Comparisons
One of the most asked questions I get is whether or not Belle and Chai share similar personality traits. It’s hard to say off the bat because of how different their starts were. Chai was sick with viral/bacterial illnesses for months when I first got her, so any “kitten” traits were muted or nonexistent entirely. Belle has been a picture of perfect health, playful, inquisitive, etc. As she’s gotten older, some things have started to balance out, some have remained different. So I’m keeping a list that I’ll edit as she continues to grow. Updated 12/8/23.
What's the Same?
Similarities
- Sassy/bold personality: They both maintain these core temperament traits quite strongly.
- Spiffy: Chai only had Spiffy to harass, but Belle seems to target him more than the other cats, as well.
- Affection: Not cuddly. However, Belle has started hanging around more and more, much like Chai showed her version of affection.
- Dogs: Chai was close friends with Ghost, my husky. Belle also gets along well with him, of all my dogs, as well as my friend’s dog, also named Ghost.
- Calm: Ultra chill at places like the vet.
- Water: Fascination with water. Showers, sinks, etc.
- Pushovers: If Spiffy tries/d to steal food, they just back up and let him.
- Dislikes people: Chai took a long time to warm up to strangers visiting. Belle isn’t a fan of people, either, but she does tolerate them when we’re in public.
- Bullies: They’re both very direct in their interactions with the other cats, often forcing them off the bed or out of the room.
- Mischievous: More than the other cats, they often knock things off of counters, start trouble, and
What's different?
Differences
- Voices: Belle has low-ranging meows that are very guttural. Chai leaned on the higher end of pitches and was more “normal” sounding.
- Outgoing: Belle is curious and explores the world. Chai was content at home with me.
- Adventure: Belle goes to bars, breweries, and goes hiking. Chai was content to stay at home.
- Proximity: Chai was always near me. Belle is hanging out in the same room with me, more and more, but not always.
- Traits: Belle is inquisitive, curious, tolerant, etc. Chai was none of the above.
- Affection: You could pretty much pet Chai anywhere and she’d flop over and allow it. Belle isn’t a big fan of touch.
- Personality: Belle is more of a tomboy, while Chai was more demure.
- Weight: Belle weighs about three pounds more than Chai did, on average.
- Food motivation: Belle is highly food motivated. She hears the treat jar and comes running. Chai was happy to eat at mealtimes, but she was never obsessed with it.
- Tricks: Belle has been able to learn a number of tricks, due to her food motivation.
- Engaged: Belle is far more likely to investigate and hang around if someone is visiting or working on the house.