NationStates Jolt Archive

In America, the feline has officially replaced the canine as the most popular pet and the beloved pet of choice. More families in the USA have cats now than dogs - and the majority of families with cats have more than one feline sharing their home. As more and more people are realizing the high risks in these modern times of letting their cat roam outdoors - (the current statistics are very grim in that outdoor only and indoor/outdoor cats without human supervision now live an average of only 2 to 3 years, versus an average of 16 to 17 years for indoor only cats), in order to keep our cats healthy and safe, we are keeping them confined indoors. It is not a coincidence, however, that as this change has taken place, the incidence of feline behavior problems such as self-mutilation, excessive self-licking, marking with urine or feces, and loud, compulsive vocalization, has been on the rise - all with no apparent physical or medical cause.

This phenomenon is not limited to house cats, but is also happening in zoos, and other areas and parks where felines are confined. Behaviorists at the San Diego Zoo, however, have discovered that simply by adding some safe, creative challenges each day within the enclosures of their Indo-Chinese Tigers, for example, keep these felines stimulated, both physically and mentally, and they are happier and live longer, without displaying some of the same compulsive behaviors as their indoor domestic. Boredom, loneliness, and a lack of challenge can be extremely stressful to cats. The feline by nature is inquisitive, social, and playful, and when their lives become so isolated, without adventures to observe or participate in, and without any trouble to get into or new things in their environment to explore, they can get depressed, and perhaps even feel no sense of purpose to their lives. This of course, can lead them to becoming lethargic and more susceptible to illness.

So, what are the options available for providing more stimulation for your own indoor cat?? The two key words that most feline behaviorists agree upon seem to be: "variety" and "randomness". Remember that indoor only cats left alone all day don't get to hear their humans voices, observe their humans interacting, witness visitors, hear appliances, phones, etc., or even receive those pats on the head and cuddles. Quite often a relatively simple solution is to - get another cat!! Taking care of 2 felines is really not much more work than taking care of one, and they can definitely keep each other company when their humans are away by wrestling, chasing each other, grooming each other, talking to each other, sleeping together, etc.

Another solution is - TOYS!! A variety of toys, given sporadically, then hidden for awhile so they don't lose their novelty is a MUST for indoor cats. Toys don't have to be expensive, either. Most cats love to chase wadded up aluminum foil, and chomp on plastic drinking straws. You can try hiding your cat's favorite toys before you leave in the morning, and create a sort of "treasure hunt" for him, which will engage his love of the hunt. (Make sure he sees you hiding at least a few of the toys!!) A special new toy with fresh catnip will often keep your cat entertained for hours - be aware that most catnip sold in pet stores is old and does not have the freshness needed for most cats to truly have a reaction to it. Fresh catnip is perfectly safe, and our adult cats love having "catnip parties" all by themselves, where they happily tear away at the toy, releasing more and more of the catnip, which they then roll in ecstatically!!

There are some motorized toys that are lots of fun, as long as you don't overdo them. These toys will often have a fur tail or look like a small mouse or rodent, but move erratically, just like a real "prey" would in the wild. This can really get your cat excited and involved in the process of trying to "catch" this unusual prey. Another fun and inexpensive thing to do is to build a "maze" out of paper grocery bags (remove any handles, of course, and use tape rather than staples for safety). My son used to do this when he was younger, sometimes attaching 20 or more paper bags, with holes cut out so that the paper bag maze would wind in and our all around our living room!! Of course, little treats and toys can be hidden along the way, and several ways "out" of the maze are provided, too.

Try setting your television (or video cassette recorder) to turn on at certain times of the day while you are away, to sports stations, or animal programs that your kitty might find interesting. Or, keep the radio turned on low a couple of days a week. Remember - VARIEY and RANDOMNESS!! Also try letting your cat into your bathroom while you are gone, being sure to keep all dangerous or sharp objects carefully put away. Ping pong balls and other small round balls in a dry bathtub can be quite fun, as can a few ice cubes, before they melt!! Many cats also enjoy climbing in and out of small cardboard boxes. If you have a small stuffed animal you are willing to sacrifice, especially one with legs and a tail, you just might find your cat adopting it and mothering it!! A good rule of thumb with toys is to always have a toy for "babying", a toy for "killing or stalking" and a toy for "carrying" at any one time, rotating them for variety, of course.

We can't forget about the importance of cat furniture, either, and the need your cat has to climb, explore different heights and surfaces, etc. A good tall cat stand with a variety of scratching surfaces will also increase your cat's sense of "territory", and will greatly add to his quality of life. And, setting up little perches or hammocks at your windows will also increase the variety your cat will be able to observe of the outdoors, which will also keep him entertained and content.

There are also a number of excellent wand toys available, which are not to be left alone with your kitty, but which are to be used interactively, with you playing with your cat. Playing with your cat in this way especially before bedtime, can be enjoyable for both of you and help your nocturnal hunter to actually settle down and sleep at night!! And lastly, a word of warning about toys - be sure to kitty-proof your home from items that a cat may find enticing, but which are actually harmful to him, such as paper clips, rubber bands, feathers, strings, or any other small items which could be ingested by your kitty. And for the soft toys, be sure they are labeled as safe for children under 3 years old as that way you'll know they don't contain harmful fillings. Remember that your domestic feline is genetically still very closely related to his and her wild ancestors. While it is our responsibility to keep our pet kittens and cats safe and indoors, we need to respect the need for this fantastic creature to use their natural instincts to stalk, hunt, meet challenges, explore their territory - in short, to be a healthy, happy and active cat!!
Link! (http://www.petstyle.com/cat/training_article.aspx?id=395&section=articles)

I thought cat lovers on here (like myself) would enjoy this article and to celebrate that cats are now more popular than dogs. :)

Remember that indoor only cats left alone all day don't get to hear their humans voices, observe their humans interacting, witness visitors, hear appliances, phones, etc., or even receive those pats on the head and cuddles. Quite often a relatively simple solution is to - get another cat!!
Why pretend that you're going to stop there? Honestly, why not just get the other 664 that you know you want, you cat-obsessed freaks.

Yay Cats!!!!

Soon, the revolution will be complete.

Soon, the revolution will be complete.

Hehe. That was a good movie :D

Cats are more compact, mobile, argueably more intelligent, and have twice the sheer awesomeness. Cat = Dog 528.0^2

It is time for an upgrade people.

While I love cats, I love dogs more. This is sad news indeed. Why are we leaving man's best friend behind? Dogs have kept us company, kept us warm, protected us, and loved us for thousands upon thousands of years. Why are turning away from them?

:(

Again, I love cats, but never thought they would become more popular than dogs!

While I love cats, I love dogs more. This is sad news indeed. Why are we leaving man's best friend behind? Dogs have kept us company, kept us warm, protected us, and loved us for thousands upon thousands of years. Why are turning away from them?

:(

Again, I love cats, but never thought they would become more popular than dogs!
Because dogs are impractical often and require more work.

I mean as much as I love cats I would bet that some of the popularity comes with the sheer amount of hours Americans work on average to start with.

I find it amusing that a long article has been posted, and the discussion is based off of the first sentence.

While I love cats, I love dogs more. This is sad news indeed. Why are we leaving man's best friend behind? Dogs have kept us company, kept us warm, protected us, and loved us for thousands upon thousands of years. Why are turning away from them?

:(

Again, I love cats, but never thought they would become more popular than dogs!

Cats are a heck of alot easier to take care of

Cats are a heck of alot easier to take care of



The hell are you smoking? You have to clean up kitty litter, fur balls, endure the cat scratching everything and meowing loudly at night.

The turrirsts have won. :(

The lolcats have won. :(

The hell are you smoking? You have to clean up kitty litter, fur balls, endure the cat scratching everything and meowing loudly at night.

I have had a cat for over 13 years and besides the litter I never seen any of the above

MY cats slept at night ... we had leather couches the ENTIRE time and not ONE scratch of any sort on them whatsoever

Either way tell you what leave a dog in the house for 2 days (of course with air conditioning and such) with a self feeding dish and plenty of watter and leave a dog in the same situation

Lets see who made the bigger mess

I love animals including dogs but they require a lot more attention

Well, if dogs are impractical, then love is impractical!

Well, if dogs are impractical, then love is impractical!

WTF

The lolcats have won. :(

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/i-can-has-best-fwend.jpg

I like dogs a lot more than cats. I think it's partly because dogs' natural predispositions are more like my own. I value loyalty and unconditional love. Dogs are more social than cats, another thing I like.

There are countless instances of dogs willingly giving their lives to protect their people. There are some stories of cats doing the same, but they're far more rare. I dislike self-centered-ness and admire selflessness. I'm a dog person, not a cat person.

I like dogs a lot more than cats. I think it's partly because dogs' natural predispositions are more like my own. I value loyalty and unconditional love. Dogs are more social than cats, another thing I like.

There are countless instances of dogs willingly giving their lives to protect their people. There are some stories of cats doing the same, but they're far more rare. I dislike self-centered-ness and admire selflessness. I'm a dog person, not a cat person.

I do love dogs too but self reliance is up there on my list and reducing the work I have to do with the crazy hours I have to keep.

I prefer pets that wouldn't eat my face if I fell and broke my spine.

WTF

It is simple. Dogs=love. If dogs=impractical, then love=impractical!

I see this trend as very poor planning on the part of the American people. Just wait until the next famine, then we'll see which is the more popular pet.

It is simple. Dogs=love. If dogs=impractical, then love=impractical!

There are a lot of unfounded assumptions in there

Either way yes love can be impractical for sure at times.

I do love dogs too but self reliance is up there on my list and reducing the work I have to do with the crazy hours I have to keep.

Self-reliance is not really important to me in a pet. Cats' self-reliance comes, from what I see, at the cost of emotional warmth, which to me, is important.

There are a lot of unfounded assumptions in there

Either way yes love can be impractical for sure at times.

Nonsense. Dogs are some of the most lovable creatures on earth, and love important than practicalities!

Nonsense. Dogs are some of the most lovable creatures on earth, and love important than practicalities!

Sometimes sometimes it is not that is sort of depending on the situation

Self-reliance is not really important to me in a pet. Cats' self-reliance comes, from what I see, at the cost of emotional warmth, which to me, is important.

Possibly ... my cat is one of the most loving creatures I have ever owned including dogs ... depends on how you raise them

Couple that with being single and actually having to work for a living and I could not realistically care for a dog the way they need to be cared for. I like animals way too much to put them in the situation of not having as much attention as they need

I have had a cat for over 13 years and besides the litter I never seen any of the above

MY cats slept at night ... we had leather couches the ENTIRE time and not ONE scratch of any sort on them whatsoever

Either way tell you what leave a dog in the house for 2 days (of course with air conditioning and such) with a self feeding dish and plenty of watter and leave a dog in the same situation

Lets see who made the bigger mess

I love animals including dogs but they require a lot more attention

I've got two words for you: doggie door. :D

I've got two words for you: doggie door. :D

Not exactly the best invention for Minnesota either way I have never owned a dog nor know anyone who had a dog that did good with self feeding food dish types of situations

And now I am in an apartment not a house ...

Possibly ... my cat is one of the most loving creatures I have ever owned including dogs ... depends on how you raise them

Couple that with being single and actually having to work for a living and I could not realistically care for a dog the way they need to be cared for. I like animals way too much to put them in the situation of not having as much attention as they need

Would your cat die to protect you? Not saying that it's impossible, it's just that it's not the way to bet most of the time.

Dogs seem to have the ability to care deeply about people who don't even deserve it sometimes.

Not saying dogs are better for everyone, but for my needs they are. Not everyone has the same values in a pet that I do.

I love cats. They stay nice and still while I shoot at them. They make good burgers too. :D

Bah dogs are better...

Well, if dogs are impractical, then love is impractical!
I was told it was...

...anyways, cats are awesome, I like that they get tired after a while of petting and want to go away and do their own thing. With a dog, one pat is often a three hour commitment.

Bunnehs r teh winrars. Dun care wut u say. [/lolspeek]

I thought cat lovers on here (like myself) would enjoy this article and to celebrate that cats are now more popular than dogs. :)


Hehe that makes me laugh. Why not both, why do many people assume that you either like cats or dogs?

Bah dogs are better...

It is all because of teh ebil Muslims :mad: :p

Link! (http://www.petstyle.com/cat/training_article.aspx?id=395&section=articles)

I thought cat lovers on here (like myself) would enjoy this article and to celebrate that cats are now more popular than dogs. :)

go cats! boo dogs!!

thankfully where we live there's a big (400 acre) park right down the road, so our cat was certainly an outdoor cat. worried a little about traffic but he was a smart cookie and never had any troubles with cars :)

i have to say the idea of keeping an "indoor cat" seems wrong. assuming i get an apartment when i move out of here, i think i'll wait a few years till i have an actual house before i get a cat.

Foolish feline fanciers and crazy canine cuddlers.

Nothing compares to the fluffy balls of cuteness that are : Rabbits!

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/MultimediaFiles/CUTE_RABBIT-458_640X480.JPG

Foolish feline fanciers and crazy canine cuddlers.

Nothing compares to the fluffy balls of cuteness that are : Rabbits!

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/MultimediaFiles/CUTE_RABBIT-458_640X480.JPG

My dog eats rabbits fairly often, cats did too,

i have to say the idea of keeping an "indoor cat" seems wrong. assuming i get an apartment when i move out of here, i think i'll wait a few years till i have an actual house before i get a cat.
indoor cats are actually healthier and live longer than outdoor cats.

My dog eats rabbits fairly often, cats did too,

Rabits are far more dangerous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcxKIJTb3Hg):eek:

I always thought my cat was suicidal, he chews on electrical cords. Now this makes sense, he is just bored to death.

indoor cats are actually healthier and live longer than outdoor cats.

When I was young, we had indoor/outdoor cats. One lived for 15 years, the other for over 17 years. *nod*

Rabits are far more dangerous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcxKIJTb3Hg):eek:


I was just waiting for someone to post that. :D

I was just waiting for someone to post that. :D

Predictable, but simply could not resist; we should heed the classics… :D

When I was young, we had indoor/outdoor cats. One lived for 15 years, the other for over 17 years. *nod*

Had one life 16 years, other 18. indoor/outdoor cats. Never any trouble from either of them, they didn't even use a litter box they just went outside.

The hell are you smoking? You have to clean up kitty litter, fur balls, endure the cat scratching everything and meowing loudly at night.

As oppose to dogs whom you have to feed daily, can not leave them overnight, have to walk them, get up in the middle of the night and take them outside.

Lets face it. A dog is way to much work. With a cat, you show them where their litterbox is and food bowl and take them to the vet.

As oppose to dogs whom you have to feed daily, can not leave them overnight, have to walk them, get up in the middle of the night and take them outside.

Lets face it. A dog is way to much work. With a cat, you show them where their litterbox is and food bowl and take them to the vet.

Dogs only need to be let outside at night when they are puppies, sick-which doesn't happen often, or when they very old.

Dogs return your attention with even more attention and love. Now, cats are loving too, but in general dogs are much more loving. Dogs and man have walked side by side for thousands of years, don't leave them behind now! :p

Dogs only need to be let outside at night when they are puppies, sick-which doesn't happen often, or when they very old.

Dogs return your attention with even more attention and love. Now, cats are loving too, but in general dogs are much more loving. Dogs and man have walked side by side for thousands of years, don't leave them behind now! :p

Cats have been domesticated for atleast 7,000 years. Though it's debatable as to which species domesticated which.

I have to be honest, I hate cats...

Why? Because they freak me out. They always look as though they are plotting my demise. My ex-girlfriend had cats and everytime I looked at them I could almost hear them thinking "Today is the day we attack!"

Dogs on the other hand, are complete idiots. I mean, I've seen my dog try to eat her own feces. Anything that attempts to consume its own waste products is obviously too stupid to pose a threat..unless its a clever ploy...maybe..:eek::eek:

*hears sound*

Fido? Whattya doing boy? Wait Fido, what are you doing with that M16? O GOD I MUST WARN THE OTHERS!! DONT SHOOT...GAAAAH!

*shots ring out and then...silence*

Cats are useless for everything including affection.

I've never seen a cat display affection to its owner, ever. Why do people want cats over dogs? Smaller and easier to maintain. We also see a large movement away from larger dogs to toy dogs because of this.

Maybe I hate cats because my neighbor owns somewhere between 16 and 7,000. So everyday they're sneaking under my car when I backup, getting into our trash, and causing my neighbor to bitch anytime one of them goes into my backyard and gets killed by my pig. My dogs are more passive to cats, where my pig is a mean territorial bitch with a hairpin temper. She's killed two and injured more, but the cats must really be stupid to climb over two fences to get to her and try to drink out of her dish.

I blame icanhascheezburger.com , this is a total disgrace :(

Cats are useless for everything including affection.

I've never seen a cat display affection to its owner, ever. Why do people want cats over dogs? Smaller and easier to maintain. We also see a large movement away from larger dogs to toy dogs because of this.

Maybe I hate cats because my neighbor owns somewhere between 16 and 7,000. So everyday they're sneaking under my car when I backup, getting into our trash, and causing my neighbor to bitch anytime one of them goes into my backyard and gets killed by my pig. My dogs are more passive to cats, where my pig is a mean territorial bitch with a hairpin temper. She's killed two and injured more, but the cats must really be stupid to climb over two fences to get to her and try to drink out of her dish.

Now I wouldn't say cats are useless for affection. Sometimes they jump up into your lap and start purring, and that is great! Also when they bring home dead critters and leave it on your doorstep they are giving you their catch, which is love, in a morbid way.

Yeah, I've noticed lots of people have small dogs, which can be very friendly at times, but many are loud creatures and ill-tempered towards everyone but their owners. People always used to look twice at my 110 pound husky/yellow lab mix. He was a giant!

Cats have been domesticated for atleast 7,000 years. Though it's debatable as to which species domesticated which.

Dogs have been man's companions for 17,000+ years. Which is man's best friend? Dogs!

Edit: On the wikipedia entry on dogs, it says that dogs split from wolves between 40,000-15,000 years ago.

Now I wouldn't say cats are useless for affection. Sometimes they jump up into your lap and start purring, and that is great! Also when they bring home dead critters and leave it on your doorstep they are giving you their catch, which is love, in a morbid way.

True. I suppose I have surrounded myself with bad cat owners, and their cats have taken after them. My other neighbor owns a chihuahua, and every day I have to really fight the urge to break in and crush its fucking skull.

My German Sheppard weighed in at 145lbs (solid muscle) at two years old. Of course his hips gave out and he had to be put down by age 8 :(

Dogs have been man's companions for 17,000+ years. Which is man's best friend? Dogs!

Edit: On the wikipedia entry on dogs, it says that dogs split from wolves between 40,000-15,000 years ago.

Wiki also says cats have been kept as pets for at least 9500 years, probably longer. Dogs are cute, but fairly useless. Cats are quite handy, not only do they take care of any rodent problems you have they also get rid of those obnoxious song birds.

I've never seen a cat display affection to its owner, ever.

True. I suppose I have surrounded myself with bad cat owners, and their cats have taken after them.Heh. I was gonna say something like this, but you did it for me. :) If you're not a good cat owner, your cat won't like you.

Wiki also says cats have been kept as pets for at least 9500 years, probably longer. Dogs are cute, but fairly useless. Cats are quite handy, not only do they take care of any rodent problems you have they also get rid of those obnoxious song birds.

Dogs can do all that and chase off more annoying pests, like Jehova's Witnesses and Mormons that don't take a hint.

Dogs are cute, but fairly useless.

"Uh wuuhhh?" - Stroke guy from Simpsons.

Wiki also says cats have been kept as pets for at least 9500 years, probably longer. Dogs are cute, but fairly useless. Cats are quite handy, not only do they take care of any rodent problems you have they also get rid of those obnoxious song birds.

Do you know anything about dogs? Have you ever owned one? Have you heard of seeing-eye dogs?

Dogs, as I have said before, have been, and continue to be used in herding, hunting, working (pulling sleds), protection, search and rescue missions (ever heard of St. Bernards in the Alps???) and companions of man for thousands of years longer than cats.

Cats do get rid of rodent problems, but do they protect people? Do they hunt for people? Do they find missing people? Not that I know of. I still love cats though, but I love dogs more!

Cats do get rid of rodent problems, but do they protect people?

ACtually yes!

ACtually yes!

What a compelling counter point.

What a compelling counter point.

You asked a question, I answered it.

You asked a question, I answered it.

You're wrong in the fact I never asked the question, and as for answering could you give me an example how domesticated cats save people?

You're wrong in the fact I never asked the question, and as for answering could you give me an example how domesticated cats save people?

For starters, they (along with dogs) can sense weather changes thus alerting their owners of pending disaster. Goes the same for earthquakes to.

whoop dee friggin' do

For starters, they (along with dogs) can sense weather changes thus alerting their owners of pending disaster. Goes the same for earthquakes to.

I would have said something along the lines of keeping the elderly company, but somehow you found an even less feasible answer. Congrats.

I would have said something along the lines of keeping the elderly company, but somehow you found an even less feasible answer. Congrats.

Less feasible? I see that your bigotry got the best of you. Good day. Come back when you actually know what you're talking about.

indoor cats are actually healthier and live longer than outdoor cats.

Well hey, indoor cats may live longer, but they are only shadows of what they could have been. I have an outdoor cat, and I know some people with indoor cats. Their cats are fat and lazy, while mine is beautiful, sleek, fit, and much more curious and active.

Well hey, indoor cats may live longer, but they are only shadows of what they could have been. I have an outdoor cat, and I know some people with indoor cats. Their cats are fat and lazy, while mine is beautiful, sleek, fit, and much more curious and active.

And will probably get killed by a car or by some other means. As to curious and activity, my indoor cat is just as curious and active as yours probably is.

I don't care for cats. They are liars, murders, sneaks, cowards and thieves. To a cat, you are nothing more than an animated object they own that brings food. I cannot tell you how many cats have sat on my lap, purred for 5 minutes straight while being pet, and then suddenly lash out with a claw for no reason at all, all the while still purring in their mocking way.

However, the reason that cats are growing so popular is because no one has time for dogs. You have to train dogs, and walk them and interact with them and bigger dogs are incredibly expensive to feed. The avergae family just doesn't have time for that sort of commitment. A cat could very well survive without you and lets you know it every day ¬¬

Myself... I'm happy with my reptiles. Small, affectionate, low maintenence and clean.

I don't care for cats. They are liars, murders, sneaks, cowards and thieves. To a cat, you are nothing more than an animated object they own that brings food. I cannot tell you how many cats have sat on my lap, purred for 5 minutes straight while being pet, and then suddenly lash out with a claw for no reason at all, all the while still purring in their mocking way.

However, the reason that cats are growing so popular is because no one has time for dogs. You have to train dogs, and walk them and interact with them and bigger dogs are incredibly expensive to feed. The avergae family just doesn't have time for that sort of commitment. A cat could very well survive without you and lets you know it every day ¬¬

Myself... I'm happy with my reptiles. Small, affectionate, low maintenence and clean.

Dogs think you're family. Cats think you're the help.

Dogs know who is in charge. So do cats. :)

Noes! I don't like cats. Theres something sinister about them. Plus I'm allergic to them.

Besides, dogs are far more fun. If I threw a ball for a cat, it'd tell me to piss off :p

Cats are better!

Be that as it may, I for one can't stand cats. They're boring, they get into too much stuff, and I don't ever want a pet that gets moodier than I do. Cats...ick.

Of course they did, cats are the perfect lazy people pet. They clean and groom themselves; they don't need to be walked; they will feed and water themselves if necessary. The number of cats owned is directly proportional to the obesity rate.

It's because we USians have more in common with cats than dogs. Vain, selfish and don't easily learn things. :p

My son Mr. Clyde the cat, the wonderful wonderful cat, isn't like other cats, of which I have had many. He's a little vain but not selfish and doesn't expect to be pampered. He isn't needy of petting but shows a lot of affection. Most self-proclaimed anti-cat people that visit actually end up liking Clyde to the point where they ask about him every time we see or hear from them later. He has been known to scratch the rug up a little but that's when he is being bratty and wants to get back at us for not keeping his litter box clean enough.

Of course they did, cats are the perfect lazy people pet. They clean and groom themselves; they don't need to be walked; they will feed and water themselves if necessary. The number of cats owned is directly proportional to the obesity rate.

May I see proof of that.

Finally the feline master-race is taking over the world!

Interesting, but certainly nothing to express with exclamation points unless you have some sort of stake in the cat breeding business.
It probably just has something to do with cats generally being cheaper to maintain than dogs and not requiring as much maintenance. With work hours increasing, wages falling in relation to inflation and general laziness an epidemic, this makes perfect sense.

Interesting, but certainly nothing to express with exclamation points unless you have some sort of stake in the cat breeding business.
It probably just has something to do with cats generally being cheaper to maintain than dogs and not requiring as much maintenance. With work hours increasing, wages falling in relation to inflation and general laziness an epidemic, this makes perfect sense.


Plus as our yards get smaller and cities become larger there is less and less room for dogs to run around.

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/i-can-has-best-fwend.jpg

OMG SO CUUUUUUTE. :p

Anyway, I suspect the increasing number of pet cats relative to dogs is directly related to the increasing number of people living in urban rather than rural areas. Dogs simply need more space than cats.

Of course they did, cats are the perfect lazy people pet. They clean and groom themselves; they don't need to be walked; they will feed and water themselves if necessary. The number of cats owned is directly proportional to the obesity rate.

I'd laugh my ass off if there was any truth to that. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qit3ALTelOo

Would your cat die to protect you? Not saying that it's impossible, it's just that it's not the way to bet most of the time.

Dogs seem to have the ability to care deeply about people who don't even deserve it sometimes.

Not saying dogs are better for everyone, but for my needs they are. Not everyone has the same values in a pet that I do.

He possibly would ... you should have heard him when someone came into my bedroom at night he was a ball of hissing and fangs till the person identified themselfs to him (as my girlfriend who he knew)

But either way I have met plenty of dogs that just lay there and look at intruders too

Either way I am not looking for a guard pet I have no need for one and in fact cant have one in this apartment anyways

Foolish feline fanciers and crazy canine cuddlers.

Nothing compares to the fluffy balls of cuteness that are : Rabbits!


Allergic to rabbits. So, not so much.

We must let the funniest of them decide!

Funny Dogs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZLAcfC8O3E)

Funny Cats (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvZosTKRV54)

:)

We must let the funniest of them decide!

Funny Dogs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZLAcfC8O3E)

Funny Cats (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvZosTKRV54)

:)

I dont know this one made me laugh too :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0zgQAp7EYw

A real tradgedy.Cats are like so-so.Do
gs are always nice,energetic,cheerful,and fun to play with.What can you do with a cat besides watch it lick itself?

A cat thread on a Saturday? You asked for it...

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A real tradgedy.Cats are like so-so.Do
gs are always nice,energetic,cheerful,and fun to play with.What can you do with a cat besides watch it lick itself?

Play with them? Cats are also very playful animals as well.

Dogs know who is in charge. So do cats. :)

So true.:p

The gradual shift from dogs to cats is just one more step in the pussification of America.

A cat thread on a Saturday? You asked for it...http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/635599750_5ec89d13c8_o.jpg

Someone was browsing the front page of Icanhasacheezeburger.com lol

Someone was browsing the front page of Icanhasacheezeburger.com lol

I can't help it, cats are so cute. Can't wait to graduate at the end of the year. Finally able to move off campus, get a job and buy a cute little kitten.

Cats have been domesticated for atleast 7,000 years. Though it's debatable as to which species domesticated which.

That I'll agree with - the second part about who domesticated whom, but the cats probably consider us their biggest failure...

I love dogs, and I'll sing their praises to the heavens-

BUT they are much to slavish for me. It's part of their intrinsic nature, and I won't fault them for it, but ...

Give me a cat every time. They are social, they are inventive, intellegent, playfull and cuddly.

My ex housemates cat is going strong at 26 years old, my remaining pair are 17 and 15.

Indoor only cats live much longer. Feral cats live a sad average of 18 months. I have done feline rescue now for nearly 25 years and the sad things I have seen and dealt with will be with me always.

I don't care wether you have a cat or a dog-

Spay and Neuter your comapnion animals.

Thousands of unwanted, unloved animals are killed every day across the US and around the world, becasue there are more animals than homes. Don't contribute to the problem!

Less feasible? I see that your bigotry got the best of you. Good day. Come back when you actually know what you're talking about.

What the fuck are you talking about?

Link! (http://www.petstyle.com/cat/training_article.aspx?id=395&section=articles)

I thought cat lovers on here (like myself) would enjoy this article and to celebrate that cats are now more popular than dogs. :)

I think the reason we like cats is that they're so much like us. You have to work to get them to like you, and they're cynical. I would never get any pet, because I'd be a horrible owner, and in person-pet relationships, who's really in charge?

Well, DUH. :D

A real tradgedy.Cats are like so-so.Do
gs are always nice,energetic,cheerful,and fun to play with.What can you do with a cat besides watch it lick itself?

my cats chew on eachother, and also one of them is really good at finding my car keys in my purse, I just have to leave it open and he will fish them out for me every time! (it totally has nothing to do with the rabbit foot key chain )

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go cats! boo dogs!!

thankfully where we live there's a big (400 acre) park right down the road, so our cat was certainly an outdoor cat. worried a little about traffic but he was a smart cookie and never had any troubles with cars :)

i have to say the idea of keeping an "indoor cat" seems wrong. assuming i get an apartment when i move out of here, i think i'll wait a few years till i have an actual house before i get a cat.

I foster cats for a charity (Cats Protection).

We often have cats that cannot be allowed outdoors. Mostly these are cats with FIV - the cat itself is healthy other than the FIV but it would be irresponsible to let them outside because they can pass it on to other cats. As well as FIV we get other cats who cannot be allowed out, maybe because they have limited sight or are elderly or other reasons.

I agree that ideally cats need their territory with room to roam outside but for some cats an apartment is an acceptable environment.

I'm assuming by your post you are in the states so I have no idea how things work. If you were in the UK I would suggest you foster for Cats Protection if you are in an apartment. There nay be a similar scheme where you live.

Link! (http://www.petstyle.com/cat/training_article.aspx?id=395&section=articles)

I thought cat lovers on here (like myself) would enjoy this article and to celebrate that cats are now more popular than dogs. :)

I remember that happened before in 1986. The two are roughly equivalent in terms of popularity.

Alright, time for my bull mastiff to get a new diet. One made up of cats three times a day, so if all mastiff owners switch the cat population will go down as the mastiffs eat a lot of the cats and espically the annoying ones that run into your yard at night.;)

Alright, time for my bull mastiff to get a new diet. One made up of cats three times a day, so if all mastiff owners switch the cat population will go down as the mastiffs eat a lot of the cats and espically the annoying ones that run into your yard at night.;)

Lolzorz.

Alright, time for my bull mastiff to get a new diet. One made up of cats three times a day, so if all mastiff owners switch the cat population will go down as the mastiffs eat a lot of the cats and espically the annoying ones that run into your yard at night.;)

Heh like to see it try with my old Boris cat (sadly passed away). I left the front door open while fixing my bike one day, and ol' Boris walks to the door to look out and someone passes who's walking a big ass alsation dog.... dog goes woof and lunges for Boris , who sits there waiting for the dog to get close then whips out 5 claws and smacks it one.
Poor dog yelped and hid behind it's owner :D

But yes he did have all the problems you get with a cat and more besides, but thats because he got rescued from an abusive household and learned not to take any s**t from anyone.

And will probably get killed by a car or by some other means. As to curious and activity, my indoor cat is just as curious and active as yours probably is.

What? Our current cat goes wherever he likes, except on the table at mealtimes, and he's fine for it. Reasonably healthy, quick, fun to be around, playful when he feels like it.

Of course, I'm not in the US, so I'm not afraid to walk three feet in case of the terrorists or a random psycho with a gun.