If humans could purr, would there be less violence in the world? As something most cat owners would testify to, the sound of purring is immediately calming and relaxing. My cat begins to purr immediately if I stroke him and will keep it up for several minutes. Like the soft ticking of a clock, it is soothing to both my cat and me.
I like dogs. Many people like small dogs that will sit in their lap. But, they never know the soft ambience that only a cat can impart. Small dogs are often bony and rigid, even when curled on your lap. A cat; however, is able to relax its body completely, molding it into the contours of a lap. Generally, cats are softer and fluffier than most dogs, as well.
When my cat rubs his face against mine, it feels like silk. He does this when he feels it is time for me to wake up in the morning. He occasionally gives my face the tiniest little lick, like a gentle kiss, or ever so gently places his paw on my face. He will even carefully rake his claws through my hair, as though he is combing it. Eventually, if I do not respond, he will commence to meowing very loudly, or jump back and forth across my head.
Dogs are great at waking their owners as well, but usually they are jumping about wildly and their wet, sloppy tongue kisses, cannot be ignored. They may whimper and wine and even begin to bark loudly. In many cases they have to be taken outside on a leash to do their business, which must then be picked up. A cat, on the other hand, has his own litter box, so you don’t have to face the morning frost before you have had your cup of coffee.
Why, I often wonder, do more people prefer dogs to cats? Dog lovers tend to be more controlling and they like that they can tell their dog what to do and when and how. Controlling people do not appreciate a cat’s independence. Dogs are a lot of work and can cause their owners tremendous stress, not unlike having a toddler in the house. Cats, on the other hand, are generally quiet and easy going. They require little supervision, yet provide their owners with stress-less companionship.
There is no doubt about the benefits of having a cat around. Many veterinary offices have an “office cat” that helps to calm the patients coming in to be seen. While a dog can make one feel safe, acting as a watchdog, it is no match for an intruder with a gun. If he does bite someone while trying to protect his owner, he is deemed vicious and often put down.
Animal companions are important to human beings because we have removed ourselves from nature and we have removed nature from our lives. Cats instinctively find ways to coexist with one another. They work out their relationships so that peace follows any small conflict. They purr. While human beings may never learn how to purr, we can learn from cats, how to live peacefully together.
