Today's domesticated cat has become the pet of choice for millions of people worldwide. In the USA alone, over 30 million domestic pet cats now eclipse the dog population by several million, with the gap increasing each day. Why has the domestic feline become so popular? What is it about this puzzling animal that so many of us find appearling?
The answer to this certainly has to be the ambiguous nature of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess a rare combination of characteristics not found in other domestic pets. Intriguing and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, 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 household cat a slightly cavalier attitude for life; for them, the sun does not rise and fall with humans, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The capability cats have to survive, with or without humans could just 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 charming egocentric creatures. This, combined with their grace, dignity, beauty, 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 recognize the value of a good nap. And who does not appreciate the cat's clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? The best of luck to you in getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter box!
Cats enjoy all the attention we humans lavish upon them, though they will, given the chance, never confess it. They are content to remain with us because we love them and look after them, but if we vanished from the planet anytime soon, it#s more than likely that the cat would mourn a bit, meow some, and then continue with the business of finding a furry morsel to eat - all the while lampooning the millions of rudderless, sad pooches wandering around aimlessly, trying to gigure out what to do next.
In my experience, closer bonds 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".
No comments:
Post a Comment