Last Updated: 2 years ago
Those of you who have avid cat lovers as friends might be wondering what you should never say to a cat owner.
As every cat person would tell you, cats rule, but if you don’t agree, you might mention something that would offend your friends.
Well, today we’re going to unravel this curious question!
Keep reading to find out how to stay on your favorite cat owner’s good side and keep your foot out of your mouth!
What should you never say to a cat owner?
Speaking as a cat owner, I can think of dozens of hurtful things I’ve heard people—friends and strangers—say about my love for cats.
So, here are my top picks for phrases you should never say to a cat owner:
1. It’s just a cat
When my cat is sick or when she goes missing, I often hear, “Why do you worry so much? It’s just a cat.”
No, it’s not just a cat. It’s my cat, and I love her in the same way you’d love a family member.
If I lose her, another cat won’t fill her shoes or the hole in my heart. She is irreplaceable.
Let me put it this way. If your child or relative is ill or missing, would you say, “It’s just a child or person?”
No, because you’ll seem rude and uncaring. Maybe you’re thinking, “A cat isn’t the same thing as a child,” but many of us do think of our cats as fur kids.
You might not understand why this furry ball means the world to me, but it does. So, don’t ever say, “It’s just a cat,” to me unless you want to get an earful.
2. I hate cats
What is the worst thing you can say to somebody who has just told you how much he loves cats?
“Oh, you have cats? I hate cats.”
Such statements leave you feeling like a fool because you’ve just bared your soul only for someone to discard all that you hold dear.
I understand that we can’t all like all animals. If you want to know, I don’t like snakes. But using the word “hate” goes too far.
What’s more, how often do you hear “I hate cats” in comparison to “I hate dogs?”
In some weird way, it’s all right to hate cats vehemently, but you become a public enemy if you say the same thing about dogs.
Besides, how somebody could hate these fluffy creatures is beyond my understanding.
3. It’s me or the cat!
Being in a relationship is hard, and sometimes you have to make compromises if you want it to work out in the end.
However, ultimatums such as this one are ridiculous and likely to backfire.
If you’re thinking about making such demands, let me tell you a secret. The cat would always win.
What’s more, if you can’t live with Kat, you can’t live with me. I’m not going to ask you to stop seeing a relative I don’t like, so don’t expect me to get rid of the cat.
Instead, think about the cat as a test of how much you understand and care about me.
4. You’re a crazy cat lady
This phrase is a little ambiguous because it depends on the way people say it.
For example, when I say that I have three cats and that I’m single, some people look at me funny with a knowing smirk on their faces.
It says, “You’re not normal, and you’re going to spend your life alone with your cats.”
Others are much more open about their opinion of me and my life choices, even though it’s none of their business.
What I don’t understand is why women are considered crazy cat ladies if they have more than one cat. Have you heard “crazy dog ladies” or “crazy bird ladies”? Not very often.
FYI, it’s okay if we call ourselves “crazy cat ladies” (or wear funny t-shirts proclaiming our crazy cat-loving ways).
We just don’t want to hear you use it in a negative and hurtful way.
5. How could you Spay or Neuter your cat?
Spaying or neutering your cat is the responsible thing to do.
Nevertheless, when somebody asks me how I could have done this to my cat, I can’t help but feel slightly guilty and think about all the beautiful kittens my cat could have raised.
People who make such remarks don’t have a realistic view of the dire situation nowadays.
They don’t see injured kittens or cats on the streets, and they don’t know how many die in kill shelters or get run over by vehicles.
So, I will continue to be a responsible owner, no matter what some backward people think.
6. Get rid of the cat
One of the things no cat owner ever wants to hear is “Get rid of the cat.” And yet they hear it for any number of reasons:
- When the cat breaks expensive stuff or wreaks havoc on the house
- The cat gets very ill and requires expensive treatment
- A baby is on the way and the “caring” relatives” don’t want the cat to make the baby sick
- Somebody might be allergic
People don’t seem to understand that I’m never going to “get rid of it,” no matter what happens.
7. Cats are selfish
Don’t even get me started on this one. Cats are independent creatures with a mind of their own.
If I wanted a pet that comes when called, likes to be petted, or constantly craves my attention, I would get a dog.
And no matter what other people think, I know that my cats care about me, and that’s all I need.
So, these are the top comments that always strike a nerve whenever I hear them.
However, I try not to be offended because sometimes people just don’t get how close you can be to an animal.
Wrap-Up
In the realm of cat ownership, communication is key, and being mindful of the words we choose is paramount.
By avoiding certain phrases and embracing understanding, we foster a community of respect and appreciation for the unique bond between cats and their devoted owners.
So, let’s choose our words wisely, celebrate the joy of cat companionship, and create a positive dialogue that reflects the love and care we share with our whiskered friends.
What’s your opinion? What should you never say to a cat owner? Would you like to add something to my list? Tell us in the comment section.
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