The domesticated cat of today has become the pet of choice for huge number of people worldwide. In the United States alone, over 30 million domestic pet cats now overshadow the dog population by several million, with the gap increasing every day. For what reason has the household feline become so popular? What is it about this puzzling creature that appeals to so many of us?
The answer to this certainly has to be the ambiguous nature of the cat. Extremely intelligent, it possess a rare amalgamation of personality traits not found in other domestic pets. Beguiling and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the cat is seldom needy. It appreciates company but is also content to pass the time alone for hours at a stretch, making it an ideal pet for single people especially, let alone families.
This independent trait, a result of cats in nature living a largely solitary life, gives the domestic cat a slightly cavalier attitude for life; for them, the sun does not rise and set around people, although they will take us when they can get us, thank you very much.
The capacity cats have to survive, with or without humans may perhaps be one of the primary reasons why we like them so much. Pets (or people) that are emotionallly needy tend to grate on the nerves after some time; cats are beguiling narcissists. This, combined with their dignity, grace, beauty, and ease of care, always makes them dsireable.
Humans also love cats because they say, ” we are your roommate, not your servant,” and for their ability to recognize the value in taking a nap. And who can fail to appreciate the cat’s clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? Good luck getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter tray!
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 content to remain with us because we love them and provide for them, but if we vanished from the Earth tomorrow, it#s more than likely that the cat would mourn a bit, meow some, and then continue with the business of finding a furry little meal – all the while laughing at the millions of rudderless, heartbroken 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 forged 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”.
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