Posted on 10/17/2013 6:23:52 AM PDT by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Yes, but your post #22 implied that there’s generally less of a loving quality in the relationships cat owners have with their pets, compared to that of dog owners.
Just about any cat owner can tell you that’s not the case.
Yes, but your post #22 implied that there’s generally less of a loving quality in the relationships cat owners have with their pets, compared to that of dog owners.
There is a reason for that. ;-)
That being said, I like both Chinese AND Vietnamese food. :-P
Dohmer? Is that you?
There is a reason for it-—a lot of folks assume cats aren’t loving. ;)
That said.....does your original post have to do with dogs’ self-sacrificing qualities? Just guessing....
No.
Rather, it’s rooted in the “mans best friend” mantra.
My dog is extra needy. The entire time I’m around him he is like the kid on the trike in “The Incredibles” taht is waiting for something “amazing” to happen. Right down to the look on his “face”.
I know it is just my perception and he is probably just hoping for food, but That quality is pretty rare in cats. I’ve been around VERY personable cats. The funny thing is, people say things like, “That cat thinks it’s a dog” when around such cats.
Cat’s tend to be very independent. They often really don’t want to be petted, and when they do want to be, they can be downright forceful about it. Dogs are much more open about what they want.
This is something that hit me about five years ago. Ever since then I’ve watched both cats and dogs around their owners. I noticed that the visible relationship most dogs have with their owners seems to mimick the relationship I think Christ wants me to seek with him. Meanwhile, cats seem more like agnostics.
That’s so true. Cats and dogs are a gift that God gave us.
I like both, but I found the perfect Cat. She sleeps, plays and don’t get into trouble.
She loves tummy rubs but will let you know when she had enough.
Well, I see the point you were making is not what I assumed. My apologies.
I’ve never believed in the myth of the aloof cat. Every cat I’ve ever owned is a complete suck up and a constant presence. I think it all boils down to the owner. If the owner wants independent pets they’ll get independent pets, if they want companions that never stray far from them they shadows that shed. I want companion animals so my cats greet me at the door and roll around on the floor around my feet every time I stop moving for 10 seconds.
Best summary of the difference between the two species that I’ve seen.
Don't know who said it first.
:D
I also serve a tortie. We didn’t have a chance to bond with her as a kitten either, as she was full grown and living in our yard at the time we moved into our house in the middle of 2009. Slowly she warmed to us and finally she moved into the house at the beginning of 2012.
She does let me pick her up, but she’s not very fond of being held. But she does love to be petted and occasionally she will hop up into my lap if I’m seated. Sometimes she even falls asleep in my lap.
My tortie baby is affectionate, but it’s definitely on her own terms. And while she’s okay with me and my wife, she goes into hiding if we have company.
That said.....does your original post have to do with dogs’ self-sacrificing qualities? Just guessing....
I’d like a cat like that. :-)
That is a very low standard to aspire to…
Regards,
GtG
I love that expression for cats—— “On her own terms” LOL! So descriptive. Our little girl was born in a basement with many other cats. A police officer used to bring pregnant cats home so they would have their kittens inside rather than outdoors. She went from there to a shelter. I’m glad we have a home for her, and I love her dearly. She was sitting patiently close by, a few minutes ago-—— waiting for her evening snack. I just want to pick her up and hold her close so badly! Please give your little Tortie a hug for me.
Great observation lol!
Their all dead so who cares, anyway?
You bet!
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