Cats are animals that have to be loved in secret in today's society. Though there are many cat lovers in this world, many shy away from their true feelings towards cats because the image that is plastered on all those that claim to love cats. there is either the lonely, old cat lady or you are just judgemental and proud like the creature you house.

There seems to be this perpetual competition between cats and dogs in the eyes of humans, where you can only love one. Cats or dogs. It is like rooting for a sports team. Red Sox or Yankees; you can't root for both. But I believe you can. Cats are just as lovable as dogs, though some may not be able to see it.

To start, kittens are so much smaller than puppies. Though puppies have a dopey playfulness about them, kittens can have a dazed frolicsomeness as well. I mean just watch some kitten videos on YouTube and tell me they aren't just as ditzy and adorable as puppies.

Yes, I will admit that cats have a more standoffish disposition, but that is just because they don't deal with stupid. If you try to talk to a cat in that high-pitched mumbo-jumbo they will look at you in a judgemental way. But you can't say that the pet voice does not warrant a look like that. I even hate myself sometimes when I talk that way. Dogs will just look at you with blissful ignorance to what is even going on, but cats understand that you are being an idiot. They keep you in check.

Cats also have a bad wrap to be rude and snappy when you try to pet them, while dogs will simply roll over at the slightest brush. Cats, like people, come in all different ways, some are super touchy while others are less so. While some cats will come and curl up in your lap like an adorable little fluffball, some prefer to be left to wonder and explore with the occasional petting. Just because they are not obsessed with you the way dogs are, doesn't mean they are mean, they are simply more independent.

Dogs are loyal creatures, and I love the comfort they bring when I am upset, but cats can do just as much comforting as dogs can. They can be just as loyal. My friend once had two cats, one was extremely affectionate, while the other kept a wide bubble between himself and all humans. One day the loving cat died from a coyote attack. After that, the aloof cats grieved so much and became so heartbroken that he is now the most touchy cat in the world. He never leaves the side of his family.

I understand some may be averse to accepting cats as loving pets into the family, but they are just as playful and joyous as dogs. Give them a chance. They can sense your dislike before you enter the room, so go with an open mind and embrace the idea of being a cat person AND a dog person.