Peter Kirby-Harris explains an often confusing relationship.
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While exploring the concept of what makes a good pet and a harmonious household (often mutually inclusive), I have been asking people I know as to their pet preferences. The answers I got were surprising. Most of my male friends (not all though) expressed a preference for cats while most of the ladies I know opted for dogs. The reasons given were varied but there were some telling similarities between why many men select a cat the preferred animal companion. I’m sure there are similarities as to women’s choices on the matter but that is perhaps for another article. Here the focus is men and cats.
I have two cats and am getting a third when a friend of mine (with a cat) moves into mine. My two get on really well and sleep together on the same chair for most of the day. The introduction of the new cat could be challenging for them but as they are both very friendly I have high hopes – plus we have exhausted all the pet blog and websites as to how best to introduce cats to each other, especially when one pet has already established the house as their home. But what I am examining in this piece is why we two, both men, have an affinity for the feline. Here are my thoughts on the matter.
- Cats are mostly chilled with occasional manic moments, much like the guys I know. They need little care (claws are a problem though) will let you know if something is up and will happily spend a lazy evening in with you while you slob out in the living room.
- Cats don’t required walking or washing – this makes them extra easy. They can be left alone for a while and won’t chew the furniture (some scratching might occur in absence of claw clipping or a stretch post). They use a litter box, which although needs attention is easier than taking a pet for a walk or cleaning up a cage or tank.
- Most of my male friends lead lives that a professionally very busy and wouldn’t have time for a high maintenance pet such as a dog. Cats though are manageable.
- You do get greeted at the door, usually as a plea for ‘feed me, feed me’ but at least its predictable.
- No howling when someone rings the doorbell like many dogs I know.
- They take a while to get used to new people in your life, so won’t be an attention hog if you have friends or partners over.
Cats, in short, are pets for a man’s man, a guy who has his life in order, who can look after an animal and enjoys the affection but someone who is also active and busy and for whom downtime is to relax and unwind. In this capacity cats provide the perfect companions. Sometimes with a cat you don’t even notice they are around, sometimes they are the centre of attention. They choose to socialize with you rather than follow you around as your shadow. Cynics call this cupboard love but isn’t there a transactional component to every type of relationship? Men need to get over the idea that cats are meant for women (the crazy cat lady trope anyone?) and realize that cats are often tailor-made for the modern man.
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photo: Timothy Brown / flickr / creative commons