The domesticated cat of today has become the companion animal of choice for millions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 30 million domestic cats now outnumber the dog population by several million, with the gap increasing every day. Why has the domestic cat become so popular? What is it about this puzzling creature that so many of us find appearling?
One possible reason definitely has to be the enigmatic nature of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess a remarkable combination of personality traits not found in other houshold pets. Captivating and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the cat is rarely needy. It loves company but is also content to spend time alone for hours at a stretch, making it an ideal pet for single people especially, let alone families.
This independent streak, a result of cats in nature living alone by themselves, gives the domestic cat a slightly cavalier attitude about life; for them, the sun does not rise and set with humans, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The capability cats have to survive, with or without the help 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 become increasingly irritating after a time; cats are charming egocentric creatures. This, combined with their dignity, grace, beauty, and ease of care, make them always desirable.
We also like cats for their ability to say, " we are your roommate, not your servant," and for their capacity to recognize the value of a good 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 attention we humans lavish upon 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 planet tomorrow, chances are 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 laughing at the millions of aimless, doleful dogs aimlessly wandering about, wondering what to do next.
In my experience, closer ties have been forged 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".
