Crazy Cat Men With Cat Photos In Their Dating Profile Pic Have Less Success At Finding Love

Women claim it makes men look "less masculine" and "less dateable." What do you think?

Damjan

• Published in Animals
• June 22, 2020

Scientists don't hate cats, quite the contrary! Plenty of scientists have investigated interesting cat phenomenon and cat behavior precisely to answer the questions of crazy cat people everywhere.

The scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University conducted an interesting study about dating, dating apps, and.... cats? Yes, cats were involved and the results were very interesting – they found out that profile pictures of men holding cats were perceived as “less dateable” and “less masculine” by many women.  

Men who held a self-confident pose and were alone in their profile photo had better chances to attract women, the survey discovered. The survey included women ages between 18 and 24, who are living in the US. They were asked to give their opinion on the same man with and without a cat in his arms.

In the Colorado State University’s study, women were requested to decide which picture of a 20-year-old man, they favored. Most of them said they preferred the photos without the cat.

Pictures of two men in their early twenties were represented to the group. Both potential dates had dark hair, wore similar blue shirts, and their pictures were taken against a white background. They were posing with and without the cats.

After seeing the pictures, women rated the young men on qualities including perceived personality, masculinity, and whether they would think about going out with them for a short or long-term relationship. 

The study discovered that women saw the man holding the cat as “less masculine” and, in the end, “less datable” for short and long term relationships.

They also scored them higher on neuroticism. People with neuroticism are more likely to suffer from anxiety and fear, as well as low mood, frustration, and jealousy.

The researchers discovered the adding of the cat made the man seem more open and agreeable. At the same time, he was perceived as more socially-confident and outgoing when he was on the picture alone. 

One of the questions women were asked is if they think of themselves as a “dog person” or “cat person,” “neither,” or “both,” which seemed to had an impact on their choice.

Women who said they were a “dog lover,” “neither” and “both,” preferred the picture of the man alone, and those who were “cat person” liked the photos with cats more.

WHAT ARE THE FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS?

When we talk about "Big Five" personality traits, we mean: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

The Big Five personality context theory uses these traits to outline the broad aspects of people's character and psyche.

Openness – it involves an appreciation for emotion, exploration, and uncommon ideas. People who are mostly open have a higher degree of intellectual interest and imagination. But they can be unpredictable and risk-takers.

Conscientiousness – these people have a tendency to be organized and dependable. They are mostly self-disciplined and prefer planned activities. Sometimes they are stubborn and obsessive.

Extroversion – Seek stimulation from others and their attention. People with lower levels of extroversion are reserved.

Agreeableness - these people are likely to be compassionate and cooperative as opposed to hostile towards other people. Sometimes individuals who are highly agreeable are seen as gullible or obedient.

People with lower levels of agreeableness are aggressive or competitive.

Neuroticism - People suffering from high levels of neuroticism are susceptible to stress and get angry, anxious, and disheartened easily.

The researchers stated it was conceivable that the women defaulted to the notion that the man photographed alone was a "dog person" or more likely to date a "dog person."

However, both cat and dog lovers saw the man as more agreeable when holding a cat, showing that women are more likely to date pet owners - no matter what the type is. 

Surveys have shown that cats are seen as more isolated. At the same time, dogs are typically perceived as more social which contributes to their owners' image of an outgoing person.

The women participating in the study were asked if they are currently involved with someone and how likely they would be to “swipe right” for a relaxed date.  

And while women felt the man without the cat is appropriate for a long and short-term relationship, it showed that females search for masculinity first before finding a potential life-long partner.  

The study indicates that women try to find a man with robust physical masculinity, including strong chins, as well as dominant behavior for a causal short -term relationship.

Damjan