Why Do We Like Cats?

Seems like a funny question, but really,
What is there in cats, that appeal so much to us, humans?

My friend's theory is that cats, by nature are very assertive, and you need to work hard in order to gain their trust (unless you )know what you're doing).
Perhapse these natural qualities of a cat translate to humans as charismatic?
Nice theory.

But what are yours?

They’re so adorable and have hilarious antics. Their bodies aren’t stiff like dogs so they feel good to cuddle with. They also have a calming nature. Even the hyper ones. It’s just the best feeling ever when they are on your lap and in your arms while purring their little heads off. The way they move is so acrobatic and graceful. Their meows are just so cute too. I just love cats!

Cats all have their own unique personalities, but also shared instincts that make them do cute and funny things. They have the innocence that all animals have. Dogs are great and all, but cats aren’t as blindly loyal as they are. They decide that they like you based on how you treat them and care for them. When they give you their time and cuddles you know that they really love you.

Pitchfork said:

Seems like a funny question, but really, What is there in cats, that appeal so much to us, humans?

Click to expand...

Oh no... they asked the DEEP question that we've all sworn to never speak of!

I heard a great saying once. "Cats are domesticated, but not domestic."
Queen Bee is a great example. She's affectionate, cuddly most of the time and very friendly and sweet, but has a side to her that's all wild animal. It's like living with someone for 15 years that you never really 100% know, there's this wild side to them that most breeds of dogs don't have. (Usually a Labrador is more "domestic" than an Akita Inu, and the Border Collies are much more human oriented than the Huskies, etc. We don't have purebred cats, but I'd guess a Persian is more "domestic" than a Bengal or an F1 or F2 Savannah.)
Baby Girl is that spoiled little blonde haired, blue eyed girl that her dad thinks is the smartest and prettiest and sweetest thing ever and everyone else thinks she's a spoiled brat. But when I see this little light of my life fixate on something that might be prey then dive in for the kill with no mercy, it reminds me that she's still a predator.
Dogs remind me of a good, solid working horse that wants to work with a human rider. Cats remind me of a wild Mustang that gradually becomes a partner with a lot of work, but remain wild somewhere inside.

Because there is never a dull day when you have a cat.

They just look so good from Tigers to Singapuras.
They're cool and could watch the World end and say, "Yeah, whatever."
They have great abilities like when they jump up onto something and sort of hover a little before they land noiselessly.
They're role models for insomniacs in how to sleep.
They purr.

They are so funny and silly. Especially my Sophie. She had a bout of the zoomies the other day and made a mad leap at the big cat tree. She missed and ended up on the windowsill behind it. The shade was down and when she landed on the windowsill, she also landed on the bottom of the shade. If flew up and she did a big backflip off the tree and raced into my room and hid under the bed. She wasn't happy about it. I tried not to laugh but it was hard. She loves to sit on my lap and demands pets and scritches. She also loves to snuggle with me in the bed and will usually choose the opposite side from her sister. They do not snuggle together. Ever.

Lily is more serious. I've never seen her get the zoomies and she doesn't like to play in boxes or get into mischief like her sister does. She is a big snuggle bug though and she comes when I call her. If she's not already with me when I go to bed, I just call out to her and ask if she wants to snuggle. She always comes in. I set up her favorite blanket right next to me and she makes herself a little nest with it. They have such different personalities but they both love cuddles and attention.

I can't profess to being a "cat person"... I love my cat. She chose me and I feel privileged that she trusted me when she was in such bad shape and getting very close to death. She's very refined and I rarely see her acting anything other refined (when I do catch her playing and being silly, she quickly composes herself as if to say, " *Ahem* I... don't know what came over me."

She is sweet and loves for us to pet her. Most of all, she tolerates my crazy, noisy kids.

I had a black lab who was very cat like in behavior and personality. He was a street smart stray who had obviously been fending for himself for a while and his loyalty was earned. No one else really liked him, but he was my heart dog.

Since I have had both cats and dogs I can appreciate each of their unique and specific traits/personalities. But for now I will limit my praise to cats only. I dearly love all the cats who have graced their presence in our home. Each and every one was individual with exclusive characteristics. I can honestly say without reservation that their affection was unconditional.

Our present cat, Carleton, is a true love bug. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. My husband and I say he shows a cheeky side sometimes but he's just asserting his opinion. One of my favorite things about all the cats who have lived with us is that they want to share our bed. There's nothing more calming than a cat purring beside you when you're falling asleep.

1 bruce 1 said:

I heard a great saying once. "Cats are domesticated, but not domestic."
Queen Bee is a great example. She's affectionate, cuddly most of the time and very friendly and sweet, but has a side to her that's all wild animal. It's like living with someone for 15 years that you never really 100% know, there's this wild side to them that most breeds of dogs don't have. (Usually a Labrador is more "domestic" than an Akita Inu, and the Border Collies are much more human oriented than the Huskies, etc. We don't have purebred cats, but I'd guess a Persian is more "domestic" than a Bengal or an F1 or F2 Savannah.)
Baby Girl is that spoiled little blonde haired, blue eyed girl that her dad thinks is the smartest and prettiest and sweetest thing ever and everyone else thinks she's a spoiled brat. But when I see this little light of my life fixate on something that might be prey then dive in for the kill with no mercy, it reminds me that she's still a predator.
Dogs remind me of a good, solid working horse that wants to work with a human rider. Cats remind me of a wild Mustang that gradually becomes a partner with a lot of work, but remain wild somewhere inside.

Click to expand...

Well said.

I enjoy that they are true to their ancestry. Hence, we have Bengals. I looked into keeping full wildcats, but decided that I could only provide a less than ideal environment for them, and the time commitment was simply too great.

I like that cats are with us by their choice. It took a long time to earn the trust and friendship of our Bengal Makena, this is something I value greatly.

Our Bengal Makena, a glimpse of harness revealing that he is a pet


"Cats are domesticated, but not domestic." -There is a continuing academic debate about this. A domesticated animal is generally thought to be an animal that has been tamed (accustomed to people and safe to be around people) and displays behaviors altered to significant degree by selective breeding. Our pet cats are tame, but behaviorally identical to their wild ancestors. Cat's survival routines are the same as their counterparts living in the wild. Like you said: they are still predators. Cats have been cohabitating with us for a fraction of the time of other, fully domesticated creatures. There has not been time to breed out the predatory instincts (and we haven't really made a strong effort to do so either.) They succeed as pets simply because they are highly adaptable along with being soft and cuddly.

Some practical aspects: (for the record I love dogs, especially someone elses....lol)

Their vet bills are usually cheaper than dogs
Their food bills are cheaper than dogs
They require less of our time
They dont have to be walked
We dont have to pick up their poop.
They are smaller than most dogs
They are better suited for smaller homes than dogs
They dont require outdoor access
They are cheaper to purchase than dogs (often given for free)
They generally live longer than medium to large dogs (less heartbreak)
They are more common as pets than dogs
They can provide rodent control
They are lower/easier maintenance than dogs, dont require bathing, fur clipping
They dont generally require much training....obedience school isnt necessary
They are easier to rehome than a dog.
They are more cuddly than a dog
They are self cleaning and in general cleaner than a dog
They are usually quieter than a dog
They are social but not clingy
Landlords are generally more accepting of cats than dogs

Other benefits:

I love the affection and trust received from a cat. Unlike most dogs, these have to be earned and can be lost in a moment.

When a cat comes to say hello, wants to cuddle, allows you to pick it up, shows you its tummy....it MEANS something.

Cats have an independent side, they dont HAVE to be with you. They are not pack animals and do not instinctively seek company, making their company that much more special.

They can be amazingly graceful and athletic.

They are so soft and cuddly.

Cats purr....dogs bark. I LOVE listening to a cat purr.....especially a big tom. That deep rumble is now confirmed to lower a human's blood pressure and relieve our stress.

Now im going to watch tv with arnold and listen to his rumble. Greg is beside me, asleep on his couch.

I think a lot of people like cats over dogs because they're less demanding and responsible as a pet - though we all find that when we get cats they're just as hard work! I know a lot of working people who have cats because they wanted to get a dog though their hours would be difficult for dog ownership.
Cats are quite flexible, and don't require anything like walks (unless you choose to give your cat walks) and are fairly independent. They're hilarious and goofy, and have such a cattitude! They haven't forgotten that they were gods. I also think that owning cats is somewhat more rewarding than owning a dog, and whilst I adore dogs and would love one of my own (again, I can't because of my lifestyle), as cats like things on their own terms and are in some ways quite selfish animals (), it's so lovely when they show signs of affection as it's usually at times we least expect. Cats are the best!

I just happened to watch an old movie with Roger Moore, where he plays a misogynist and cat-lover character.

A line of the movie says:
"This is Mary [a cat]. I like cats, and I don't like the people who don't."

Later in the movie another character asks him:
"You really don't like women, do you?"
"I do not! You see? I lived together with five elder sisters and was raised by a maiden aunt. Both my parents died tragically in childbirth. Until the age of 10 I was forced to wear my sisters' hand-me-downs. Then when I married I discovered to my horror that my wife also had five sisters. All unmarried. And all expecting my support.
I find cats a far superior breed!"