Are Calico & Tortoiseshell Cats More Demanding?

Ever wonder if coloring of fur relates to temperament of a cat?  According to a recent article in the Sacramento Bee   "Veterinarians from UC Davis have discovered, in recently published research, that cats with calico and tortoiseshell coat patterns tend to challenge their human companions more often than felines whose fur is less flashy". 

This research involved surveying more than 1200 cat owners with the outcome showing "research backs up long-standing observations among veterinarians that such cats often are “difficult,” said Dr. Elizabeth Stelow, a behavioral expert in the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Her study, based on a survey of more than 1,200 cat owners, found that calicoes and torties are more likely to hiss, chase, bite, swat or scratch during interactions with humans" .

Don't despair - Dr. Stelow also notes "“We are not suggesting that anyone avoid having these cats in their homes,” she said of calicos and torties. “Most of them make lovely pets. It’s just information to help you understand what you might be up against.”

Curious to find out more? Award winning writer and cat expert Ingrid King,has a new book coming out called  Tortitude The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude.  Her blog "The Conscious Cat" offers more information and tidbits on this and many other facts of cats.  

Wonder if these same temperamental studies can apply to kids as well?! Hmmm - something to consider.