When exposed to something new how does your cat respond?   Almost all cats will eventually investigate a new space or a new object placed in a familiar space.   Cats are curious creatures by nature.   However each cat differs in the style of investigation he conducts.   At the extremes there are cats so bold as to be reckless or so cautious that they will become ill hiding under the bed rather than chance an encounter with the unkown environment of a busy new household.   Experience may teach the bold kitty caution, and familiarity may allow the cautious kitty to behave more boldly, but each will generally tend to approach new environments with his natural inclination for boldness or caution.

The bold cat appears to thrive on novel experiences.   He likes to be where the action is.   His postures generally reflect his confident attitude.   Standing tall, tail up, ears forward, he marches about his domain.   The bold kitty is one who goes forth with confidence in the nature of an explorer, ready to take on what ever challenges he encounters.   People are often attracted to a bold cat.   He is the cat that will most likely be described as "dog-like" by those who value canine behaviors and use the dog as a yard stick for measuring the ideal pet.   He is the cat who stands tall and either greets you or calls you to him.   A bold cat is less likely to panic and run at a loud noise or clapping of hands.   He may even find the vacuum cleaner an object of interest rather than fear and loathing.

  The cautious cat on the other hand prefers the familiar.   He will seek a safe hiding spot when placed in a new environment.   Even in a familiar environment the cautious cat will have safe zones.   His resting areas will tend to be where he can slip off easily to a safe zone if any unexpected intrusions occur.   The cautious cat generally maintains a lower profile.   He is more of a scooter than a marcher.   The cautious kitty is one who feels that careful, thorough investigation is warranted before any action is taken.   He likes to know what is around the next corner before putting himself at risk.   He prefers to have an escape route in mind as he advances his position.   The cautious cat likes to be sure that you are someone he knows and can trust before he gets too close.

  A bold or cautious nature is often the easiest of temperament traits to evaluate in a cat.   Most people have a sense of the relative level of self confidence their cats exhibit.   All other temperament attributes will be affected by the relative boldness or caution that a cat exhibits.   It is important to consider this when evaluating behavior.