The domesticated cat of today has become the pet of choice for millions 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 each day. Why has the household cat gained in popularity? What is it about this puzzling creature that appeals to so many of us?
One possible reason certainly has to be the inscrutable nature of the cat. Extremely intelligent, it possess a rare combination of personality traits not found in other houshold pets. Beguiling and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the cat is seldom needy. It appreciates company but is also content to spend time alone for hours at a stretch, making it the perfect pet for single people especially, let alone families.
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 around humans, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The ability cats have to survive, with or without the aid of humans could perhaps be one of the top reasons why we like them so much. Emotionally needy pets (or people) tend to grate on the nerves after a while; cats are delightful 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 capacity 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? The best of luck to you in 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, never confess it. They are content to stay with us because we love them and look after them, but if we vanished from the Earth tomorrow, it#s more than likely that the cat would mourn somewaht, meow some, and then get on with the business of finding a furry little meal - all the while mocking the millions of aimless, heartbroken pooches aimlessly wandering about, wondering 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".
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