What would you say to someone who said to you that they hate cats? Would you (a) smile politely and keep quiet (b) enter into a conversation with him to find out why he hates cats and try and convert him (c) ask him if as a result of his hatred of cats he abuses them (d) do as Christi Metropole did and say, ‘Sir, that is as offensive to me as if you told me you hated someone because of their religion or color of their skin’?

Christi went on to say, ‘Cats are victims of people’s hatred and cruelty because……’

The man backed up and retracted his statement. He was probably surprised to be confronted by an woman who knew her mind and who was confident enough to express her views.

You may have a different response. Do you avoid asking anyone if they like cats for fear that they might say they hate them and then what do you say?

Cary cartoon. I added the words. A lot of people are anxious about cats. Indeed fearful of them. This cat lead to hatred.

I think we owe a duty to cats to politely (if possible) confront people who say that they hate cats. It may well be a neighbor and if so it’s potentially a grave problem.

I would enter into a discussion to try and get to the bottom of the reason for his cat hatred. I’d then try and explain to him why his hatred for cats was irrational and unkind. It always is in my opinion. There is no need to hate cats. Even ornithologists don’t have to hate cats. They should understand that (a) we can’t blame the cat for attacking birds because it is natural behavior and (c) humans are responsible for the presence of domestic and feral cats on the planet. Therefore is someone is to be criticized it is humans.

People who hate cats should be sensible enough to focus on human behavior and leave cats out of it.

Cat Containment

I mentioned the possibility of a neighbor hating cats. If you love cats and own one or two this situation can be dangerous for the cats unless they are confined. The only surefire way of confining domestic cats is with a specialist, customized cat containment fence. They are 99.99% secure and will keep your cats inside the confines of your home and yard (garden). There are may instances on the internet of issues with neighbors abusing cats. They someones say they hate cats and will hurt the cats if they wonder onto their property.

You often cannot reason with these people. The best or only course of action is to move (a drastic step but sometimes necessary) if the cat hating neighbor is particularly hostile and violent or build a proper cat containment fence. These fences bring absolute peace of mind to the owner. That is priceless and the cats are healthier provided the owner entertains her cats.

What would you say to someone who said to you that they hate cats?