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Cat owners more exotic
15 March
1999
While both cat and dog-owning women are perceived as stylish, interesting,
sensual and feminine according to a recent study – with cats it's a
case of even more so!
The study, "Women and Cats", conducted in Germany and Austria
by Dr. Helene Karmasin, Institute for Motivational Research, looked
at the perception of women who own cats, as well as, the importance
of cats to women.
The study found that both cat and dog owners in Germany and Austria
perceived cat owning women as stylish, interesting, sensual and feminine
as well as appearing calm and home-loving.
The study also found that cats improve the quality of a women's life,
offer an outlet for nurturing and facilitate sensual experiences, i.e.
cats like to be cuddled and stroked.
Dr Karmasin also found that there is a close correlation between the
concept of cats and common concept of femininity.
She says that cats, similarly to women, are elegant, and like to be
stroked and cuddled. Cats are also beautiful, having big eyes, a small
face and a tiny nose (presentation of the female face and make up requirements).
Cats, also like women, have supple, silky bodies and must be caressed
very gently and sensitively or the advances will be rejected.
Australia has a population of around 2.6 million pet cats according
to Dr Joanne Righetti, Animal Behaviour Consultant.
"Australia has the highest incidence of pet ownership in the world
and cats continue to be a popular pet for both men and women. Not only
do cats provide a better quality of life as Dr Karmasin’s work suggests,
but research shows that they can also improve our health", Dr Righetti
said.
A 1995 Australian study by McHarg,
Baldock, Headey and Robinson found that people who owned either
a cat or a dog visited their doctor less frequently, used less medication
and appeared to be in better health than non-pet owners.
Dr Karmasin's research also has some good pointers for men striving
to understand the female breed. The research suggests that men who own
cats, and therefore understand their desire for independence and the
sensitivity and gentleness necessary to caress a cat, may be able to
better understand a woman's needs.
The study involved 1000 telephone interviews, as well as discussion
groups composed of males and females aged between 20 and 40.
It concluded that dog-owners are generally viewed as more sporty and
out-going than cat-owners, while cat-owners are perceived to be more
feminine and have more artistic tendencies. Both dog and cat-owners
see other pet-owners as sensitive and tolerant.