If you associate yourself with the cat fan club like I do, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
“You like cats?? But they’re tiny, furry satans!”
“Yikes, so you’re going to be a crazy cat lady one day?”
“They just lay around until they decide to scratch people.”
There’s a certain stigma aligned with liking cats more than dogs. No, we don’t plan on owning 50 cats. No, our cats aren't plotting our deaths while we cuddle them. Yes, we like dogs. We just prefer cats, and I don’t think that makes us crazy.
I live in a town that’s primarily dog-oriented. I walk around downtown and end up surrounded by pups of all breeds and ages. In a town like Charleston, S.C., outdoor cats are rare to behold so it’s easy for a cat person to feel like an outsider with all of the dog owners around. All cat people have been the subject of scrutiny simply for liking the furry little creatures more than dogs, and it's time to break that "crazy cat person" stereotype. It's funny to joke around about being a crazy cat person because the stereotype is recognized everywhere (I mean, hey, I do it in all of my bios!), but a crazy cat person isn't actually a real thing. Here are several myths - busted - about cats and their loyal people.
1. "Dogs are always so excited to have their owners come home and want attention from them. Cats could care less if their owners around."
Cats can actually be incredibly needy when it comes to attention. They communicate with each other primarily through movements, so when they meow, they're actually just trying to chat with us and get our attention. When cats knock things off of counters, they're looking for attention. Every time I come home, my cat is waiting with a welcome meow and a kitty kiss (that's the cute thing they do when they bump their noses on you). Cats can crave attention and love just as much as dogs can.
2. "Litter boxes are so gross. Why would anyone want to clean them regularly?"
For the same reason, dog owners walk outside in the pouring rain and pick up their dog's fresh, warm pile of poop. We do things that are gross because even though we love them and think that they're perfect, they still have to use the bathroom. The only difference is I can keep a litter box in a place I don't have to encounter it aside from cleaning, and I don't have to go outside in the dead of winter to watch my cat squat.
3. "You're probably going to become one of those crazy cat ladies who owns like 50 cats."
You're right. Naturally, because I like cats, all of my logic will fly out of the window. I'll want to live in a house full of so many litter boxes the house will reek of ammonia, spend hundreds of dollars a month on food and litter and be so covered in cat hair that there'll be a new sighting of bigfoot every time I walk out of my house. Naturally.
4. "Cats are evil, though. They have claws and sharp teeth and they'll attack anything!"
Have you ever actually met a real cat? It's incredibly rare that you meet a domesticated cat that will just attack for no reason. Cats and dogs alike are pretty intuitive creatures who can become on edge or even attack if they don't feel comfortable around people, so it can happen. Just like with dogs, a cat may not like a person, but most cats are incredibly sweet unless otherwise provoked. If you hear any animal growl when you reach to pet it, it's probably best that you don't pet it.
Now that we've touched on the main stereotypes, here are some reasons why cat people like cats (and why you should too).
1. Whether you’re allergic or just don't like them, you can’t deny that they’re adorable. They’re soft, little, and they have the sweetest little meows:
You tell them, little guy.
2. You can dress them up (just like you can with dogs).
There are a ton of hilarious accessories you can buy to dress up your dapper little kitty. I mean, just look at him. He's so dapper.
3. There are mutant-sized cats called Maine Coons (AKA the most magical looking creatures you will ever see domesticated).
Photographer Robert Sijka captured just how majestic they are in this portrait. It doesn't do their size justice, though. These cats are huge.
4. They're hilarious creatures.
They wiggle their butt when they want to attack something, they're the subject of the best memes and we've all seen those hysterical videos about cats' fear of cucumbers. I mean, seriously. I wasted a solid hour just watching cat videos on YouTube (fun fact: cats are afraid of cucumbers because they are inherently afraid of snakes, which cucumbers somewhat resemble).
5. Sometimes they'll leave you presents.
Sure, that present may be a dead bird, but hey...it's the thought that counts.
Last but not least, what kind of pet owner would I be if I didn't share my own cutie, Persephone, with the world:
Overall, cats are pretty cool. Cat people think cats are awesome just like dog people think dogs are awesome. It's perfectly fine to not like cats, but don't stereotype and make fun of the people who do. We all just want to love our pets.
