Dogs or cats?
The content discusses the debate between dogs and cats as pets, highlighting that personal preference plays a significant role. It critiques the human tendency to define traits based on animal characteristics. People often label animals with unfair stereotypes. This includes associating foxes with cunningness or owls with foolishness. The article highlights the long-standing companionship between humans and domesticated animals. It explores the increasing trend of pet ownership as a status symbol. Ultimately, it stresses the importance of respecting all life forms. It advocates for responsible pet ownership. It appreciates nature while recognising the subjective nature of pet preference.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The debate over pet dogs and cats centers on personal preference and the unfair stereotypes humans assign to animals.
- Humans often compare their traits to those of animals, like labeling foxes as cunning or owls as foolish, which misrepresents animal characteristics.
- Pet ownership has become a status symbol, especially among the wealthy, leading to a lack of civic responsibility in caring for pets.
- Respecting all life is essential, emphasizing responsible pet ownership and appreciation for nature.
- Both pet dogs and cats can be lovable companions, and individuals should choose based on their personal inclination.
Introduction
Choosing between a cat and a dog is a matter of personal choice. Any discussion in this matter is futile and not worth it. Nonetheless, for a few “psychologist” friends, it can be a good source of studies on human nature. It also offers a better understanding of human psychology.
Human nature
The primary human trend is to boast about themselves. No one seems to accept their shortcomings and tries to portray themselves as ideal. It is noteworthy that their definition of “ideal” is subjective, without leaving space for “ventilation”. Like a bigot, they will defend themselves and obdurately show themselves as an epitome of goodness. They have created imaginary standards to define human nature by comparing them with some animal “trait”. Let us look at it in a little depth.
(a) Human nature vs animal traits
Terms like “courageous like a tiger”, “loyal like a dog” and “regal like a lion”. People tag their fellows using these and other similar terms. They highlight human nature but do not align with the law of Nature. Similarly, the names of certain animals used to describe a person’s similar “animal” qualities.
(b) Fox cunning
Fox, for example, is synonymous with cunningness and timidity, and it steals food stealthily. The poor animal is “known” for stealth, cunningness and selfishness. No so-called “animal lover” raised a voice against this lopsided approach. An animal is mute, ignorant and innocent. It can’t defend itself. Oblivious of its “fame”, the animal does what it needs to do for its survival. Using this tag as an epitome of cunningness and shrewdness, people use it to describe others. Thus, the term “Fox cunning”. Is it not ridiculous?!
(c) Intelligent Owls
Owls, for instance, are an innocent and intelligent nocturnal bird that feeds mostly on harmful rodents. In the Orient, they are ridiculously classified as fools. So-called foolish persons are nick-named “Chugad” (owl in Urdu) or “Ulloo” (owl in Hindi) in common parlance. On the contrary, owls are viewed as intelligent in some parts of the globe. Their group is called a parliament. Doesn’t sound interesting?! It does.
(d) Humble donkey
Donkey, humble and diligent animal, does the work without grumbling. The harmless and gentle animal carries loads. Unfortunately, they have been epitomised as fools. An uninformed and slow learning person is often termed a donkey.
Animals as carriers of gods and goddesses
Life must be respected in any form. Indian ethos and culture are all for it. It advocates compassion and kindness for every life form. In the Sanātan tradition, some gods, like Lord Narsimha and Lord Varah, are worshipped in their animal incarnations. Additionally, Gods and Goddesses are depicted with their “Vāhana” (carrier), which are animals. While Eagle is for Lord Vishnu, Bull is for Lord Shiva, and Swan is for Brahma. Tiger is for Goddess Durga, Owl for Laxmi. They symbolise the power of Gods and Goddesses.
Humans are superior?
Using their power of expression by speech, aided by superior intellect, humans have been capable of excelling themselves. This gave rise to a haughty feeling, and they started considering themselves above Nature and its laws. Most of the time, they show this trait to thrust their hegemony onto other humans. Phrases like “animal lover” or “pet lover” seem an extension of their mendacious approach.
Domestication of animals
There are groups of animals that have quickly learned to accommodate the ways of life with humans. Bovine and Equine are the apt examples. Since the beginning of civilisation, humans have learned to use them as property for their advantage. They started “taming” the wildly roaming animals, keeping them in enclosures, feeding and taking care of them.
(a) Animals as aides to humans
Domestication of cattle, dogs, cats, horses, and animals like horses and elephants was to cater for the needs of humans. Tamed animals trained for specific purposes. In the long journey, they diligently accompanied humans. At times, humans show subjective “love”. They “tame” beautiful-looking, cute and beneficial animals and birds. Extending the trend, new names have been added to the list of domesticated animals. It includes colourful fish, snakes, lizards, monitors, and insects like grasshoppers. They are “tamed” purely for recreation or to show “love” for animals.
Dogs
Animals like dogs and cats were easy to have. Dogs have been in human companionship since antediluvian times. The dog has found a prominent place in the epic of the “Mahabharat”.
(i) Dog in Mahabharat
Eklavya was practising archery in the thick of a forest. He was in front of Dronacharya’s statue. Seeing him practicing, the accompanying dog with Pandavas started barking. Eklavya filled the mouth of barking dog with stacks of arrows without an iota of blood. Similarly, while ascending to heaven during their last days, the Pandavas relinquished the kingdom in favour of their progenies. They were falling one after the other. Ultimately, it was only Yudhisthira who entered heaven accompanied by a lone dog,
(ii) Epitome of faithfulness
Dogs have acclimatised themselves to living in the vicinity of human beings. Dogs are the epitome of loyalty and faithfulness. The stray dogs have divided their territory, and they guard it with utmost alacrity and diligence. There are reports of dog attacks on older people and children. Yet, by and large, they live amicably with the residents of the locality.
(iii) as pet
Keeping dogs and cats as pets has increased manifold. Cats are also a choice, but they are fewer. It is often linked with increasing newfound wealth and status symbols, especially among the neo-rich middle class. During morning time, they take a morning stroll. They hold the strap of their pet dog in one hand and a stick in the other. Meanwhile, their pet carelessly defecates in the open. This shows a lack of civic sense.
(iv) Cuteness vs ferocity
The size of the tamed dog is a significant parameter of the person’s status and wealth. The degree of ferocity also matters. “Beware of Dog” has become a vogue. A billboard hanging on the portal of their houses is frequent. The “dog lovers” seemingly don’t care about the convenience of others.
(v) Civic norms
There is nothing objectionable about keeping dogs and cats as pets. but the animals need proper care and appropriate training. It is important that pet lovers strictly follow the civic rules and norms. Pets must not be allowed to defecate anywhere or physically harm anyone. (Pet Guide)
Cats
Cats are lovely, silent and a little selfish creatures with especially adapted bodies. It can jump from a height and land on a surface silently and steadily. They love cleanliness and approach human beings with a small degree of caution. They silently tiptoe into the house and take whatever they need without disturbing other things. Cats are good pets, too. So long as they are not harmed, they behave properly.
(i) “Aunt Cat”
Cats are nicknamed “Aunt Cat”. The family of Aunt Cat is big. Collectively termed as “Big Cats”, the family includes tiger, panther, leopard, lion and other such animals. Cheetahs are not included in their family because of morphological differences.
(ii) Big Cats
Members of Aunt Cat are beautiful, regal, powerful and excellent hunters. They used their speed, punch and sudden attack to hunt, but despite it all, they didn’t succeed. The notable members of the cat family are Tigers, Lions, Leopards and Jaguars. The domestic cat has almost every trait, but in significantly smaller amounts.
Bounties of Nature
Nature has given us ample things to eat, enjoy and feel happy. The human race does not produce anything except for craps and waste materials. Metals, non-metals, foods, and drinks are all extracted and processed to suit our requirements. Humans are the only creature that consumes, not produce. The human race owes its existence to Nature and is thankful to it. Every creature is beautiful, useful and important.
In the end
It is a matter of personal choice to like or dislike anything living or nonliving. Either a dog or a cat, both are equally lovable, but not necessarily as pets. A free individual looks best. They deserve compassion and care.
Please share your stories and feelings about it. Comment about what you feel good or bad about keeping a pet like dogs or cats, or any other animal. If this article resonates with you, please share and spread it.
Related reads:
-END-
Leave a Reply