Defending the cat in the Battle of Pets

George & his prey

A recent Associated Press survey shows dogs are America's favorite pet, paws down. Almost three-quarters of those surveyed identified themselves as dog lovers first; less than half said the same for cats.

This survey wouldn't seem significant - after all, do we really need to choose? - but for the comments some of the poll-takers offered:

Cats are "nasty, stinking creatures". Dogs are noisy and disruptive. Cats are smarter. Dogs have more personality. Cats are "all about cats" while dogs "are interested in pleasing their owners."

Oh my. When will we learn that generalities are fraught with error?

A lifelong owner of both, I feel obliged to pen a few kind words about the oft-misunderstood cat.

I believe that those who say they don't like cats just haven't met enough of them. They never met Cricket, who played fetch with no concern for the size of the object. A gorgeous, long-haired, black-and-white cat, he wore an expression of what surely was pride as he made his slow way up our basement steps, straddling the stick that dangled from his mouth.

Or Pete, who'd settle his fluffy body into the large, decorative bowl on our living room table and wait for someone to give it a spin. The faster, the harder, the better. Eventually, Pete would launch himself from the still-moving bowl, eyes wild with exuberance, only to return minutes later for more.

And they definitely never met George, an orange tabby who shattered all stereotypes and cut a comedic path through our hearts during the seven short years we were privileged to own him. If there is such a thing as a soul mate in the world of pets, George was my great feline love. Granted, George brought live birds, baby rabbits and snakes into our home on his regular hunting excursions. But he was also a clear cat/dog, one of those rare felines whose behavior aligns more closely with the canine than his own species.

Oblivious to any form of weather, he accompanied my Belgian Shepherd and me on nightly walks that sometimes lasted well over an hour. In deep snow, or cold rain, he refused to be carried, and refused to be left behind.

More than once, a passing motorist paused to ask incredulously, "Is that your cat?"

With a shake of their heads and a typically uproarious laugh, they'd pull away. I knew George would be a brief but bright topic at the family dinner table.

Tell me, you avowed cat detractors, this is not an animal you could love?

Nasty, stinking creatures indeed.

I'd like to suggest that our stereotypes of these two species are based on much more than their animal characteristics. Perhaps they reflect our selves.

Dogs are almost always happy, sweet and easy to understand. As pack animals they blend naturally into the human family. Loyal and sensitive, typically tuned to our body language and emotions, they overlook our faults and forgive us for things we believe no one else ever could.We love the dog, in large part, because it loves us unconditionally.

The cat personality, meanwhile, is multi-layered and complicated. The cat is at times sweet, social and playful, seeking love, warm laps and an occasional bit of catnip-infused party time. Abruptly, it becomes moody and reclusive, borrowing into dark corners to spend time alone. Cats are unpredictable, sensitive to a fault and never dull.

The dog is who we wish we could be.

The cat might just be who we are.

That the cat is more like us is for some people reason enough to dislike it. I say it's reason enough to love it all the more.