So there has been a lot of back and forth in our community e-newsletter of late. Cats better than dogs, dogs better than cats...purportedly written by cats and dogs. I think some of the milder dispatches - depicting lovely hikes up Noonmark and the like - are likely penned by some local canine cousins of mine, but I see human hands behind the "species-ist" claims.
LET'S MOVE ON
Mrrrr Cat Colleagues, Gentledogs, and Human People,
Chill out. The dog versus cat debate is tired.
Yes, dogs have larger brains (primarily from constantly figuring out how to deal with humans), but cats have twice the neurons in their cerebral cortex (the goodies responsible for learning and memory). Dogs make their people get up in the wee hours to, uh, wee. Cats expect their people to clean the box (which they do not do enough). Dogs valiantly go to war solely to protect humans and can find them when they get lost on mountains. Cats serve as guides for blind dogs, have been trained as guard cats, and even, in an experiment last century, delivered the mail in several Belgian towns (okay, they took longer than pigeons, but it was very cute).
I take walks with my human every morning, I’ve been up the side of Sentinel and down to January Jams at the Recovery Lounge. I like to sail and am not afraid of water. I am a cat. I have cat friends right here in Upper Jay who also walk with their humans. Granted, walking is not so linear with a cat….it’s a different experience.
Bottom line, human friends, is that the seeming limitations of your companion animal friends often have more to do with your imagination, patience, and how you choose to engage with us, rather that with our physical and mental abilities – or the very nature of our species. We depend on you to treat us with respect and care for us, so we can care for you. We revel in your individuality and hope you will help us realize ours.
It’s a season of goodwill. For every dog and cat, horse and caged bird in a loving home, there may be 2 to 3 more that are homeless. Consider adopting, consider a generous donation to your local shelter, and hug a cat or dog today. Whichever species, we’re good for you.
Your friend in fur,
Diesel T Hecat
