The Iridescent Hummingbird: Our Favorite Picks: Cats -- Man's Other Best Friend?

Cool bed for cool cats
(Thermo Kitty Fashion Splash, Red)
By K&H

Canines have been up against some heavy competition for the title of Man's Best Friend. Super cute hamsters, strong gallant horses, budget friendly goldflsh, soft fluffy rabbits, communicative parrots, playful sweet ferrets...the list goes on. Each animal has its own special quality that draws us to them but most cat owners would agree that the felines are the primary ones that give canines a run for their money when it comes to trying to take the animal world's coveted title of Man's Best Friend.

What is it about cats? Why do we love them so? Old cliches have taught us that dogs and cats are adversaries due to their bipolar qualities: Dogs = loyal, affectionate, dependent, rambunctious, and protective; Cats = independent, standoffish, lazy, finicky, and intolerant. Therefore, man's best friend shall always be dogs? These generalizations are untrue.

A study conducted by feline charity Cats Protection was featured in an article published by PR Newswire. It found that cats are the UK's favorite pet.

"Increased urban living and modern lifestyles mean that those looking for a pet are now choosing a cat over a dog. Only seven per cent named dogs as a person's best friend, compared to 37% naming the cat. Reasons for liking cats include:

Affection: 57% of respondents said they were affectionate.

Independence: 49% of respondents preferred their independence.

Cleanliness: 46% liked cats' cleanliness.

Exercise: 27% liked not having to walk a cat.

Low maintenance: 24% said cats were low maintenance."

(For further information on this study, visit http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=84564)

It would be safe to assume that man's best friend really just depends on the man (or woman.) Dog, cat, rabbit, snake...which ever creature is apart of your life, the important thing is to give them love, a clean place to live, healthy food, and regular visits to the vet.