By Lucia Kim

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Some people may see cats as being rude or disobedient and think that they’re the inferior pet. I feel the opposite.

Let’s get this settled, once and for all: cats are better than dogs.

I’m guessing you have people in your life who are adamant dog stans. They claim that cats are evil and that they can’t recognize their owners. These people have never owned a cat. I used to be like them. I was a dog person for most of my life. I’m not saying that I don’t find their loyalty and kindness admirable anymore. I’m just saying that a lot of my opinions on this debate were shaped by the media. I sobbed while reading the ending of Marley & Me and, in 6th grade, I envied Sharpay more for her Yorkie than her pink wardrobe and fancy cars. 

That all changed when I met a cat in real life. Latte was a ragdoll with long white hair and icy blue eyes. Every time I came into his house for a piano lesson, he would be laying down on the couch, staring at the birds out the window. He obviously did not care that I was there, and he wouldn’t let my entrance distract him from his daily routine. I’ve never met an animal or person that has achieved his level of cool. As the weeks went by and Latte eventually got used to me, I think he started to pick up on the fact that I came in for lessons every Saturday at 3 PM. You may not believe this, but I choose to think that he waited on the piano for my arrival. 

The reason why I love cats so much is that while they may seem indifferent (and they may be when you first meet them), the bond you create with your cat will be more special and genuine. Dogs are nice and all, but they’re also nice to everyone. A cat, on the other hand, won’t build a connection with just anyone. No one can force a cat to do what it doesn’t want to. If a cat finds you tolerable, you know you’ve earned it. 

The thing about cats is, they will do whatever they please. From the moment you bring one home, you live in their house. If they want to sit on the book you’re reading, they’ll do it. If they want to drop your keys off the counter (just because), they’ll do it. If they want to introduce themselves to your colleagues on Zoom—tail first—they will do it. 

Some people may see cats as being rude or disobedient and think that they’re the inferior pet. I feel the opposite. As a cat owner, you’ll find yourself loving your furry friend more and more because of their sheer audacity. I promise you, you will laugh more than you’ve ever laughed before.

Process

Ever since my first real encounter with a cat, I’d asked my parents for a kitten every Christmas and every Birthday. My mom always replied, “You can’t even take care of yourself. How are you going to take care of a cat?” Then, one day, my dad came home from work with two kittens in a cardboard box. It’s been two years since, and I wanted to share some of the wisdom I’ve gained throughout this journey. This piece is an introduction to my larger work on how to be a great cat parent, and I wanted to take the opportunity to declare once and for all: cats are better than dogs.