# Why is it more socially acceptable to hate cats than dogs? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 23, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175 "2013-05-23T23:06:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/1 "2013-05-23T23:06:50Z")
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.) ---
**Author:** ![Arrendajo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Arrendajo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrendajo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/2 "2013-05-23T23:24:24Z")
I haven’t notice it being socially acceptable to hate either cats or dogs. Too many people own one or the other or both. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/3 "2013-05-23T23:28:40Z")
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) ---
**Author:** ![Zago](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecccb3/32.png) [@Zago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zago)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/4 "2013-05-23T23:41:47Z")
Because dogs are slavishly devoted and cats aren’t. I love both but have only ever had cats - and I _ **love** _ my cats. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2013, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/5 "2013-05-23T23:44:12Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/6 "2013-05-24T01:05:15Z")
I personally loathe cats, but I will try to keep this civil. 1. More people simply dislike/hate cats than dogs, thus it is more socially acceptable to do so. 2. It is pretty hard to dislike dogs (for the most part) as they just come diving right in, want to lick (or hump) you and get all excited to see pretty much anyone and just beg for love and attention. 3. It is less likely to like cats that (for the most part) disappear like a shot when you open the door, ignore people or hide, and all you know is that there is that distinct odor of cat shit (and I don’t care what cat lovers say, we can smell it a mile away). 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. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/7 "2013-05-24T01:16:22Z")
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](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbycvPwr1Wg&noredirect=1) illustrates the key differences in anthropomorphic style. ---
**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/8 "2013-05-24T01:19:49Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![R3d\_Anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/aeb1de/32.png) [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/9 "2013-05-24T01:22:29Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/10 "2013-05-24T01:25:05Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Also, [this video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbycvPwr1Wg&noredirect=1) illustrates the key differences in anthropomorphic style. 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.) ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/11 "2013-05-24T01:52:25Z")
> [@Zago](#): > > Because dogs are slavishly devoted and cats aren’t. I love both but have only ever had cats - and I _ **love** _ my cats. 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. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/12 "2013-05-24T02:48:06Z")
Cats steal your breath. ---
**Author:** ![Zago](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecccb3/32.png) [@Zago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zago)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/13 "2013-05-24T03:06:52Z")
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). ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/14 "2013-05-24T03:19:43Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > 1. It is pretty hard to dislike dogs (for the most part) as they just come diving right in, want to lick (or hump) you and get all excited to see pretty much anyone and just beg for love and attention. 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. > [@](#): > > 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. And this is kind of another reason I love cats so much. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/15 "2013-05-24T03:39:46Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/16 "2013-05-24T03:43:38Z")
Because dogs love people and cats hate people. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/17 "2013-05-24T03:58:30Z")
I’ll just say this: I’ve never been chased down the street by a hostile cat. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/18 "2013-05-24T04:13:03Z")
Cats don’t care if you be hatin’. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/19 "2013-05-24T08:52:18Z")
A lot of fragile human egos can’t appreciate or respect the independence of cats. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2013, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175/20 "2013-05-24T09:05:59Z")
> [@Mister\_Rik](#): > > I’ll just say this: I’ve never been chased down the street by a hostile cat. I’ve been chased out of my garage by a hostile feral cat. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-more-socially-acceptable-to-hate-cats-than-dogs/659175.md?page=2)