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ESTP · INFP cat types The Drop-In Player and The Curtain Explorer

They differ on 3 of 4 dimensions.

ESTPThe Drop-In Player

Joins in · Likes the familiar · Keeps some space · Goes with the moment

Any commotion at home brings it over to look. Wiggle its familiar old toy and it is playing at once; when it has had enough, it turns and leaves, flopping down somewhere nearby. It does not care much for being held, and its hours are hard to predict.

Read the type guide · ESTP

INFPThe Curtain Explorer

Prefers quiet · Tries new things · Stays close · Goes with the moment

It often hides behind the curtain and pops out when a paper bag rustles. After playing, it loops back to your legs, rubs against you once and wanders off again. When it sleeps and when it plays depends on the day.

Read the type guide · INFP

Four dimensions, side by side

  • Social style

    Different
    ESTP
    Joins in
    INFP
    Prefers quiet
  • New experiences

    Different
    ESTP
    Likes the familiar
    INFP
    Tries new things
  • Closeness

    Different
    ESTP
    Keeps some space
    INFP
    Stays close
  • Daily rhythm

    Same
    ESTP
    Goes with the moment
    INFP
    Goes with the moment

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.

Daily rhythm

The Drop-In Player · Resting where the game ended
ESTP · Goes with the moment Resting where the game ended

When the game ends it lies down right there on the rug, one paw still on the ball.

The Curtain Explorer · Dozing on the soft rug
INFP · Goes with the moment Dozing on the soft rug

It dozes off on the round rug when it gets sleepy, whatever the clock says.

Play may start at any hour, and one cat’s burst of energy may land in the middle of the other’s nap. Keep food, water, litter and resting places steady even when the day is not, and set up a nap spot away from where they play.

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 Drop-In Player · Coming to see what’s going on
ESTP · Joins in Coming to see what’s going on

You open the toy basket and it is beside you before the lid is off, to see what comes out.

The Curtain Explorer · Behind the curtain
INFP · Prefers quiet Behind the curtain

It watches the trees from behind the curtain, where nobody walks past.

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.

New experiences

The Drop-In Player · The old toy, a sudden game
ESTP · Likes the familiar The old toy, a sudden game

The old ball rolls and it pounces from a standing start, as if seeing it for the first time.

The Curtain Explorer · Playing in the paper
INFP · Tries new things Playing in the paper

A sheet of packing paper is today’s find: it steps in, listens to the rustle and tries another fold.

A new toy may interest only one of them. Bring new things in without taking the old ones away, and let the more cautious cat watch from a distance for as long as it likes.

Closeness

The Drop-In Player · Front row, at a slight distance
ESTP · Keeps some space Front row, at a slight distance

It sits in a low box at your feet: in the front row for whatever is going on, but not on your lap.

The Curtain Explorer · A loop, then back to you
INFP · Stays close A loop, then back to you

After a wander it loops back to you and presses its cheek into your hand.

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.

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