RE: Cat’s Attitude Closely Linked to Its Breed
JanH > 07-03-2019, 10:38 AM
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.