I grew up with a cat and a dog. Ever since I can remember, really, my family has always had both animals but, for whatever reason, I would always gravitate toward the cats.
It was always fine with my parents, since cats were typically easier to take care for. They didn't need to be walked every day (in fact, most of our cats would ignore the litterbox and simply go outside to do their business), they didn't eat as much and their bellies were always cuddlier.
All my friends know (and have seen many Instagram photos of) my cat, Capt. Jack Sparrow, who I always describe as the friendliest cat I've ever had. Whenever I share my love of Jack or cats in general with my Latina friends, though, they just don't get it. Seriously, am I the only Latina who loves cats?
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That's not to say that I don't love dogs. I do. But for me dogs and cats are completely different types of pets and I very strongly prefer the animal that is smarter, self-sufficient, and fiercely independent–a little bit like us Latinas! I love that a cat will make you work for its love, even though I often call my kitty an "attention whore" because he'll pretty much come up to and cuddle with any nearby human.
It's the cuddles that are special, though, and I love seeing him roll over and rubbing his belly after a long day. There's something really soothing about it all. That's not even mentioning that cats have been proven to lower blood pressure and there are countless other benefits to owning a cat. Benefits aside, though, owning a cat is just FUN and, honestly, really easy.
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I know most people think dogs are more fun. I mean, yes, my cat won't go fetch a stick–but he does play with toys. Have you ever seen a cat play with a piece of string or go crazy chasing the red dot of a laser pointer? Trust me, it's hysterical.
Plus, at the end of the day, my cat gives me all of the love that a dog does but without the constant worry that I have to run home straight after work to walk him. In fact, because cats are self-sufficient, I don't feel too bad leaving him along for a day or two (so long as his litterbox is clean and he's got plenty of food and water, of course).
I don't know why more Latinas don't love cats, but I wish they would. I've started to jokingly describe myself as a "sexy cat lady" in hopes of changing people's minds. Of course, I'm still planning to own a dog one day (seriously, how CUTE are pomskies?!) but I'll always have a cat, too. I mean, I need to get my warm cuddles, laser pointer playing and belly rubs somewhere, don't I?
Are you a Latina who loves cats? Do you agree that Latinas tend to be more "dog people"? Share with us in the comments below!
Images via Irina Gonzalez
