Three
Lately I’ve been reflecting on the growth of our little family. For the entirety of vegan land, we’ve been a family of five: me, Maddie, Olive, Fini, and Beans. Then this happened:
I’ve always identified myself as a Crazy Cat lady, but evidently now I really am one. I keep thinking about all of the stereotypes associated with humans who happen to have several animal companions. Why is there a stigma attached to having more than one pet? Once I got to thinking on it, the answer was clear: speciesism. As humans clearly torture and objectify humans who relate to and associated with them are often ostracized as well.
I’ve experienced this for most of my life as I’ve always had far more pets than my peers. (Rabbits, dogs, alpacas, chickens, my parents currently have 5 cats) I find it alarming and frustrating that there are such harsh views (insanity, instability, loneliness, wantonness, lack of social skills/inclination) Just because we’re able to relate to other creatures that makes us crazy?
Another alarming facet of this paradigm is the gendering of the Crazy Cat (or pet) Lady. Notice the name itself targets only women as insane when it comes to cats. Ever heard of a Crazy Cat Man? I haven’t. All of those nasty little “personality traits” I mentioned above are so often assigned to women anyway, so having multiple cats well that’s just the icing on your anti-social cake. I reclaim the term “Crazy Cat Lady” and wear it as a badge of honor. These are beautiful precious creatures filled with love and I’m proud to have them under my roof.
As a vegan, I seek to honor and cherish all living things though some I feel more connected with or drawn to than others. My cats are prime examples of this attachment and so is Beans the Wonder Rabbit. (Talk about personality!) So beware Cat Lady bashers! I’m proud to be here, and I have a sneaky suspicion that I’m not alone…
Rachel hi dear…..again a wonderful post from you and i was nodding my head ‘yes’ in agreement with all you wrote. Your thoughts reminded me too of how we vegans are considered to be ‘extreme’…..when in fact i would think any sane person would consider shoving tortured dead carcasses down their throats to be extreme and crazy. But, those of us who cherish life, care for the animals….we are viewed as the ‘crazy cat ladies’ and the ‘extremists’. Sadly it has always been this way throughout history. Thanks for your insights and empathy!!
“I reclaim the term “Crazy Cat Lady” and wear it as a badge of honor. These are beautiful precious creatures filled with love and I’m proud to have them under my roof.”
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I don’t say this often, but Amen sister, amen!
You are in good company as I too have been labeled “Crazy Cat Lady” because I have 5 cats. And if may speak freely: I often prefer their company and companionship than humans.
Animals rule!
Spot on, Crazy Cat Woman! Never thought about the whole “crazy” + “lady” combination but gosh, you nailed it! What is that about?! What is wrong with being nurturing and loving towards cats/dogs/alpacas/frogs/birds/skinks, etc., etc.?! When I was a kid, there was a woman down the road who had a separate little house filled with cats. People would dump their cats on her property and of course, being the loving soul that she was, she kept them; fed and cared for them. She had the reputation of being “crazy,” but if one took the time to talk with her she was just as “sane” as anyone else. Maybe just had a bigger heart. PS I strive to BE a crazy animal lady!!
If you haven’t already, can you write about what you feed your cats?