From what I read online, many introverts, like myself, have cats. I did not know that, and, as it turns out, I have always had a cat. It never occurred to me that maybe I was drawn to them because we were so similar to each other, but it dawned on me the other day – cats are crazy introverted.

As I watched her curl up under the dining room table last week, like she always does during the day, I started thinking about her routine, habits, and idiosyncrasies. They are more than a little interesting, but somewhat predictable, after having her for a couple of years. And, I was shocked to realize that I’m a LOT like my cat.

Introverts are Like Cats

If you watch them long enough, you learn what they like, what they don’t like, and how they might be feeling. You start to recognize when they’re approachable and when they’re not. Cats are introverted in almost every way they approach life, because it’s part of their nature, just like it’s part of mine.

I think you’ll be surprised to learn how much introverts are like cats, because it’s just not something you think about unless you’re an introvert. Even then, it took me two years to realize it.

CATS COME TO YOU

You can’t force anything on a cat. Ever. I find that if I leave my cat alone, she will come to me in her own time. Introverts are similar in that they know what they need and when they need it, so they will do things in their own time, and when they’re ready.

MOST ARE SELECTIVE

Most kitties are particular about who they choose to hang out with, and it takes time for them to get to know and trust you. Introverts usually only have a handful of truly close friends for this same reason. They must connect with people on a deep level, and it’s sometimes painfully difficult to put ourselves out there to find that special person we click with. Hence, we only keep a few friends.

THEY USE BODY LANGUAGE

Since cats can’t talk to us, they use body language to communicate how they’re feeling. If they’re tail is flicking, they’re agitated. Ears back and hissing, you immediately know to back off. And if they’re curled around your leg or purring, you know they feel safe and happy. These signs will be equally obvious in a quiet introvert, if you’re paying close attention.

CATS AVOID STRANGERS

My cat vanishes when a strangers are in the house as if she were a magician. Once they are gone, she magically reappears. This concept is also applicable to introverts, whether people are over or you’re trying to get them to go to an event with you. Large groups are usually uncomfortable for them, requiring either avoidance or preparation, depending on their mood.

THEY CONSERVE ENERGY

Napping allows your kitty to recharge for play time, hunting, or whatever else tickles their fancy. If there was a job for professional napping, they’d be at the top of their game. Needing naps is not unique to cats. Introverts can be quickly drained of energy by over-stimulation, daily activities, and even talking. Naps, reading, or being alone allows them to recharge and feel better about life.

MANY STARTLE EASILY

My cat is spooked by just about everything, but especially noise. Her eyes get wide, her body tenses, then she’s gone. I have the scratch marks on my legs to prove it. Introverts behave similarly in how they can be overwhelmed by loud noises, chaos, bright lights, or just too many people – and will usually bail at their earliest opportunity.

CATS CAN BE ALONE

Cats are naturally awesome at being alone. They’re independent, and can pretty much take care of themselves, because they don’t really need people. That’s why so many people think cats make great pets. Introverts are equally skilled at being alone, and don’t require social interaction as much as others do. If they do decide to spend time with someone, it’s because they genuinely want to.

THEY’RE OBSERVANT

Kitties notice everything going on in their environment. If they were in the wild, they’d have to be to survive. They lounge around, unnoticed, while they take in the world around them from afar. Introverts do this too, especially in group situations – observing before participating. This helps us get a feel for the situation, which allows us to better prepare for social interaction.

KITTIES LOVE TO BE COZY

Cats are notorious for getting ridiculously comfy with half their bodies hanging off the bed, curled up in a blanket somewhere, or hiding out in the corner of the house. Don’t let the two-legged version fool you. Introverts like to be cozy too, and why wouldn’t we? We spend a considerable amount of time indoors doing the things we love most.

THEY CAN BE INDECISIVE

If you pay close attention to your kitty, you’ll find that they aren’t sure of most situations and will have a hard time deciding whether to go out or stay inside. They always have one paw in and one paw out. As an introvert, I have the same struggle. I love being at home, but sometimes I want to get out and interact with people…or do I?

I Love my Introvert Kitty

I also have two very extroverted dogs, whom I adore, but I can only take so much of their energy and insane neediness before I need a break. They get plenty of love from everyone in the family, and are very spoiled pups, but I cannot have the same relationship with them that I have with my cat.

Is it that introverts are like cats, or are cats like introverts? I don’t think it really matters, because either way, we get along perfectly. Her and I understand each other, and for me, that’s something special. I accept her for who she is, and she does the same for me.

I think I have a special bond with her because we’re so similar, but what I learn from her is that it’s ok for us to just be whoever we are.

What do you recognize in your cat that you can relate to, as an introvert?