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ESFP · ISTJ cat types The Sunny Sidekick and The Same-Spot Regular

They differ on 3 of 4 dimensions.

ESFPThe Sunny Sidekick

Joins in · Likes the familiar · Stays close · Goes with the moment

Whoever is home, it heads for them, rubs against them and rolls onto its side. Any time is a good time for a familiar toy, and when it tires it sleeps in the sun next to someone. There is no telling when it will come looking for you.

Read the type guide · ESFP

ISTJThe Same-Spot Regular

Prefers quiet · Likes the familiar · Keeps some space · Regular hours

It naps on the same level of the cat tree and keeps choosing the same old toy. It comes out at about the same times each day, and when it has had enough company it goes back to a quiet spot on its own. It does not need someone beside it all the time.

Read the type guide · ISTJ

Four dimensions, side by side

  • Social style

    Different
    ESFP
    Joins in
    ISTJ
    Prefers quiet
  • New experiences

    Same
    ESFP
    Likes the familiar
    ISTJ
    Likes the familiar
  • Closeness

    Different
    ESFP
    Stays close
    ISTJ
    Keeps some space
  • Daily rhythm

    Different
    ESFP
    Goes with the moment
    ISTJ
    Regular hours

Where their days may overlap

On these dimensions the two type descriptions lean the same way. Similar habits can mean easy company, and also wanting the same spot at the same time.

New experiences

The Sunny Sidekick · Play now?
ESFP · Likes the familiar Play now?

The familiar ball is all it needs: it stretches out a paw and the game has started.

The Same-Spot Regular · The same old favorite toy
ISTJ · Likes the familiar The same old favorite toy

It walks past the newer toys to bat the worn cloth mouse on its usual mat.

A new cat, new furniture or a new smell is a big change for either of them. Change one thing at a time, and keep each cat’s own bed, blanket and favorite toy where they have always been.

Where each may want its own space

On these dimensions the descriptions lean in opposite directions. A difference is not a problem; it shows where each cat may need a choice of its own.

Social style

The Sunny Sidekick · Joining in
ESFP · Joins in Joining in

It sees you sit down on the floor and comes straight over, tail up.

The Same-Spot Regular · The usual window perch
ISTJ · Prefers quiet The usual window perch

Mornings find it on the same window seat, by itself, looking out.

Their days may cross only now and then, and that is fine. Keep a resting place the quieter cat can reach without passing through the busy part of the home, and let the more social one come to you for company.

Closeness

The Sunny Sidekick · A cheerful nudge
ESFP · Stays close A cheerful nudge

It brushes its whole side along your leg in passing, then turns back to do it again.

The Same-Spot Regular · Nearby, on its own seat
ISTJ · Keeps some space Nearby, on its own seat

It keeps you company from its own stool beside your armchair, with a clear gap between you.

Closeness that one cat offers, the other may not want. Watch whether the cat being approached stays, moves away or turns its head, and make sure it always has a way out.

Daily rhythm

The Sunny Sidekick · A sunny nap next to someone
ESFP · Goes with the moment A sunny nap next to someone

It falls asleep on the big cushion next to whoever is on the sofa, at no particular time of day.

The Same-Spot Regular · The same bed every night
ISTJ · Regular hours The same bed every night

Evening means the same bed, the same blanket and nearly the same hour.

One cat’s playtime may be the other’s nap. Keep the routine steady for the cat that relies on it, and offer the other a short game somewhere else when it gets going at an odd hour.

Introducing two cats

These steps are the same for any two cats, whatever their types. Go at the pace of the less comfortable cat.

  1. Give the newcomer a separate room with its own food, water, litter, hiding place and bed.
  2. When both cats are relaxed, swap bedding or other items that carry their scent.
  3. Let them see each other briefly through a secure barrier, then move on to short, supervised meetings.
  4. If either cat tenses up, go back a step and give them time apart.
Read the step-by-step introduction guide

More pairings

This compares type descriptions for fun. How two cats actually get along depends on each cat and their home. How it works