The 'Truth' About Cat, Dogs, AND Us...

     While growing up, in a large clan, we were never allowed a dog, as a family pet; Mom knew how much responsibility came with the territory, and, understanding children as well as she did, never buckled to the pleas of 'we'll take care of it...HONEST.', as we would occasionally, cajole of her. We were, always, feline-fanciers; this, due to my dear, Dad's, own desire for kitties. Having grown up around barn-cats, he was familiar with the 'entertainment-factor' that comes from having kittens on the premises. For this reason, we, typically, wound up owning two cats, at a time, as, kittens run 'round, playing the whole day through, til they drop, and, there's nuthin' cuter to watch! It wasn't til I moved from home, and, adopted my first canine-pet, that I learned what a remarkable, difference there exists between cats and dogs. There is, absolutely, no comparing the two. As is said...it's a 'whole 'nuther 'animal'.' As I'm a lover of God's creatures, in general, I've owned a great, array, of 'birds and beasts, over the years; but, predominantly, those of the canine and feline variety. The relationships that are formed and forged with each, cat OR dog, are as distinct, separate, special, and, unique as are each of the creatures, themselves. In so saying, the difference between cat-ownership and caring for a canine is enormous. Of course, each type, pet, requires it's own set(s) of care; but, this goes beyond walking a dog, VS. cleaning a cat-box. Dogs love you, unconditionally; this, so, evident when we witness a situation with an abused -animal; one, who so loves it's Master/Mistress, as to 'stay the course', with respect to it's loyalty for the abuser. Dogs are not stupid, they're, simply, LOYAL, and, live to serve us. Then...there are cats, who, live to serve themselves. This is one, animal, that, though they show 'love', and, affection for us, they are, completely motivated by their own sense of self-serving. There is nary a thing a cat will do that isn't satisfying it ,in some way. Cats are SMART, and, motivated by their own desire for pleasure. They 'allow' you play with them, love them, hold them...as long as they are enjoying the interaction. Unlike a dog, who will let it's 'person' to pat it, play with it, and, praise it, the whole day through, for the sheer love of it's 'human' counter-part. Frequently, over the years, I have met folks who declare, 'I HATE cats'. Naturally, they've never owned one. Yet, whenever, I've encountered a person who may have expressed such sentiment, the cat's I've owned have tended to 'win over' the party, and make a 'cat-lover' out of him/her. I may be wrong, but, I have a theory as to why folks feel finicky about felines; and, this is my 'opinion', and, nuthin' more. I believe that, cats, due to their 'self-sufficient' nature, exist for the pleasure of more, highly, evolved, souls; people who are secure within themselves, and, those who can respect and appreciate an animal of such, intrinsic, intellect and independence. I always suggest that there was a reason that the Egyptians worshiped this fine-breed, and, regarded them as "keepers of the underworld", due to believing them capable of 'psychic' ability, and, strong-perception. When people do not understand that cats are NOT dogs, and, expect them to behave as such, (as in being available, ALWAYS, to satisfy the pet-owner) often, these, same, people feel that they 'don't like cats'. Yet, often, when given an opportunity to get to know one, or, two, on a personal-level, may find themselves acquiescing. I've, also, met individuals, who, due to never owning a dog, feel this same way with respect to them. In that I've experience relationships with, both, cats and dogs, I feel 'qualified' in making this determination. In any event, owning and enjoying pets is a wonderful way to express love, to learn responsibility, and, understand what caring for another living-thing is all about. And I feel that ANY and ALL human-beings, who show love, regard, and respect for other of God's creatures, are the MOST intelligent of our-'kind'. Just Sayin'...