Canis Familiaris - Truly Man's Best Friend

[Geckothan]

I've had cats all my life and I know they can be pretty aloof and if you're really lucky maybe you can pet them for 2 minutes a wek. But this little bastard is just mean spirited. He bites and scratches for fun and totally unprovoked.

Most cats aren't like that. Most of them have limits to where they like to be petted (some will go for you if you touch their stomach or their paws), but I rarely see cats attack people for no reason. I have 2 cats and they've never bitten or scratched anyone on purpose (sometimes they accidently get you when they're playing with a toy). My friend has *8* cats (well 3, and a litter of kittens) and they don't attack anyone. Sounds like you've just been unlucky. Some breeds of cat can be quite affectionate and playful too. Cat breeds can vary as much as dog breeds (though their appearances don't vary as much).

 

[Marc]

Anyway, I guess that's a long way of saying, I agree with the OP wholeheartedly! I've had cats, and good cats that I cared for, but for me there's nothing like the connection with a dog (or dogs.)

Our rottie would sit there, looking and listening and he'd cock his head as if to say I'm really listening.

Of course his way to cheer you up was to trott up and expect a pat. His logic - patting the dog cheered people up plus he got something out of it too.

 

[Vanyel]

All my cats have been loving, and ready to jump in my lap for a good petting. The cat I had before Fergie, my current cat, was very affectionate. Her name was Dorothy (her sisters were Blanche and Rose). When I was bedridden, she would come into my room and sit with me. Just sit next to me, curled up by my side, getting up to sniff me and rub against me for about 30 minutes or so. She would get up and leave, but always come back within an hour or two. It's been 5 years since she was laid to rest by my other cats. She was with me for around 18 years.

My last dog was about 25 to 30 years ago. He was a pure bred, white, German Shephard. Her was loving, loyal, and never left my side. He would follow me to school and wait outside the door for me to come out. He was stolen one night while we were away. He was a good trusting dog, and would let just about anyone pet him. Someone must have used that to take him.