Why are cat people are so Mean!?

Question

I just adopted a kitten and although I didn't ask any questions on here regarding it, I have been reading a lot of what was posted here. A lot of good information but some very mean answers as well I noticed to people who respond to others who need help. Why do people shout and berate others when they ask for advice, you're calling them stupid and other names doesn't help the situation. I don't know, I was wondering why people respond that way. If you're meaning to help you're not. You sometimes here that people who adopt pets are anti-social, from some of the response I have seen here, I think I can see who fits in that catagory. Anyways, if you're one of the nice answers, what do you think when you see these angry and often mean response to post? And if you're one of those mean poster, why do you respond so? Do you really think a mean response will help others?

Damn, just noticed a lot of grammatical errors.

Wow, a lot of quick responses. First, I didn't post any prior questions and didn't get a mean response on here. Second, I just adopted a kitten, so I'm somewhat of a cat person myself, at least now. So, I have nothing against cat people. And sorry but there are many people who own pets because they are lonely and either anti-social or too shy to make friends.

Lastly, to those who say that mean responses are what you can expect, that's it, why is that? Can't we play nice, if you were face to face with the person, would you say the same thing? As for the take your cat to the vet thing, sorry I see that too much as well, not everything requires a visit to the vet, unless you're rich. And some people can't even afford their own doctor or dentist visit, a trip to the vet is costly and not for everyone. Would you prefer poor people not adopt at all and let cat's be euthanized? Anyways, purpose of this was to have people think not defend themselves. Thank all for you responses.

Answer 1

Not all of us are mean. Some people just aren't Cat People or just want to start trouble. I own 16 cats, I have 7yrs experience in the veterinary field as a veterinary technician/veterinary pharmacy technician, and I volunteer for a cat rescue. If you ever have a question I would be more than happy to try and answer them, I have pretty much seen, heard and probably been thru it all.

Answer 2

I don't think it's being "mean" as much as the stupid questions people will ask. If your cat or dog is obviously sick, why would you post a question and not do the only thing possible and have it seen by a vet. If you've seen some of the questions you know what I'm saying is true. People just get frustrated, I guess, answering someone's question about their animal being sick.

I'd like to know where you heard that people that adopt pets are anti-social? I've never heard that and I've been in the animal field for many years.

Answer 3

Honestly, I'll give you a serious answer this time.
First off, anyone who comes in here and asks for advice is also asking for all of the crap that comes with it. That's part of this internet game, it's the cost of playing the game. Everyone knows that going in, so if someone can't deal with the crap then they need to stay on the porch and not try to play with the big dogs.
Sometimes I give a smarta$$ answer to pet questions, particularly to the cat people. Honestly, I do. Does that make me a jerk? I don't know. It's about the only jerky thing I do. It's just that you can be a smarta$$ on here and it's kind of expected that that sort of thing is going to happen. So if I do it to someone it should be no big deal because they know (or should) that it's part of the game. Don't play basketball if you don't want to be fouled. Don't go to a tractor pull if you don't want to have a run-in with a drunk, abusive redneck. Don't get married if you don't want nagged about the condition of your house by your wife. It's all part of the game.
Lastly......it's just so easy and predictable to push "cat peoples' " buttons. It's so damn predictable. There is an element of human nature that likes to push buttons just to get a rise out of people and watch them go ape. And it is just so easy to do to cat people, it's fun sometimes.
For example.....I am not a mean person. And I don't really "hate" cats. I just don't care for them one way or the other. I'd never be mean to one, though, myself. But a few weeks ago someone asked a question "How do you get rid of fleas on a cat?" and I responded "Hold the cat completely under water for 5 minutes and within two weeks the fleas will die". Now, why did I do that? Because it's funny that everybody else in the world knows it's a joke, but there are going to be 10,000 cat people out there in internet just bouncing off the walls at my response. They don't "get" it. It's just us pushing your buttons. It's working, by the way.........you're all sitting there with your feelings hurt and all and the rest of us think you should lighten up a bit. Maybe try drinking a beer. Seeing if you can get laid. Something. It's not really about the cat. It's about you.
Have a nice night.

Answer 4

It's not just the cat people, I'm mean no matter what catagory I answer under. And I don't limit my meaness to people, I'm pretty rude to animals and small children too (their classification as people is debatable)

No, I'm kidding. I hadn't noticed people being any meaner here than in other catagories. But maybe it's because people that are here (as opposed to say, the celebrity section) are more than just tween/teens that are just killing time and making up stupid questions.

When you come to sections where people are actually educated or experienced in the subject, they tend to be more serious about answering. I spend a lot of time in the cancer section and whoa...they use some big words your not going to find when people are talking about Paris Hilton. I think it just depends on the subject, really.

Answer 5

Errors Excused
Often when I answer a question I use sarcasm. The less thought full the question the more sarcasm. I guess it is a way of discouraging questions which are posted to incite, annoy, or just to be rude.
Other times I can not believe someone would be so ignorant as to ask a question seriously. These deserve contempt.
When someone asks an intelligent question, and I know the answer, I try to be as helpful as possible. (like now)
Being rude just to be rude is not acceptable behavior in my opinion. Often when I read posts, I'll check out their Q&A page. This helps me decide if the question is legit.
Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I think with pets it can get quite personal, like your children. Some people want to be aggressive to get the point across that they are doing something wrong and need to stop immediately, and some people get a kick out of making others feel small. Sometimes people get affected by something bad that has happened in their lives and they narrow their minds as a result. Like people hating all cats, or all dogs instead of realising that animals are as individual as we are.

I don't think that offending anyone does anything but cause anger and pain, and it is totally unnecessary, but hey- whatayagonnado? People can do whatever they want, if they want to cause pain to others, they have that option. Sad but true.

When I read an agressive and hurtful answer, I feel pity for the person who posted it. They must feel pretty small to have to attack someone who is asking for help in order to make themselves feel better and bigger.

Answer 7

I had a siamese and she or he used to be rather great. I had her for decades. I had her till she used to be 22. The cat used to be now not imply. She cherished to be held and scratched across the neck. The siamese cats are pleasant and it is determined by the landlord. If you provide it plenty of affection it'll provide love again. They maintain to themselfs they usually do their possess factor. If you're going to get a cat and you have got a child then I could get it as a kitten. Thats what I did and the cat ended up rather candy and worrying.

Answer 8

I don't know what question you asked that caused such a responce, but because animals are helpless, and depend on us so completely some folks take that to a great extent, one that goes beyond reason. Maybe it is because they saw human abuse of animals. I have seen dogs and horses horribly abused.
You are right though, the best way to teach some one is not to berate them, but to gently instruct them!
Sorry about your experience,
So are my 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 python, 2 doves. And grandsons, they can be little animals some times too!

Answer 9

I think some people are just trying to be "cute" and get attention. Not every one who owns cats is mean! There are some very angry people out there who like to make fun of others -- they have social issues and probably can't relate to others because they are selfish and don't really care about others -- human or animal!

Answer 10

I've got four cats. I volunteer for various charities and try to be nice to every person I meet. I smile at everyone. I don't lie, cheat, or steal. So, not all cat people are mean. ;)

And means posters suck! I hate it when people post mean things.

I'm sorry you've had a hard time with someone who just happens to be a cat person. I'm sure that's just a coincidence.