ConcernedCitizen - 24 September 2007 08:50 PM

Katrina Ferreira - 13 August 2007 04:21 PM

So why is it that some people have a fear of cats?

It’s much more than a simple phobia.  Cats have a physiology that is chemically and biologically repellant to humans.

Cats dander is an irritant and allergen, so it causes problems for people with allergies.  Cats mark their territories with musk.  Cat urine, foul under any circumstances, may ward off competitors in the animal kingdom, but it creates an adverse olfactory response in the human brain that takes years of training to ignore.

Many rats and birds instinctively fear the smell of cat urine even if they have never seen a cat.  The smell of a cat can make mice more aggressive:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/q6r8525022717046/

The pheremonal effect on humans may be substantial, diminishing libido and causing depression.  Humans infected with Toxoplasma gondii are particularly susceptible:
http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/060803_tgondii_culture.html

I love animals.  But like the vast majority of humans, I’m allergic to cats.

Other studies have also found links between the parasite and schizophrenia. T. gondii infection is known to damage astrocytes, support cells in the brain that are also affected during schizophrenia.

Yes, many people are allergic to cats.  Feral cats are a problem.  T. Gondii is much more common in feral cats then with domestic cats.  There seems to be a fair amount of feral colonies around. 

I am an animal lover but I don’t have any felines.  If I weren’t allergic to them, I would have a couple of them, and I would make sure they were fixed.  The smell of cat spray is disgusting, as is a dirty litter box!!

SIDE NOTE....In rather unusual fashion, this thread is displayed with most recent post first.

So, that puts me on Top...heh

CC submits: The pheremonal effect on humans may be substantial, diminishing libido and causing depression. 

SH: My Beloved Spousal Unit and I almost routinely have one of our two cats parked on the end corner of the bed when we get it on.  Unless we bump her off, she just snoozes and rides it out.

And in the further too much information category, I’ll share that since he was less than a year old, our currently six year old tom will wait out all sounds of bedroom romance until the climatic bell has pealed, at which time he instantly jumps on the bed and works to muscle his way in between our bodies.

At 22 pounds, he’s a big load to fend off and usually gets his way.

My speculation is that he is digging the pheremonees in reverse, eh?

Katrina Ferreira - 13 August 2007 04:21 PM

So why is it that some people have a fear of cats?

It’s much more than a simple phobia.  Cats have a physiology that is chemically and biologically repellant to humans.

Cats dander is an irritant and allergen, so it causes problems for people with allergies.  Cats mark their territories with musk.  Cat urine, foul under any circumstances, may ward off competitors in the animal kingdom, but it creates an adverse olfactory response in the human brain that takes years of training to ignore.

Many rats and birds instinctively fear the smell of cat urine even if they have never seen a cat.  The smell of a cat can make mice more aggressive:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/q6r8525022717046/

The pheremonal effect on humans may be substantial, diminishing libido and causing depression.  Humans infected with Toxoplasma gondii are particularly susceptible:
http://www.livescience.com/strangenews/060803_tgondii_culture.html

I love animals.  But like the vast majority of humans, I’m allergic to cats.

I’m a dog person

I don’t know much about cats but I like my dogs because I can play with them, hug them, and I love it when they waggle their tails

Why dogs are better than men…

Dogs always think you’re smart and don’t make fun of your shortcomings

Dogs are willing to sleep on a rug and fetch on command

Dogs spend less time worrying about hair loss

Old buddies don’t show up on doorstep unexpectedly

Dogs are utterly disinterested in professional sports

Your parents find them easier to like

Dogs are rarely jealous of your former boyfriends

Dogs are willing to hold your purse in public

Unlikely to roll over and lose consciousness immediately following intense play

Dogs don’t complain when you want to go for a walk

Dogs are willing to eat anything you put on their plate and will always want more

You can put a dog in a crate when you don’t feel like having it around

Dogs expect to go outside on leashes… men think they can do everything on their own

Dogs do not have problems expressing affection in public.

Dogs miss you when you’re gone.

Dogs feel guilt when they’ve done something wrong.

Dogs don’t brag about whom they have slept with.

Dogs don’t criticize your friends.

Dogs admit when they’re jealous.

Dogs do not play games with you—except fetch (and they never laugh at how you throw).

Dogs don’t feel threatened by your intelligence.

You can train a dog.

Dogs are easy to buy for.

Dogs are good with kids.

Dogs are already in touch with their inner puppies.

Gorgeous dogs don’t know they’re gorgeous.

The worst social disease you can get from dogs is fleas.
(OK. The *really* worst disease you can get from them is rabies, but there’s a vaccine for it, and you get to kill the one that gives it to you.)

Dogs understand what NO means.

Dogs don’t make a practice of killing their own species.

Dogs understand if some of their friends cannot come inside.

You can house train a dog.

Dogs don’t correct your stories.

Middle-aged dogs don’t feel the need to abandon you for a younger owner.

Dogs don’t mind if you do all the driving.

Dogs don’t step on the imaginary brake.

Dogs don’t weigh down your purse with their stuff.

Dogs look at your eyes.

Dogs take care of their own needs.

Dogs aren’t threatened if you earn more than they do.

Dogs mean it when they kiss you.

Dogs are nice to your relatives.

Dogs obsess about you as much as you obsess about them.

How Dogs Are Better Than Women
The later you are, the more excited your dog is to see you.
Dogs will forgive you for playing with other dogs.
Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another dog’s name.
Dogs like it when you leave lots of things on the floor.
A dog’s disposition stays the same all month long.
Dogs never need to examine the relationship.
A dog’s parents never visit.
No dog ever put on 100 pounds after reaching adulthood.
Dogs never criticize.
Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
Dogs never expect gifts.
Dogs don’t worry about germs.
Dogs don’t want to know about every other dog that you ever had.
Dogs like to do their snooping outside as opposed to in your wallet, desk, and the back of your sock drawer.
You never have to wait for your dog. They are ready to go 24 hours a day.
Dogs have no use for flowers, cards or jewelry.
A dog’s time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink
Dogs don’t expect you to callDogs don’t have lunch with previous owners if you are running late

I think there are cat people and there are dog people.  I’m definitely more of a dog person. 

I’ve had cats and dogs for pets.  While cats can be affectionate (at times, like when they’re hungry or want to be scratched) and they are low maintenance, they certainly can’t compare with a dog.  Dogs are definitely way more work than a cat, but a dog is like a best friend, is always thrilled to see you, come home no matter what kind of mood you were in when you left, wants to go with you wherever you go, etc.  Much more work than a cat, but much more rewarding too.

All the cats I’ve had in 47 years were affectionate.  And most were arrogant, especially if contronted with the more mentally challenged dog.

We’ve got an 11 year old and a 7 year old and will likely get a kitten to join in the rotation during the next few months.

Pets are pets. So why is it that some people have a fear of cats? My cats are very affectionate. Other people say cats are arrogant. How do you feel, and why?