Cat Aversion? Never, for Self-Professed Cat People
Pop culture is infamous for negatively portraying cats. Consider the Cheshire Cat, Azrael from the Smurf’s, Tom (without Jerry, of course), M.A.D. Cat (aka Furball from Inspector Gadget), Mr. Bigglesworth from Austin Powers, and the Siamese Cats from Lady and the Tramp. While fictional, they contrast sharply with the canines featured in the Lassie and Benji franchises, the Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Air Buddies, Bolt, and many, many more.
While both cats and dogs make terrific pets (and there are definitely owners of both species), cat people take a lot of heat for their companions of choice. This could have to do with various perceptions belonging to non-cat people, but it doesn’t fully explain the strange disparity between cat people and other species-specific pet owners.
Prevailing Myths
Dogs are known to be loyal, affectionate, eager to please, intelligent, and generous of spirit. Cats are perceived as aloof, uncaring, and even manipulative, resulting in the continued fight against conventional wisdom that elevates dogs and condemns cats. The bias is, of course, unfair, but aversion to cats isn’t uncommon.
Scientific Proof
Dogs have been bred for centuries to hunt alongside their human masters, protect against danger, and show utter and complete devotion. In short, humankind selected the most appealing genes – from aesthetics to personality, skills to behavior.
Cats, on the other hand, continue to demonstrate a lingering wildness inherited from their undomesticated ancestors. Indeed, many people do not understand them and unjustly perceive their independence as cold, aloof, and unsociable.
A Spade’s a Spade?
Cats aren’t genetically wired to socialize with us like dogs are, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care to share in our world. Every cat is unique, but many cat people attest to consistent affection, communication, and devotion from the felines they know and love.
They’re generally less dependent on people than their counterparts, but who could say with certainty that cats are indifferent to their owners? Certainly not cat people!
Personality Traits
There are people who proudly label themselves either “dog people” or “cat people.” Yes, there are folks who can be both, but research indicates there are human personality traits belonging to the ownership of each species. Perhaps not surprisingly, cat people are generally more artistic and intellectual, but a bit less cooperative and outgoing than dog people.
Are Cat People Misunderstood?
There is a contingent out there that believes cats spread illness, have a harmful impact on small animals and birds, and make terrible pets overall (owing to their perceived passive-aggressive natures and emotional unavailability). Please let us know if you have any questions about disease prevention or how to build a catio to control hunting.
Why Cats and Not Dogs?
People who own cats typically grew up with felines, live in smaller homes, or simply cannot provide for a dog. While many families adopt dogs for their kids to play with, single folks or seniors are more inclined to own cats. Geography also has something to do with cat people; in Saudi Arabia, for instance, dogs are seen as pests and cats are the most likely animal to keep at home.
We understand that not everyone loves cats, but cat people are, well, people too. If their choice doesn’t align with yours, be sure to at least give them kudos for loving these independent creatures. As always, please let us know if we can address any questions or concerns.