I’m never shy about being a cat advocate. But a lot of that comes with practice. Ever since I began enjoying cats, it seems the opportunity to defend them comes up when I least expect it.

Whether it’s a friend mentioning my little menagerie, a random news report, or just the subject of the funny things animals do… if the conversation turns to pets, there will be someone who, quite unprompted, declares their dislike of cats.

Quite often, what they will say is, “But cats don’t do anything!”

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It seems that the person who doesn’t know what cats do are judging cats on activities. They don’t chase a ball, do they? (Yes, they do.) They don’t play with us! (Yes, they do.) They aren’t any fun! (Yes, they are.)

People who don’t understand cats are judging them by their own experience, which is what we all do. But because their experience is unengaged and distant, they often think that is all there is. No wonder they don’t see the point of cats. From their experience, there isn’t one! They have difficulty imagining what cats might be for.

After all, dogs rescue people from burning buildings, are helpers for the handicapped, and have other amazing talents. What could a cat possibly do?

For most people, a pet is a source of laughter and love. They engage us in all ways, from physical expressions of affection to intellectual puzzles. They are enjoyable to pet and easy to talk to. Cats do this very well.

Cats are for companionship.

Because the cat is not a hierarchal animal. They are not trying to dominate us, and we shouldn’t try to dominate them. What we have is a partnership, a friendship, a relationship.

Cats require strong interaction with our day to day routine to be happiest. Nicely enough, this results in our being happy too, since we have a little someone or someones who notice our moods and try to be of service. They can clown or cuddle, depending on their personality and our needs.

This is the wonderful thing about cats; their emotionality.

We enjoy pets along those points where their lives intersect with ours. Cats, with their keen observational skills, their desire for teamwork, and their deep emotional needs, will respond to any friendly overture with increased trust and affection of their own.

This is the Law of Reciprocity.

It means we can expect as much attention as we pay, or more.

But to wonder what they do… well, just watch them.

And appreciate them.

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