Are you an extroverted, easy-going, happy-go-lucky canine? Or are you an introverted, mysterious, cautious feline? I believe everyone leans one way or the other. Not sure? Here are six essential questions to ask yourself…
Do you go toward danger…or run screaming in the opposite direction? Our little terrier Libby’s immediate response to anything she doesn’t like is running toward that person or thing, barking her ass off. She will not stop until the “trespasser” has left — like the garbage man or Fedex driver. Or she will make peace with this interloper (like the cable guy) by sniffing him and granting him temporary stay.
What is our cat Rocky’s response? Flee. Don’t ask questions. Scramble in “full panic mode” to under the nearest bed. Stay for half a day or more. Don’t even come out for dinner. Only emerge at 1:00 a.m. when the house is quiet and still. Only then is it safe…but check first.
Do you love parties …or would you rather take a rain check? When our family’s over for holidays, Libby goes to each person, jumping on their lap. This is her way of greeting our guests. She’ll rotate the room continuously so no one feels left out…like any good hostess.
Meanwhile, what is Rocky doing? Rocky’s curled up in the furthest reaches of our home, deep in slumber. Sherlock Holmes couldn’t find him. The cat wants no part of it. I can almost read his mind. He is not a (*shudder*) pack animal. He’s solitary and likes it that way.
Do you love being touched anywhere… or do you have specific, designated spots that may only be approached with permission? Libby loves being scratched on the head, back, feet, and neck. She’ll even roll over and let you pat her belly! She can’t get enough.
On the other hand, Rocky likes being touched, but only for 7.5 seconds on the head and in front of the tail. That’s it. Anything more will result in a bite or scratch.
Do you love being summoned… or do you prefer doing the summoning? Libby loves being called forth. You see it in her smile and wagging tail as she barrels ahead. What’s going on? What do you want? Here I am! What’s happening?
On the other hand, we’ll call Rocky and be met with tomblike silence. Rocky will arrive when Rocky wants to and if it’s four hours later, so be it. Rocky reminds me of a haughty movie star. However, he will summon us at 6:30 a.m. when he’s hungry.
Do you take medicine easily…or is it a scene from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest?” Some people coat their dog’s pills in peanut butter. Libby doesn’t need that. She’ll eat anything (or at least attempt to) including candy wrappers, plastic bottle caps, and well, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. Pills go down in nano-seconds.
On the other hand, I’ve been reduced to tears trying to give Rocky medicine. I’ve even watched YouTube videos. (By the way, there are dozens). Usually they involve someone wearing a Hazmat suit and rubber gloves. Some of the videos were over an hour long. I now grind up Rocky’s pill and give it to him in his food. Much easier.
Do you love learning new tricks…or would you rather sit, with a look of baleful contempt, while someone tries to get you to do… anything?
Libby loves making us happy. She’ll run, fetch, and stand on her hind legs. She could be trained to be that cute, little circus dog. She adores performing and getting treats in return.
Then there’s Rocky. There’s a reason you never see cats in circuses, or at least the small, domestic kind. Rocky doesn’t “do” tricks . For that matter, elderly fifteen-year old Rocky doesn’t do much of anything, except nap. He could not care less about “pleasing” us.
And yet, for all my cat’s neurotic, fussy ways, I identify with him more. I guess I’m a feline too.
Although I think canines are healthier with their joyful, open attitude, we can’t change who we are.
Maybe there’s a reason I’ve always been the only lap Rocky will lie on. In a house full of extroverted human “canines,” Rocky recognizes one of his own.
Sometimes he’ll look at me and purr. I smile back. We get each other. He’ll let me pat his head… for exactly 7.5 seconds.
Which one are you? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share. Thank you!
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Lauren
I am a dog who can be as lazy as a cat. Give me a ray of sunshine and I’ll nap in it all day! But am most assuredly a dog personality. Where’s the party?
Laurie Stone
Lauren, Sounds like you have the best of both worlds!
Karen Austin
I’m a dog, but my husband is a cat. Ironically, we prefer the company of the animals opposite of our temperaments.
Laurie Stone
Karen, Interesting because my husband is definitely a dog too. In many ways we balance each other out. There’s something to that!
Carol Cassara
I am a cat who has always wished she were a dog!
Laurie Stone
Carol, I’m a cat who sometimes wish I had the social energy of a dog.
Diane
Can I take the middle ground? I’m pretty much a ‘dog’ by these criteria, except for some ‘cat’ features. Like—sometimes I want to be left alone. Just sometimes. So let’s go with occasional cat! 😉
Laurie Stone
Diane, That sounds perfectly reasonable. You seem like the best of both species!
Bonnie K. Aldinger
Definitely a cat, although one of those super laid-back friendly ones. Still needs my space though.
Or conversely, could be one of those super reserved dogs like the dog I had when I was a kid – she was a Sheltie, which is a dog that loves its own people but is basically polite but not much more to the rest of the world. None of that Golden Retriever “I love the whole world” business with those guys.
Laurie Stone
Bonnie, You could be an ambivert, although probably fall more into the introvert category. I think lots of writers are introverts.
Cathy
Cat. I have two. One of them wants me and only me. And if I’m not in bed by a certain time each night with a place for her to cuddle up beside me, she gets in an agitated state until I come. I am well trained.
Laurie Stone
Cathy, So funny. My cat Rocky cries at 6:00 a.m. each day to get me out of bed. Like you, I’m also well-trained.
Lisa Ricard Claro
We have two dogs and a cat, so I know exactly what you’re talking about here. Our cat is what I’d term an extroverted introvert. I’m the same way, which is why Luna (the cat) and I are BFFs. 🙂 Both of us are introverts at heart, but we like people and so engage even when deep down we’d rather be in the office—me at my laptop, her on MY lap. That was a long way to say I guess I’m more feline than canine. lol
Laurie Stone
Lisa, I totally get it, although I think I’m pure introvert. I love people, but definitely have a time limit for when I need to go solo again.
Marie Kait
I am also like Rocky! Though I do love Libby’s personality. I think I wish I was more like a dog, but I’m really just an old neurotic cat. Haha
Laurie Stone
Marie, I’m the same way. Wish I was more extroverted and energetic, but we must accept who we are.
Diane
Eeep. Based on these criteria and personal preference, I guess I’m ‘dog’ all the way! 🙂
Laurie Stone
Diane, You seem very warm and friendly. I’m not surprised!
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski
I’m a dog all the way although I do like my me time. But then, so does my dog.
Laurie Stone
Rebecca, I admire people with that wonderful, outgoing “dog” energy. It seems like a much more pleasant way to go through life.
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
Somewhere in the last decade or so I became a cat – I think it’s the best way to head into old age – by the time I’m 90 I’ll just be sitting on a cushion in a sunny spot and dreaming about what’s for tea 🙂
Laurie Stone
Leanne, Sounds like a good way to spend the time!
1010ParkPlace
A sweet and funny post, Laurie. I’ve had dogs and cats, and you nailed it… for more than 7.5 seconds. xoxo, Brenda
Laurie Stone
Brenda, Any one who’s had both species immediately gets it. Its funny how different they are.
Bren Lee
ahah Laurie! Reading about your feline reminded me of my old tom cat, although at times he wouldn’t walk away from a fight. My dogs on the other hand, the ones I relate to, are always up for a challenge and protecting what is theirs. I can definitely relate more to my pups so I guess…..that’s what I am! 🙂
Great read!
Laurie Stone
Bren, Thank you. I admire the courage of “canine” people, but its hard to change who we are.
Lisa Wingerter @ https://meandmymomfriends.com
This is so cute. At times I am a dog, but most often I am definitely a cat!
Laurie Stone
Lisa, Alas, I’m a cat through and through. Wish I was an easy-going dog.
Emily Gaffney
Proud to say – a cat through and through! I don’t run away from stuff like Rocky, but most other ways… yup, I’m a feline!
Laurie Stone
Emily, Glad to meet a fellow feline, although I know we’re brave when needed. I notice, if cornered by our dog Libby, Rocky can be quite fierce. Other than that, he’s hiding under the bed.
Christina/The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life!
Ok. I’m definitely a cat most of the time. This was really funny! 🙂 I am pinning this.
Laurie Stone
Christina, Thanks so much for pinning! Glad to meet a fellow (mostly) feline.
Bonnie K. Aldinger
Rocky reminds me of Cindy, the cat we had when I was a kid. I was shocked when I met cats who would actually let you rub their tummies later in life, our girl would’ve taken your hand off. 7.5 seconds on the head or back was just about right.
We loved her, classic cattitude and all, though!
Laurie Stone
Bonnie, Cindy sounds cute, despite her “touch issues.” Such a cute name for a cat.
Shari
I am definitely a cat, but maybe I have some dog tendencies too… Fun post!
Laurie Stone
Shari, Like you, I’m mostly cat, but do have my fun dog moments. At least I hope!
Helene Cohen Bludman
I wish I could be more like a dog, but alas, my cat-like tendencies are stronger. Fun post!
Laurie Stone
Helene, Thanks so much. I agree. I try and have the fun, energetic outgoingness of a dog, but alas, I’m a feline through and through.
Haralee
This is fun Laurie. I am more cat like with some dog tendencies, I am cado.
Laurie Stone
Haralee, You may have coined a new phrase… cado.
Rena
It so funny that I have all of the tendencies of a cat, but I’m a definite dog person. I don’t like cats…won’t even sleep in a house where there is a cat.
Laurie Stone
Rena, So interesting, how you won’t sleep in a house with a cat. I wonder if there’s a phobia there. I know people who feel the same.
Lisa Ricard Claro
Cat, for sure. We share our space with two cheerful Lab mixes and one feline. I love the dogs and they love me, but the cat and I “get” each other. lol I’ve always thought being loved by a cat carries a bit of magic to it. 🙂 Fun post!
Laurie Stone
Lisa, I love that. Yes, being loved by a cat definitely carries some magic.
Shari E
A cat, for sure! Such a cute piece!
Laurie Stone
Shari, thanks so much. I’m definitely a cat too.
shelley
My immediate response was, “I’m a dog” because I love dogs and have always had dogs for pets. And then I started thinking – and then I started reading. I’m definitely a cat…but a cat who loves dogs.
Laurie Stone
Shelley, So funny! It gets complicated. I think it depends on who I’m with. Some people bring out the exuberant dog in me. Others bring out the more distant, cautious feline. Maybe its about chemistry.
shelley
BTW – I’m sharing this in a roundup post to publish on 12-16-17. Maybe some others will be surprised by the answer as I was.
Laurie Stone
Shelley, Thank you so much! I’m a definite feline, with tiny moments of canine.
Lee Gaitan
98% dog with 2% catness when worn out from yipping and fetching! Such a clever and accurate depiction, Laurie. 🐶 Woof!
Laurie Stone
Lee, Even though we’ve never met in person, you seem like a very healthy, friendly, non-neurotic person. I concur with your analysis!
Janis
Definitely a cat, although with some dog-like tendencies (I do enjoy a party now and then).
Laurie Stone
Janis, I’m mostly feline too, although have occasional canine tendencies, like being friendly. Sounds like you and I are much alike.
Jennifer
I must have owned several unusual cats. All wanted to curl up on your lap and be petted. One would actually curl around my neck at night to sleep. When she would sit on my lap, which was always, she demanded to be petted at all times. Not just a hand on her body, but actually petting or rubbing under the chin. If you stopped at all, she would head butt your hand or grab it with her paw. Very demanding and I miss her a lot.
Laurie Stone
Jennifer, Your cat sounds so cute! I’ve also had very friendly cats who even love social gatherings. But Rocky, like many felines, prefers his own company and controlled petting. The difference between him and our terrier Libby is astounding!
Anne Louise Bannon
Definitely a cat. Always a cat.
Laurie Stone
Anna, Me too. Always feline.
Michele
A Cat, I am definitely a cat. I prefer cats and their asshole personalities. Dogs and often dog people wear me out.
Laurie Stone
Michele, I’m the same way! Too much being “on” is exhausting. I definitely identify with cats.