Viva la Différence

I am a dog person. My neighbor is a cat person.  There is a difference.  Not that one is better than the other, just different.  By delving into the psyche of the preferred four-legged choice, one can tell much about themselves.  It will be a harrowing journey, but one that will enlighten and broaden the horizon of acceptance and make the world a better, more peaceful place.

Dogs are a friendly and loyal bunch.  Their tails wag, they enthusiastically greet you at the door and are always glad to see you after a long day or a two-minute bathroom pit stop.  Dogs have a way of smiling that will melt your heart and listen attentively when you speak to them, heads cocked with interest.  Dogs are happiest spending time with their owners, chasing a ball, having their stomachs rubbed and eating.  Most dogs are rough and tumble, play in the mud and snow and could care less about their appearance in public.

Cats are known to be finicky.  Not that I think this is the way they really are, it is just what society expects of them and they rise to the occasion.  Being “catty” is usually not a nice thing to imply and leads to visions of snootiness and snob appeal.  Cats react to can-openers, catnip and toys that are dangled in front of their eyes.  Cats are light on their feet and will descend upon you quickly and quietly.  The façade of a cat is of utmost importance and is part of the persona that defines the outdoor cat to his comrades or an indoor cat to her owner.  Cats are obsessively clean, fastidious and proud of it.

Knowing that one size does not fit all, dogs are packaged in a range of shapes and sizes to fit assorted needs and space restrictions of its owner.  Having the luxury of being on the small side, cats are a bit more flexible and adapt well to apartment and city dwelling.  Canines need much attention and constant approval; felines are more self-reliant and are happy to be alone and guard the house for days when the master departs – as long as the food, water and litter box are filled.

Which brings me to the toilet issue.  What goes in must come out.  This is what separates the men from the women and the dogs from the cats.  Although I know you can train a dog to hit the mark on some foo-foo potty mat, it just doesn’t seem right or natural.  Besides, if a dog is tutored in this fine art, it takes away the innate pleasure of heading into the vast open spaces, marking their territory and engaging in the dogly “sniff factor”.  Dogs do have “accidents” and anyone who has a dog knows this comes with the commitment.  Cats, on the other hand, have it on dogs here.  To have their own little corner to call their own, cats are quite elegant in knowing proper bathroom etiquette and training their owners to clean up after them.

When defining yourself, keep in mind that politicians, marketers and government officials are collecting data on the number of cat owners vs. dog owners and how we vote, where we live, what we buy and when and where do we go on vacations.  It appears us animal lovers are a lucrative, devoted bunch to target.  Stand up and be counted!  Whether you consider yourself a dog person, cat person or both, having an animal around for whom you care deeply and who cares for you, soothes the soul and makes you a better person.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life.  Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.                      

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-