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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
No, not what kind of pet do you have, but are you, yourself, more like a dog or more like a cat in your own reactions?
Cats and dogs evolved in different environments, and in different environmental niches, and it has shaped their behavior and, I believe, their temperaments, too. I was trying to explain to my new therapist about my reactions to what's gone on at that agency, and realized that the easiest ways I had to describe my reactions were to use analogies of animal behavior. That, of course, got me thinking about it, and got me curious and wondering, and thinking some more.
So, dogs are social hunters, social creatures; cats are solitary predators, more wary of others. If you've had either as a pet, you'll have a good idea, I think, of what I mean about all this, right? Or maybe someone whose having a Great Word Day can post a better explanation than I can. In the meantime, for those of you who get what I mean, are you more of a Cat Person, or more of a Dog Person? And if your *really* get it, is there any specific type or breed that you most resemble?
Personally, I think the problem I have stems from being not only a Cat Person, but a Siamese Cat Person! When I feel threatened, I don't go into flight-or-fight mode as to reverse the order. That's something Siamese cats are known for -- I grew up with a Blue Point, and he was like that. If he liked you, you were pretty safe, but strangers he considered threatening were best advised to watch carefully that they never entered his "safety zone." (He wouldn't bother to go after anyone outside what he considered a respectful distance, but took entering within that zone to be a sign of aggression and would sometimes attack.) So, I'm a bit hypervigilant, I am quick to startle, I'm quiet -- though talkative -- and will attack when I feel backed into a corner.
None of that is necessarily exclusive to cats, of course, but since cats in the wild are solitary critters, it does change it a little from dogs doing the same thing. Dogs tend to read behavioral cues from others in a way that cats don't do so well, for instance, so they may be less quick to run or attack. (YES! These are very general comments -- there's as much behavioral and temperamental variation within each species as between the two. But for a quickish survey question, generalizations seemed easiest, you know? lol)
So, how about all of you? Cat or dog? Or, if you're interested in it, terrier? Hound? Horse breed? Whatever animal you think best fits you behaviorally or temperamentally.
(Bonus answer: Whatcha think? Interesting topic? Or am I just very easily amused?)
Posted by Dinah on July 1, 2004, at 10:48:03
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
I'm a dog person, but a sighthound person. If we're talking about what we are, not what we like. Sighthounds are sort of close to cats in that they are solitary by nature, and not overly affectionate. They're also a bit lazy, sybaritic, but can work hard if they're interested. They like to survey things before they participate. And they can be a bit high strung and nervous.
They can be very attached to the people (or usually person) they do accept as their own.
Posted by partlycloudy on July 1, 2004, at 10:58:01
In reply to Re: Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Dinah on July 1, 2004, at 10:48:03
I'm a mixed breed cat from the SPCA. Even tempered except when threatened. Fiercely loyal to my humans but don't let on that I am. Playful if the toy is homemade rather than bought. Short hair, glossy coat, perfectly preened whiskers. Tail curves around while sitting *just so*. I think I'm the bee's knees, but I'm not the bee!
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on July 1, 2004, at 12:04:17
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
Definitely a dog. A standard poodle to be exact. I am certainly most comfortable in a pack and I rarely refuse any food offered!
Posted by mal on July 1, 2004, at 12:13:03
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
I'm a dog. Very social so this stay home Mom thing is a little hard for me. I'm a pretty laid back breed, definitely NOT a Jack Russell Terrier!! I like to please people and will work really hard to do so with the right appreciation.
Fun topic!
Mal
Posted by pegasus on July 1, 2004, at 12:40:15
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
Definitely cat. I do best when left alone, but occasionally enjoy (even encourage) attention from certain specific people, in certain specific ways. I am very attached to my safe places, and don't do well when forced away from them. I'm usually quite composed, but if I'm pushed I don't hesitate to use my claws. And I've been known to hiss.
I may be on the friendly side for a cat, because I do like meeting new people, and I like to think that I'm welcoming.
interesting thread racer!
pegasus
Posted by coral on July 1, 2004, at 18:13:40
In reply to cat, posted by pegasus on July 1, 2004, at 12:40:15
Cat person here and this is a purrrrrfect topic.
Kitty Koral
Posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 18:28:20
In reply to Re: cat, posted by coral on July 1, 2004, at 18:13:40
Posted by DaisyM on July 1, 2004, at 22:24:01
In reply to Where you been, Puss? (nm) » coral, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 18:28:20
Totally and completely a cat.
Independent.
Hate baths.
Small number of people get to touch me.
Finely tuned whiskers for threats.
Like to lay around (and read) in the sun.Though I have to admit to not being very coordinated. Hard to land on your feet in high heels. :)
Posted by gardenergirl on July 2, 2004, at 0:09:31
In reply to The Cat's Meow, posted by DaisyM on July 1, 2004, at 22:24:01
I'm a goofy young dog, not a puppy but not too far from it. A mixed breed, definitely with some spaniel and terrier in me (oh lord, I'm channeling my own dog.)
I like to entertain and have fun at times, and with the right people. But I also sometimes get anxious and may snap at them. I definitely have the approach/avoid thing with strangers or people who scare me and yet intrigue me (smell really good to puppy...maybe have food?) I go up to them and sniff, let them make a move and maybe wag, but eventually, I have to growl to establish who's boss. Because there was no boss when I was a puppy. It was chaos. We had to fend for ourselves. So I have an independent, leave me alone streak.
wow, this made me think. It's just too hard for me to try on the idea of being a cat. Too allergic. :)
gg
Posted by shadows721 on July 2, 2004, at 23:53:09
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
Posted by coral on July 3, 2004, at 10:48:19
In reply to Where you been, Puss? (nm) » coral, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 18:28:20
Ohhh, Racer, just stumbling about, looking for energy....
waiting to do everything "last moment"
bleech
But nothing serious
purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Posted by Shar on July 3, 2004, at 18:23:36
In reply to Re: Puss to Racer, posted by coral on July 3, 2004, at 10:48:19
and it's no mistake.
I am totally cat-illiterate (which is a bit of a problem because we found a part-Manx under our house about 7 months ago). I had three dogs before Finn the cat joined the group; and the one who truly has the care and handling of my heart, Scruffles, is in doggie heaven waiting for me.
Luckily, for Finn McCoole, my S.O. is a cat person, and so has raised this wonderful [monster] kitty who thinks the whole house is his, and we are his slaves. He was about 2.5 weeks old when we (I) found him and had to be bottle fed, etc.
My dogs (perfect, of course) accepted him perfectly well, so now he harasses them all and they don't argue with him, nor do they try to hurt him at all. I do love the little....kitty, but he is full of...himself. Definitely not a team player.
So, I think you, Racer, *may* be easily amused, AND it is still an interesting topic.
I am decidedly nocturnal.
And, apparently love to talk about myself....
:)
Shar
Posted by TofuEmmy on July 3, 2004, at 18:49:02
In reply to dog is god spelled backward....., posted by Shar on July 3, 2004, at 18:23:36
and if that's not enuf, I'd make a good pet too.
eM
Posted by Fallen4MyT on July 3, 2004, at 19:22:48
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
Lol I think you're easily amused (MEGA LOLING) BUT also it's a good topic ;-) well to me anyhow..I am a Golden Retriever I have even taken a test online...and was told this in person once..I LOVE *everyone* and am always loving attention, pet me pet me pet me and am a love sponge...still I am a mix...I love alone time..I am also a turtle <g> cause I have been told this by my T ..I can withdraw into my shell...
My cats 2 out of 4 are very social and do take exception to this overgeneralization.. :) hahahah. You didn't think I would come back and not tease you did you?
Posted by coral on July 3, 2004, at 20:44:05
In reply to dog is god spelled backward....., posted by Shar on July 3, 2004, at 18:23:36
Dear Shar,
You know the old joke.... what's the difference between a cat and God? God doesn't think He's a cat.
Cats believe they're entitled to slaves. Mine continually practice this belief which I reinforce.
I understand dogs are nice.... but the cats won't allow them in the house!
xoxoxo
Coral
Posted by octopusprime on July 4, 2004, at 0:44:48
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
ok try this on for size:
i am clearly a cat:
* i am fiercely independent
* i have retractable claws (figuratively)
* love nothing better than a nap in the sun
* don't need too much attention
* can't be trained beyond basic housebreaking
* get annoyed when sprayed with water
* does not come when called.however i don't have a cat, never wanted one. i used to say: "i already have creatures that are indifferent to my existence. they're called roommates"
i love dogs. (pugs). i love training them. i like the undying devotion. i like watching them respond to a kind but firm hand. i like the romping.
what does this say about me? do i secretly hate myself? or am i attracted to the other-ness
Posted by NikkiT2 on July 4, 2004, at 5:30:41
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
cats can be quite cute, and kittens are probably one of the cutest things ever.. but I really really don't like cats.. I'm not gonna get into the why's etc as I always end up abused by cat lovers..
But cats are one of the only creatures that torture, along with humans.. maybe thats why humans like them so much.
Give me a dog any day of the week!!
Annoyingly I married a cat person, so we have an agreement - no cats or dogs.. we're getting ferrets instead *l*
Nikki x
Posted by NikkiT2 on July 4, 2004, at 5:33:32
In reply to Survey: cat person or dog person?, posted by Racer on July 1, 2004, at 10:29:13
But i did totally mis understand the question there!!
But I am a dog.. probably some kind of retriever.. a bit wierd and desperate to please.. prone to over excitement, but like my cuddles and sleep!!!
Posted by Racer on July 4, 2004, at 10:29:16
In reply to i am a cat but i'm a dog person, posted by octopusprime on July 4, 2004, at 0:44:48
You asked:
>>what does this say about me? do i secretly hate myself?
>>Not at all! It means that you *are* indeed a cat! You like dogs, because you can bend them to your will and they will worship you. My cats require daily worship sessions from me, and the Little Cat had my husband totally wrapped around her little paw within days of their first meeting. I'll bet both cats would love a dog of their own to train.
Makes perfect sense to me...
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