Whether the cat is a rescue or from a private household ask about previous owners, how it responded to visitors, children, noise, hustle and bustle and going outside. If the kitten is from a breeder, ask about what steps they have taken to socialize their kittens. [1] X Research source

Assessing a cat’s personality is typically part of the process involved in matching cats with potential owners. With a personality assessment in hand, families and individuals interested in obtaining a cat can make a more informed decision. If you believe you need a professional to help you conduct the cat’s personality assessment, ask for such an individual at the shelter or rescue organization where the cat is being housed.

Be aware of your own body language as well. Don’t accidentally threaten the cat by staring or crowding it, which can even make a friendly cat defensive. Give the cat plenty of space and try to watch it from the corner of your eye.

If the cat is very friendly and outgoing, it will move toward you and meow, or engage in additional behaviors to solicit affection (for instance, trying to touch you with its paw). If the cat is moderately friendly and outgoing, it will come to the front of the cage but remain silent. If the cat is slightly friendly, it will vocalize with a chirp or meow. Unfriendly or anxious cats will attempt to hide. Hostile cats will hiss, growl, stand their hair on end, keep their ears down, and in rare cases, charge at you (even from within the cage).

Do not talk to the cat while opening its cage.

If the cat takes 25 seconds or less to exit and it steps out with head held high, and looks about inquisitively, your cat is very outgoing and friendly. If the cat takes 25 seconds or less to exit and it steps out with a compact or slinking posture, it has a cautious personality. If the cat exits the carrier within 25 seconds quickly, then runs beneath a hiding place (a table, chair, or similar place), the cat has a fearful personality. If the cat takes more than 25 seconds to exit, or does not exit at all, it might be scared, or it might just be an easygoing cat that enjoys observing more than exploring.

If the cat spends less than 30 seconds interacting with you, it might be shy or afraid. If the cat interacts with you for 30-60 seconds, it has a pleasant and agreeable personality. In day-to-day activities, the cat will probably divide its time equally between playing or interacting with you and spending time in solitude. If the cat interacts with you for over 60 seconds, it has a very friendly and agreeable personality, and probably craves human attention.

If the cat does not make eye contact, it is more cautious and shy than a cat that does make eye contact. If the cat sniffs or nuzzles you, it is very friendly and enjoys being the center of attention. If it rolls on its back, inviting a tummy rub, it has a trusting personality. This is also a sign it is friendly and open to new experiences. If the cat watches you from a distance and does not approach, it has a relatively private personality, and prefers monitoring the situation rather than engaging with other pets or people. If the cat retreats, it has the type of personality that spooks easily and perhaps needs time to develop trust.

Cats that are fearful or hostile will bite or swat your hand away. Cats that are independent but also enjoy spending time with people will roll on their backs, meow or make another vocalization, and circle you attentively. Cats that are highly social and very outgoing will rub against your hand, encouraging you to continue petting them.

Cats that have playful and energetic personalities will watch the toy intently and chase it. They might try to snuggle against you while you move the toy about, too. Cats that are less energetic and extremely independent will ignore the toy, attend to something else, and/or not make eye contact with you.

For the same reason, don’t try to assess the personality of a cat in heat.