Cats As Companion Animals

Today's domesticated cat has become the pet of choice for a great many people worldwide. In the USA alone, more than 30 million pet cats now outnumber the dog population by many millions, with the gap increasing every day. For what reason has the domestic cat gained in popularity? What is it about this puzzling animal that appeals to so many of us?

One possible reason definitely has to be the enigmatic nature of the cat. Extremely intelligent, it possess a rare combination of personality traits not found in other houshold pets. Captivating 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 the perfect pet for single people especially, let alone a family.

This autonomous trait, a result of felines in nature living alone by themselves, gives the domestic feline a slightly cavalier attitude about life; for them, the sun does not rise and set with people, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.

The capacity with which cats survive, with  or without the aid of 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 a while; cats are delightful narcissists. This, combined with their beauty, grace, dignity, and ease of care, always makes them dsireable.

We also like cats for their ability to say, " we are your roommate, not your servant," and for their ability to realise the value in taking a 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 tray!

There's no doubt that 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 carr for them, but if we disappeared from the planet tomorrow, it#s more than likely that the cat would feel sorrowful for a (short) time, meow some, and then get on with the business of finding a furry morsel to eat - all the while lampooning the millions of aimless, grief-stricken pooches aimlessly wandering about, 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 enables the cat to decide for itself when and where it wants affection from its owner. As my grandmother used to say: "You'll never own a cat but one may choose to live with you".