LPT For Men: Get a cat.

a-man-from-earth · 2021-04-30T10:14:04+00:00

Wholesome content and a bit off the beaten path. Thanks! I'm gonna sticky it for a day or two.

StarZax · 2021-04-30T10:42:11+00:00

I had a cat that came into the garden with 5 really incredibly cute little kittens. Never really used to animals, my little sisters were thrilled to see them and my mom too, she prepared a place for them in the shed.

I was so surprised to see how well the cat adapted to our presence. She was so nice, she followed me easily and she seemed to like us. The little ones had their little character too but they were not even a month old and yet they had already adapted to our presence.

And this is something that really surprised me. How much they can already express gratitude for the love we give them.

We had to give them to a center that will take care of them and we will keep 2 kittens when they will be neutered and independent from their mother, but when I move on my own, I am almost sure to take a cat. As someone with major depression issues, I think having at least one small animal in the house can be a big bonus.

pattyboiIII · 2021-04-30T10:36:32+00:00

Gonna stick with my big dogs but thanks for the message.

88mmAce · 2021-04-30T11:47:19+00:00

Allergic to most mammals sadly

MrElderwood · 2021-04-30T13:53:10+00:00

Firstly, brilliant post! I couldn't agree more!

Being a dual cat owner, from a family of historic dog owners, I'd like to add a few thoughts of my own.

Be realistic as to how often you will want to walk a dog (and the space you have to do so). Some breeds need a lot of exercise and will end up being 'problem' pets if they don't get what they need. 'Destructive' dogs - like those that chew things up - are usually under-exercised. Also consider that house cats are a thing, but not as solo pets (this is what my two are, as I live in a major, traffic-dense, city).

Please, please, please focus on rescue animals. I abhor puppy farms etc, and there are already far too many animals that need loving 'forever' homes. I truly believe the bond you make with a rescue is deeper and more profound, for both of you, if you rescue as opposed to buying them. With the bonus that they have a lovely tendency to rescue you right back!

If it's at all possible, as I mentioned above, buy a pair of animals, preferably siblings if you can. The companionship they give each other is vitals and on a level we cannot replicate. Dogs could be the exception, as they seem to do fine as solo pets, but I know my two cats would not be the same if they were solo.

With cats, the most important advice you can receive is already stated in the OP - "allow them to come to you". Very well done for pointing this out u/peanutbutterjams, it's absolutely crucial to remember something that sounds obvious. Namely, 'cats are not dogs'! They form their relationship with you in a different way and at their own pace. Trust me, they will love you all the more for it! In fact I earned major 'bonus points' with the rescue centre I got mine from for simply opining that to them - they literally said "I wish more people realised that!".

Also with cats, don't forget that they love raw meat - pref poultry but NEVER pork, as it has too many dangerous parasites that we kill through cooking - as it can provide essential stuff they might not get elsewhere, like Taurine. My two seem to get a real rush from raw chicken! And there is research that suggests cats that eat raw meat at home kill less wildlife too - Win/Win! Do little research in to "biologically appropriate raw foods" or BARF for short (yes, really!). Mine love it, even if only as a part of their diet. Oh and if possible, avoid pet foods that are stuffed with cereal-fillers, cats cant digest cereal and it can lead to health issues in later life.

In conclusion, the unconditional love you get from an animal is really precious, especially if your mental health is less than tip-top. As someone with Major Depressive Disorder, my two are usually the highlight of my day - either with their snuggles with me or watching them wrestle each other!

Sorry! Didn't mean to write a wall of text! Can you guess I'm an animal lover?! =)

TheKingsHill · 2021-04-30T14:52:57+00:00

I’ve been missing my cats. My now ex has them since the breakup.
My two cats were everything. Slept with me, always showing affection and seeking attention, annoyingly sometimes. They always knew when we needed them and they seemed to show us/request extra attention then.

LettuceBeGrateful · 2021-04-30T15:18:59+00:00

My first cat saved my life.

People who shame anyone (man or woman) for having cats can shove it. They're wonderful pets, and the right cat can even be a wonderful companion.

adam-l · 2021-04-30T09:56:05+00:00

I've conflicted feelings about this.

I guess if it works, it's good - I mean, Tesla did fall in love with a pigeon.

On the other hand, there's an ongoing campaign by gynocentrism in order to alleviate women from their "emotional chores", and pets are certainly used for it.

I believe that pets are the heart of a heartless world, the opium of men. The abolition of the love of pets as the illusory love of the men is the demand for their being trully loved.

turbulance4 · 2021-04-30T12:59:55+00:00

Strange timing. I'm literally getting a cat today.

strawhut · 2021-04-30T16:15:07+00:00

Yup cat love is unlike anything in this world.

leroy2007 · 2021-05-01T02:06:09+00:00

My cat has had a huge impact on my positive mental health. It’s also been good for me to feel the responsibility of taking care of her. Cats are pretty low maintenance but I still have to make sure she had food and fresh water and to take care of the litter box among other things. She’s a punk sometimes, but I love hear

mensmod · 2021-04-30T14:11:59+00:00

As a cat owner, my experience is that female cats are more often cat-cats, and male cats are more often people-cats.

c0d3s1ing3r · 2021-04-30T13:11:14+00:00

Allergic...

BetoGSanchez · 2021-04-30T15:10:33+00:00

Agree, I don't like cats but care a lot for my cat 😻

amkmaker1754 · 2021-04-30T16:16:10+00:00

A few tricks from someone who's had cats all their life: BE CHILL AS HELL. My stepdaughter insists she's the "cat whisperer", despite the fact most of our cats cannot be around her because she's too high-energy. We have five. Only one of them actually tolerates her high energy.

You need to be in tune with their body language. Ears back is an automatic "get the hell away from me" look. If they're hissing, it's already too late. Back off and ignore them. They'll come to you when they need/want something.

Some cats have people personalities. Some are literally bipolar. There is no predictor, other than how you treat the cat at the start. One of my babies is scarred for life because my ex's friend abused the shit out of her. She's the nicest kitty in the world, but it took YEARS for us to get her to trust people again.

Laser pointers are the go-to for entertainment. Drown them in cat nip as well, once a month or so. Kitties are great when they're high, and it's totally harmless.

Most importantly, don't get a pet unless you're willing to fork out the expenses for food, litter, vet visits if necessary, etc. It's an obvious point. But I'm 100% with OP's post. Get a cat. they're awesome.

Here's all five of mine! https://imgur.com/a/ATe2lXX

dontpet · 2021-04-30T19:59:23+00:00

I've had a jack russell terrier for the last three years, never having owned an animal in my life. It blows me and my whole family away how strongly we care about him.

I often joke that if the four of us were on a boat that only had room for three, we would all agree that the dog stays on board them right for the remaining spaces.

Anyway, nice post.

n8ivco1 · 2021-04-30T21:10:51+00:00

If you have high blood pressure I highly suggest an aquarium. Not as much work as you think once your tank is balanced.

Xemnas81 · 2021-04-30T22:31:43+00:00

I used to have a cat, but I can't have any pets in a 3rd storey flat :/

2021-04-30T22:45:06+00:00

Great post, I love cats too.

DanielLaRussoJohny · 2021-04-30T22:57:17+00:00

Why not big dogs? Mine is 100 pounds but that doesn’t stop her...

Or am I getting you wrong and you’re just saying get a pet that will cuddle with you

Jakeybaby125 · 2021-04-30T23:09:10+00:00

Very much agree with this. I love my two cats even if they can be vicious sometimes

WhatAboutThisTime · 2021-04-30T23:14:04+00:00

I’m allergic to cats but heavily considering just getting one and dealing with the months of hell until my immune system works up a tolerance.

Gerstlauer · 2021-04-30T16:36:22+00:00

Cat-cats are only concerned with themselves. They're grifters at best, assholes at worst. If you get a cat-cat, don't be afraid to give it away. There's a sucker born every minute.

This is fucking terrible advice. A cat is not an inanimate object to just use for your own gain without any consideration.

raqisasim · 2021-04-30T17:02:24+00:00

I disagree: this "cat-cats" business is a way inaccurate reflection of cats.

I have the honor of the love of two cats, and have lived with up to three. None were "lap cats," or day-to-day cuddle buddies, but they were/are all lovable, and worthy of respect. At best, I have a "sits calmly on desk while I work" cat, who adores going outdoors and cuddling up for a few minutes in bed, even in her old age and infirmaries.

Just because these cats don't follow around and snug every moment doesn't mean they don't provide joy every day for me and mine. I have spent so much time, energy and yes money on these cats, and I don't regard a damned dime. I will agree that a cat's affection is very different from my Parent, family, and friends -- but I'll also say that adapting and learning how each cat shares their affection, and how to show mine in return, has built up my well of empathy for everyone.

And to that end: just because a cat isn't 100% focused on getting love from you, don't mean you should shuffle them around homes.

jjbkeeper · 2021-05-01T03:00:54+00:00

The only thing I disagree with here is the reason to get a small dog over a big dog. I own a big dog and he has no issue climbing in to my lap for cuddles. I don’t get much of a say in the matter

MILFBucket · 2021-05-08T01:37:37+00:00

I like little dogs hehe they're so funny

Title	LPT For Men: Get a cat.
Author	peanutbutterjams
Upvotes	220
Comments	59
Date	April 30, 2021 9:29 AM UTC (2 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/LeftWingMaleAdvocates
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/LeftWingMaleAdvocates/comments/n1q9np/lpt_for_men_get_a_cat/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/LeftWingMaleAdvocates/lpt-for-men-get-a-cat.1061438 https://theredarchive.com/post/1061438