Maybe this is one of the reasons cats are always being compared to dogs, and not vice versa. It has gone on since the dawn of civilization, and until it is brought to someone’s attention, it will continue to happen.
It’s not that I mind comparing dogs and cats; I think everyone should consider their pet options, which includes these differences.
What I mind is how the default pet standard is always a dog. Not surprisingly, this makes dogs look very very good; and makes cats seem lacking.
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One persistent complaint people have about cats vs dogs is that cats do not obey the way dogs do. It’s true; cats don’t have buttons. Cats don’t have instincts which urges them to obey a designated authority.
This is why cat training is a process of persuasion, not issuing orders. This is why we sometimes get a cat to leave our stuff alone by giving them their own stuff. This is why, when a cat is being particularly stubborn, my advice is to figure out a way of giving the cat what they are asking for.
This is no solution! someone might be saying. This is just giving in to the cat!
Well, yes, that’s true. How astute of someone. And so what?
This is only a bad solution if our goal is to triumph in a power struggle. Such a person would be better off with a dog, because the key to happy dog appreciation is to constantly triumph in a power struggle
But we are talking about cats. The key to happy cat appreciation is respectful negotiation between friends.
It’s true; cats make a lousy dog.
But then, dogs make a lousy cat.
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There’s more ways to get our cat to be affectionate in The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my CAT AFFECTION posts.
This is great, Pammy. It reminds me of what my old friend, WR (cat researcher) used to say: Cats are more like humans, it take some work. If you want it to be easier, get a dog. (He had both.)