Some cats are shy, just like human infants

Reported by Phys.org · November 4 at 8:00 PM · Summary by Pawdeck

A study published November 4, 2026, in PLOS One by Madoka Hattori at Kyoto University, Japan, and colleagues surveyed the owners of 310 domestic cats. The researchers found that most cats' shyness is closely tied to fear, but a subset showed high fear combined with a tendency to approach new people and objects, similar to shyness in human infants.

Background

Shyness in animals is often lumped together with fear when behavior is scored on a bold-to-fearful scale. Researchers have been working to separate the two, since a cat can be wary of people while still wanting to engage. Owner questionnaires are a common, low-cost way to study personality in pets, though they rely on owners' observations.

Why it matters

Knowing that a cat's wariness may come with a wish to approach can help owners read mixed signals and respond in ways that suit their cat.

What you can do

Watch how your cat behaves around new people or toys, noting whether it hides, approaches cautiously, or both. Share these observations with your vet if you are concerned about your cat's comfort.

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Written by Pawdeck from the report by Phys.org. Background is general information, not advice about your pet; if you are worried, call your vet.