Why do Some People Hate Cats?

Whenever I meet someone who professes a hatred of cats, no matter how hard I try to understand why they feel this way, I can only justify a handful of reasons their prejudice and revulsion toward the species is so deeply ingrained.

Cat haters may have had a scary experience with a kitty as a child. Since fear is at the root of hatred, it’s highly likely these unfortunate folks have never been properly introduced to the species that cat lovers consider purrfect companions. 

On the other hand, since heredity plays a part in the way we behave, ailurophobes may simply be devoid of the cat-loving gene.

Many of these folks go to great lengths to stay as far away from a feline as possible. They claim cats are sneaky, aloof and manipulative. Since cats have the reputation of being independent, they are often thought of as self-centered, disloyal and very difficult to train. Some feel that cats aren’t real pets; they are merely acquaintances.

In fact, in the presence of a cat, a true ailurophobe, out of sheer terror of a tiny predator may start shaking, have difficulty breathing and break into a sweat.

Of course there is a considerable difference between someone who is feline-phobic and those who dislike cats in general. Some, however, since they are so cute and cuddly, enjoy playing with kittens. It is only when they mature into adults that they are no longer admired. I just cannot wrap my brain around how anyone who claims to love animals wouldn’t immediately fall in love with a kitty. After all, in some societies cats have even been worshipped as gods.

Since many cat haters love dogs, perhaps the cat’s misunderstood nature is somehow threatening to them.  As “pack animals”, evolving from wolves, domesticated dogs are social in nature and readily fit into our human hierarchy.  They are often referred to as “mans’ best friend,”and considered easy to control.

On the other hand cats in the wild are generally solitary hunters, (with the exception of lions), raise their young alone, and interact with other cats mainly for breeding. Since education about cats is so important, understanding feline behavior can lead to a true appreciation of this incredible species.

But one thing I know about folks that loudly profess their hatred of cats; the bigger the outcry, the harder they fall. Ask anyone who has once detested kitties, but has converted to the other side, how they feel about their cats. The adoration is truly remarkable.

Have you always adored cats, are you not a fan, or are you a cat-loving convert? Tell us with a comment.