Do you ever see a news article or blog post about “the latest scientific study” and think it was a complete waste of time and money, because the answer was self-evident?
Here’s one I read recently.
Apparently, scientists have discovered that cats do understand when their owner calls them by name. They just choose to ignore us.
That’s not news to anyone who has ever been the primary caregiver for a cat.
Note that I don’t say anyone who has ever owned a cat … because catlovers know we don’t own cats. We merely give them free board and lodging, and pay various cat-related expenses like vet bills. We do not own them.
As my mother says, dogs have owners. Cats have staff. I’ve yet to find a study which tests and confirms this, but have no reason to doubt it.
Anyway, back to this study.
It got me thinking about pets in general, especially dogs, cats, and goldfish.
My first pet was a goldfish. I suspect lots of children have “pet” fish, although I have to say they don’t make good pets. They require regular feeding and cleaning, but they are boring and unresponsive. They don’t show any emotion. You can’t play with them. And the only response they give is to die if their owner fails to give the required level of care. Yes, my goldfish died … probably because I found it boring and unresponsive.
In contrast, cats and dogs do respond to humans.
Cats are cuddly, and respond to humans … on their terms. If they want affection, then they are very responsive—purring and kneading and extending their claws in pleasure. Cats can also vocalise their needs, much like a baby. Let me in. Let me out. Feed me. Cuddle me. Pet me. And they’re persuasive … if you’re slow to deliver the required petting, then the meowing gets louder and more insistent until you pay attention and meet their needs. Or they’ll give a little nip to ensure you’re still alive.
Dogs are the same, but different.
They are affectionate. They are responsive. They can vocalise their needs, their likes and their dislikes. But, unlike cats, dogs can be trained. They’re obedient. They come when called. They are full of endless enthusiasm and energy. Better still, they sleep at night.
It struck me that pets are like Christians.
Goldfish are the people who don’t know God.
They swim around their tank with no apparent interest in anything outside the water, their home and their comfort zone.
Dogs are like fervent Christians.
They love God and seek to always obey him (although there is always the risk that they’ll ignore him if temptation strikes at the wrong moment).
What about cats?
Cat are those who know God’s voice but don’t listen for it. If they hear God’s voice, there is a good chance they’ll ignore it. Instead, they sleep. I suspect the Laodiceans were cats.
We’re Christians. But are we dogs or cats?
People often ask others if the prefer cats or dogs—is someone a “cat person” or a “dog person”. (I’m a definite cat person.)
But it struck me that when it comes to our relationship with God, we all need to be dog people.
Sure, dogs can be tiring. Dogs are full of energy. Dogs are enthusiastic. Dog need constant grooming and exercise. But dogs—well-trained-dogs—are called man’s best friend for a reason. They’re friendly and always willing to play. They’re obedient. They love their owners. Cats merely tolerate us.
Ha ha I love this, I can so relate. You’ve made such a clever connection. Thank you. Xx
Always happy to hear I’ve made someone laugh 🙂
I had to comment on this one. Alas my dog often thinks more like a cat. She’s still young though. She’ll come to me but usually only when there is something in it for her. Hey, there are a lot of Christians like that too.
My old dog, Hero, was different. He taught me a lot about God. Joy in the moment, trusting when scared, having courage when needed. If CS Lewis is right and some of our pets get to Heaven, Hero will be there, charming delicacies from those dining at the great feast, laying his head on ample bosoms and wagging his tail in his endearing cheeky-boy way. I do have to write his story one day :).
Hero sounds like a true friend. Thank you for sharing him with us, and the lessons he taught you 🙂
My cats come when they want something Libby more than Henry. they tell me they want food. In my case its food, out, food, pet me, food, cuddle me, food, food did I mention food!
They tend to be one tracked in that sense but Henry does things on his terms if he doesn’t want to come in he won’t come when called
Love the way you put this together (Although I am scared of dogs I would rather be seen as a Dog Christian in this case)
I’m the same – I prefer cats, but would definitely rather be seen as a dog Christian 🙂