Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Aaaah, the never-ending debate between cat lovers vs. dog lovers is alive and well. Which species of pet we choose to share our lives with depends in some part on practical matters, such as the size of our home or yard, rental restrictions, financial concerns.

Yet to a large degree, we pick our pets based on something within our own personalities. What is it about YOU that makes you most suited to live with cats? Cats have specific needs and offer specific types of rewards that differ from other species. What draws you to the incredible feline?

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PHCurious
Cat Chat Host

>> What is it about YOU that makes you most suited to live with cats? Cats have specific needs and offer specific types of rewards that differ from other species. What draws you to the incredible feline?
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I've lived with cats ever since I was a child, and both my parents were cat lovers. I learned how to take care of cats and kittens from my parents. Also, my various aunts and uncles always had cats around, so whenever I visited them I got to visit with their pets. Some of them also had dogs, but there were more cats around. So it's only natural that I'd own cats when I moved away from home. My house would be quite empty without my two cats there.

Ellen

So it's only natural that I'd own cats when I moved away from home. My house would be quite empty without my two cats there.
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>>Ellen

I need to edit my reply. Having lived with cats all my life I should realize that one doesn't own cats; they end up owning you. LOL.

Ellen

>>I need to edit my reply. Having lived with cats all my life I should realize that one doesn't own cats; they end up owning you. LOL.

And the house.....
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PHCurious
Cat Chat Host

When I was growing up I was not allowed to have a cat but I had plenty of dogs. (Mom hated cats. Si when I got married and we moved to the country-I wanted a cat as well as dogs. I like cats because of their somewhat independent nature. They tend to be unpredictible at best and have the most adorable but mischievous personalities. Also that is why I call myself Boris's human-he owns me, the house, my DH, my Mother, and anyone who happens to be around him. While some dog lovers say a cat cannot give the love to their humans like dogs can, I beg to differ with them. They just need to meet the right cat.
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Boris's Human, Pam

I personally thinks I'm a cat/dog or dog/cat person. I love both. My cats are all very loving. They like to sleep on my head and purr all night. Of course my dog couldn't sleep on my head or I would probably not be breathing in the morning but she does sleep on my feet and travels every where I go with me.
I have always had a dog and 2 to 3 cats while growing up. I got my first dog (that I remember) at age 4, and we got coco the cat when I was 7,and two more kittens right after her.

Jaime

Hadn't ever considered this question! Have had pets since I was extremely small. A dog first and then my first calico kitten at age four. Have always had both dogs and cats but don't plan to get another dog when these two go to the bridge (which we hope is still several years away). Cats are more independent and less trouble (to my way of thinking....no walking or doggy smells in the house) and I can't imagine ever being able to sleep without a furry little body somewhere against me...head, knees, crook of my elbow, wherever they decide to snuggle! Have always maintained that if I were ever in a coma, hubby should bring a cat to purr in my ear and I'd respond to that if anything! Katc

Hmmm, one reason I think, is that most dogs like/love most people. Cats are finicky. If your cat loves you, you know it's you the cat loves, not all humans. Kinda makes you feel special.

Plus, they're small enough to hug (though they HATE it) and they PURR. A furry bundle of affection (sometimes, that is).
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Sam the Monster Cat from H*LL, a real hunka hunka he-man-kit who ain't afraid of nuthin'.

I think I'm going to blame my mother for this one! She just loved cats and always had to have one (or two) around the house! She was independant to a fault and always respected those who marched to a different drummer. I'm afraid I picked up those traits and her love of felines besides. All of her children have cats, although the middle sister is not as passionate about them as the younger sister and I are!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

I never realy considered myself a "cat person" because I really love all animals and have had all types in my life since early childhood. My dad was a great animal/nature lover, so I got my love of animals from him. Up until June of 2000 when my beloved Cookie passed away, we had dogs as well as cats. Now I just cannot bring myself to bring another dog into this house. And somehow the cats just keep multiplying. Actually, I find having cats easier since you don't need to walk them. Cats just have a different way of loving you than dogs do. I can't even say cats are more cuddly in bed either because Cookie would cuddle right up in bed with us along with the cats. Sure do miss that girl. But for now my life is complete with 8 cats in it.
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Dottie
Proudly owned by The Catnip Crew...Munchkin,Casey,Maddie,Harley,Meadow,Ashley,Nicky and Mushka

Time for me to answer this question.

Like many of you, I used to appreciate the low maintenance living with cats affords. Now one of my cats is a special needs kitty, and requires much more "tending to" than any animal I've ever lived with. My life has to be scheduled around his feeding and medicine schedule, vet visits are frequent, daily chores are multiplied, etc... So low maintenance doesn't apply in my house.

Nevertheless, I remain a "cat person." Part of what attracts me to cats is that like people, you really do have to earn their love and respect. One of mine is extremely sociable and friendly, a bit of a suck-up cat who will snuggle into the lap of strangers to the home. Yet he still has to check them out first. I don't see a whole lot of other animals who do this. They tend to either stay away from strangers or hop all over them as if they've known them all their lives.

I'm continually amazed by cats' intelligence as well. It seems that almost daily they figure out something that I wrongly assumed only a human could understand. Sometimes they outsmart me. Not a day goes by without a cat bringing a smile to my face or a "Wow!" in my head.

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PHCurious
Cat Chat Host