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May 3, 2026SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología0 citationsOpen Access

Personality Matters: Owner-Ascribed Personality Predicts Range Size Tendencies and Predation Behavior in Domestic Cats.

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BBBastien BerrandEBEmmanuelle BaudryEBElsa Bonnaud

Key Points

  • This study aims to explore how owner-ascribed personality traits influence the predation behavior and spatial tendencies of domestic cats.
  • Monitored 23 domestic cats with GPS and animal-borne camera devices in a suburban area south of Paris from March to May 2025.
  • Analyzed predation behavior using a detailed ethogram and studied space use through core and full range parameters (aKDEc50 and aKDEc95).
  • Assessed predation events and prey diversity using animal-borne cameras compared to the prey-report method.
  • Cats exhibiting high agreeableness and neuroticism demonstrated smaller range sizes and reduced hunting activities compared to other individuals.
  • Only one prey item was identified from 31 captured, demonstrating that camera methods are superior for assessing predation events.
  • Data suggests tailored management strategies for domestic cats to lessen their impact on wildlife.

Abstract

) are recognized as invasive and efficient predators on islands, although their impact on continental wildlife remains poorly understood. Predation behavior and space use are key indicators for estimating the influence of these felines on prey populations through direct killings and sublethal effects (landscape of fear). Previous work highlighted-and debated-the importance of biological (sex, age) and environmental (habitat type) factors as well as owner-related habits (feeding, play, hygiene) in shaping hunting and roaming behaviors. However, the influence of individual behavioral characteristics, known as personality, remains largely unexplored. In this study conducted in a suburban area south of Paris, we monitored 23 domestic cats using combined GPS and animal-borne camera devices (or "kittycams") between March and May 2025. Cat predation behavior was analyzed using a detailed ethogram, and space use was studied through two parameters: core range (aKDEc50) and full range (aKDEc95). Although additional data would certainly strengthen our conclusions, our results already reveal that personality affects both range size and hunting propensity. More precisely, cats with high levels of agreeableness and neuroticism have smaller range sizes and hunt less than other individuals. Moreover, animal-borne cameras are far more reliable than the prey-report method to assess predation events and prey diversity, as only one prey was discovered of the 31 caught in total. These results pave the way for tailored, effective, and ethical management measures to mitigate the impact of domestic cats on wildlife.

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Cite This Study

Berrand et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f6e6648071d4f1bdfc70a8https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73520
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