The Superiority of Cats

Cats rule.  Ok, maybe not rule, but they really are my preferred pet. 

I know dog lovers would likely consider that statement an invitation to a fight but hear me out on this one. 

1.        Cats are independent 

For some this is actually a strong negative.  They enjoy a dog’s sloppy, eternal devotion to a cat’s very obvious independence.  I can see the allure of having a pet that makes it very clear that they adore you.  You know where you stand all the time.  But where’s the challenge in that?  I love that my cats welcome me at the door when I get home only when they feel like it.  On the days that they do greet me, they look for some affection and then move on their way, likely back to a nap.  I respect that. 

2.       My cats leave me alone, except when they don’t 

Cats sleep A LOT and they take that sleep very seriously.  I can go long periods of time in a day without seeing them at all. They give me my space, until they don’t.  When they are in the mood, they follow me around the house helping me with chores and making sure I pay attention to them.  They know what they want and when they want it.  I respect this too.

Notice the side eye in this picture since I am not petting her, but instead choosing to read my book

 3.       I can leave them when I go on vacation 

We can go away for several days and leave the cats with plenty of food and water and clean litter boxes and all will be well upon our return.  I have friends who have to go home during lunch to walk their dogs or pay someone else to do it.  This sounds so horribly restrictive, like having kids that you leave at home and have to constantly check on.  We also don’t have to board our cats when we go on trips.  If we are gone longer than a few nights, a friend feeds them a few times a week and again all is well upon our return.  They are flexible which allows us to be spontaneous in our lives.  I appreciate that we can come and go and they are only relatively pissed at us upon our return. 

4.       Their gifts contribute to keeping my house vermin-free 

My cats constantly show their love and affection for us by giving us gifts.  I could do without the playing with mice at 3 am in our bedroom (yikes!), but it’s the thought that counts right?  More than once there has been a mouse head on my bedroom floor a la The Godfather (leads to the question about where the rest of the body is), but my cats mean well and are so proud of themselves afterwards.  And we don’t need an exterminator, so bonus. 
 

5.       They are very vocal when we “oversleep” on the weekend 

Charlotte knows when she thinks it is time for us to get up on the weekend.  Miraculously it is close to my alarm time during the week (extra talented, maybe?).  She decides she needs affection and will actually rub against your hand with her head lifting it up until you pet her.  A girl who knows what she wants.  Then she’ll curl back up and let you sleep in.   Again bonus. 

6.       They are excellent nurses 

A cat knows when you don’t feel well and acts as an excellent nurse.  They will lay with you and not leave your side when you are sad or sick.  They may even give you a sandpaper bath if they are feeling particularly loving.  It is really very sweet and so comforting.  

7.       They are enthusiastic about my yoga and fitness in general 

I teach and practice yoga in various places in my house and my cats love to join me.  Actually, they join us for most exercise – acting as extra weight on your belly during push-ups, spotting during chest presses and snuggling up against my leg during any seated exercise.  I especially like when they climb on me during yoga or lay directly under me during down dog.  I figure people pay extra money for goat yoga, so why not cat yoga? 

8.       They are so decisive 

Open and close, open and close is pretty much how our sliding glass door is used every day.  Charlotte will scratch and literally climb all the way up the screen as if she is being chased, but when we open the door she sniffs, looks at us and walks away with attitude to lay in the sun.  Toby patiently sits and waits until you open the door and then runs away.  Is it a control thing?  Or can they just not decide?  Who knows.  But I do love springtime because I can just leave the door open for them to walk in and out as many times as they want in a row.  This seems to suit everyone best. 

9.       There is nothing quite like a purring cat  

There really is nothing like it when a cat decides to curl up with you and sleep.  Their purr of contentment is completely soothing and makes everything just feel ok.  The only negative is that it is so hard to get up when you have a happy cat sleeping in your lap!   

Did I convince you?  Maybe not, but I know other cat people would agree with me whole-heartedly.   

In all fairness I have never owned a dog.  I am quite sure dog people would have an equally long list of why dogs are best.  Preference is a funny thing, isn’t it? 

I do very much love all animals and usually enjoy my friend’s dogs, but I’m a cat lady through and through.   

But don’t even think about getting me that Crazy Cat Lady t-shirt! 😉