A “crazy cat lady” is usually portrayed as a lonely, eccentric woman who is obsessed with cats. … [+]
Imagine a dimly lit room with shelves full of old and worn-out furniture. Lots of cats hanging on hanging objects, running around, and destroying things. In the center, an old white-haired woman sits in a rocking chair, happily knitting, oblivious to the chaos going on around her. This scene is well known from movies and television shows that often depict “crazy cat ladies” as single, messy women whose main companions are cats.
Characters like the crazy cat lady, Eleanor Abernathy simpsons He embodies this eccentric archetype known for speaking gibberish and throwing an army of cats at people who annoy him.
Another well-known depiction of the crazy cat lady is officeHe made a famous confession. “I always try to take a day off when I get a new cat, but now that my vacation period is over and this company doesn’t allow cats to give birth, I’m leaving my cat on a babysitter.” .She (princess) is more important to me than anyone else.”
Angela embodies this stereotype, displaying a deeper devotion to her cat than to her relationships.
Putting the “crazy cat lady” stereotype under a microscope
The “crazy cat lady” myth depicts single women who own multiple cats as eccentric, neurotic, or socially isolated. This suggests that women who prioritize cats over relationships have difficulty connecting with others and may suffer from mental illness.
This term is often used in a derogatory or derogatory manner. Although some people have a strong affinity for cats and own several, this myth unfairly stigmatizes cat owners and single women.
A 2019 study found that cat owners are less likely to be depressed, anxious, or have relationship problems than dog owners or non-pet owners. The myth of “Crazy Cat Lady” has been dispelled.
The original purpose of the study was to investigate parenting behaviors. But after researchers observed similarities in parental physiological responses to puppies and human babies, they expanded their scope to investigating emotional responses and mental health patterns among pet and non-pet owners. Expanded.
Pet owners were shown to be more sensitive to distress sounds from cats and dogs than non-owners. Specifically, they showed that cat owners were particularly sensitive to sad “meow” sounds.
The crazy cat lady stereotype may be rooted in societal prejudice against unmarried women who seek unconventional lifestyles. Misconceptions about cat behavior and cat ownership may also contribute to this negative portrayal, such as the belief that cats are inherently moody, unfriendly, and unsociable. there is. However, the reality of owning a cat and its benefits challenges these misconceptions.
1. Cats are a mirror of their owners, not the other way around.
Another study found that cats may reflect or be influenced by their owners’ behaviors and personality traits, impacting their behavior, health, and overall well-being. This study suggests that an owner’s personality can influence a cat’s behavior. For example, if your cat is anxious or nervous, your cat may be showing signs of stress-related illness.
On the other hand, sociable cat owners tend to have less anxiety and fear in their cats. Additionally, cats that are friendly and easy to get along with tend to have happier, healthier cats.
Finally, organized and responsible owners are likely to have cats that are less anxious, less aggressive, and more friendly. This indicates that a cat’s behavior and health may be related to the owner’s personality.
2. Cats are more than pets
Cat owners represent a diverse demographic, coming from all walks of life, ages, and family structures, and they say they feel emotionally connected to their feline companions and find comfort and joy in their cat’s presence. Well reported.
In one study, researchers surveyed more than 1,800 cat owners in the Netherlands about their beliefs and behaviors regarding cats. The researchers found that 52% of cat owners describe their relationship with their cat as family, 27% consider their cat to be a child, and just 14% consider their cat to be a pet. . Thinking of your pet as family improves your overall well-being.
Contrary to the idea that cats are a consolation prize for single women, many cat owners feel empowered and cite a variety of reasons beyond loneliness for owning a cat. Owning a cat can be a source of companionship and social connection, especially for single people.
Another study found that people who own cats experience fewer negative emotions and feelings of loneliness than people who don’t own cats. Interestingly, single people with a cat were less likely to be in a bad mood than those with a partner.
Stereotypes are rarely an accurate reflection of what a person really is or represents. Whether it’s getting a cat or something completely different, choosing what makes you happy is the only way to live authentically and in harmony with your inner world. And whenever there is a question, empirical evidence can help you make informed decisions without being influenced by bias.
Do your fears of becoming a “Crazy Cat Lady” match your fears of being single? Take it! Fear of being single-scale You can learn more.
