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> Cats are often said to reveal their personalities subtly, over time. This was not the case with Bea, who startled our guests with her explosive hospitality pr

> Cats are often said to reveal their personalities subtly, over time. This was not the case with Bea, who startled our guests with her explosive hospitality protocol. She would dance on the kitchen counter, jump on visitors’ shoulders, lick their hair, and explore their ears, all the while issuing whispery meows and pigeonlike chirps. It goes without saying that she was magnificent. I think that's exactly what humans love about cats. They really have personalities. Unlike any other domesticated animal, cats aren't tasked with any job. One often thinks about mousing cats, but that turns out to have much less historical evidence than humans just... loving cats! Having pet cats and human civilization appear to be essentially the same thing. The book "The Lion in the Living Room" is excellent if you're interested in this topic, and talks about P-22 at length. Even if you're not a cat person, it's a must read for LA residents or anyone interested in anthropology. My cat Cleo is dramatically different than Bea, and she is also magnificent!

ilyt 4y ago
I prefer cats over dogs because they kinda live alongside me, instead of having their human as some kind of object of worship/pack leader.
- Doxin 4y ago
  Having a cat is like having a roommate. Having a dog is like having someone who's very sure you're best friends forever and ever. There's something to be said for either.
wskish 4y ago
There really should be a word for “personality” as applied to a cat. “Catitude” is the one that comes to mind for me.
- frodetb 4y ago
  "Catitude" is a good one. One might also say "felinity". Or "kittyhood". Or "purrsonality"! I've only watched the movie version, but all these feel like they were words spoken by a character in CATS the musical.
- Stratoscope 4y ago
  Anyone who has lived with a Tortoiseshell Cat knows another word for this: Tortitude.
steveBK123 4y ago
Our tomcat passed too soon, a few months back. He was basically a puppy dog in demeanor, following my wife around the house from room to room. He would howl after she left the for the day, and greet her at the door on return. He was like a little old man with a bedtime routine, and as soon as the alarm clock went off, he mosyed up to her pillow for his face rubs. We have a younger cat we adopted as a kitten that he really raised like his baby the first two years, before she rebelled and became a loner. Lately it's been interesting watch her adopt some of his former, very specific traits months after his passing and sort of assert herself as the alpha of the house.
prawn 4y ago
My past cat was like Bea, but in addition would lie across my shoulders while I worked at the desk, and chirp into my ear. I've never tried replacing him because I think the chances of getting another cat like that are low.
- lynx23 4y ago
  Same here. When he was still young, my cat used to sit on my shoulder while I was trying to get computer work done. He passed away almost 2 years ago. I haven't been able to get another cat yet because I am pretty convinced he was something really special and I am unlikely to be as lucky a second time.
- erulabs 4y ago
  Haha that’s so sweet. I’ll just say my cat is the opposite - earning her affection is really special; anyone she chooses to love has already loved her for months. When she finally cuddles up - ah! So just like people - you’re right - you’ll never find another cat like that - but you’ll find something especially different!
- Stratoscope 4y ago
  You had the privilege of living with a wonderful cat. But I have to disagree on the chances. You know cats. So I think the chance of you being with another wonderful cat is very good! A lot of it is how you raise them. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YW4twLBBvu6bMrKq7 https://photos.app.goo.gl/YW4twLBBvu6bMrKq7
  - prawn 4y ago
    Yes, I agree with that about raising them, but I think that improves the chances and well short of guarantees it. One of our first cats was very unfriendly and hated being held, grumbling the whole time until you put her back down. As kids, if we managed to convince her to sleep on our bed or sit on our lap while watching TV, it was an absolute triumph and moment of pride. Then you'd move your leg slightly and get scratched in the face. My delightful cat meanwhile had to be stopped from constantly trying to nuzzle you!
  - 4y ago
Stratoscope 4y ago
A few years ago, someone wrote to me here on HN something like this: > F*** cats. They are all the same. If you lose a cat, just get another one. Obviously this person did not know cats.

ilyt 4y ago

I prefer cats over dogs because they kinda live alongside me, instead of having their human as some kind of object of worship/pack leader.

Doxin 4y ago
Having a cat is like having a roommate. Having a dog is like having someone who's very sure you're best friends forever and ever. There's something to be said for either.

wskish 4y ago

There really should be a word for “personality” as applied to a cat. “Catitude” is the one that comes to mind for me.

frodetb 4y ago
"Catitude" is a good one. One might also say "felinity". Or "kittyhood". Or "purrsonality"! I've only watched the movie version, but all these feel like they were words spoken by a character in CATS the musical.
Stratoscope 4y ago
Anyone who has lived with a Tortoiseshell Cat knows another word for this: Tortitude.

steveBK123 4y ago

Our tomcat passed too soon, a few months back. He was basically a puppy dog in demeanor, following my wife around the house from room to room. He would howl after she left the for the day, and greet her at the door on return. He was like a little old man with a bedtime routine, and as soon as the alarm clock went off, he mosyed up to her pillow for his face rubs. We have a younger cat we adopted as a kitten that he really raised like his baby the first two years, before she rebelled and became a loner. Lately it's been interesting watch her adopt some of his former, very specific traits months after his passing and sort of assert herself as the alpha of the house.

prawn 4y ago

My past cat was like Bea, but in addition would lie across my shoulders while I worked at the desk, and chirp into my ear. I've never tried replacing him because I think the chances of getting another cat like that are low.

lynx23 4y ago
Same here. When he was still young, my cat used to sit on my shoulder while I was trying to get computer work done. He passed away almost 2 years ago. I haven't been able to get another cat yet because I am pretty convinced he was something really special and I am unlikely to be as lucky a second time.
erulabs 4y ago
Haha that’s so sweet. I’ll just say my cat is the opposite - earning her affection is really special; anyone she chooses to love has already loved her for months. When she finally cuddles up - ah! So just like people - you’re right - you’ll never find another cat like that - but you’ll find something especially different!
Stratoscope 4y ago
You had the privilege of living with a wonderful cat. But I have to disagree on the chances. You know cats. So I think the chance of you being with another wonderful cat is very good! A lot of it is how you raise them. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YW4twLBBvu6bMrKq7 https://photos.app.goo.gl/YW4twLBBvu6bMrKq7
- prawn 4y ago
  Yes, I agree with that about raising them, but I think that improves the chances and well short of guarantees it. One of our first cats was very unfriendly and hated being held, grumbling the whole time until you put her back down. As kids, if we managed to convince her to sleep on our bed or sit on our lap while watching TV, it was an absolute triumph and moment of pride. Then you'd move your leg slightly and get scratched in the face. My delightful cat meanwhile had to be stopped from constantly trying to nuzzle you!
- 4y ago

Stratoscope 4y ago

A few years ago, someone wrote to me here on HN something like this: > F*** cats. They are all the same. If you lose a cat, just get another one. Obviously this person did not know cats.