As I’m lying on my bed with my cat, Maple, purring at my feet, I could never think of her as evil. Last week, my co-writer at the UD chapter of The Odyssey wrote a piece about his theory that cats are evil. "The Evil Around Us: Exposing The Cat Menace” has some interesting stories and makes a compelling argument (I may have even briefly questioned the intentions of my own pet), but there is so much evidence to prove that cats are very far from evil.

First of all, they purr. A cat’s purr alone can cure any stress, heartbreak, anger, and much more. It may be the most calming sound on this earth. The happiness their purr radiates is contagious. I challenge you to listen to a cat purr and still claim their immorality. If purring wasn't enough, when a cat snuggles up to you, it is impossible to be unhappy. Remember the last time you held a sleeping baby? Cuddling with the cat is just as great. Just by purring and snuggling, a cat has the ability to make your bad day melt away. Why would any “evil” creature do that? Well, it wouldn’t. Cats just want to see you happy.

They may not outwardly show it, but they really do care about us. For example, when I was very young, Maple was playing some kind of game and hiding under our shed. After a little while of trying to coax her out, the game grew old, and I became very worried. My mom suggested we leave her be, and eventually she would come back inside. 9-year-old me was convinced I would never see her again and walked away crying. Maple must have sensed my worry and despair because right as I took four steps toward the house she emerged from the overgrown lair and ran to me. She stayed by my side for hours after that, and it was a very long time before she played the hiding game again. If she were as menacing as the article made her and her species seem, she would not have responded to my crying like that. She put my happiness first.

Also, people always say, “cats seem disinterested” or, “they don’t show affection the way dogs do.” Being honest, yes, on some occasions I agree. Sometimes I wish my cat would be as happy to see me as my sister’s three dogs are excited to see her. But a few days ago I realized that cats just respect personal space. Cats don’t attack you every time you come home from a 20-minute trip to the grocery store, and they don’t pounce on you at 8:30 a.m. It’s great that dogs are so easily excited, but some days it's too much. Some days you need to just come home and collapse on the couch. Cats will respect that. They will come up and greet you by rubbing up against your legs a few times, then they will leave you be. If you pet them and show them you’re happy that they’re there, they will stick around. They're able to pick up on these social cues, whereas dogs don’t always have that sensor. I’m not trying to bash dogs in any way; I think it’s great that they are so enthusiastic. I’m just saying that cats respect personal space, which is better for some people.

Continuing on the subject of respect, cats know they deserve respect and they expect it. If you are bothering a cat while she is sleeping, she will make it known. Yes, this may involve her “razor-sharp claws,” but what do you expect? She cannot speak our language, and usually she has already warned you. You can tell a cat is annoyed just by the way she looks at you. She’ll get this evil glare and you can almost hear her say “please, for the love of God, just leave me alone.” And don’t be deceived; a wagging tale does not mean the same in cat language and dog language. If you pay enough attention to the cat, you’ll know to stop bothering her before she has to tell you using her “razor-sharp claws.” Cats just want respect, and they will do what is necessary to gain that respect.

*Maple's "warning" look*

Eventually, if you show your cat enough respect, she may surprise you with a present. This present will be a meaningful one that she spent hours trying to catch just for you. She selflessly gave up her napping time to catch you a gruesome, yet personal gift. Evil animals are not this generous!

Cats may disguise their love for you, but if they do show their love, it's usually in unconventional ways. This does not make them evil. I don’t agree that cats are trying to take over the world, but I can see how people would think that. Cats are just misunderstood animals that want respect and personal space (on their terms). Maybe one day, cats will be accepted for their distant dispositions and demand for respect and appreciated in all their glory.