Growing up, I often found myself in heated debates with my friends over the simple question of  “cats vs. dogs.” Those who know me know that my love for cats is a big part of my personality. However, the offense I took to their criticism of cats never came from a place of pettiness or resentment of having my beliefs challenged. My unchecked anger stemmed from my value for critical thinking. This was my first experience of seeing the harm that comes from broadcasting uneducated claims. 

It may seem dramatic to criticize my 8-year-old friends’ opinions on cats by calling them “uneducated,” but what angered me the most in these conversations was the lack of evidence presented in the case against cats.

My friends would argue that cats are worse than dogs because they are “mean” and “hate everyone,” without ever being cat owners themselves. They would base their entire perception of cats off of one poor interaction or negative secondhand stories they’d been told. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been able to diagnose the frustration I felt during these debates and connect it to the larger issue of biased misinformation contributing to the degrading and ostracization of marginalized groups — more specifically, women. 

I’ve been told that I reference women’s rights too often and tie feminism into irrelevant conversations. I know that my claims towards the patriarchy in a simple debate may seem like a reach, but I see undeniable patterns implicating male superiority in so many facets of my life. 

I can’t help but notice the reasoning behind my friend’s arguments against cats paralleling the ideals that our society forces upon women. They’d describe cats as “mean” or “hateful” and describe dogs as “nice” and “loving everyone.” Their entire reasoning behind this contempt was based on a lack of affection coming from cats and the belief that they deserved more from a pet. 

I would initially point out that these depictions of cats are based simply on assumption or lack of interaction, but my stubborn friends would insist that their few experiences with a cat were enough evidence to condemn the species as a whole. 

I once read an interesting book, titled “Men Who Hate Women,” that focused on male extremists who wished violence or death upon women simply because of previous rejections that they’ve faced. They lived as trolls on the internet wishing pain to be inflicted upon girls and inciting other men to carry out their grand plans of violence towards women as a self-righteous act of vindication. 

Their hatred was born from what they called “an epidemic of male loneliness.” They would force their insecurities onto unassuming women whom they believed to have committed disgraceful acts against men as a whole. 

While reading this book, I once again felt frustrated at the idea that humans are owed compliance from any group that is seen as “lesser than.” Because these women had the courage to say no to men, they were hunted down and villainized. Similarly, a cat’s unsubmissive personality and inherent tendencies of self-defense mark them as having less value than obedient animals such as dogs. 

As I’ve grown older, I’ve started to notice patterns linking toxicity in the media to misogynistic values. Specifically, ascribing femininity to cats and their relationship with women.

We’ve all heard the phrases “man’s best friend” and “crazy cat lady” pertaining to the difference in the two animals’ relationships with humans. The phrase “man’s best friend” always frustrated me as a kid. I was irritated that it made a dog’s companionship exclusive to men, but what angered me more was the insinuation that a dog’s livelihood was more valid than a cat’s simply because of their association with men. 

I’m well aware that there are many common phrases that implicate men over gender neutrality; using “guys” as a grouping address, the term “manpower” and even the phrase “every man for himself.” However, as I consider the context of “man’s best friend” and “crazy cat lady,” I can’t deny the connotation that each elicits. 

Both phrases tend to refer to these animals’ relationships with humans in a solitary environment. Men who live their lives separate from women and allow dogs as their main source of companionship are praised for disconnecting themselves from a traditional lifestyle. They are applauded for the enactment of the phrase “man’s best friend.” 

However, women who live lives decentered from men are mocked and labeled with the phrase “crazy cat lady.” The use of this phrase not only insinuates women’s lives are less meaningful without the presence of a male romantic partner, but further entrenches the idea of cat ownership as a feminine trait. 

In our male-centered world, our society tends to reject any ideologies that have been implicated with femininity. Whether we realize it or not, whether it’s intentional or not, our misogynistic tendencies play a major role in the denunciation of popular media — music, movies, hobbies, and even encroaches on pets. 

At a very young age, women are taught to hide parts of themselves. In hopes of not being overbearing, we learn to dial down our personalities and passions, especially if they’re characterized as overtly feminine. I’ve felt this many times in my life, with my first-ever experience being in these debates about which animal is better. 

Gender has always played a role in my perception of the cats and dogs comparison. I’ve been implicitly told my entire life that cats are a feminine pet to have and exude “womanlike” tendencies themselves. Being condemned for my favorite animal was never meant to be a personal attack, but I’ve always taken it as a commentary on our society’s expectations for women. 

As someone who cares deeply about equity and the right to be yourself, I believe it’s important to challenge society’s formerly set standards. This can range from protesting for what’s right to taking even the smallest of stands, like proudly displaying your love for a previously criticized adoration. For me, I display my love for cats. 

Rose Snyder is a first-year English and communication major from Phoenix, Arizona. She likes to read, write and play card games.