What are the Characteristics of a Cat Type Man and a Dog Type Man?

A man and a cat (Pixabay.com/buffalobrian)

Have you ever heard of cat men and dog men? In Japan, “cat men” (ネコ系男子 – neko-kei danshi) and “dog men” (犬系男子 – inu-kei danshi) are widely known personality types that are often used to classify men based on their behavior, characteristics, and style of interacting with others. While simple, these classifications offer interesting insights into Japanese society’s views on the ideal man and the dynamics of romantic relationships. Let’s dive deeper into the differences, characteristics, and behaviors of cat men and dog men in Japan.

Cat Type Man: Mysterious and Independent

Cat men are often described as mysterious, independent, and a little unapproachable. They have a charming and calm aura, like a graceful and calm cat. Their ability to keep their distance and show a cool side makes them seem more interesting and challenging. Here are some characteristics of a cat man:

Independent and Self-Reliant: They are not overly dependent on others and are able to take care of themselves well. They do not need a lot of attention and tend to do things on their own. This does not mean that they are antisocial, it just means that they enjoy being alone and have a strong sense of personal space.

Mysterious and Unpredictable: Cat men often keep their feelings to themselves and do not easily express their emotions openly. They have hidden depths, making others curious and wanting to know them better. This uncertainty is what makes them attractive.

Graceful and Polite: They tend to have a neat and well-groomed appearance. Their movements are elegant and smooth, like the graceful movements of a cat. They are also generally polite and careful in their speech.

Be Smart in Choosing Words: They are careful in choosing their words and rarely talk too much. Their communication tends to be short, concise, and to the point.

Flexible and Adaptive: Although they appear calm, they are quite flexible and able to adapt to various situations. They can easily blend in different social environments.

Enjoy Subtle Compliments: They won’t overdo the compliments, but the compliments they give are often sincere and meaningful. This makes their compliments feel more special.

Have High Self-Confidence: Their confidence is not seen in their arrogance, but in their poise and grace. They know what they want and do not hesitate to go after it.

Illustration of man and cat

Dog Type Man: Loyal and Friendly

Unlike cat type men, dog type men are more friendly, loyal, and extroverted. They are like dogs who are full of energy and always want to be close to the people they love. Here are some of their characteristics:

Friendly and Extrovert: They enjoy interacting with others and are sociable. They usually have many friends and are known for their friendliness.

Faithful and Loyal: They are very loyal to the people they love and are always ready to help. They will always be there for their friends and partners.

Expressive and Enthusiastic: They do not hesitate to express their feelings and show their enthusiasm. They are full of energy and always excited about doing things.

Likes to Show Affection: They don't hesitate to express their affection through physical touch, such as hugging or head rubs. They love to show how much they care.

Easy to Communicate: They are communicative and easy to share stories. They will not hesitate to express their thoughts and feelings.

Likes to Play: They have a youthful and playful spirit. They are not afraid to be childish and enjoy life to the fullest.

Tends to be More Open: They tend to be more open and honest in expressing their feelings than cat-type men.

Deeper Differences: Cultural Perspectives and Relationships

A cat type man is a man who has a cat-like personality, while a dog type man is a man who has a dog-like personality. Here are the common characteristics of a cat type man and a dog type man.

The first is about where they usually go. Dog type men are mostly active outdoors, while cat type men tend to be indoors. Of course, this depends on personal preference, but it is often the case. There is also a division of Japanese personality and hobbies such as indoor and outdoor types.

Cat type men like independence and don't like to make a fuss with other people, while dog type men on the other hand have the characteristic of always preferring to be in touch with people. Unlike dog type men, cat type men like to do things their own way and at their own time and don't really like playing in groups.

Regarding how often to communicate with each other, dog type men often communicate and reply quickly. However, cat type men do not contact often and often only reply when they want to. Unlike dog type men, cat type men also have a lonely side so they seem lonely if there is no contact at all.

Dog type men have strong loyalty traits and are always pampered. However, cat type men have a cold personality and are not too spoiled. Many cat type men are actually spoiled people, but unlike dog type men, they are not easily spoiled. Cat type men also have a shy side.

Cat men are actually more jealous even though they are usually not very clingy. Dog men are good at socializing with others, but cat men feel awkward and seem dissatisfied with the fact that they are not cared for.

Dog type men are the type of people who always want to be together, holding hands and being close as much as possible, but cat type men prefer to be alone and only want to be close when they want to. When hugging, dog type men hug tightly, while cat type men hug very gently.

When it comes to decision-making, dog men tend to be more loyal, so they often prefer partners who have authority in decision-making. Meanwhile, cat men are more free-spirited and don't like being told what to do by others, so they don't like it when their partners decide even the smallest things.

The differences between cat men and dog men are not just surface behaviors. They also reflect cultural values and expectations in romantic relationships in Japan.

Cat men are often idealized for their mysteriousness, which attracts curiosity. They represent the ideal of a mature, independent man who does not need a lot of attention. In relationships, they tend to be more emotionally distant, which some Japanese women can see as a form of grace and self-control.

Meanwhile, dog type men are valued for their loyalty and friendliness. They represent the ideal of a man who is warm, caring, and ready to provide full support. In relationships, they tend to be more expressive and show affection openly, which is considered a sign of commitment and genuine love.

However, it is important to remember that these are just generalizations. Not all Japanese men will fit perfectly into these categories. Many men have traits from both types, or even have completely different characteristics.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Label

The Japanese cat and dog male classifications offer an interesting perspective on how Japanese society views personality and relationship dynamics. While these metaphors can be helpful in understanding certain characteristics and behaviors, it’s important to avoid overgeneralization. Every individual is unique and complex, and it’s unfair to categorize someone based on a simple label. Understand that this is simply a frame of reference that can help us better understand the diversity of male personalities in Japan. More importantly, in order to judge someone, we need to get to know their personality as a whole and not get hung up on labels like these.

Thus the discussion about the general characteristics of cat type men and dog type men. Which type of man do you like? If you are a man, which type is closest to your personality?