For those who know me, it is no secret I love cats. I'm an animal lover, but as far as pets go, cats are better than any alternative. Although, felines only slightly win over canines. I won't go into details because that is another post, so for wordiness sake let it be said: I love cats.
Specifically my cat. He goes by many names, but for the time being I'll refer to him by his given name: Mikey. The reason I mention my cat fancy is because I have come to a realization. When he dies I will be a wreck. I most assuredly will weep like a little girl and may do so for a week or more. This is not an epiphany. Here's the thing: his death will have a greater affect on my life than the death of the majority of my friends and family.
Let's get a few things clear. I'm not going to have Mikey cremated and put in an urn on my bookcase. He'll be buried and there will be no eulogy. I think. I'm not a crazy cat person who wants 5 felines running around a chaotic hair filled house either.
Close/best friends will be worse than Mikey's death, but we're talking three people at most. Acquaintances are understandable because they are just that. Family is a bit different, though. I won't name names, but I know of one close family member in particular that if, God forbid, did perish I would shed no tears. This got me to self-evaluate.
Am I a bad person for grieving over an animal more than a human being? What does that say about my psychological state? Do I have priorities way out of whack?
Truth is people get very attached to pets, but isn't that surprising when one considers the intricacies of pet ownership. Each animal has a distinct personality just like a human being and therefore creates a definite emotional connection. Physical touch can be more frequent than human touch and, at times, more rewarding. Pets don't cheat or lie to get what they want. The hours spent with house pets alone is enough to understand it. I spend an average of 12+ hours a day (including sleep) with Mikey. Even with work, vacations, etc. The life span of the average cat is about 15 years. That is a long time to cohabitate with any living entity.
I do care about my cat more than the vast majority of people. So say what you will, but I'm comfortable with who I am.
Specifically my cat. He goes by many names, but for the time being I'll refer to him by his given name: Mikey. The reason I mention my cat fancy is because I have come to a realization. When he dies I will be a wreck. I most assuredly will weep like a little girl and may do so for a week or more. This is not an epiphany. Here's the thing: his death will have a greater affect on my life than the death of the majority of my friends and family.
Let's get a few things clear. I'm not going to have Mikey cremated and put in an urn on my bookcase. He'll be buried and there will be no eulogy. I think. I'm not a crazy cat person who wants 5 felines running around a chaotic hair filled house either.
Close/best friends will be worse than Mikey's death, but we're talking three people at most. Acquaintances are understandable because they are just that. Family is a bit different, though. I won't name names, but I know of one close family member in particular that if, God forbid, did perish I would shed no tears. This got me to self-evaluate.
Am I a bad person for grieving over an animal more than a human being? What does that say about my psychological state? Do I have priorities way out of whack?
Truth is people get very attached to pets, but isn't that surprising when one considers the intricacies of pet ownership. Each animal has a distinct personality just like a human being and therefore creates a definite emotional connection. Physical touch can be more frequent than human touch and, at times, more rewarding. Pets don't cheat or lie to get what they want. The hours spent with house pets alone is enough to understand it. I spend an average of 12+ hours a day (including sleep) with Mikey. Even with work, vacations, etc. The life span of the average cat is about 15 years. That is a long time to cohabitate with any living entity.
I do care about my cat more than the vast majority of people. So say what you will, but I'm comfortable with who I am.
No comments:
Post a Comment