FEATURE: Why People Love, Hate Cats As Pets

By Peculiar Anibueli 

Cats have, overtime, become subjects of multiple debates, especially from the perspective of individual and societal perception. Many have viewed these domestic creatures from their perceived utilitarian values, spiritual connection, and mythical standing. These perceptions, put together, ultimately define how most people relate with and perceive cats as pets.

History
In ancient Egypt, cats were represented in social and religious scenes, dating as early as 1980 BC. Several ancient Egyptian deities were depicted and sculptured with cat-like heads such as Mafdet, Bastet and Sekhmet, representing justice, fertility, and power, respectively. The deity, “Mut” was also depicted as a cat and in the company of a cat.

Ancient Egyptians used to worship many animals for thousands of years. Animals were revered for different reasons. Dogs were valued for their ability to protect and hunt, but cats were thought to be the most special. Egyptians believed cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to the people who housed them.

To honour these treasured pets, wealthy families dressed them in jewels and fed them treats fit for royalty. When the cats died, they were mummified. As a sign of mourning, the cat owners shaved off their eyebrows, and continued to mourn until their eyebrows grew back. Art from ancient Egypt shows statues and paintings of every type of feline. Cats were so special that those who killed them, even by accident, were sentenced to death.

According to Egyptian mythology, gods and goddesses had the power to transform themselves into different animals. Only one deity, the goddess named Bastet, had the power to become a cat. In the city of Per-Bast, a beautiful temple was built, and people came from all over to experience its splendor

Domesticity

Human interaction with cats  relates to the hundreds of millions of cats that are kept as pets around the world. The inter-relationship involves companionship, communication and caregiving. Dating back thousands of years, cats were originally domesticated for their ability to control pests and later became valued companions.

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Cats communicate through vocalisations, body language and behaviours, forming strong bonds with their human owners. Owners provide the food, shelter, and medical care, while play and enrichment activities stimulate their physical and mental well-being. Despite their independent nature, cats enjoy human company and require understanding of their unique behaviours. Positive reinforcement training can shape desired behaviours , fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and their feline companions, built on mutual respect and affection.

The Nigerian Perspective 

In parts of West Africa like Nigeria, people see cats as evil and a symbol of witchcraft . A lot of people cannot withstand the sight and sound of a cat. While a few love and cherish them as pets, others either detest them or buy them as part of efforts to keep menacing rats at bay in their shops and homes.

According to a Delta-based university student, Ovo Precious, most people feel uncomfortable around cats and detest them because they are easily possessed by witches .

Another commentator on the issue, Ike Joseph, said that he preferred dogs but doesn’t hate cats either.

“Cats are very playful and  protective, but I prefer dogs”, he said.

Another speaker, Azike Kate said she liked cats because of their perceived curiosity and somewhat capacity to mimic humans  

“cats are very curious animals they always want to know what their owners are doing and they like to mimic a lot”

According to an Ozoro-based lady, Peace Omovigho, “people only hate cats because of the stories that they have heard and the evil things that people have used them for. Naturally, they are God’s creation just like every other animal”

She explained that cats are simply domestic animals; hence, she does not believe in the widely acclaimed yet unsubstantiated notion of cats being evil.

Even so, Omovigho said she liked cats because they have a variety of benefits and the mentality of cats being demonic is outrageous.

Peculiar Anibueli, is a-300 level student of Mass Communication at Southern Delta University, Ozoro. Email:
stephenpeculiar12@gmail.com