A study by a team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the Bronx Zoo have claimed that cats are neurotic predators that have the same “killer instinct” as lions and other wildcats and they would probably kill you if they were bigger.
The study entitled “Personality Structure in the Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus), Scottish Wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia), Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), and African Lion (Panthera leo), ” analysed the similarity in behavior between domestic cats and various wildcats and examined their behaviors using the “Big-Five” human personality traits: Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion/Introversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism.
So the researchers, after examining a hundred cats from Scottish shelters, found that domestic house cats have the same three dominant personality structures as African lions – Neuroticism, Impulsiveness, and Dominance.
“It is good to understand the personality characteristics of our pets. Different cats have different personalities. But as a species, there are a lot of commonalities.” said Dr. Max Wachtel, 9NEWS Psychologist in statement at 9NEWS
“They’re cute and furry and cuddly, but we need to remember when we have cats as pets, we are inviting little predators into our house.”
“For a lot of people, it is worth it. Cats can be fantastic, sweet companions. Until they turn on you.”
Hat Tip: 9NEWS, CNET
ScienceSwitch 
I don’t need a study to know that…just look in their eyes
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Your cat tail was a little waker upper for me just now. We have a cat that looks exactly like the one in your picture. Last night, in the middle of the night I woke up. The cat was tapping me on my face, with her paw. I have sleep apnea, the first thing that came to my mind, the cat was checking to see if I was still alive. I have heard numerous stories about cats and people’s welfare being connected. Thanks for the cat story, very easy to believe.
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This is interesting in light of recent research I learned about, finding that the bonding chemical, oxytocin, can be released when humans and dogs gaze at one another. I’ve always found cats to be more aloof and independent than dogs. As if they would leave if they weren’t being fed. It’s rather comical, too. Totally scary cat image! Thanks for sharing!
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I have had cats for the last 30 years and have never thought any of them wanted to kill me. They are loving creatures and anyone who doesn’t understand them may not like them. I find this whole study to be false because if you replace the word dog for cats and the study you could say the same thing.
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I have cats too and of course they are adorable. 🙂
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Cats are strange animals, not really a big fan of them.
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I really love cats although I know they can be dangerous and unpredictable. I got severely bitten and scratched by different cats I have owned many times. I agree with the “strange” part. Thanks for the comment, Lee. 🙂
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