Today's domesticated cat has become the companion animal of choice for millions of people around the world. In the United States alone, more than 30 million domestic cats now outnumber the dog population by many millions, with the gap growing ever wider each day. Why has the household feline gained in popularity? What is it about this puzzling animal that appeals to so many of us?
The answer to this definitely has to be the enigmatic personality of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess an arresting amalgamation of characteristics not found in other houshold pets. Captivating and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the cat is seldom needy. It appreciates company but is also content to spend time alone for hours at a stretch, making it an ideal pet for single people especially, let alone families.
This independent streak, a result of felines in the wild living alone by themselves, gives the domestic feline a slightly haughty attitude to life; for them, the sun does not rise and set with humans, although they appreciate what we have to offer, thank you very much.
The capability cats have to survive, with or without humans could just be one of the top reasons why we like them so much. Pets (or people) that are emotionallly needy tend to become increasingly irritating after a time; cats are beguiling egocentric creatures. This, combined with their beauty, grace, dignity, and ease of care, always makes them dsireable.
Humans also love cats because they say, " we are your roommate, not your servant," and for their ability to recognize the value of a good nap. And who does not appreciate the cat's clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? The best of luck to you in getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter box!
Cats enjoy all the consideration we humans give to them, though they will, given the chance, deny it. They are content to remain with us because we love them and provide for them, but if we disappeared from the planet tomorrow, chances are the cat would mourn somewaht, meow some, and then continue with the business of finding a furry morsel to eat - all the while lampooning the millions of aimless, heartbroken pooches wandering around aimlessly, trying to gigure out what to do next.
In my experience, closer bonds have been developed with a cat when an owner enables the cat to decide for itself when and where it wants affection from its owner. As my grandmother used to say: "You'll never own a cat but one may choose to live with you".
