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catzenpewters · 01-24-2002, 03:57 PM

As a huge cat fan (can you tell from my name?) I have to answer this one.

Protection? Not likely? True! But possible? Yes! There are many true stories of heroic actions on the part of cats, from warning of fires to attacking intruders. Cats can even predict earthquakes, and better than dogs. Their excellent hearing makes them good 'watchcats' even if the majority won't defend you.

Companionship? Definitely! Maybe some cats are aloof, but like people they have their own personalities, and also respond to how they are treated. My cats are very affectionate, coming to greet me when I come home, and always sitting with (or on) me. They show their affection frequently by licking me (I don't think I taste good enough for it to be for any other reason). They have been given a lot of love and affection, and just like people, that makes them far happier to return the favour.

Hunting or other outdoors type stuff? You're right on that one. They're a little small for hunting. Now get me an ocelot or something and that would be pretty useful!

Entertainment? Well, that's a matter of opinion. Different people find different things entertaining. You may feel dogs are more entertaining then cats - fair enough, you are obviously not a cat lover. Similarly, I have found little entertainment in most dogs I know. You're not likely to find entertainment value in something that is not one of your interests.

Finally, one of the reasons most people get cats - keeping the mice away. Actually, most people get cats for quite different reasons, but we won't get into that. I don't have a mouse problem, but my furrballs are death to spiders, flies and other things I'd just as soon not have too near me.

Then there is the cuteness factor. Not all cats are cute, that's for sure. Kittens, yes. But then so are puppies and most other baby animals. Again, it's a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are a lot of people who find art, animals or scenery attractive that I don't, so if they don't like the look of cats that's fine. But I do.

One big (in my mind) advantage that cats have over dogs is that you don't need to walk them several times a day and pick up their poop, or police your yard if you have one. Also, most dogs are not suitable to condo living - it's unfair to them, even most small dogs want more room. Cats are usually quite content in a smaller, indoor area.

But useful? Well, there are a million things I have or do that are not useful. Reading fantasy, playing RPGs, watching movies or TV - not useful. Dogs? Only a very few are working dogs and are useful, and none of them are applicable to me.

Pets aren't about being useful - they're about the pleasure they bring to you, and you returning the favour. Anything more is a bonus.

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: catzenpewters ]

01-24-2002, 03:57 PM	#4
catzenpewters Manshoon Join Date: March 11, 2001 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Age: 53 Posts: 204	As a huge cat fan (can you tell from my name?) I have to answer this one. Protection? Not likely? True! But possible? Yes! There are many true stories of heroic actions on the part of cats, from warning of fires to attacking intruders. Cats can even predict earthquakes, and better than dogs. Their excellent hearing makes them good 'watchcats' even if the majority won't defend you. Companionship? Definitely! Maybe some cats are aloof, but like people they have their own personalities, and also respond to how they are treated. My cats are very affectionate, coming to greet me when I come home, and always sitting with (or on) me. They show their affection frequently by licking me (I don't think I taste good enough for it to be for any other reason). They have been given a lot of love and affection, and just like people, that makes them far happier to return the favour. Hunting or other outdoors type stuff? You're right on that one. They're a little small for hunting. Now get me an ocelot or something and that would be pretty useful! Entertainment? Well, that's a matter of opinion. Different people find different things entertaining. You may feel dogs are more entertaining then cats - fair enough, you are obviously not a cat lover. Similarly, I have found little entertainment in most dogs I know. You're not likely to find entertainment value in something that is not one of your interests. Finally, one of the reasons most people get cats - keeping the mice away. Actually, most people get cats for quite different reasons, but we won't get into that. I don't have a mouse problem, but my furrballs are death to spiders, flies and other things I'd just as soon not have too near me. Then there is the cuteness factor. Not all cats are cute, that's for sure. Kittens, yes. But then so are puppies and most other baby animals. Again, it's a matter of opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are a lot of people who find art, animals or scenery attractive that I don't, so if they don't like the look of cats that's fine. But I do. One big (in my mind) advantage that cats have over dogs is that you don't need to walk them several times a day and pick up their poop, or police your yard if you have one. Also, most dogs are not suitable to condo living - it's unfair to them, even most small dogs want more room. Cats are usually quite content in a smaller, indoor area. But useful? Well, there are a million things I have or do that are not useful. Reading fantasy, playing RPGs, watching movies or TV - not useful. Dogs? Only a very few are working dogs and are useful, and none of them are applicable to me. Pets aren't about being useful - they're about the pleasure they bring to you, and you returning the favour. Anything more is a bonus. [ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: catzenpewters ]