The domesticated cat of today has become the companion animal of choice for huge number of people worldwide. In the United States alone, over 30 million pet cats now overshadow the dog population by many millions, with the gap growing ever wider each day. Why has the domestic feline become so popular? What is it about this puzzling animal that so many of us find appearling?
One possible reason definitely has to be the ambiguous personality of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess a remarkable amalgamation of personality traits not found in other domestic pets. Intriguing and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, fastidious and athletic, the domestic cat is seldom needy. It appreciates company but is also content to spend time alone for hours on end, making it an ideal pet for single people especially, let alone a family.
This independent trait, a result of felines in nature living a largely solitary life, gives the domestic feline a slightly haughty attitude about life; for them, the sun does not rise and fall around people, although they will take us when they can get us, thank you very much.
The capability with which cats survive, with or without humans could just be one of the top reasons why we like them so much. Pets (or people) that are emotionallly needy tend to wear one down after some time; cats are charismatic egocentric creatures. This, combined with their beauty, grace, dignity, and ease of care, make them always desirable.
Humans also love cats because they say, ” we are your roommate, not your servant,” and for their ability to realise the value of a good nap. And who does not appreciate the cat’s clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? Try getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter box!
There’s no doubt that cats enjoy all the consideration we humans give to them, though they will, given the chance, never confess it. They are perfectly happy to stay with us because we love them and carr for them, but if we vanished from the Earth anytime soon, chances are the cat would mourn somewaht, meow some, and then get on with the business of finding a furry morsel to eat - all the while laughing at the millions of aimless, grief-stricken dogs wandering around aimlessly, trying to gigure out what to do next.
If my life experience is anything to go by, closer ties have been developed 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”.
