The Case For Cats

[Ocelot II]

....My spouse and I both grew up as die-hard dog people, but now, in the clear light of adulthood, we’re a pair of cat converts. For me, at least, it’s tough to say exactly why. It’s possible that I’ve ingested a parasite that’s invaded my brain and fueled my feline obsession. But then again, I see many reasons to favor the feline. Part of it has to be their luxurious fur; their super-silent, bean-padded paws; their fluid-like flexibility. Their vertically contracting pupils, their scritchy-scratchy tongues, their pleasantly pointy ears. Their love for laser pointers, their fear of cucumbers, their affinity for boxes. I’m also probably lured in by cats’ mysterious, melodic purrs—a form of communication that most other animals can’t mimic and that humans struggle to parse. And I’m definitely gobsmacked by their ability to right themselves within a second or two of falling and so often survive, even when the plunge is many stories high.

If I’m being completely honest, maybe it’s the feline personality that’s my personal catnip. My cats are just as cuddly as any dog I’ve ever had—probably more. They’re affectionate and personable; they come running when we call; they greet us at the door. And every cat I’ve met has been such a distinct individual, such a character: bursting with strong opinions, clear-cut preferences, bizarre and memorable quirks. And those traits are steadfast. Whether they’re scared, happy, suspicious, or confused, Calvin and Hobbes are always Calvin and Hobbes. I get that cats can sometimes be contrarian. I get that their outer shell can sometimes be tough to crack. But for me, that makes them all the more fascinating. Their trust and affection is hard-won. So when it’s earned, it feels that much more meaningful.

https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/10/the-case-for-cats/671655/

[kimbutgar]

1. My husband and I also grew up with dogs but the only pets we've had together is cats

They can be so fun and sassy and you don’t have to take them out for walks on bad weather days.

[Faux pas]

2. You

don't have to bathe them and you'll never step in their poop in the yard.

[Xavier Breath]

3. I never spent any real time with cats

until I met my wife. She had four at the time we started dating some 13 years ago, and from the outset she informed me that the five of them were a 'package deal.' Those original four cats have all left us, but we now reside with (a much more manageable) two cats, the most recent joining us in mid-September. His owner died and we believe a relative of the owner unceremoniously dumped him at a shelter. Despite this rough patch, he's a big, lovable goofball and he's learning to trust us.

I too was raised with a dog and considered myself a dog person, but the years with her (and now our) cats have converted me. Cats are just so much simpler than dogs, especially in the amount of labor required to see to their bathroom needs. Sometimes we talk about getting a dog, but it never seems to get beyond talking. I just think about how much effort the walking and hopping backyard land mines will be, and I change the subject.

[wnylib]

4. I had both dogs and cats as a child, though not

at the same time. I had a couple of dogs as a young adult, but have always had a soft spot for cats, so after those two dogs, I have only had cats.

It's their quirkiness that I love. Always full of surprises and entertainment, as well as affection.

I like dogs, too, but especially now in my older years and in an apartment, a cat is easier to care for.

[EndlessWire]

5. I've had cats who were like dogs.

I had a cat who played chase and ambush with me. Such a smart cat, taught himself tricks to please me, and was very much a regular part of the family. Always at the forefront of activity. Affectionate, kind...I could go on...