# Why I don't like cats **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 26, 2011, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363 "2011-05-26T21:58:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2011, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/41 "2011-05-28T23:18:36Z")
> [@dba\_Fred](#): > > I kill flys & roaches & bugs & insects I spot on those surfaces, why should cats be exempted? Especially knowing the cat has been walking in its litter box. I don’t think I’d kill them, but I completely agree with the underlying sentiment and it’s yet another thing I Really Don’t Like About Cats. Get your nasty kitty feet off my food prep surface, dammit! ---
**Author:** ![Grapefruit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/73ab20/32.png) [@Grapefruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grapefruit)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2011, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/42 "2011-05-28T23:25:10Z")
It sounds like you are succumbing to confirmation bias about cats’ destructiveness. It’s common for people to think that cats destroy things, and it is their nature to want to scratch. So they see their couches destroyed and think that cats can’t be trained out of it, but training a cat not to scratch the furniture is just like training a dog not to steal food. You have to give them something appropriate to scratch, like a cat tree, and encourage them to scratch that instead of your furniture. Case in point, a friend was complaining about how her couches were being destroyed, so I suggested getting a cat tree or a cardboard scratcher. Her response was “It won’t work because the cat doesn’t scratch anything other than my couches!” Well, if you don’t have an alternative for it, then of course it’s going to keep going at its only option! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/43 "2011-05-29T00:04:12Z")
Our cats have their scratching posts and they use them. You just put catnip all over them. Ever seen a cat on catnip? It’s hysterical. Meanwhile, our dog has torn up the back of our sofa, too\*. It’s not that we’ve just thrown up our hands and said, “oh well, we can’t do anything!” She’s very, VERY stubborn. And it’s getting worse as she gets older. Don’t get me wrong, she can be very sweet. But she’s also very strong willed. \*It doesn’t help that Annie likes to tease her while she’s sitting on the on back of the sofa. Lexie will be sitting there, looking out the window, and Annie will sneak around the back of it, and start scratching up her. Naturally, the dog goes nuts. Then Annie comes prancing out, while Lexie continues to bark. It’s usually while I’m watching TV, too. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/44 "2011-05-29T04:54:14Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Ever seen a cat on catnip? It’s hysterical. Yes, it is. They look like they are having an endless orgasm. It’s Ecstasy for kitties. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/45 "2011-05-29T05:43:12Z")
It’s not that I don’t like cats, I’m just severely allergic to them. I like lots of animals and love them equally based on their great diversity and differences. I’m just a kind of a dogs and birds guy… obviously smarter than cats. ---
**Author:** ![desert29rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@desert29rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/desert29rat)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/46 "2011-05-29T05:49:00Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Lets see: > > - cats will poop in the same location making it easy enough to automate the process with a litter cleaning machine. Plus 1 > - dogs are terrorist defaecators who continually plant landmines that make backyards a toxic dump no matter how vigilant the owner is. Minus 1 > -cats are self cleaning. Plus 1 > -Dogs require regular bathing and actively seek turds to roll in. Minus 1 > -Cats will briefly jump in your lap and make pleasing sounds to entice you to pet them. Plus 1 > -Dogs will paint the arm of anyone within range with dog snot until they pet them. Minus 1 > -Cats will silently hunt mice and other vermin. Plus 1 > -Dogs will bark at ever !@#@% thing for hours. Minus 10 million > -Cats can be exercised from your chair with a laser pointer. Plus 1 > -Dogs require walking or some other activity. Minus 1 > > So lets tally up the list. > > - Cats +5 > - Dogs - 10,000,005 > > Cats win. Yeah. Plus, a cat also won’t try to make you feel guilty if you don’t want to throw the squeaky toy another 100 times, and it won’t bury its snout in the crotch of a visitor. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/47 "2011-05-29T05:58:08Z")
I also think cat people are sort of noncommital, nonserious, pet people. They really want a pet but don’t want the commitment and responsibility of companionship. They also tend to treat people and relationships the same way. ---
**Author:** ![desert29rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@desert29rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/desert29rat)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/48 "2011-05-29T06:06:54Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > I also think cat people are sort of noncommital, nonserious, pet people. They really want a pet but don’t want the commitment and responsibility of companionship. They also tend to treat people and relationships the same way. Well yeah, but you make it sound like that’s a _bad_ thing. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/49 "2011-05-29T07:19:56Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > I also think cat people are sort of noncommital, nonserious, pet people. They really want a pet but don’t want the commitment and responsibility of companionship. They also tend to treat people and relationships the same way. This. ---
**Author:** ![Grapefruit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/73ab20/32.png) [@Grapefruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grapefruit)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/50 "2011-05-29T07:35:05Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > I also think cat people are sort of noncommital, nonserious, pet people. They really want a pet but don’t want the commitment and responsibility of companionship. They also tend to treat people and relationships the same way. So going by your theory that people resemble their pets, does that make dog owners needy mouth breathers that are all too eager to shove their noses into other people’s crotches? ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/51 "2011-05-29T08:04:07Z")
> [@Grapefruit](#): > > So going by your theory that people resemble their pets, does that make dog owners needy mouth breathers that are all too eager to shove their noses into other people’s crotches? Ha! They don’t call it “Pussy”, fer nuttin’. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/52 "2011-05-29T09:48:48Z")
> [@Grapefruit](#): > > So going by your theory that people resemble their pets, does that make dog owners needy mouth breathers that are all too eager to shove their noses into other people’s crotches? That wasn’t his theory. If that had been his theory he would have claimed that cat people barf up hairballs and stick their assholes in their friend’s faces. His theory was that people cat people treat their relationships to their fellow humans the same way they treat their relationship to cats. Applying THAT theory to dog people would mean that dog people conduct their human relationships with a high level of involvement, commitment, interaction, and play. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/53 "2011-05-29T13:07:02Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > I also think cat people are sort of noncommital, nonserious, pet people. They really want a pet but don’t want the commitment and responsibility of companionship. They also tend to treat people and relationships the same way. Ummm, no. Not even close. I have 9 cats, 7 horses and now just one dog (I’ve had 3 at once, lost my elderly Dal 2 yrs ago, & I had to say goodbye to my 13 yo Lab on Weds ☹ ) If you think cats are easy you are mistaken. They are easiER than dogs, perhaps, but my crew still require food, attention and playtime, cleanup, meds fore the epileptic, grooming for the longhaired, the 3 who are partially outdoor cats need to be rounded up twice a day to make sure they are ok and to come in when the weather’s bad. Every cat gets daily attention, some more than others but everyone gets their turn. I know in an instant if one of them isn’t feeling well. I adore cats, if I could have as many animals as I wanted, but only one species, any species, I’d pick cats over all. And yes I may be a crazy cat lady, but I’m also happily marred to a man who is a cat person too, and understands my need for animals in my life. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/54 "2011-05-29T13:22:06Z")
> [@RealityChuck](#): > > There are – our cat was neutered and still sprays. IANAVet, but I think the critical factor is what time of life the neutering operation is performed. We had many male cats who were neutered at the recommended time – around puberty – and NEVER sprayed. The first time I observed that behavior was when we adopted a mature cat, probably 2-3 years old, and he was neutered. He sprayed every chance he got. ---
**Author:** ![phantom\_lamb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@phantom\_lamb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phantom_lamb)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/55 "2011-05-29T17:03:09Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Of course, you make it other people’s problem. And even if you bother to clean it up there is still dog crap left behind. I wouldn’t want to play volleyball in your yard. No, I don’t “make it other people’s problem”, I had a jungle of a yard. Thanks for the assumption though. > [@Magiver](#): > > Twice a year is not enough to keep a dog clean and that doesn’t include the times they roll in crap. And no, it doesn’t take 5 minutes unless you’re throwing them in the wash machine. It’s a 30 minute process that involves lathering, rinsing, drying, combing and brushing. It depends on the breed. My dog doesn’t get visibly dirty or smelly that often and doesn’t require a bath often at all. He also doesn’t roll in crap, this is something that only specific breeds ever do. Mutts are not attracted to rolling in shit. And it does take 5 minutes for me. Small dog, short hair. He dries on his own. And even if it took 30 minutes, who the hell cares? > [@Magiver](#): > > All dogs produce large amounts of snot (not drool, snot) and it doesn’t matter whose dog it is I’m always covered in it from them nudging me with their nose to pet them. No amount of petting is enough. I prefer dog snot to “playful” cat scratches. The amount of moisture I get from dogs noses is really minimal and I interact with dozens of them every day. > [@Magiver](#): > > That’s a polite way of saying dogs are needy. Whatever dude. Enjoy your litterbox cleaning. ---
**Author:** ![Palo\_Verde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/65b543/32.png) [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/56 "2011-05-29T18:27:45Z")
I love both dogs and cats. We have some of both. They are all cute, fuzzy, playful and loving. It just doesn’t have to be one or the other. ---
**Author:** ![PapSett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/57 "2011-05-29T19:08:55Z")
Now… don’t get me wrong, I am on the DOG side of the fence, but this quote from Phantom Lamb made me scratch my head in puzzlement: It depends on the breed. My dog doesn’t get visibly dirty or smelly that often and doesn’t require a bath often at all. He also doesn’t roll in crap, this is something that only specific breeds ever do. Mutts are not attracted to rolling in shit. WTF?? It does not depend on the breed… ALL dogs will occasionally roll in something smelly. And mutts are not arracted to rolling in shit… ??? Um… whatever. I have 4 purebreds, and of them, only 1, a Papillon juvinile delinquent, seems to enjoy this activity. This is not something you can say is a mutt/breed thing, that’s just ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/58 "2011-05-29T19:09:18Z")
> [@phantom\_lamb](#): > > It depends on the breed. My dog doesn’t get visibly dirty or smelly that often and doesn’t require a bath often at all. I never bathe my dog Preston. He hates it and since his fur is very stiff and slightly oily it doesn’t really have much impact. What DOES help when he gets a little unkempt is using a special sort of hook-comb I have that really grabs his fur and removes all the loose hairs. If I do that once a week, he stays pretty fresh. Totally different with my Goldens, of course, who had insane double coats of supersoft undercoat with crazy long top coat. The answer there was to shave 'em right down to the skin and bathe regularly. They looked great, like labs, only their coats were the undercoat so they were ultra-soft to pet. I used to do the same with my cocker spaniels. It’s funny that I’m so drawn to dogs that have these luxurious coats…then I shave them off. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2011, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/59 "2011-05-30T04:13:19Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > I also think cat people are sort of noncommital, nonserious, pet people. They really want a pet but don’t want the commitment and responsibility of companionship. They also tend to treat people and relationships the same way. This is a load of bullshit. If you honestly think there’s no “responsibility” or “commitment” in owning a cat, you are sadly mistaken. :rolleyes: We have six cats and a dog. When a cat wants to eat, it wants to EAT. Mine will come and cry and head butt me and scratch at my legs. Annie starts waking my mother up at 3:30 in the morning, by coming up and batting at her face, knocking things off of the dresser, and crying incessantly. When I’m washing dishes, Maggie jumps up on the sink and walks UNDER MY ARMS if she wants to eat. (Maggie is the tiniest little thing, but she eats constantly. She must have the metabolism of a hummingbird) No, you don’t have to walk them or take them outside, but you also have to scoop their litterboxes, otherwise they won’t use them. And like dogs, cats DO need to be groomed, or they’ll get more hairballs. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and feed Maggie before I go to bed. ---
**Author:** ![phantom\_lamb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@phantom\_lamb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phantom_lamb)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2011, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363/60 "2011-05-30T08:58:01Z")
> [@PapSett](#): > > WTF?? It does not depend on the breed… ALL dogs will occasionally roll in something smelly. And mutts are not arracted to rolling in shit… ??? Um… whatever. I have 4 purebreds, and of them, only 1, a Papillon juvinile delinquent, seems to enjoy this activity. > > This is not something you can say is a mutt/breed thing, that’s just ridiculous. Some breeds are more likely to do it than others. Every dog is different, obviously, so this accounts for your case. Mostly hunting/retrieving dogs tend to have the strongest instinct for poop rolling. I’ve mentioned that mutts are generally very unlikely to do it, based on everything I’ve heard, seen and experienced. We have thousands of strays (mostly mutts) in our city and there’s all kinds of poop everywhere - but the dogs don’t give a shit (heh). The only dog I have that rolls in poop is my beagle. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-dont-like-cats/583363.md?page=4)