![](https://d3ilqtpdwi981i.cloudfront.net/0ADmMIKZpbOldCi1xsJS53PYUA4=/47x0:1006x1242/425x550/smart/https://bepress-attached-resources.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/4c/f4/9b/4cf49b9d-9161-4bf5-9d25-5e601dc39977/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-30%20at%2012.23.24%20PM.png)
The aim of this study was to investigate whether men were considered more attractive when posing for a photo alone or holding a cat. Prior research suggests that women view pet owners as more attractive and dateable than non-pet owners; however, this effect was strongest with dog owners. We hypothesized that men posing with cats would be more attractive than those posing alone. Using an online survey, women viewed images of a man posing alone or with a cat and rated the men on the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Big Five Inventory. Women viewed men as less masculine when holding the cat; higher in neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness; and less dateable. These findings suggest that pets continue to play a role in women’s mate choices and dating preferences, but that a closer look at the effects of different species of pets is warranted.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shelly-volsche/25/