What do I mean when I talk about cat types?
I have organized general cat tendencies into three main “types” called Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. This was inspired by the classic science fiction novel Brave New World, wherein humans are assigned societal categories at birth. Of course, I’m working with what Nature has laid down in these cats’ genetic pattern.
It has nothing to do with Alpha dogs or other hierarchical ranking schemas. It is a way of expressing how each cat interacts with their environment.
In turn, this will inform us of our best strategies for choosing, raising, and training them. Because we need very different approaches for the different types.
When we got Tristan at the age of 3 weeks, he had the generic stubby legs, short neck, and ears on the side of his head that most kittens have at that age. But by 3 months, everything had elongated, and his behavior made it clear than he was an Alpha. When picking out RJ (4 1/2 months) and Olwyn (3 months) I easily figured out they were Betas.
So, except when cats are very young, or exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors because of stress, we can figure out what kind of cat we are looking at; and what they will need.
It’s important to understand how each cat regards their environment:
Alpha: These are cats who feel confident about changing their own environment.
Training them consists mainly of outwitting them. These are the cats who have to have everything be “their own idea.”
With their boundless reservoirs of brains and energy, we need to keep an Alpha cat busy and amused.
Beta: These are cats who feel confident about getting us to change the environment.
Training them consists of fostering communication and negotiation. Beta cats are glad to cooperate, once they know what it is we want.
With their strong social skills and eagerness for companionship, we need to make sure our Betas are never lonely.
Gamma: These are cats who don’t know the environment can be changed.
Training them consists of anticipating their needs and letting them know how much we care. These cats hate to be a bother.
The Gamma’s retiring nature will bloom under dedicated fussing, and they must never be neglected.
Knowing the cat types are crucial for choosing and blending cats.
Explore the characteristics, observe our own cats for clues, and soon we can starting building our own Cat Civilization.
