Cat in your dating profile photo? Study suggests it might make you less desirable to women

A recent study out of Colorado State University and Boise State University suggests that a man holding a cat in profile photo might make women perceive him as less masculine and less datable.

A survey of 708 females aged 18 to 24, scientists found that “men holding cats were viewed as less masculine; more neurotic, agreeable, and open; and less dateable,” the study concluded.

The study asked participants a series of questions regarding a photo of a man without a cat on several attributes, including perceived personality, perceived masculinity or femininity and perceived dateability, asking if each participant would consider dating the man in the photo for a short or long term. The same questions were presented when they showed the same man holding a cat in the photo.

The results indicated that 38% of women were likely or very likely to casually date him, but the likelihood dropped to 33% when it showed the same man holding a cat.

Thirty-seven percent of women surveyed said they would consider a long-term relationship with the man not holding a cat, but it dropped to 33% when he could be seen holding a cat, according to CNN.

Scientists found that the results varied slightly if the woman surveyed was a “dog person” or a “cat person.”

The authors of the study said it supported their findings:

...respondents perceived a man holding a cat as less masculine and less datable for both short-term encounters and long-term relationships. This returns us to Buss’s assertion that women prefer men with “good genes”, often defined as more masculine traits. Clearly, the presence of a cat diminishes that perception.

—  "Not the Cat’s Meow? The Impact of Posing with Cats on Female Perceptions of Male Dateability" by Lori Kogan and Shelly Volsche

A total of 1385 people responded to the survey. Of the 708 that met the criteria of being female and between 18 and 24 years of age, 47.6% indicated they were a dog person.

To see the methodology of the study including the photos used, click here.

Cox Media Group