Cats and the Enneagram

Cats, those mysterious creatures that seemingly rule our homes, have personalities as varied and intricate as us humans. What if we could understand our feline friends better through the lens of the Enneagram? Could this popular typology of interconnected personality categories give us more insight into the characteristics, strengths, challenges, and motivations of our beloved furry family members? Let’s see …

[Need to familiarize yourself with the Enneagram tool? Listen to Rabbi Rami explore the “Keys to the Enneagram” on the Spirituality & Health Podcast.]

Cat Type 1: The Perfectionist

Meet Whiskers, the epitome of feline perfectionism. Whiskers demands that his litter box be spotless and his food be arranged consistently. You’ll be met with a disapproving glare if you dare to move his favorite toy even an inch. Whiskers spends hours meticulously grooming himself, ensuring every hair is in place. He’s the feline equivalent of a hall monitor, confirming that everyone adheres to the house rules. Those who do not will be on the receiving end of a stern meow and tail flick.

What this type needs: Whiskers needs an organized and orderly environment. Chaos and disorder can create significant stress for cats like him. He also needs to be recognized for his important role in the family. Don’t interrupt him while he is grooming or eating, but make sure to give him lots of love and praise afterwards.

Cat Type 2: The Helper

Fluffy, the benevolent helper, loves to make her human companions feel loved and cared for. She brings “gifts”—often of the dead mouse variety. Fluffy seems to have an uncanny sense of when you’re feeling down, and she’ll curl up on your lap, purring away your worries.

What this type needs: Fluffy needs to feel as much love as she gives. She needs to feel valued for the help she offers those around her. Without reciprocity, Fluffy may feel taken for granted. Type 2’s thrive on deep connections, so consider trying some human-feline spiritual practice with her, like bird-watching or matching your breath to hers when sitting nearby.

Cat Type 3: The Achiever

Tiger is the overachiever of the feline world. He struts around the neighborhood, knowing he’s the king. Tiger has a knack for catching the biggest prey and showing it off to his adoring fans. He is always striving to be the best, whether hunting, climbing, or simply looking fabulous.

What this type needs: Tiger needs space to roam and play. Fill your space with toys, which you rotate frequently so they always seem new. Consider investing in a catio or safe outside space. Cats like Tiger like their achievements acknowledged with savory treats and a hearty “Good kitty!”

Cat Type 4: The Individualist

Then there’s Luna, the brooding artist of the cat kingdom. Luna spends hours staring out the window, lost in thought, pondering the sacred mysteries of life. She’s not just any cat: She’s a unique, misunderstood soul. Luna prefers to sit in her favorite sunbeam, basking in its glow while contemplating her next masterpiece (like a shredded curtain or a rearranged bookshelf). She’s the feline embodiment of existential angst mixed with creative flair.

What this type needs: Luna will thrive in a home that allows her to explore and express her individuality as a unique being. While Type 4’s may seem perplexing in their actions, trust that their decisions have meaning and purpose, and don’t try to get them to change activities too quickly. Allow them to finish what they are doing first and don’t presume that their inactivity isn’t full of activity!

Cat Type 5: The Investigator

Shadow is the intellectual of the group, always curious and ever-observant. He’s the cat you’ll find perched high, quietly watching the world go by. Shadow loves to explore every nook and cranny, looking for new knowledge and hidden treasures. He’s not particularly social, preferring to spend his time alone, lost in thought. But don’t be fooled: Shadow knows everything that goes on in your house.

What this type needs: When needed, Shadow needs to have privacy and personal space of his own to retreat to with his musings. Cats like him need to know they have enough resources and may constantly check through the house to ensure that the food bowls and cat box are well attended to. Help them by making sure they feel secure so they don’t feel the need to investigate to confirm that everything is in order!

Cat Type 6: The Loyalist

Buddy, the ever-faithful companion, follows you everywhere you go. He needs constant reassurance and enjoys the comfort of routines. He’ll greet you at the door and watch over you while you sleep. Any change in your household (like a new member!) can send Buddy into a tailspin—pun intended—but his loyalty never wavers. He’s the quintessential guard cat, always on the lookout for potential threats like the vacuum cleaner.

What this type needs: Buddy needs security, predictability, and stability. This type of cat will look to you to know if a threat has been handled. Buddy also needs space of his own that is quiet and secluded, like an open closet or a cat bed under your bed. This will provide him with a safe place to go when you use the vacuum or if the house is too noisy for his liking.

Cat Type 7: The Enthusiast

Ziggy is the life of the party, bringing joy and excitement wherever he goes. He’s always up for an adventure, whether it’s chasing after a laser pointer or exploring the great outdoors. Ziggy’s boundless energy and zest for life are contagious. He’s the cat that leaps from one activity to another with glee, never letting boredom settle in. Every day is a new opportunity for fun and mischief.

What this type needs: Ziggy needs lots of stimulation and plenty of opportunities to quench his desire for adventure, freedom, and enjoyment. Cats like Ziggy do well with variety, so rotate toys. Have plenty of heights from which these active cats can experience their environment. Focus on fun!

Cat Type 8: The Challenger

Then there’s Max, the fearless leader. Max is assertive and protective, never backing down from a confrontation. He’s the boss of the household, making sure everyone knows their place—and he doesn’t shy away from using his claws to enforce his rules. Max is the defender of his territory, always ready to take on any intruder.

What this type needs: Cats like Max need to feel in control, managing their lives without interference. They may be overly concerned with justice, so they will not appreciate other cats in your home receiving extra love or treats. You may find yourself more attuned to fairness if you live with a challenger!

Cat Type 9: The Peacemaker

Finally, we have Bella, the serene and harmonious peacemaker. Bella dislikes conflict and will do anything to keep the peace. She’s the cat that will snuggle up with any creature, be it another cat, a dog, or a human. Bella’s calming presence can bring tranquility to your home. She’s content to lounge around most days, enjoying life’s simple pleasures while also making sure everyone gets along.

What this type needs: Bella thrives when she’s in harmony with others in her environment. She needs stability and appreciates routine. Cats like Bella want to feel valued and believe that “life is good.” You may find them checking in with the other animals in your home, offering a lick of encouragement.

Did you notice your feline roommate in any of the personality types above? Indeed, just like humans, cats have their unique personalities and quirks. The Enneagram can be a playful and insightful way to consider their needs. So, whether your cat is a meticulous Perfectionist or an adventurous Enthusiast, try embracing their individuality to understand them better and deepen the bond you share.

Want more cat-inspired wisdom? Read “5 Spiritual Lessons We Learn from Cats.”