The whole "lonely single woman with cats" thing has become sort of a cliche. It's also pretty sexist. Guys with cats don't get the same level of grief. In fact, having a cat (or any pet) is usually a plus for single guys. It says to women that they love animals, are nurturing, and capable of taking care of something besides their PlayStation. So why are single women with pets painted as desperate, lonely people who've given up on the possibility of ever finding love?
The joke is that as women get lonelier, the more cats they accrue. When you have more than three cats, that's usually when the stereotype kicks in. Of course, the idea is ridiculous. Pet owners are wonderful people filled with warmth, patience, and other virtues that are invaluable when it comes to relationships. (That said, anyone who owns a ferret is a pretentious hippie who reeks of patchouli and self-righteousness.)
It's time we put this played out stereotype to rest. Ladies with multiple cats who also get plenty of hot lovin'-- Come forth and be heard!
Tell me how many cats (or dogs, birds, rabbits) you have. (If you have any ferrets, for the love of God, turn off the Phish CD and let them free.)
The joke is that as women get lonelier, the more cats they accrue. When you have more than three cats, that's usually when the stereotype kicks in. Of course, the idea is ridiculous. Pet owners are wonderful people filled with warmth, patience, and other virtues that are invaluable when it comes to relationships. (That said, anyone who owns a ferret is a pretentious hippie who reeks of patchouli and self-righteousness.)
It's time we put this played out stereotype to rest. Ladies with multiple cats who also get plenty of hot lovin'-- Come forth and be heard!
Tell me how many cats (or dogs, birds, rabbits) you have. (If you have any ferrets, for the love of God, turn off the Phish CD and let them free.)
The ferret comment is hilarious. I don't feel the same way, but it made me laugh.
I love the ferret comment!
I have 2 cats..both rescues. They play and keep each other company.
When a guy asks "oh, you have cats? How many?" If I think he has a good sense of humor, I'll say..."hmmm...I think somewhere between 17 and 20...I lose track of them behind furniture and sometimes put the same outfit on a few of them so I get confused".
When they look horrified, I tell them the truth, and they realize I'm not a crazy cat lady.
;)
Apparently there is a virus carried by cats which triggers a hording instinct in humans (perhaps mostly women), which could explain owners with way too many cats. Maybe it's this psychological obsession (and the smell of cat pee) that drives people away, making them lonely, as opposed to the other way around.
I have no idea though- look up the virus thing, though, that part's true.
Here's why I think the stereotype exists.
Cats are a bad relationship, and anyone who chooses to be in that relationship (multiple times over!) clearly has esteem issues.
Sure, they're adorable, and can be super affectionate, but only when they want to be. The rest of the time they're sitting arms length away, scratching things, peeing on things, and making you scoop their poop. And for what? So that, on occasion, and when you are busy trying to do something else, and are wearing black, they MIGHT decide you're irresistable?
If these women are applying the same cost-to-benefit-ratio to their relationships with men, well, this is why those relationships keep not working out. Which is why they're single. Which is why they have so many goddamn cats.
I had a boyfriend several years ago that said women (as a whole) were like cats. I made some sarcastic comment about meowing in bed and we actually got into a big fight about it.
Actually, my sister and I plan to become crazy cat ladies once we pass 80, assuming the world doesn't end in 2012.
I think you're a pretentious hippy, you hippy.