breed-behaviors-are-largely-inherited-180972438/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=socialmedia
RE: Cat’s Attitude Closely Linked to Its Breed - JanH - 07-03-2019
It is true that temperament is inherited to a noteworthy degree. We have many close relatives that we have observed from kittenhood to old age (mostly mom's and their kittens) and have been surprised at how consistent they are -- and feel it is at least somewhat more nature than nurture.
I have never heard of or experienced Ragdoll temperament as found in this study. In fact, Ragdolls have been noted for accepting strangers. Ours will typically "supervise" any workers in the house if allowed. Also, aggression is the farthest from typical ragdoll behavior - and even within this study's findings, seems the opposite of shyness. One wonders where these Finnish researchers got their cats. Just as traits can be bred to be refined, they can also be bred out. Our Siamese would hide the entire time someone new was in the house. The Ragdolls are likely to be soon lolling on the floor near them, if not climbing on them.
Just one more source of misinformation about ragdolls, even if the study did show the truth of the cats studied.
RE: Cat’s Attitude Closely Linked to Its Breed - NatsFan78 - 07-03-2019
I was surprised when I read it. It seemed like the opposite of the truth regarding ragdolls.
RE: Cat’s Attitude Closely Linked to Its Breed - JanH - 07-03-2019
I did not see how they handled the study. With many cats, if they brought them to a research facility their behavior might well be very different from in their homes. In any event, they got it wrong, which is not to say that there are no shy or aggressive Ragdolls.