Being a "Cat Person"

When I tell people my husband and I have cats, I get one of two reactions. Sometimes I'll get the "oh I just LOVE cats!" reaction, but other times, I get the famous "oh, I can't stand cats- I'm a dog person."

Personally, I like dogs- but I self-identify as a cat person. I actually grew up around Basset Hounds; my parents owned several when I was a child. Today, they continue to have Bassets. I still have the only cat I've ever had as a pet. His name is Jack, and he along with our two other boys, make up our happy little family. I had Jack when I met my husband, and he had our two other boys- brothers from the same litter- Heffalump and Bakeneko.

At the time I got Jack, I was living in a little cottage style house by myself, working full-time, and trying to finish college. I knew I wanted to have a pet to keep the house from being so quiet, but a dog just wouldn't suit my lifestyle at that point. I was well aware that my busy schedule wouldn't allow me to provide the amount of exercise and attention a dog would need to stay physically and mentally healthy. I went to my local shelter on "free cat day," which they hosted because their shelter was overpopulated. I almost left without adopting any animal, but I heard him cry on the way to the door and knew I had to go back.

Why do I like cats? All three of our boys are sweet when they want to be, and do their own thing for most of the day (usually, that means sleeping!). They aren't noisy, and they each have distinct personalities and habits. They are comical, and comforting. When my husband or myself find ourselves stressed, we'll tell each other to "pet a cat."I firmly believe that without our cats, we'd be walking bundles of stress and anxiety.

What about you? Are you a "cat person" or a "dog person," or both?

Here are some fun links from the web:

Cannot. Get. Enough. LIL BUB!

How "dog" and "cat" people differ.

Some benefits of owning cats and dogs.

Ever consider donating to help save pets across the country?

Remember, when you're in the market for a new family member- always stop by your local shelter or humane society first! Shelter animals make some of the sweetest housemates, and you're not only finding a new companion, but you're saving a life.