Why Cats Make The Best Pets
Posted by GuestW on Jan 1, 2009 in Pets • No commentsThe domesticated cat of today has become the pet of choice for a people around the world. In the USA alone, over 30 million pet cats now outnumber the dog population by several million, with the gap increasing each day. Why has the domestic feline gained in popularity? What is it about this puzzling animal that appeals to so many of us?
The answer to this definitely has to be the ambiguous personality of the cat. Extremely intelligent, it possess an exceptional amalgamation of characteristics not found in other houshold pets. Intriguing and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the domestic cat is rarely needy. It loves company but is also content to spend time alone for hours on end, making it the perfect pet for single people especially, let alone families.
This independent streak, a result of felines in nature living alone by themselves, gives the household cat a slightly cavalier attitude to life; for them, the sun does not rise and fall around people, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The capacity with which cats survive, with or without the help of humans could perhaps be one of the main reasons why we like them so much. Emotionally needy pets (or people) tend to grate on the nerves after some time; cats are delightful narcissists. This, combined with their dignity, grace, beauty, and ease of care, make them always desirable.
We also like cats for their ability to say, ” we are your roommate, not your servant,” and for their capacity to realise the value in taking a nap. And who does not appreciate the cat’s clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? Good luck getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter tray!
Cats enjoy all the consideration we humans give to them, though they will, given the chance, deny it. They are perfectly happy to stay with us because we love them and look after them, but if we vanished from the Earth tomorrow, chances are the cat would mourn somewaht, meow some, and then continue with the business of finding a furry little meal – all the while mocking the millions of rudderless, heartbroken pooches wandering around aimlessly, wondering what to do next.
If my life experience is anything to go by, closer ties have been forged with a cat when an owner doesn’t smother the animal with unwanted affection at times when the cat just wants its own space. As my grandmother used to say: “You’ll never own a cat but one may choose to live with you”.
