Figure 1: Exploratory factor analysis model of cat personality with four factors.

We confirmed that personality is influenced by breed (permanova; F₆ = 14.926, P = 0.001). Discriminant analysis was significant (non-parametric version of Pillai’s test; Obs. = 4.7175; Exp. = 0.0028; P = 0.001)). The analysis separated mainly non-pedigree and Bengal cats from the other breeds along the first axis, suggesting higher dominance (MR2), higher extraversion (MR1), and lower agreeableness (MR4) in these two groups. The second axis separated mainly Bengal and Main Coon cats from the other breeds, suggesting lower neuroticism in these two breeds compared with other cats (Table 2, Appendix Figure 1).

Table 2: Discriminant analysis of the relationship between breed and personality.