I’m wondering why it seems, in North American society at least, more socially acceptable to hate cats than to hate dogs.
Anyone have any ideas?
(For the record, I like both cats and dogs, though I’m more of a cat lover, I suppose, and never owned a dog. Also, I’d rather this thread not turn into cat-bashing or dog-bashing.)
I haven’t notice it being socially acceptable to hate either cats or dogs. Too many people own one or the other or both.
Because dogs = a furry ball of dumb love.
Cats = reserved contempt backed by really sharp claws.
(Full disclosure: former dog lover now really wanting a cat)
Because dogs are slavishly devoted and cats aren’t. I love both but have only ever had cats - and I love my cats.
I’d say it’s because it seems like (in general) cats are less domesticated than dogs. even the most docile housecat is still a pretty effective killing machine; as though despite our best efforts they’re still finely-honed predators who tolerate us. In contrast, I’ve met some really fucking stupid dogs. You know the type; they spend most of their time wide-eyed, cocked-head, and tongue lolling out the side of the mouth. Dogs are happy to see you; cats think “oh, it’s you again.”
funny thing is, even though I’m a dyed-in-the-wool dog person, cats seem to like me. I’ve cat-sit for family & acquaintances, and me and the cat always seem to get along just fine.
I personally loathe cats, but I will try to keep this civil.
So, although I know every cat owner claims, “…but my cat is different!” - the reality is that cats are not overtly gregarious and are usually quite picky, whereas dogs are usually loveable lugs who are eager to please just about anyone.
Yes, there are always exceptions - mean, mistreated pit bulls for example or chubby, lazy cats who don’t care who touches or comes near them. But even most non-pet owners would probably agree that they would rather hang around with some goofy Beagle than a high strung Persian cat.
BTW, cats seem to know I don’t like them as they make it a point to come directly to me…I have had people look on in shock and awe and say, “My cat has never touched anyone but me in 10 years, and it jumps into your lap?!”…yeah, because it knows it is annoying the crap out of me, that’s why.
Cats that are allowed to roam are also extremely damaging to native wildlife, killing birds and small animals and spreading disease. Cats and rats are two of the most destructive alien species to be introduced in many, many places around the world.
Also, this video illustrates the key differences in anthropomorphic style.
Most of the cat hater/dog lovers I know also hate dogs that are too “pet-like” (teacup poodles, chihuahuas and so on). They believe that cats and the little yippie dogs are “useless”, and that a pet should be able to WORK. Of course, they get these big hunting dogs that require a lot of effort to train and then… are at a complete loss of things to actually make them DO, but it seems to be a bias that unable to train = unable to make do work = unproductive = worthless = worthy of contempt.
I really sympathize for cats. In fact, it’s the opposite for me. I am slightly more sympathetic towards cats and for some reason always think sad thoughts when thinking about cats. For some reason, I have a soft spot for cats.
However, mentally, I am really compassionate for both pets.
I admit that I am afraid of pets. If a dog or cat start running towards me, I run away like a girl. I am seriously unmanly when it comes to pets.
Perfect!
I don’t mind cats, but I’m allergic to them. (Most anyway, but not all. I haven’t been able to decode which.)
I agree. Dogs lovingly and fiercely revere you as an alpha members of their pack. Cats may think of you as a sort of surrogate mother figure if you make a concerted effort to get close to them, and still tend to be pretty reserved about it even then.
Cats steal your breath.
I know it’s a cliché. but there’s something about winning over the affection of a cat that is rewarding. Any dog will love you, but if a cat loves you, it’s special (start the sappy music).
This is kind of the reason I prefer cats to dogs. I don’t want to have an overly eager, smelly creature sticking its muzzle in my face (or humping my leg). Don’t get me wrong; I love my own overly eager, smelly dog to bits (although I did manage to train him not to lick or hump). Indiscriminate love, although appealing, also seems kind of cheap.
And this is kind of another reason I love cats so much.
Dogs are masculine. Men’s best friend.
Cats are feminine. The companion of neurotic women, effeminate men, and cartoon villains.
These are the perceptions.
But I think this will soon change. Men are adopting cats in increasing numbers. Today on my way home I saw a guy befriend this random cat that was perched up on a wall, looking lonely. He played with the cat for a long time before he kept on walking, and then I took his place.
Because dogs love people and cats hate people.
I’ll just say this: I’ve never been chased down the street by a hostile cat.
Cats don’t care if you be hatin’.
A lot of fragile human egos can’t appreciate or respect the independence of cats.
I’ve been chased out of my garage by a hostile feral cat.