By Julie Tomascik
A menacing meow or a booming bark. The age-old debate—cat versus dog—carries from our homes to our farms.
No one will deny the extra help is often needed. Each farm has special jobs that require the help of a four-legged friend.
Cats or dogs? Both are beneficial. Both do their part. But who’s really the better farm help?
Personal preference holds true here. Especially for me. Because I’d say the cat. Seems shocking. And I know you’re asking why. So here’s the top 5 reasons:
5. Cats are self-sufficient. The furry felines don’t need much attention. They often prefer to be left alone. And they don’t need a bath. Even after an adventurous night. Unlike dogs…
4. They’re natural hunters. It’s in their DNA. Find the mouse. The pesky bird. Stalk the prey. Chase it down. And then they proudly show you their bounty. With all the rain we’ve had, there’s plenty of mice. And a skilled hunter is in high demand!
3. Most live for a long time. Nine lives. Need I say more? I had a cat who lived 16 years. Sixteen. He took full advantage of those nine lives. And his daily hunts kept him in shape—lean and mean.
2. Cats are quiet. Wary and watchful, they sit perched atop the highest parts of the barn or hidden under equipment. Eyeing their next meal. Scanning the perimeter, looking for pesky intruders. Or, let’s be honest, catching a catnap. After all, they are working pretty hard.
1. They’re like a farm ninja. Fly through the air. Climb to the highest parts of the barn. And they always land on their feet. Well, most of the time anyway. The nine lives part doesn’t hurt.
I can already hear the canine fans howling over my list. And they might have some valid points. But I’m Team Cat.
After all, they say there are two kinds of people in this world—dog people and cat people.
Which one are you?
A Canine Rebuttal
The noble hound…man’s best friend…canine companion…
These are just a few titles bestowed to one of the most useful, enjoyable and faithful animals God ever placed on this earth. When’s the last time you heard a song dedicated to a cat? No one ever said, “If I die before I wake, feed Mr. Whiskers.” No, the song says, “feed Jake, he’s been a good dog.” Another, more recent song titled, “Love me like my dog does” says it all. There’s a reason no one writes songs about cats.
When was the last time your loving barn cat rushed out to your vehicle to give you a big smile, wagging tail and possible a lick to say “hello, glad you’re home.” The barn cat, while possibly an asset, can just as easily be indifferent, cold and apathetic. The cat may or may not prove a hunter. He may allow you to pet him, or he may just as easily turn his tail up and walk away.
Have you ever tried to play a game of fetch with a cat? Talking to a fencepost would be more productive.
I don’t recall a pair of Siamese Shorthairs working as a team to bring in hundreds of balling cattle, or protecting a flock of sheep from would-be coyote assassins.
Can you imagine if Old Yeller had been a long-tail tabby? No cat would’ve taken on a herd of feral hogs to save a boy’s life. Come on, there’s no debate.
How about Lassie? Poor Timmy would still be down in that well if it depended on the competency of a cat.
I could go on and on but I think you get the point. I’m not saying cats don’t have their place…but its way, way down the list from their canine counterpart.
balling cattle? could you mean bawling?
You can have both, loving both.
I agree, Judy. My family has both cats and dogs on our farm. But the blog was supposed to be a bit humorous and I chose to pick the cat as better farm help. Thanks for reading!