But none of this is true.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Cats are capable of extravagant love and great depth of devotion. But they would rarely express this to a cat skeptic, and never in a way the cat skeptic would recognize. And so the myth continues.
I think of this as the greatest Catch 22 blocking cats from better success in the pet department. In order to gain a cat’s affection, we first have to believe it exists. Otherwise, we will misinterpret everything a cat says and does.
This is how some people use their own, disappointing, experiences to support their assertion that cats are a poor pet choice. They knew a cat, they bungled the relationship, and now it’s the cat’s fault.
Even if a person has good intentions, a cat will not enjoy being patted on the head, having their fur roughed up, or being teased under the label of “play.” When the cat decides we are untrustworthy lunatics and avoids us, all the skeptics learn is that, despite having been lavished with affection, cats don’t care for our love.
Cat Appreciators are equally astonished that other people don’t get it. We get love every day. It’s not difficult.
I think that’s because Cat Appreciators are not completely aware that what they are able to do is not a common skill. They have the ability to let cats bloom.
But, since we do so much of it in a way that is intuitive, almost instinctual; the most difficult thing about it can be explaining it to someone else.
Yet, that is probably the only way some people will finally realize that cats are wonderful pets.
Fortunately, others will take our word for it. Then they discover it for themselves. Then, when cats are slandered in their presence, they can say, “Cats can seem that way. But it means they aren’t being treated right.”
Because that’s how myths dissolve. One person at a time.
Got here from a Link or Search?
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.
The thing some people don’t seem to get: Cats are Not Dogs. But neither is a human child. If you told someone about a person who continually ignored their child, and the kid grew up distant or antisocial or even sociopathic, of course they’d blame the parent. Even ignored dogs go crazy. If you ignore someone long enough, they’ll learn to ignore you, too.
I know, it’s strange when some people are oblivious to their own bafflement that cats are not dogs. I would assume that is a “Duh!”
Such people should not get a yen for the exotic, dangerous pets, such as Anacondas.
“We get love every day.” Indeed. I’m in bed in some pain at the moment. Whilst I was talking to my husband about my medical problems, my 9 month old kitten was lying on the bed looking at me. He clearly picked up on the unhappiness in my voice, as he suddenly stretched out his paw and gently touched my hand in a very loving and comforting way. His concern and sensitivity touched us both.
That’s beautiful, Caro. Even when they are so young, they can understand our moods, and wish to comfort us.