Why DO people like cats soooo much? Cats claw your stuff, vomit on the rug, and track litter all over the house. They wake you up at four in the morning by walking on your face. They deposit cat hair everywhere, and never like riding in the car. And, yet, they are adored. My cats are so revered that I will pay to put my cat-allergic guests up in a hotel when they come to visit than oust my felines.
Predictable, curious cats make playtime fun.
Here are a few things I love about cats:
- They’re entertaining. From excited reactions to catnip and laser pointers, to the predictable occupation of a cardboard box, cats provide hours of distracting fun.
- They’re aesthetically pleasing. Graceful, always thoughtful about the placement of their paws, there’s something about the presence of a cat that makes a space more habitable, more beautiful.
So beautiful! There’s something peaceful about a kitty in a sun puddle.
- Cats are snuggly. In varying degrees, my cats like to get pets and scruffs from the humans. Vera is the flopper who waits until I am perfectly settled before plopping over on me. Lucy just likes to be in my vicinity. Bean wants the full on lap experience. As in, “Please do not move. Ever. Or I will bite you.”
My cats love to be with the humans.
- Cat politics. Who gets to perch on the highest part of the cat tree? Who comes and goes through the window to the catio first? There are places in the house that clearly belong to one cat and other places that are comfortable, communal property.
From cat tree hierarchy, to pod sleepers, cats work out their own territory.
- Cats are a good reason to come home. Seriously. I love my home and life, but the thing that convinces me to return from any vacation that my cats are waiting for me. I say this with all sincerity, yet remain dubious regarding cats actually missing me.
Do you love cats? What is it that you find so appealing about cats? Why do you put up with all of the cattiness and furballs? Share your story!
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I love everything about this post because I adore cats! Maisie and Vivian love it too! 🙂
Thanks so much Jennifer!!
I love cat politics. There’s a lot of rental properties in my street, and the cats come and go with the tenants. A few years ago every house seemed to have at least one cat, and a fellow cat-watcher and I got a lot of pleasure from their power games. Not much overt hostility; the cats all seemed to get along, but there were strategic alliances, discreet territorial takeovers, and constant shifts in who was hanging out with who. Very funny.
Sounds like a great reality TV show!
I love that moment of coming home with Mr. Bowie waiting for me!
Aww. 🙂
I’m one of those allergic people…but I love them anyway. You are right, they are interesting and beautiful.
I have so many friends, and some family, too, who love cats, but can’t get too close, or stand exposure for too long. Yet, they will risk it to give a friendly pet, followed by a long hand washing!
Same for me. I even used to let my neighbor’s cat Geri in for a visit. Sadly he died last winter…missed by many.