Would you agree that cats are sneaky selfish animals?

Question

They don't really love you - they just pretend to be nice (like purring and rubbing against your leg) to get what they want. As soon as my cat has been fed she stops all this fake affection. I think cats are completely selfish- they just make sure they get fed and find the most warm and comfortable spot. They are also sneaky - waiting till dinners over to go and find all the titbits. My cat jumps on the dinner table in spite of repeated reprimands. Cats don't care- they despise us really.I care about my cat but am aware of her cupboard love. Agree?

Answer 1

I think one of the attractions of cats is that in many ways they are so cynical and self-centered. You can see this in action when you leave a large stack of laundry somewhere and happen to be just in time to see your cat knock into onto the floor. Kitty give you that quizzical "well did you REALLY think I'd leave it alone?" look and all you can do is swing a towel from the mess at him and watch his gleeful departure.

I agree that cats do use us humans. Definitely the longer the food bowl has been empty, the friendlier they get; and no doubt they think we're thick as a brick for not catching on.

And if you've ever caught a cat doing something that embarrassed it and laughed at the cat, then you KNOW that they are egocentric. Their outrage at your laughter is almost palpable. They'll pin their ears back and stalk away, usually to revenge themselves in some sneaky and outrageous way, like peeing on your bed pillows or clawing a particularly choice piece of furniture, or puking a juicy hairball in your shoe.

And yet you gotta give kitties this: it's their very air of cynicism and egocentricity that makes them attractive. They don't fawn or slobber on you like a dog does; they won't lose their dignity trying to get your attention. And when they do deign to come over to you and be stroked into purring and warm relaxation, there's an air of regal "noblesse oblige" that's very hard not to like. After all, who is not overjoyed when the reigning monarch lets you know in his or her dignified fashion that you're the best ear-scratcher or chin-chucker in the kingdom or queendom?

Self-centered and egocentric they may be, but we love 'em all the same for it.

Cats rule! Really.

Answer 2

No I sure as hell do not. I have had 25 cats in my lifetime and even work at a vet office. I am a woman, but I would have to say that cats are a lot like women. They are not selfish...but they can be sneaky at times. Cat's have their own personalities, more then dogs do. They can take care of themselves, but they still love you and they do greet you in theur own little ways. They may not come straight to the door, blocking your way, drooling, bouncing and jumping on you like dogs, but they do show their affection my hopping up on your lap at the end of the day, letting you go about errands without needing your constant attention to make them happy. I think that if anyone wants a pet that they can come home to after 12 hours of work and not be bothered all night, a cat is the best. They are also the best if you don't want a pet you will most likely have to clean up after everyday. Cats are cats. If you are tired of the way she is acting, take her to a no kill shelter that will give her to a loving family.

Answer 3

No,I disagree with you.My cat gives me lots of love even when it's not dinner time.She is wonderful! You should have seen the way she yelled and came running to me when I returned from a trip.If she could have leapt into my arms,she would have.She missed me.Her needs were being met by a pet sitter,but she missed ME.

Answer 4

Totally

Answer 5

Not at all - just like people, maybe some are, maybe some aren't. My 3 big boys are attached to me, greet me at the door, follow me from room to room, are usually sitting on me or next to me if I'm watching t.v., in my arms and at my feet when I'm on the computer. I doubt very much they are "pretending" to be nice. They love me and it's very very obvious. I've raised each of them since they were between 2-3 weeks old so I'm sure they think I'm their mother (lol).

Answer 6

My cats love me and not because I feed them. They follow me and sit by me every chance they get. They always have food available so they do it cause they know I love them and feel the same way.
When they give fake attention it is to the selfish owners that do not truly care for them. So you are the problem and the sneaky selfish person not the cat.
You cannot truly care about your cat if you talk this way about them. Poor kitty!

Answer 7

No, I don't agree.

Selfish? What animal (including humans) isn't?

Sneaky? Not particularly. They are certainly manipulative, but I find that they're quite open about it.

Maybe if you let yourself love your cat, you might find that she truly loves you back.

Of course, if you'd rather have a pet that's needy and tries hard to please you all the time, get a dog. That's not my definition of love.

I do think there's some truth in the old parable about the difference between dogs and cats:

A dog sees that you provide him with food, shelter, and love, and he concludes that you are a god and he is your servant. A cat sees that you provide her with food, shelter, and love, and she concludes that she is a god and you are her servant.

The ancient Egyptians had it right.

Answer 8

First of all, don't blame your cat for your ignorance. If you wanted a pet that was going to slober all over you and follow you all over, you should have gotten a dog.

Anyone who is a true cat lover, which you are not, treasure cats for their independence. A cat chooses when, or if, to be affectionate.

There is nothing more wonderful than the soft purr of my two cats. When I am settled, they jump on my lap and purr for attention. Just as quickly sat they request, they can get tired of it and jump down and go elsewhere. I don't get offended and call them selfish.

Cats don't come when you whistle, they come to you, and show love, when they feel like it. And if you are lucky enough to receive that, consider it an honor, Cats don't call just anyone family.

If you can't except that, maybe you should get a dog.

Answer 9

I wouldn't say sneaky and selfish; more like independent and open minded. The traits that you describe are some of the best reasons to love cats. They are sneaky, underhanded, and extremely intelligent. They know how to get what they want and as soon as they get it they are satisfied.

Answer 10

No, I disagree completely. What are you doing owning a cat in the first place? You obviously don't understand or appreciate these wonderful creatures. The poor cat.