In a world where single folks are endlessly swiping in search of connection, standing out on a dating app can feel like an uphill battle. Some opt for witty bios, others for alluring photos—often with their beloved pets. But, as it turns out, those cute cat pics might not be doing gents any favors in the love department.
A fascinating study revealed a peculiar trend: men posing with cats in their profile photos might actually have a harder time wooing women. Researchers Lori Kogan and Shelly Volsche enlisted over 1,300 heterosexual women to partake in an online survey. These women, aged between 18 and 24, were shown pictures of a young man, both solo and holding a cat.
Brace yourselves, feline-loving gents: the findings were less than purr-fect. A significant portion of the women expressed reluctance, or flat-out refusal, to date the cat-cuddling men. When it came to the solo shots, however, these men were deemed more dateable, snagging higher ratings in the potential dating categories. Interestingly, for the cat enthusiasts among the women surveyed, the presence of a kitty companion made the men more attractive.
The surveyed women also perceived the cat-owning men as less masculine and more neurotic, yet also more open and agreeable. While the study suggests women often gravitate towards more traditionally masculine partners, thus potentially sidelining cat-owning suitors, it also hints at the appeal of sensitivity and openness that a love for cats might indicate.
It’s crucial to note the limitations of this study: it involved a narrow demographic, primarily young white women, and the male subjects were also white. Plus, a substantial slice of the women identified as dog lovers, possibly skewing their preferences. These factors mean we can’t generalize the findings across all populations.
So, what does this mean for the cat dads out there? Should they hide their feline friends to boost their dating odds? Absolutely not. Your cat is part of your life, and if someone isn’t into your furry buddy, they’re probably not the right match for you. Remember, the study did find cat aficionados among the women, hinting at a purr-fect match out there for every cat-loving guy.
There’s even a silver lining in the form of a dating app tailored for cat lovers, Tabby, offering a niche platform where cat people can find like-minded souls. So cat dads, fear not. Stay true to yourselves and your feline friends, and love—just like a cat—will find its way into your life when you least expect it.
