Dogs we understand. Cats are mysterious, even though they are the most popular pet

Washington Post ^ | Oct 14, 013 | John Bradshaw

[Innovative]

Cats are the world’s most popular pets, outnumbering dogs by as many as three to one. This popularity is undoubtedly helped by the fact that cats are simultaneously affectionate and self-reliant...

Even so, cats remain aloof and inscrutable. Dogs tend to be open, honest and biddable. Cats, on the other hand, demand we accept them on their terms but never quite reveal what those terms might be.

Studies of dogs in the 1950s established the notion of a “primary socialization period,” when puppies are especially sensitive to learning how to interact with people. For dogs, this is between 7 and 14 weeks of age. The concept also applies to cats, but it starts earlier. A kitten that is handled regularly between 4 and 8 weeks generally develops a powerful attraction to people. One that does not meet a human until 10 weeks or later is likely to fear people for the rest of its life.

[fwdude]

Gregariousness and emotion are not hard characteristics of Christianity. Jesus was not the happy-go-lucky guy that liberals and many heretical evangelicals make him out to be.

[cuban leaf]

Gregariousness and emotion are not hard characteristics of Christianity. Jesus was not the happy-go-lucky guy that liberals and many heretical evangelicals make him out to be.

---

I didn’t mention that stuff. But to amplify the question, looking at the relationship a dog has with his owner vs the relationship a cat has with his owner (again, talking about the generic traits of the two animals), which most closely mirrors the relationship a Christian has with God?

And when I say generic traits, I mean like when I say that generally speaking men are taller than women and women have bigger breasts. i.e. “depends on the animal” is not a serious answer.

[Salamander]

That may be true but He didn’t leave decapitated birds or tortured mice on the furniture, either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7ZkSm24xiM

[Salamander]

What did/do witches usually have as familiars?

:)

[RJS1950]

Had both, love both but in the end,

Cats Rule, dogs drool.

[trad_anglican]

A dog has a loving master who feeds him and cares for him every day. The dog says to himself "My master cares for me and gives me food every day. He must be God!"

A cat has a loving master who feeds him and cares for him every day. The cat says to himself "My master cares for me and gives me food every day. I must be God!"

[Slings and Arrows]

[central_va]

My 2 dogs beat any electronic alarm system hands down.

[CatherineofAragon]

"I personally like both cats and dogs -- they each have their virtues and challenges."

Yep, love 'em both, but at heart I'm a cat person.

[Biggirl]

Better yet, go veggie!

[CatherineofAragon]

"But to amplify the question, looking at the relationship a dog has with his owner vs the relationship a cat has with his owner (again, talking about the generic traits of the two animals), which most closely mirrors the relationship a Christian has with God?"

But I'm not sure that really matters, since I don't think animals' relationships with us are meant to mirror His.

God created both dogs and cats for our companionship. I've had several cats, and every one of them has been wonderfully loving and attached.....there was never anything lacking in our relationships.

[Salamander]

:)

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

Very true. I have three cats and if one of them wants attention I don’t have a moment’s peace until I oblige them.

[Salamander]

I think Lucifer thought that, too.

:)

[dfwgator]

Dogs have owners, Cats have staff.

[Slings and Arrows]

Mine aren’t - it would interrupt the meal service.

[The Great RJ]

Perhaps cats are best explained by the existential musing of Henri le chat noir. Link to video

[ifinnegan]

“Cats are not hard to understand. They are very predictable creatures once you get to know them.”

Yes.

Our cat is now 5 years old and I’ve watched him since he was a kitten. He has very consistent behavior and patterns of activity.

[cuban leaf]

But I’m not sure that really matters, since I don’t think animals’ relationships with us are meant to mirror His.

---

It matters to me. In the answer to the question is my answer to which animal I prefer. For me, I often look at my pet and say, “Dang, I would like to hope that God sees me as I see my pet.” regarding how my pet responds to me.

What I find especially interesting is that I think pretty much every person who read my question knows which pet I like the best becaus in their heart of hearts, they know the answer.

But as you said, different pets have different personalities and you can find stinkers in both species.

[Exit148]

We have one of those kitties who didn’t have close affection in the early weeks. She is a Tortie, (so naturally has an attitude), but altho I would so love to pick her up and pat her, she is always out of reach. She likes to be nearby, but I have only held her 2x in the 4 years we’ve had her. She does let me scratch her ears when she is curled in her bed at night, and she even purrs, but she is still wary of me. So frustrating for me!! Our calico lets me get the petting in, so I’m not denied.

Thank goodness for our pets! They do so much more for us — than we do for them.