Do liberals and conservatives prefer cats and dogs, respectively?

[TimberValley]

This isn't a new stereotype, but does anyone think that there's some truth to the notion that liberals, as a whole, somewhat prefer cats over dogs as pets, and vice versa, that conservatives somewhat prefer dogs over cats as pets?

If a survey were done of many liberals and conservatives, do you think the results would reflect that?


As a liberal, do YOU prefer cats or dogs as pets?

[temporary311]

1. I like both

but prefer cats, not because I'm liberal, but because Im lazy. Cats tend to be lower maintenance in my experience.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

5. me too and they purr

[LadyHawkAZ]

2. Cats n/t

[City Lights]

3. I know many liberals who have cats and dogs.

I'm not one of them...I only have cats.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. we have a cat and a dog

and i think this has a lot more to do with urban vs suburban, than lib vs con. urbanites prefer cats because of living restrictions, and a lot of urbanites are liberals

correlations not causation

[Flashmann]

6. As a liberal, do YOU prefer cats or dogs as pets?

I consider myself quite liberal and prefer dogs by a large margin.I don't hate cats or even dislike them.Growing up,we always had both.I just always preferred the dogs.

[quinnox]

7. I adore cats, and hate dogs

so score one for it.

[11 Bravo]

52. That's a pity. While I've always been a dog guy, I certainly have no hatred for cats.

Score that as you wish.

[LeftofObama]

8. I like them both,

but I guess I prefer dogs more.

[Polly Hennessey]

9. Both

I have three cats and three dogs. I was originally a dog person but then a cat showed up at the house and now all is equal. Cats have a way of inserting themselves into your life.

[mercymechap]

10. As a Lib

I've had both, but now we only have cats (4 of them) 1 indoor and 3 outdoor. They are way easier to keep.

[Archae]

11. Cat and dog ownership has no political affiliation.

Rush Limbaugh dotes on his cat "Pookie."

Michael Moore has at least one dog.

[CBGLuthier]

12. We have both. I like both. Here is a picture of a famous cat fancier.

[Kalidurga]

13. I like both I prefer dogs...

It makes more sense for liberals to like dogs anyway. Dogs are more loyal and cooperative. BOTOH, cats are more individualistic. Perhaps that is why I like both. I value the idea of cooperation, but I also value independence. Loyalty is also a great trait. I see no reason both can't live in harmony.

[Arkansas Granny]

14. I love them both for different reasons.

Cats are usually more independent than dogs and require less maintenance. Dogs are generally more cooperative and more social than cats. There are exceptions to the rule, but this has been my experience.

[yesphan]

15. I prefer dogs and know no one

that would describe me as conservative.

Maybe the comparison should have cats and dogs as preferable to liberals with snakes and weasels preferred by conservatives.

[TimberValley]

21. Pythons can make nice pets. n/t.

[tblue]

53. BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!

I LOVE DOGGIES TOO! There is nothing like a sweet doggie.

[RedCappedBandit]

17. I like all animals

I think people who lack empathy or more likely to be conservatives. And people who lack empathy don't care about our planetary cohabitants.

[thatgemguy]

18. Cats

Currently 9 in our home. All are rescues. Volunteer as evaluator, transporter for Siamese Cat Rescue of Virginia. I love my cats, wouldn't know what I'd do without 'em.

[link:www.siameserescue.org|

[graham4anything]

19. Liberals are smarter than conservatives, and cats are smarter than dogs

Cats eat only what they need at that specific time
They don't gouge themselves on tubs of food, or big gulp glasses of liquid nurishment

Whereas dogs will eat the entire bowl left in one sitting and drink drink drink every single sip that is there

Cats practice wellness
Dogs as far as one can tell practice none
Cats can't be bribed
Give a dog a piece of steak and they are your friend for life



however, the above has nothing to do with why it might seem like liberals have more cats than dogs

Liberals tend to live in the big cities, and in big cities more places do not allow dogs, but only cats.

Conservatives live in bigger homes in vast spaces where dogs are easier to maintain, and conservatives tend to have help doing everything, so they can go away for a month at a time and someone is always there to walk, feed and take care of the dog

Both dogs and cats like liberals better, because liberals are more loving than conservatives who are grouchy

Both dogs and cats do not like Ralph Nader because of what he did in 2000.

[tblue]

54. I want a pet, not a boss.

Haha! Just snarking backatcha! I LOVE DOGGIES!

NO DISS DA PUPPEHS!!!!

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

20. I've had both

Last edited Fri Mar 29, 2013, 03:15 PM - Edit history (1)

Except for one feral cat that I tamed when it was very young that that was incredibly smart and affectionate, I've had closer feelings with several dogs than cats. I think it just may be the luck of the draw as to which special animals you've known in the past. I stopped having any dog or cat pets after that little black cat I described above died. It's too hard when you lose them. I've had horses, too, and you get pretty close to them as well.

But the one animal that will forever be closest to my heart was a weimaraner I had as a kid growing up in the 50s. The dog was nearly human and I could list dozens of its funny antics. I remember one time when my parents and my aunt and her family rented a cottage near the beach for the summer. We all decided to walk into the nearby village one evening to have dinner. I put the dog in the house and shut it in, because there was some auto traffic in the little town. Somehow, the dog found a way to turn the doorknob and escape. Instead of just dumbly following us down the dirt road into the village, the dog hid from us, taking a parallel way. Just as we set foot into town, the dog sprang out of an alley in front of us, wagging its tail, making a grand entrance. I've never known an animal with a sense of humor like that. When it died, my family mourned it as though my brother had died.

[Comrade_McKenzie]

22. No, but I bet liberals treat their animals better.

Some people seem to just treat them like property, rather than members of the family.

[appleannie1]

23. I have always had both, plus I had a pot belly pig and gerbils at one time also.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

24. I love both cats and dogs. Growing up, I always had both. I do prefer cats because they are less

dependent and gentle. My cat is adorable and sweet, too.

[tabbycat31]

25. this pic should sum things up

[img][/img]

[cali]

26. Judging from freepfuckville, the loathsome wingnuts prefer cats to dogs.

but no, I don't think there's any truth to it. I think it's a moronic generalization.

And I'm a dog person, though cats are OK.

[bowens43]

27. No, cats are too chewy and dogs are a bit gamey....... I prefer fish. Oh wait a minute , as pets?

I like cats and dogs.

[Lil Missy]

28. I like both and have both.

[sagat]

29. Neither.

[riqster]

30. I'm a Centrist, and like both.

I expect you could prove or disprove most cat-dog hypotheses with that datum.

[tularetom]

31. I've had more dogs than cats but cats are a lot easier to have as pets

Right now we have three of each. The dogs are big and we have to board them if we go anywhere but the cats can just stay in the house as long as somebody comes by to feed them and change their litter box.

[arthritisR_US]

32. I love them both. n/t

[Jack Sprat]

33. No preference. Both are great.

[Scout]

34. no. i prefer dogs.

i don't have a problem with cats ... but i do have a problem with cat OWNERS who let their cats run loose (off of their own property).

never wanted a cat ... don't want a box of poop in the house, and it's not right to let the cat run loose outside unattended.

[immoderate]

35. It's like apples and oranges...

But I don't know which is which.

--imm

[Worried senior]

36. I love dogs

would never turn a cat away and would have one if that's all I could have but otherwise it dogs for me, I'm a liberal.

[ElboRuum]

37. My post may be a little off topic.

Fish.

Not pets.

Living screensaver.

That is all.

[Jamaal510]

38. I prefer cats, and kinda had a bad experience

with dogs when I was a kid. I would love to have a cat as a pet, but backyard fence isn't tall enough and has a gap underneath, which makes it easy for cats to escape. The only pets I have are a trio of goldfish.

[haele]

39. I don't think it's the type of pet, it's probably the use of the pet.

I'd say - Liberals perfer companion animals and their ability to serve another purpose is secondary, and Conservitives prefer animals that serve a purpose and their ability to be companions is secondary.

A cat can be a treasured companion and be a valuable pest control tool.
A dog can be a valuable personal protection/work tool and a treasured companion.
And vice versa.
And the hamster just runs in a spinning wheel and goes no where.

Haele

[olddots]

40. I think liberals have more rescue cats and dogs than conservitives

Wingers probably prefer thorough breads too --the jerks

we have dogs because of cat allergies ---without that we would have both

[Cleita]

41. I prefer cats but not for liberal reasons I'm afraid.

I like a pet that's not emotionally needy and can spend time alone. That is a cat. I love dogs but I know I wouldn't give them the attention they crave.

[Autumn]

42. As a liberal I like cats, and dogs, and flying squirrels and birds and

lizards, pygmy goats and chickens make great pets. They all make great pets. I draw the line at snakes, any kind of snake, and bugs, I draw the line there.

[forestpath]

43. I'm a cat person. But I'm an animal lover and that includes dogs.

[RebelOne]

44. Cats are OK, but I am a dog person. n/t

[Freddie]

45. Interesting topic

I had no pets as a child except the "eat, poop and die" types (goldfish, turtles) due to my mom's allergies. Have always had at least one cat since my first apartment. Have never owned a dog but would love to someday, probably when I retire as neither of us are home enough to be fair to a dog.
We all know people who "hate cats" for whatever reason. I know a few of them and every cat-hater I know is a Republican! Must be something about an animal who won't listen or obey that sets their teeth on edge.

[silverweb]

46. Both.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Cats and dogs require very different kinds of accommodations and very different kinds of care. I love them both, but prefer to have cats because they suit my lifestyle better.

Liberal friends and relatives have varying reasons for their preference, but I've generally found that they like both -- and care about all animals.

[frylock]

47. i like turtles

[BeeBee]

48. I have 3 dogs. n/t

[MineralMan]

49. I have both, but a dog only recently.

I'm a liberal, although I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell you I'm not.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

50. Cats are jerks...

I'm more of a dog person, but I don't own one. My roommate does. It'll be cold day in hell before I ever let a cat across my doorstep.
I can't stand them. Thankfully, I'm also allergic to them.
I do own a bird. A quaker. He's mostly a flying asshole, though. He doesn't like hats, cell phones, jackets, sunglasses, collared shirts, and he will attack anyone wearing/using them.

[roody]

51. I love them both. Nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

55. I prefer parrots

even in spring time.

[OutNow]

56. Doggies

I don't like cats and I am highly allergic to them. I love little doggies and have a rescue Shih tzu. We keep him clipped in a puppy cut and he sleeps in our bed. He's a GOOD BOY.

[TeeYiYi]

57. I love pussy...

...cats. I've got two rescue cats right now, though they're getting on my nerves somewhat. I'm thinking about selling my house and not telling them... Or not. Maybe a ride in the country... Ok, I kid. I love them, but, they ARE getting on my nerves.

I've always preferred cats. Never owned a dog and don't plan to date anyone with dogs.

Seriously, most gay women prefer dogs. That's a deal breaker for me. That and the U-Haul on the first date, but I digress... Every lesbian has a dog or three and a truck full of camping gear. I just can't hang with that. Sounds like a stereotype, I know, but it is what it is. "Long walks on the beach, etc..."

Oh well. To answer your question. I'm liberal and gay and I prefer cats. But, most gay women, (who are liberal by default,) own dogs.

Actually, surprisingly, I happen to know a lesbian couple that listens to Glenn Beck and votes republican. WTF? I know!.. So bizarre! They just recently acquired three dogs. (I suspect they're not having sex so the recent acquisition of dogs is probably filling some void...)

Did that help?

TYY

[Warren DeMontague]

76. me, too!

[lumberjack_jeff]

58. Dogs, definitely. n/t

[octothorpe]

59. I prefer dogs over cats... I find it easier to be friends with a dog than a with a cat...

I have nothing against cats though.

[Upton]

60. No question...dogs.

I do have a couple of indoor cats, but they can't compare with my girls..

[DinahMoeHum]

61. I. Love. Cats. I like some dogs, but they don't like me. . .

. . .for some reason.

EVERY fucking time I come across a dog, they start straining at the leash and yap yap yap at me. The smaller ones are the worst. Retrievers and collies and huskies couldn't care less, and they're friendlier to me.

[sweetNsassy]

62. I have 4 dogs and 1 cat...

All of them rescues but one dog. I love them both, but do prefer dogs.

[pink-o]

63. Cats and dogs

Are BOTH preferable to stupid naked primates with big brains and small minds.

[LWolf]

64. Both. nt

[Raine]

65. I LOVE both but prefer dogs. It happenes though that since my dog died

I only have cats now I would love to get another dog. I'm really missing a dog but I'm worried that getting one might freak the cats out.

[Initech]

66. Liberal dog owner here.

I'm allergic to cats so I can't have them but I am definitely a dog person.

[Tanuki]

67. Ask Fala

http://piperbasenji.blogspot.com/2011/02/president-franklin-roosevelt-and-fala.html

[img][/img]

[IrishEyes]

68. I love them both equally.

Honestly, I can't decide between them. I know that my very liberal mom and stepfather love dogs and don't like cats. My very conservative brother loves cats and likes dogs.

[liberal_at_heart]

69. love them both.

Right now we only have a dog. My daughter's cat passed away in December. My husband refuses to allow another cat in the house because of the destruction to carpet they can cause.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

70. DOGS ROCK!

[Apophis]

71. I'm a liberal and I hate cats.

I don't understand how people get so obsessed with cats.

Give me a dog that loves to play and I'll be happy.

[krawhitham]

72. Dogs all the way

[cloudatla]

73. Why do liberals like cats more than conservatives do?

Explaining the feline liberals and canine conservatives phenomena:

http://chanchiling.com/2013/05/05/the-feline-liberals-canine-conservatives-phenomenon/

[HappyMe]

74. I love dogs!

I don't like cats.

[hrmjustin]

78. Welcome to DU my friend!

[Rhiannon12866]

79. Interesting post!

Welcome to DU! But what does that say about those of us who have both? LOL. In my experience, it's liberals who love animals...

[PotatoChip]

75. I have a dog and 2 cats.

To me, they are like having children. You love them all in different ways.

[Cirque du So-What]

77. Took awhile for me to reply

See, Ive got a cat in my lap, or, more precisely, a cat curled up into a ball on the arm that is resting in my lap - my hand supporting her hindquarters. She will broach no movement on my part, so I'm typing one-handedly. Any deviation from this scheme - thoroughly time-tested - is met with trills of reproach. Yes, I'm owned by a cat, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

On edit: she's off my lap now - after making me type the above reply with one hand. Funny, she was nowhere to be seen before I clicked on the OP, then she materialized suddenly. It's almost as though she knew I was thinking about cats in general, and she didn't want me thinking about any cat except her.


Taken just now. Sophie approves this message.

[Berniesupporter101]

80. Dogs are Awesome

I don't know what's true for others, but I'm a liberal dog lover.