Is Your Cat a Psychopath?

Certain psychopathic traits in your cat might actually improve your relationship with her.

Published: February 18, 2022

mittens — Lead researcher on the psychopathy study, Rebecca Evans, BSc, MSc, and Mittens,  a cat she fostered. Was Mittens a psychopath? “She would certainly score highly on the disinhibition scale,” Ms. Evans says. “She was very excitable, would follow me from room to room, and would often try to sit on my laptop whilst I was working. She would also score high on the meanness scale. She often took my food and drink when I wasn’t looking!” © JRebecca Evans, BSc, MSc

Human psychopaths, according to one model, are said to have three distinct traits: Disinhibition, which reflects a problem with impulse control. Boldness, an outlook where social dominance aligns with a lack of compassion for others and a willingness to tread into situations that are risky or dangerous. Meanness, specifically, aggressive seeking of resources without regard […]