Perhaps it’s the independence of a Cat (yes, that’s right I spelled it with a capital C) that can take care of itself without having to be let outside just to leave landmines in the yard, or perhaps the fact Cats rarely get separation anxiety compared with mutts that don't even bathe themselves, but Cats are happily accepted and rule in this house. Women have not minded the extra interrogation they might receive from furry ones who wish to make sure Pop's isn't "fallin for the wrong gal", or the foot warming provided while cuddling up with ice cream for a movie. My two Feline kids have learned to walk along side for a hike, cover their mouths when yawning so as not to be rude, and even bat Dad awake when he's slept through his alarm at 0330hrs and they know he has to get to PT. So for the author of "Bogus trend of the Week...” a couple of Army Cats at FT Knox take a little offense to the thinking that hetero-Dudes cannot possibly enjoy their companionship over a dogs. They meow proudly that their home is Free (of dog slime) because of the Brave that have fought societal beliefs on their behalf.

“In ancient Egypt, Cats were revered as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this” – author unknown

Amen brother, I'm an Alaskan outdoorsman who works outside all year here in the Great Land with bears and wolves and -50 degree weather with a windchill that goes below -105. Everyone knows I'm 100% hetero male and I love cats. I grew up on a farm in the Midwest and my cats were great. Granted if you ever grabbed one of them you were going to lose some blood. These were feral barn cats that lived in our barn and killed the vermin that lived there. Occasionally one of them might walk up and let you pet it but only on THEIR terms. I think that's why I love them so much. 100% independent hunter/killer. Not some fat sack of useless crap that's been declawed and never gone outside, but a Cat. A working animal with a great history.

I'm with you guys.

I'm an old jock who played hockey, football, etc and hunts, fishes, golfs and am a straight guy.

I rent from a cat and find it to be an excellent relationship.
If I want to take off for a few days, I can leave enough food & water for him and, he'll be just fine.
If you do this with a dog, it shits & pukes all over.

I don't have any problem with a cat being independent.
After all, I'm aggressive, assertive and independent.

We get along fine.
And, my friendettes love him.lol