Cats or Dogs?

“There are two kinds of people in the world, those who believe there are two kinds of people in the world and those who don’t” – Robert Benchley

“There are three kinds of people in the world: those that can count and those that can’t.” – Anon.

It has oft been said that there are two kinds of people in the world; cat people and dog people. There are some that would argue one can feel equal affection or aversion to both species of domesticated critter but they will get no consideration here.

We have all been acquainted with an eccentric aunt or crazy neighbor who has an excessive retinue of feline friends oft referred to by the owner as “family”. They are generally somewhat retiring and reclusive in their habits. In extreme cases, the cats may be dressed in theme costume and use to play out some elaborate historical pageant. Upon learning of such a relation’s demise and that we were lucky enough to fall heir to the dearly departed’s home we offer, “Eew!”

 Our lives have probably been enriched as well by the committed dog enthusiast. They are never satisfied with one or two, but must own a pack.  It is not unusual to encounter a dog lover that has a breed affinity that ups their price and lowers their likely longevity due to in-breeding. Some take the opposite extreme and companion up with a tea-cup this or that which is destined to spend its life being carried around in an oversized purse that in bygone day was referred to as a courier’s satchel. I believe these are really cat people but cannot stomach the litter box regimen. And let us not ignore the little beasties that ride in the crook of their all-to-macho owners elbow as he motors his Ford F-.250 down the avenue (off-road edition, of course).

Yes, ours is a culture that clearly defines itself by pet affiliation.  This started my wondering about other cultures and how their relationships with furry friends might render some clue as to their philosophy.

In provinces in south-eastern China some people consider cat flesh a good warming food during winter months. It is estimated that around four million cats are eaten in China every year. However, in northern China eating cat is not considered acceptable. With absolutely no data to judge the tension generated by such a cultural divide, I speculate this could be the undercurrent that forces a future civil war. Or perhaps the neighboring Mongols have trapped all of the cats for use as tent material.

Native Americans encountered by Lewis’ and Clark’s Corps of Discovery offered the explorers dog meat as a delicacy.  It is reported by Stephen Ambrose in his biography of Meriwether Lewis, Undaunted Courage (Simon & Schuster, 1996) that various tribes offered to trade for Capt. Lewis’ Newfoundland Dog, Seaman, with culinary intent. Capt. Lewis declined the offers in favor of canine affection.  There is no opinion stated that said attempts at barter had any bearing on Capt. Lewis’ eventual suicide.

While the southern Chinese enjoy cat and the western Indians (American) preferred dog, the rural Swiss are more liberal in their epicurean pursuits and delight in the consumption of both kittens and puppies. I would offer that this practice of inclusiveness demonstrates the strong commitment to neutrality that defines Switzerland’s long-held political philosophy.

So how do you see yourself? Are you a cat lover of a dog fancier?  Let us know.  And if you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, you have my e-mail!