Cat Owners Have High Self-Esteem, Good Examples for Relationships - CatChannel.com

Posted: August 11, 2011, 3 a.m. EDT

An online dating site posits that treating a potential mate as you would your cat can lead to a more successful relationship.A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that dog and cat owners have greater self-esteem than those without dogs or cats. Dog and cat owners are more physically fit, less lonely, more conscientious, more socially outgoing and have healthier relationship styles, according to the study.

"We know that singles take their relationships with their pets just as seriously as they do with their lovers," explains Kim Hughes, singles and dating expert for Lavalife.com, an online dating site. "Now we are digging deeper to find out what our pets say about our personalities and how that can influence our relationships with two-legged creatures."

Lavalife.com recently polled singles about their cats and dogs and the results show that dogs and cats take priority: 47% would ditch a lover if they didn't get along with their cat or dog. In another poll, 10% would consider shared custody of a cat or dog after a relationship ended.

Other results of the poll show that cat lovers tend to be more independent and scholarly while dog owners have been found to be more conscientious, agreeable and extroverted.

"We can tell a lot about a person not only from the type of pet they have but also where they acquired their pet," Hughes continues. "Here are some clues that singles can use to help decode potential paramours."

Store-bought vs. rescued. People who purchase dogs or cats from a pet store tend to be more impulsive, while people who buy dogs or cats from a breeder are more analytical. Those who rescue cats or dogs from dog or cat shelters are known to be comfortable with risk and especially compassionate.

"Having a pet requires a person be responsible and it is not always possible to do things on a whim, so don't count on the last-minute date or sleepover," explains Dr. Rachel Needle, licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist.

Other research suggests that there is a connection between the way a partner treats his or her cat and how he or she treats a significant other. Likewise, treating a potential mate as you would your cat can lead to a more successful relationship.

Lavalife and Needle offer tips for singles on how to breed successful human relationships.
1. Be honest. You don't beat around the bush when your cat does something to upset you. Being direct and verbally honest can lead to better relationships and communication.
2. Don't hold a grudge. With dogs and cats, we forgive and move on. With humans and in our relationships, we should do the same.
3. Know your limits. We set boundaries with our cats and dogs: Don't sit on the couch, don't chew my shoes. In relationships, we should do the same. Know your own wants, needs, social, emotional and sexual limits and communicate them to your partner.
4. Show affection on a daily basis! It is amazing what even a small gesture of affection can do. Merely placing your hand on someone's arm or touching their back gently can communicate that you care and make your partner feel good.
5. Trust your instinct. Dogs and cats can sense right away if they are going to get along with another animal. If your gut tells you that you are not with the right person, follow it. There are plenty of fish in the sea ... and dogs in the dog park.

"If someone is kind and loving toward their pet, that is a good indication that they will likely be that way towards a lover as well," continues Dr. Needle. "However, be careful if your partner is too attached to their pet or if they treat their pet poorly. This can be a red flag!"