You are correct about revulsion seeing the carnivores, both feline and canine, with which we humans share our lives, being carnivores. I find it a bit frustrating that we dog owners are quite accepting of the rules about uncontrolled predation by little Phydeaux, while some people feel cats should be allowed to decimate whatever warmblooded victim they happen across.
Sad to say, my personal pint-sized tigerlet must resign herself to moths and spiders she finds in the house. Poor abused kitteh!
Dear Darnright,
It’s not every day you actually see the origin of the “Fido” appelation written out! I’m impressed.
As for differences in the laws regarding cats and dogs (BTW, I’m the proud and happy owner of the best dog in the whole wide world)...I always got the impression that those differences came about in order to protect the human population, and not so much to protect wildlife.
After all, many roaming dogs will not only attack a human, but will chase one down in order to do it. And then there are the friendly giants (like mine), who would probably never actually HURT someone he met on the street — but might run at that person to say “hi.” Should he even jump on someone to give a sloppy kiss, he could easily knock him down and hurt him. I’ve never seen a cat do that — not even the meanest, most ornery feline out there.
Anyway, that’s why I think the laws are so different. The bottom line is, I love both cats and dogs — they bring two very different worldviews to their owners, but both animals also bring love and (though more subtle in cats) extraordinary loyalty.
Regards,
PS: I’ve really enjoyed talking to you about this. It’s given me the chance to reflect on things upon which I often don’t have time to do.