You know it and I know it. Cats are awesome.
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Yet, somehow cats have become the butt of domestic pet jokes.
I contend, if you don’t like cats there are two possible explanations:
You are allergic—in which case I would urge you to befriend an outdoor cat for whom nature removes the majority of that pesky dander.
You’ve had a bad-cat experience. Much like someone who can develop a fear of dogs from one traumatic incident in childhood, cats are empassioned creatures and it’s possible you simply caught a grumpy one on a bad day.
A friend of mine (Rachel Dietrich) suggested this post a while ago and it’s time to right the wrongs that have been levied against the feline species by the broader culture.
If I may, here are six reasons for which cats are candidly amazing.
1. Hygiene
Cats meticulously and obsessively clean themselves. Unless they’re way past their prime, you won’t meet a smelly cat. That sandpaper tongue is a scrubby gift from the Good Creator. Speaking of hygiene, how about the sophistication of the feline species to use a litter box? Albeit, the clay container can be both a blessing and a curse if you’re a lazy owner—but cats have an easier time adapting to civilized bathroom habits than most people.
2. Size
Some dogs can be considered lapdogs, but ALL cats will fit nicely in your lap. Cats are rarely unwieldy. Most can easily be lifted by any person—man, woman, or child. In fact, cats have this secret feature where they can be carried in a way that puts them into a kitten-like trance. Simply pinch (gently) the skin on the back of their neck, lift, and be amazed as they become catatonic in your grip.
3. Pest control
When my wife and I moved into our 1950s house in 2015, we quickly learned we weren’t the only ones attempting to make residence. Our home was bombarded with mice and other small invaders. Solution? We got some cats. The problem? Nothing but a distant memory.
4. Soothing
I can’t remember where I heard it, but it’s possible cats have healing properties!! That sounds insane, but some scientist out there claims that the signature rhythmic purr you get from a cat in zen mode works somewhat like ultrasound therapy. Don’t knock it til you try it.
5. Loyalty
This is where I feel I need to really set the record straight. Dogs have the reputation for being man’s best friend, but if you find a cat that attaches to you, you’ve found a pet soulmate. Because cats can be so picky with their closest relationships, when you find a cat that reciprocates your love, they love deeply. I have no doubt, my boy Ricky would take a bullet for me.
6. Beauty
Can I be real for a second? There are a lot of ugly dogs out there. Not just unfortunate runts of the litter. I’m talking entire breeds that make you want to double take. Cats, on the other hand, … always elegant. Always majestic. The aura of royalty and poise. Plus, I find that I can always see a little bit of a big cat (Lion, Tiger, Leopard, etc.) in even the most random housecat. Dare I say there is no more beautiful family of creatures.
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There you have it. Cats are amazing. I rest my case.
Now, some of you are thinking to yourself, “it sure seems like he was almost saying cats are better than dogs or that dogs are the more unsavory of the pet classes.”
Well … you said it, not me.
I leave you with a few pictures of some beloved furries through the years.
