Written by: Jalyssa Lane
Contributors: Logan Sanford & Colbie Walker
In all media around the world, cats have been unfairly labeled as one of the worst pets someone could own. The hate has stemmed from people online venting about how “greedy” or “unloving” their cats can be, which has only created a mob effect in agreement. Do you think that the hate regarding cats has just become “prejudice”- or is what people say about these domestic house pets just malice?
Zilla, Age: 7 years
People who have owned cats or been around a cat know that cats are.. different. You can’t just love-bomb them and be overly affectionate with them, but you also can’t completely ignore them. So how can they be pets? Cats are complicated creatures and aren’t one dimensional- which unfortunately makes them harder for pet owners to get behind when there are options like dogs who are way more likely to cling to you sooner.
Cats have always been less prominent than their canine counterparts in house holds.Cats have a lot of boundaries and things to watch out for that make it almost impossible for them to be liked. They aren’t “easy” pets. 3.2 million cats get surrendered each year, outnumbering the 2.1 million that get adopted each year in the US according to the WAF, (World Animal Foundation Records). Costs for litter box, Healthcare, Toys, and other needs that come along with owning cats have only gotten more expensive in recent years which is “YIKES!” when it comes to pet owning.
Sunni, Age: 5 Months
Cats (Kittens, too) are far more independent than most pets, which makes up for it. When you’re out visiting friends or even in a different place, cats can function and be very separate from you without whining or making a mess of things while you’re away. Mrs. Deesha Dyvig, an english teacher here at Liberty High school, expressed that, “You can leave town without worrying about them like a dog and they don’t chew things up.” They can be completely on their own with their food, litter, and bed and still operate as a human would. It’s a total win for people that want an independent furry companion.
The thing with owning cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, turtles or anything really, is that they aren’t going to be easy, they never are. Pets aren’t human, they still need to be taken care of just like you’d take care of a baby for instance.
People have gotten lazier and want something easy and lovable. Cats aren’t going to be extremely lovable or easy creatures. Just like you and me they have boundaries and certain needs that need to be met. They can even grow up to be a lot more aggressive and anxious when you neglect these kinds of things. It’s great to get to learn something about yourself that way and your new furry friend while getting to grow thorugh the process. You won’t need to go through the hassle of trying to “win them over” later on because of the poor choices one might make while the cat is young.
