Critter talk: Why do we diss cats in favor of dogs?

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Did you know that despite the fact that cats rank as the number one pet in the US (population-wise, anyway), most companion animal veterinary spending happens in the canine arena. What’s up with that?

Based on feline history, things should be way different. After all, cats were the revered species of an entire civilization (Egypt). One cat was the pampered pet of Muhammed. Literary figures like T.S. Eliot were awash in them. Nonetheless, the reality of their renowned independence, scavenger ways and cheap-to-keep lore submerges them well below dog status — even in North America where they get the best care … if you count the dollars, that is.

Even so, U.S. cat owners spend less than half of what dog owners do on their beloved pets: Cats get cheaper food, fewer toys, are far less likely to wear fine collars, get almost no grooming, suffer less frequent and less appropriate healthcare, and (as I wrote a few posts ago) they often survive outdoors under squalid and largely unsafe conditions.

As a vet I see it every day. Cat owners are generally less aggressive about seeking healthcare for their charges, and when they do, they balk at the estimates with greater alacrity than dog owners do.

Here are some questions to ponder: Is it that cats are less obviously companionable than dogs? Less likely to engender feelings of empathy? Are they just plain harder to get close to? Is it that they do so much on their own that it seems they need us humans so much less? Perhaps there are so many cats living in our midst that those who truly care shoulder the burden of many and have less to spend on each one? Or does their ubiquity decrease their value by way of the law of supply and demand?

The answer: All of the above.

To the point, you may have read this brief satire on dogs vs. cats. It goes something like this:

Diary of a dog: Happy happy happy. Ball ball ball. Food food food. Here he is again, the king of my world! Happy happy happy…

Diary of a cat: Day 281. My captors continue to torment me with dangling objects. I hack up a furball hoping to disgust them sufficiently to gain my release…

It’s hilarious because it’s so true … up to a point.

Our cats seem so different from humans that we tend to believe they require less of us. This translates into minimal research into cat diseases (a mere fraction of what goes to our dogs), fewer feline approved medications (e.g., only one pill for pain in cats compared to about twelve for dogs), and far fewer trips to the vet.

How about leash laws and mandatory rabies tagging? Nope. They don’t get the benefit of those, either. Unprovoked dogs bite more often, sure, but who’s likelier to interact with wildlife and contract rabies? One guess.

The ironies are endless, right?

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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r
13 years ago

I have two of each, and adore them all….They each have unique personality and all get along beautifully

Jess
13 years ago

When I renew my kitty licenses, I have to provide proof of rabies shots having been done on all of them. I wonder if the different areas around the country, just have different requirements as far as cats v dogs when it comes to licenses.

I know in this area there are some low income clinics for shots and the like people can take their pets to. I would imagine a college with a vetrinarian(sp) learning program, would also be a less costly alternative for people.

I’m one of those people that believes if you bring a pet into your home, it’s your responsibility to have them checked out once in a while, no matter how much it costs you. That’s just me though and I understand many can’t do that with the high cost. There are alternatives out there for people to use, should they require the financial help.

13 years ago

“Cats get cheaper food, fewer toys, are far less likely to wear fine collars, get almost no grooming, suffer less frequent and less appropriate healthcare, and (as I wrote a few posts ago) they often survive outdoors under squalid and largely unsafe conditions.”

My cats don’t wear collars at all, don’t like them, and a fine one would be appreciated just as poorly as a cheap one.

They don’t need grooming because they groom themselves. Constantly. Other than brushing out a long-haired cat or wiping the tear stains off a white cat’s fur, there is almost no grooming necessary. They don’t roll in dead things or play in mud so they don’t need baths like dogs might.

A cat will indeed survive (if not thrive) outdoors in conditions we might not deem fit, because they are able to provide for themselves by hunting. Dogs might hunt, but will usually scavenge so even strays are dependent on man or his refuse to survive.

Dogs are inherently social, but cats have to be socialized within a certain window or they will be “feral” acting and unfit human companions (though good mousers).

Most households with pets have dogs. The ones that have cats almost always have several. If you have a multitude of cats, healthcare is going to be expensive. Cats seem to “find” their owners. Dogs are chosen by their people. A happenstance pet might not garner the love (or the investment) of a chosen one.

(Cats don’t need toys. They make their own.)

13 years ago

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Eunice Han, Michael Scott. Michael Scott said: RT @madmike1 Critter talk: Why do we diss cats in favor of dogs? http://bit.ly/bj0Bdf […]

13 years ago

Problem with cats is they don’t let you know when they are having health issues. Many vets don’t have the equipment to do proper exams. I could imagine the cost of a sonogram or MRI for a cat.

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