# The Influence of Cat Coat Colour, Eye Shape, and Pupil Size on Ratings of Adoptability Based on a Standardised Online Image, in an Australian Sample

## TL;DR

This study found that black cats with walnut-shaped eyes are rated as more adoptable online, likely due to perceptions of cuteness and friendliness.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific cat physical traits that influence adoptability ratings and explores their relationship with perceived cuteness and personality traits.

## Key findings

- Black cats received the highest adoptability ratings, especially with walnut-shaped eyes.
- Cuteness was the strongest predictor of adoptability ratings.
- Pupil size had no significant impact on adoptability.

## Abstract

Online cat adoption profiles let people see available cats before visiting a shelter or rescue facility. People may choose to adopt a cat based on physical characteristics or temperament traits like friendliness, but it is unclear whether these characteristics are obvious in profile photos. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of physical traits on adoptability ratings and to determine whether these traits relate to perceptions of cuteness and cat personality. We manipulated a single cat image to create 36 images with different combinations of coat colour, eye shape, and pupil size. We surveyed 624 Australian adults, each of whom looked at one image, rating adoptability, cuteness, and traits like friendliness, shyness, and playfulness. Cats with black coats had high adoptability ratings, and the black cat with walnut-shaped eyes had the highest adoptability rating. Pupil size did not have an impact. Adoptability was also influenced by whether the cat was perceived as cute, friendly, and shy, with cuteness being the strongest contributor to adoptability ratings. Black cats had the highest ratings for desirable traits, like cuteness and friendliness. Shelters and rescues can use this information to ensure that profile photos reflect desirable cat traits.

Online pet adoption profiles, which present images of available pets, can create powerful first impressions. Research about factors influencing pet adoptability online is limited and has mainly focused on dogs, yet cats are also in need of homes. People may judge a cat’s behaviour based on physical factors, like coat colour, eye shape, and pupil size. This study aimed to determine whether those physical traits relate to cat adoptability and, if so, whether they might do this through influencing perceptions of cuteness and specific behaviours. Australian adults (N = 624) were surveyed online using a single cat image that was modified to have all possible combinations of four different coat colours, three eye shapes, and three pupil sizes. Adoptability scores varied significantly with the cat’s coat colour and eye shape, but not pupil size. Black cats with walnut-shaped eyes had the highest adoptability ratings. A stepwise multiple regression determined seven variables influencing adoptability scores, including the degree to which the image was rated as cute, friendly, shy, active, difficult, playful, and devoted. Cuteness had the strongest influence, explaining 34% of the model variance. Multiple two-way ANOVAs compared these seven variables across combinations of coat colour and eye shape, with black cats being perceived as significantly more friendly and playful. This information may help animal adoption agencies understand how cats’ physical features can be utilised in online profiles to enhance adoption outcomes.