Cats will never make as good pets as dogs.
Sigh…
So scientists have been investigating genomes and come to the conclusion that anyone who has ever observed feline behaviour worked out long ago.
T S Eliot observed a hundred years ago that a cat is not a dog, now we have research to demonstrate that, er, a cat is not a dog…
Cats are their own masters. Cats stay with us because it is good for the cat and no other reason. We live with them on their terms. They are the great furry overlords and people had better get used to the idea. If they had opposable thumbs we would be surplus to requirements.
So, do I want a smelly, slobbery, devoted companion that slavishly does as I say, or do I want an independently minded creature that may, or may not, grace me with its presence?
Answers on a postage stamp, please…
I long ago decided that libertarians and confident people were more likely to have a cat. Authoritarians (and left wingers) were natural dog owners. Working dogs excepted because trained dogs do have a real role.
Yup. I have several cats:- and not a sycophant amongst ’em,
Dogs have owners: cats have staff.
NB – I suspect a similar statistical split between Apple Mac users (who are only allowed to do what Apple allow) and PC users (more likely to hate being told what they can install).
Utter drivel: I have several Macs – and for twenty plus years I’ve installed whatever I want on them – and I still can, and I still do!!
I look after several Mac and PC installations, and I find that entirely the opposite of your supposition is true. For quite some time now the primary target of most malware has been the computer’s weakest link – the human end. I’ve yet to discover a Mac user who idiotically clicks on links suggesting a particular codec or whatever needs installing – but I’ve found lots of PC users who have.
It’s the PICNIC virus – Problem In Chair Not in Computer…
The real libertarian has a Wolf. My Wolf Eingar is a constant companion and subsists on the entrails of dead gypos and small kibble. He likes to howl at the moon (don’t we all) and takes exception to certain folk for no discernable reason. I trust his judgement when it comes to folk. He trusts me. Is there a more sensible, loving and respectful mutual existence? I think not. Also from certain angles he does look very much like a cock and balls….Good boy, Eingar! http://flaxensaxon.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/my-faithfull-wolf-eingar-in-repose.html
Exactly what you said saxon I agree with that 100%
Keyboard controller error.
I read somewhere that for perfect balance you need one of each; a dog to love you and a cat to ignore you.
I have had both cat’s and dog’s as companions, I love cat’s but I am more a dog person. I am far left wing I just love dog’s. Cat’s are great but it’s all a bit snooty, I guess as someone who needs to be needed thats why I prefer dogs.
It’s all personal preference and if being a dog lover makes me a terrible person then yep I am a terrible person.
My dog enables me to get out of the house for a walk, which I would be far less likely to do if I didn’t have my dog, because some days I just can’t be bothered the world for me is a hostile place and I would rather be indoors, in fact without my pooch I would be in danger of becoming an agoraphobic. Some people may take cat’s for a walk but to me that is demeaning to a cat in a way it is not to a dog.
My last 2 dogs have both been gun one died 3 years ago at the ripe old age of 15 and I miss her every day. the other is now retired and has been since I departed my abusive marriage she is contented and happy in her retirement and adores her new master more than anyone on the planet, He has always been a cat person but he adores our pooch as much if not more than she adores him and you will never find one without the other.
Dogs maybe not as independent but they are no less intelligent and compassionate than a cat.
My dog knows when I am sad or down and she comforts me when I am like that. Something in my personal experiance cats are less likely to do.
It’s a myth to say dogs have slavish adoration for owners, my dog knew my ex was a bastard and knew when to steer well clear, hiding from him if she smelt drink on him. Dogs are far from stupid.
HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL
—————————
1. Pick up the cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm
as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either
side of cat’s mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while
holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth.
Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from under chair. Cradle cat
in left arm and repeat process.
3. Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw soggy pill away.
4. Take a new pill from foil wrap. Cradle cat in left arm holding
rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill
to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.
5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top
of wardrobe. Call spouse in from garden.
6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between the knees. Holding
front and rear paws, ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse
to hold cat’s head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler
into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat’s throat vigorously.
7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap.
Make a note to buy a new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully
sweep shattered figurines from hearth and set aside for gluing later.
8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with it’s head
just visible from beneath spouse’s armpit. Put pill in end of drinking
straw, force cat’s mouth open with pencil and blow down straw.
9. Check label to make sure that pill is not harmful to humans. Drink
glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse’s forearm
and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
10.Retrieve cat from neighbor’s shed. Get another pill. Place cat in
cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force
mouth open with spoon, flick pill down throat with elastic band.
11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply
cold compress to cheek and check records for last tetanus shot.
throw t-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
12. Call the fire department to retrieve cat from tree across the road.
Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid
cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.
13. Tie cat’s front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly
to leg of dining room table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from garage.
Force cat’s mouth open with small trowel. Push pill into mouth followed}
by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour 1/2 pint
of water down throat to wash pill down.
14. Get spouse to drive you to emergency room. Sit quietly
while doctor stitches finger and forearm and removes pill remnants
from right eye. Stop by furniture store on the way home to order
a new table.
15. Arrange for vet to make housecall.
HOW TO GIVE YOUR DOG A PILL
—————————
1. Wrap the pill in bacon and give to dog.
Get a Bengal – a cat with dog-like qualities – for the best of both worlds… 😉
Well, yes.
Years ago had 1/4-Siamese tom called “Hermann” (as in Goering – originally Hesse ) and then a small b-&-w stray kitten “Panda” & then a Borzoi (When adult she would pin you to the wall & lick you to death)
Hermann took one look at Borzoi as puppy & belted her across the room – once.
Two years later, borzoi is 80cm @ the shoulder, tom cat walks into room, dog stands to attention & salutes…
Oh & Panda slept in the warmest place – on top of the dog …..
Current unspeakably cute Birman tom-kitten, looks like butter wouldn’t melt, etc …
Five squirrels so far + two rats + yes, you get the idea …
Winter is coming on, so the warmest place is … in bed ( & I mean next to you, under the sheets) with the humans.
Err …..