The Winchester Sun: Winchester, KY

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The Pet Corner
Cats rule, dogs drool
By Dr. Jeff Castle, DVM
March 13, 2010

Sure, dogs drool, but do cats really rule?

I am totally expecting to get some grief from dog lovers for going out on this limb. But, believe it or not, in your typical household, as well as in the wild, cats do rule.

Certainly, because of many stereotypical characteristics of dogs and cats, we humans assume that dogs are superior with respect to survival of the fittest. Obviously, a dog bite wound on a cat is typically much worse than a cat bite wound on a dog. However, most of the time, cats will send dogs running away with their tails tucked between their legs crying like a baby.

The point? Cats are resilient, crafty, low maintenance and less domesticated than dogs. The ability of a large dog to inflict horrific and life threatening wounds on a cat is apparent to all. But in a one-on-one standoff, cats will prevail 9 times out of 10. Cats will use their speed and agility to escape, not to mention managing to get a few swipes of their daggers for claws into the face of the dog.

Everyone knows that cats have nine lives or at least everyone knows the saying.

Of all the animals in the world, why has the cat been chosen to have countless myths and legends suggest that it can deny death eight times before actually dying. I have tried to research the saying that cats have nine lives. But I have not been able to find consistent, reliable information pointing to the actual source for the saying.

There are plenty of stories from various sources suggesting they know the original episode of events leading to the famous saying. There was even one that said the saying came from a story about Noah and his ark. I am pretty sure there were not any domestic cats in biblical times, so I am skeptical about that one.

There is no doubt that domestic cats played a vital role in the lives of the Egyptians. It is possible that the saying originated somewhere in the countless hieroglyphics depicting cats in their everyday lives. With all of their unusual thoughts and beliefs about death and the afterlife, it is certainly feasible for them to come up with the mythical nine lives for cats.

One thing is certain. Most people weighing in on the origin of the immortality of cats agree on one thing. It is probably cats’ unique ability to land on their paws, regardless of how they fall, that has led people to see cats as creatures who are unable to die. Most other animals in a upside down free fall would not be able to right themselves and prevent serious bodily injury, at least not as quickly. This instinct and natural acrobatic maneuver has definitely given cats bragging rights for “best agility” among domesticated animals.

As far as cats’ superior qualities compared to dogs, cats are much lower maintenance than dogs. Without a doubt, domesticated cats could survive without the help of humans much better and longer than domesticated dogs. Cats are more proficient at hunting and once again, have an uncanny ability to escape from danger. As a matter of fact, the lack of domestication may even be the very reason why cats are less dependent and more likely to defy death in a normally life threatening situation.

So, cats rule and dogs drool! The problem is that for the same reason that cats rule, many people feel disconnected from cats because they are independent and don’t need us as much as dogs do. One of the best things about having a pet is feeling needed. Pets are special because of the emotional connection we feel towards them. Whether dog or cat, we should help them have all the best life they can — if your pet has a health issue, call your veterinarian to ensure that they live a long, healthy, and happy life!

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