I’m a crazy cat lady and proud of it!
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to some of my bloggy mates – the ones that are almost as crazy about cats, as I am.
To help unite us and build a sense of community, I even designed a badge for each of us to share on our blogs – which most gladly did. (Do let me know if you want to display the badge too and be added to the crazy cat lady blogroll!)
But not everybody was keen. Because apparently calling yourself a crazy cat lady isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Who knew?!
It seems there are many cat lovers – bloggers and others, particularly those involved in rescue work – who dislike the phrase “crazy cat lady”.
You see, research has shown that the whole negative stereotype of crazy cat ladies, has a detrimental effect on the number of cats adopted from shelters. People who would otherwise be delighted to give a kitty (or, in some cases, another kitty) a loving home, resist the idea – primarily because they are concerned about how their family, friends and society will judge them.
And when you think about it, you don’t see too many men admitting to being cat lovers either – it’s just not seen as “macho”. But I’m here to tell ya – real men love cats too – just ask the hubster!
Now THAT’S a real man at Brisbane’s Cat Cuddle Cafe!
Anything that stops people adopting cats from shelters, or enjoying the company of a furry friend, is just downright sad.
So am I going to change the badge, and tell people: “Don’t call me a crazy cat lady anymore!”?
Nope.
Because I figure the best way to smash the stereotype, is to show that (relatively!) normal, everyday people, love cats. Every post you see about my cat here on the blog, every pic of her on Instagram, every cute cat video I share on Facebook – that’s me, doing my bit, to show the world what a modern cat owner looks like. That they don’t need to fear the stereotype. That cats make wonderful pets, and can enrich the life of any woman, man or child.
Who’s with me in my quest to make cats (and crazy cat ladies!) cool?!