Cat breeds can have wildly differing personality traits, even within the same litter

Do you think your cat has a unique personality, or is it just like others of the same breed?

'Some cats are more aloof and act like they don't really need you, then you have others that are the complete opposite - as soon as you touch them they start purring,' says Michelle Temple, co-founder of Hong Kong Alley Cat Watch.

As the owner of seven mixed-breed animals, aged between 10 weeks and eight years, and a few foster cats at any one time, Temple believes neutered males are 'without a doubt' more affectionate than neutered females. And neutered cats, in general, are more affectionate than non-neutered ones, which tend to be more territorial and want to escape from home.

She adds her bob-tailed tabby, named Weirdo, is her most unfriendly feline. 'She was nurtured exactly the same way as other cats, but she has always been very timid and scared, and does not like to be around people. She absolutely adores other cats though,' Temple says. 'There's no reason why she didn't turn out like her siblings, that are very friendly. And if she gets sick, it would be almost impossible to medicate her.'

In contrast to Weirdo, Temple's Sexy Mamma is 'so, so affectionate'. Whenever a visitor enters Temple's apartment, the cat jumps onto the stranger's chest and snuggles into their chin.

Mieshelle Nagelschneider, an Oregon-based cat behaviourist at The Cat Behavior Clinic, says some breeds are more vocal or friendly than others. 'I've worked with Ragdoll cats that are very friendly, relaxed and mellow, not a high-energy cat,' says Nagelschneider, who has completed a study on animal cognition at Harvard University.

'I've also had other Ragdolls that are very aggressive. So you can't choose a breed and get a trait that you expect.'