I'm sure I fit the stereotype of the 'older' crazy cat lady (going on 60yo) although I have 3 (grown up) children and, at last count 7 cats (we were 8, but one recently crossed the rainbow bridge). I'm very careful who I share this information with because of the usual response (yawn...I've heard it so many times). But I've reached a point where I see it as a reflection of them rather than me. All my current brood of cats have come to me as strays needing a helping hand, which I've willingly offered. If they choose to stay that makes me (and them) happy.
Wow, that's very interesting! I love cats with my whole heart and would have 4 or 5 if I could! But at some moment I caught myself on the serious thought that I sound like a "crazy cat lady". And I was so surprised when I noticed it - it was absolutely unconscious thought, a worry, I would even say. It’s wild how that stereotype exists all over the world! I really hope we move past it soon, and it's incredibly sad how it plays its role on the cats...
Such a great article and yes, the fact that there is still such a connection to witches/older women is so very telling.
I have two black cats - both from rescues and I was astounded to see 'no black cats' as an option when I was ticking the preference boxes for the rehoming registration.
As though 'no black cats' is afforded equal preference to 'no long haired cats due to allergies' for example
I was looking forward to a source on the % men vs women millennials that own cats. If it's true maybe we'll have crazy cat men in 20 years as it seems to be a bit age related.
I'm sure I fit the stereotype of the 'older' crazy cat lady (going on 60yo) although I have 3 (grown up) children and, at last count 7 cats (we were 8, but one recently crossed the rainbow bridge). I'm very careful who I share this information with because of the usual response (yawn...I've heard it so many times). But I've reached a point where I see it as a reflection of them rather than me. All my current brood of cats have come to me as strays needing a helping hand, which I've willingly offered. If they choose to stay that makes me (and them) happy.
Wow, that's very interesting! I love cats with my whole heart and would have 4 or 5 if I could! But at some moment I caught myself on the serious thought that I sound like a "crazy cat lady". And I was so surprised when I noticed it - it was absolutely unconscious thought, a worry, I would even say. It’s wild how that stereotype exists all over the world! I really hope we move past it soon, and it's incredibly sad how it plays its role on the cats...
Such a great article and yes, the fact that there is still such a connection to witches/older women is so very telling.
I have two black cats - both from rescues and I was astounded to see 'no black cats' as an option when I was ticking the preference boxes for the rehoming registration.
As though 'no black cats' is afforded equal preference to 'no long haired cats due to allergies' for example
Wow that's wild. I can't believe they could do that!
I asked the lady at the shelter and she said they added the question to help stop getting as many ‘returns’.
So many people would take a black cat and then bring them back as they found excuses not to have them.
I find that just so sad - and both my little house panthers agree 😂
I was looking forward to a source on the % men vs women millennials that own cats. If it's true maybe we'll have crazy cat men in 20 years as it seems to be a bit age related.