This was a fun poll to take !!!
~ Happy Cuddling Everyone 🤗 -
This from another thread on CC. Credit to @MissAdventurous and her research.
A "cat lady" from the 1930s was typically an older woman who lived alone and kept several cats as companions. In this era, society often viewed women who were unmarried or living independently with a certain degree of social stigma, so having a collection of cats could be seen as both a comfort and a source of companionship. These women often preferred the company of their pets over the busy social lives that many others led, and cats became symbols of independence and eccentricity during this time. In the 1930s, many cat ladies were known for their deep affection for their feline friends, and they would often be seen knitting, reading, or simply enjoying the company of their cats. The animals were not only companions but also provided emotional support during a time of great social and economic uncertainty, particularly during the Great Depression. The cat lady archetype was often portrayed in literature and media, sometimes with a touch of humor or even as a symbol of a life lived outside of conventional norms. While the stereotype of the "cat lady" became more pronounced over the decades, in the 1930s, these women were simply carving out their own spaces in a world that often made them feel out of place. Their love for their cats was genuine, and for many, these animals became their closest friends, offering affection and companionship in a time of societal upheaval.
A "cat lady" from the 1930s was typically an older woman who lived alone and kept several cats as companions. In this era, society often viewed women who were unmarried or living independently with a certain degree of social stigma, so having a collection of cats could be seen as both a comfort and a source of companionship. These women often preferred the company of their pets over the busy social lives that many others led, and cats became symbols of independence and eccentricity during this time.
In the 1930s, many cat ladies were known for their deep affection for their feline friends, and they would often be seen knitting, reading, or simply enjoying the company of their cats. The animals were not only companions but also provided emotional support during a time of great social and economic uncertainty, particularly during the Great Depression. The cat lady archetype was often portrayed in literature and media, sometimes with a touch of humor or even as a symbol of a life lived outside of conventional norms.
While the stereotype of the "cat lady" became more pronounced over the decades, in the 1930s, these women were simply carving out their own spaces in a world that often made them feel out of place. Their love for their cats was genuine, and for many, these animals became their closest friends, offering affection and companionship in a time of societal upheaval.
I have always owned dogs, but after my last dog passed away, my daughters asked for a cat. They are older (19 and 16) and swore they'd do everything to take care of it, so we got a cat. They have held true to their word and have taken care of everything, and I've found some appreciation of cats now. It's not a perfect relationship lol but we're getting there
So much that goes into why we do or do not own pets..... So much insight shared! I love it. 💕
King Frederick II of Prussia, also known as "Frederick the Great", is credited with first using the phrase. He was a fan of his Italian Greyhounds and wanted to be buried with them. The phrase "man's best friend" originated with King Frederick II of Prussia in the mid-1700s. It was popularized by Ogden Nash's poem and became a common expression in the 20th century. It seems like he was being quoted in this famous Supreme Court case in 1870, when attorney George Graham Vest declared, “The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.” https://www.scone-palace.co.uk/news/mans-best-friend In his book, Derr explores how the relationship between humans and wolves developed, and how that relationship then influenced the physical evolution of wolves into dogs. He tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies that he believes humans and wolves developed a close relationship after recognizing themselves in each other while hunting on the trail of big game. https://www.npr.org/2011/11/08/142100653/how-dogs-evolved-into-our-best-friends
I always heard this phrase growing up.... "dogs are a man's best friend." I never heard it applied to women or the generic "human beings" and I see now why that was true. Back in the cave man years when men were the hunters, wolves/dogs were with them.... so interesting.
It also makes sense that boys I knew grew up having friendships more easily with animals than other humans. So much clicking into place with these historical accounts. Man's best friend from hunting partners and down through the ages. Especially with this historical language..... "The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.”
Although, from the polls of current pet owners, it seems like there is more of a mixture of what kind of pet people are attracted to. What a fun and interesting study... Thank you!!! 😊
Both men and women can be gender-nonconforming. Gender nonconformity refers to expressing or behaving in ways that don't align with traditional societal expectations for one's assigned gender. This can include things like fashion choices, mannerisms, interests, or roles that defy gender norms. For example, a man who enjoys wearing makeup or a woman who prefers traditionally masculine clothing and behaviors could be considered gender-nonconforming. It’s not about one's gender identity but rather how they express themselves in relation to societal expectations.
@sillysassy See I have a dog and cat and a giant fish tank you could take a bath in, but ive also had snakes, lizards, spiders, scorpion, bird, rats, mice, guinea pig, rabbit, and even though it wasn't a pet I once had a baby deer for several days that I bottle fed while the wildlife rehabilitation center was waiting for space. So how does all that factor into the poll ?
Cisgender woman who has a dog but prefers cats
@sillysassy "Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
I am a woman and wish I could check multiple boxes because I have two dogs that was with my ex and hope to get a dog of my own once I can buy a house and only a guinea pig and before I got the dogs with my ex I was very much into guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits but now I am definitely more of a dog person. Since we are on the topic, I figure it all share the latest pictures of the Cookie Wookie Woo
I’m female and own a banana ball python! I know a lot of people don’t like snakes but he is my cute little noodle! I really want more animals. Some people daydream about the things they’d buy if they won the lottery, I daydream about the animals I would adopt! I’d love to have 3 dogs and 2 cats, a couple leopard geckos, an amazon parrot, some goats, chickens, running ducks, a peacock! And horses!! My dream is to own land full of animals. I’d never leave.
@Violetblanket: One adorable python.
I'm a guy, I have 2 cats and a dog, I love animals but avoid responsibility at all costs, I think it's a way to help me deal with my severe anxiety, I didn't want pets but my gf really wanted them, she has severe depression, so I decided to get some for her, normally I would avoid getting pets but they help me tremendously, they are great cuddle companions!!
I'm a woman & a huge animal lover ever since I was a little kid. When I was a kid I had a pet rabbit, dog & cat (not all at the same time lol). I have cats right now & cats seems to suit my lifestyle the most. I wish I can have a pet rabbit, but I have cats so I can NOT get a pet rabbit for rabbit's safety 🙏. I like dogs too, but you have to walk them outside several times a day, which is why I prefer cats. Someday I will get a dog (that's cat friendly) too to add to my family of fur babies.