The Ethics of Pet Ownership: A Response to Critique
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Understanding Pet Ownership
Recently, I encountered an article by another writer who expressed her reluctance to adopt more dogs after her current ones pass away. Her primary concern? The ethics of “pet ownership.” She argued that since we select our pets and they have no voice in the decision (cue the Kitten Distribution System), this arrangement is inherently unethical.
She elaborates further, suggesting that many dog owners merely walk their pets a couple of times daily and provide food, without genuinely caring for them. Additionally, she criticized indoor cats, claiming they are unfortunate to be confined to homes rather than allowed to roam free and hunt for their sustenance.
In her piece, she brought up the controversial practice of declawing cats, framing it as a rising trend. However, she overlooked the fact that over 42 countries have recognized this practice as cruel and have banned it. Once perceived as a simple, albeit painful, solution to furniture scratching, declawing has now been linked to behavioral problems in cats.
Fortunately, in the U.S., finding a veterinarian willing to perform this procedure has become exceedingly rare due to numerous state bans. She concluded her argument by asserting that humans do not deserve animals, a sentiment I partially agree with—we are indeed fortunate to have pets in our lives.
As a devoted cat owner, I feel compelled to counter her claims.
The Concept of Pet Companionship
First and foremost, the term “pet ownership” feels outdated. In many households, the notion of pet companionship is more fitting. Pets are family members and should be treated with the love and care they deserve. According to recent data, 66% of American households include at least one pet. More specifically, over 65 million homes have a dog, while more than 40 million have a cat. Astonishingly, Americans spend over $135 billion on their pets annually.
The author’s argument hinges on the idea that pet owners simply indulge their children’s whims, collecting pets like trading cards, without considering their needs. This assertion is misguided.
Interactive toys for dogs and cats have surged in popularity. Speaking from experience, my cats adore the interactive toy they received last Christmas, complete with a fluttering butterfly that simulates hunting.
Addressing Animal Care and Neglect
The writer raises a significant point regarding our treatment of animals, but she misses a critical aspect. Rather than focusing on widespread animal abuse, the issue stems from neglect due to our increasingly busy lives. She suggests that dogs and cats should have the freedom to roam, claiming that most dog owners fail to provide such opportunities.
In reality, there are over 800 dog parks across the United States, representing a 42% increase in the last decade. Cities like Boise, Idaho, boast the highest number of dog parks per capita, with 6.66 parks for every 100,000 residents in 2021.
Many dog breeds are naturally inclined to work alongside humans, whether herding livestock or assisting in hunting. Dogs are inherently social animals; they thrive on companionship, which often outweighs their desire to roam in the wild.
As for cats, the author suggests they should be outdoors to hunt. However, she acknowledges the dangers they face, such as being hit by cars. In reality, most cats only survive 2 to 7 years in the wild, facing numerous hazards beyond just traffic.
A recent incident in my hometown, where a surveillance camera captured a man abusing a cat, underscores the need for cats to be in loving homes. Such tragedies should never occur. Indoor cats, on the other hand, typically enjoy lifespans of 10 to 16 years, significantly longer than their wild counterparts.
The Nature of Cat Domestication
Interestingly, cats are unique in that they chose to domesticate themselves. Approximately 8,000 years ago, they emerged from the wild, attracted by the presence of food—mice and rats near agricultural settlements. They decided to stay and have been our companions ever since.
Thus, it’s clear: cats prefer to live with us.
Chapter 2: The Joys of Adoption
In this heartwarming video, watch the touching reactions of shelter dogs as they find their forever homes, highlighting the joy and love that comes with adoption.
Chapter 3: Responsible Pet Ownership
This video presents three compelling reasons to reconsider adopting a dog from a shelter, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.