Very very loyal and doglike in their protection of their people. Mine will growl and lunge if someone unexpected comes in the door at night, but she backs off when she recognizes them. Called my brother over to kill an enormous spider once And he came over at 1130 at night and I thought Izzy was gonna attack him coming in the dark room off of the porch until she recognized him as safe. She always knows where everyone is and will cry if she can't get to me at night when I'm sleeping . Very intelligent cat. I can't imagine life without my best friend.