What's the noun for an animal's personality?

Question

When you describe a cat or dog's personality, what's the noun for it? "My cat has this personality of ..." just sounds wrong.

This will likely depend on what the ellipsis represents. Can you provide one or two specific examples of what you want to communicate? — Chris Schiffhauer, Commented Dec 14, 2012 at 19:26
@ChrisSchiffhauer, I won't be able to provide an example. Out of nowhere I had this thought today. — grokus, Commented Dec 14, 2012 at 22:37

JLG · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-14 20:09:17Z

6

Veterinary behaviorists would call this temperament.

Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 2nd edition, defines it as:

the peculiar behavioral character and mental cast of an animal.

answered Dec 14, 2012 at 20:09

JLG

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David Smith · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-14 19:33:59Z

3

answered Dec 14, 2012 at 19:33

David Smith

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Charles · Accepted Answer · 2012-12-14 19:32:08Z

2

"Personality" is the right word. Also, they can be personable, and you can impersonate animals too.

answered Dec 14, 2012 at 19:32

Charles

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