This post is sponsored by Purina in support of their Purina Pro Plan True Nature line of food. All opinions and images are my own.
My experience in the world has shown me that people are generally in two camps…
1. I love cats! They’re awesome!
2. I hate cats. They’re evil.
He likes to think of them as small, furry, temperamental, sometimes cranky dogs which they are not. You just have to understand the true nature of cats.
The True Nature of MY Cats
My first sign of true independence was signing a lease for my very own apartment and then immediately getting a cat. Yes, I was the stereotypical single girl in an apartment with a cat. But my cat was my companion and he was also a pretty good judge of character over the years. Since Arnie has come and gone (he lived to the ripe old age of 20), we’ve since provided countless hours of entertainment for ourselves and our dogs with our two current cats, Beamer and Josie.
Since my dog Layla came into our lives last summer, Beamer and Josie have voluntarily quarantined themselves to the basement where they can have a little peace from time to time. But true to cat nature, they don’t always get along, especially at mealtime.
In this picture, Beamer is saying, “Oh good, it’s mealtime. Do you think you could not be a jerk just this once, Josie?” And Josie is saying, “Get away from me, you fool. I only care about the wet food and you’re standing in my way.”
Together, they aren’t the best of friends. But separately, they will both charm the pants off of you.
Beamer loves to play and enjoy the sunlight. He never tires of scratches under the chin and behind the ears and loves a good belly rub.
And Josie loves, well, EATING. But once her big belly is full, she also loves playing and being brushed and a good rub on that big belly.
They’re different but not so different. Cats really do have a true nature if you stop to take a look. And it’s even more fun if you document it.
Purina sent me a GoPro Hero and encouraged me to capture the extraordinary nature of my cats, like Darren Dyk did for them (he’s a cinematographer and creator of the popular YouTube channel BeyondSlowMotion). Without the benefit of a cat harness (because really, can you imagine any cat that would tolerate that?), I tried to get down to their level and really capture their true nature.
85 comments
I’m in the I like them but am allergic and sad camp
That is sad 🙁
I think I am in the I don’t understand cats camp 🙂 I don’t hate them, I don`t love them, I just don’t understand them, however, my boys get the traditional “it’s so cute!!” every time they see one.
Someday, the right cat will find you 🙂
I <3 cats, all the way! We have a rescue who turns 4 next month. But I'm getting kitty fever and want to adopt another one!
Oh, lord. One cat is awesome. Two cats… well, you may want to wait a bit.
I’m in the cats can be awesome, especially because Seven is more like a dog.
Those are my husband’s favorite kind of cats. That’s how Beamer is.
LOVE cats!!! #TeamCat
Me too!!!
I am also in the I like them but am allergic and sad group. Which means that cats LOVE me, because they always want what they can’t have.
You’re such a cat tease 😉
I’m in crazy cat lady camp! I’ve had as many as a dozen at once (some were outdoors only) but now we have two – a 16 yr. old that is blind but a total sweetie and a 4 yr. old long haired, uppity girl.
I hate to say it but a dozen cats DOES put you in the crazy cat lady camp. It’s okay. Someone has to be there!
I don’t hate cats but don’t like to touch cats or have cats touch me. I’m the same way with dogs.
This is the funniest response ever.
I love cats, long-haired cats esp. I’ve had some of the best cats a person could ever have, sweet and loving. They make wonderful friends!
Oh, wow. I’m not sure I’m with you on the long hair. They are beautiful (we once had a Himalayan) but oh, the furballs! And I always had some sort of cat hair in my mouth!
I do not have a cat but this is hilarious! We have two pups but the boys want a cat and I am showing them these videos.
Cats are awesome. As long as you understand they aren’t dogs!
I am in the love cats camp! Adorable & cute!
I’m sure the feeling is mutual 🙂
I love cats. We had our fur baby for almost 18 years before we had to let her go.
My first kitty as a grown up was awesome. Stayed with me until he was 20 years old!
I’m in between the two extremes. I could take ’em or leave ’em. Used to love them – had a couple of them – pretty sure I understand them – hate taking care of litter and throw up – now I’m all “meh” about them.
Don’t hate the playa. Hate the game.
I wouldn’t say I’m in either “love” or “hate”….I like them.
You. Must. Choose.
I’m in between on the cat camps! I am allergic to them, the cat hair floating around drives me crazy, and cleaning the litter box is no picnic! Thank goodness our cat enjoys being outdoors! I totally admire the “I don’t give two s—-s” attitude and the dead mice he leaves on my doorstep.
See? You at least *get* cats. That’s the first step in appreciating them. We’ll work on the liking part. (P.S. Even cat lovers hate the litter box).
I am team cat!
#Solidarity
I’m in the I love cats they are awesome camp. Our cat is getting old but he still has his playful moments.
Yes, they are awesome. Thank you for sharing your cat love!
I love cats. They are so loving and playful
Yay! Another cat lover!
I do like them, I am team dog however..
You’re allowed to have a preference. My husband is also Team Dog.
I’m in the I like our cat, but why can’t she clean up after herself camp.
Um, don’t we feel that way about MOST pets? And children come to think of it…
I am in the I love cats! They’re awesome! camp because they are cute, cuddly and independent.
You’re my kind of people.
im in the i have a cat because i cant get a guy camp
Ain’t no shame in that.
I like cats as long as they aren’t mine.
I’m a cat owner, cat lover and my cats are also my kids.
I love cats, but have seen some evil ones in my day. My sons rescue cat was so tolerant of my grandson growing up pulling his tail, body slamming him, chasing him. I don’t know any other animal that would have taken that abuse and just got up and walked away.
I’m kind of in the middle. We had a cat for 18 years, and she was as close to a perfect cat as we could get – never got on counters, didn’t claw up anything other than her scratcher, didn’t really come out if someone else was around, liked to snuggle and purred wonderfully when petted! If I thought I could get another one like her, I’d get a cat in a minute. Unfortunately few are like that!
I have 2 rescue kitties and love them dearly. They can do no wrong!
I’m in the I love cats camp. I have five and they are each “special” in their own way. One of my cats Kai has recently decided he wants to jump into my arms when I’m indisposed in the bathroom. Have to love them! [email protected]
I am more of a dog person but my parents got a cat and she is growing on me. She is starting to have a personality and sit on my lap.
Im in the love cats group.. Haha my daughter is obsessed with them she wears cat pants. Iv had cats for years and love the way they take care of themselves and still love you.
I love my cats. They are awesome!
I love cats and I have 3 of them 🙂
How about I love cats they are evil? Evil little adorable furballs full of mischief and doom!
xdanimarie(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m in the I love cats camp!
Of course I love cats and think they are awesome! My DH is in the doesn’t understand them though 🙁
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
Ashley C
I love cats!
I love cats! They’re awesome! I’ve had cats my whole life and can’t imagine life without at least one. They are fun, funny, independent and entertaining. We currently have 4 rescues and love them all.
I love cats, they’re awesome! I have several. I also care for several feral colonies. I’m a huge advocate for TNR, it works. I also have a cat room inside for several rescued ferals that I was able to tame enough with me to keep them in their very own cat room designed just for them.
cat’s are mostly awesome, but ours knows how to be bad to get attention
I love cats and they are awesome camp!
I am in the cat camp…I love em!!
Thanks for the chance.
I like cats but am allergic
I’m in the I love them camp! We have 3.
I love cats!!!
I love cats because they are beautiful creatures. They are very sneaky though.
It depends on the cat!
I love cats and I totally get them and their little peculiarities.
I totally understand cats! My husband (pictured here giving rabbit ears to the cat) is less understanding!
I am in the happy cat camp! Our cat Roo is the love of our life!
For me it depends on the cat!
I love cats but I am apart of the allergic and sad camp. My poor kids every cat or kitten we see mom see if that one makes you sick ;(
I’m in the I love cats camp.
I love them, the sweet ones are my favorite but even the grumpy ones are amusing.
we live in stella camp…. but we love her.
Cats are ok but dogs are way better!
I am def “I love cats. Their awesome”!!! I have two cats and have had cats since I was 10 years old
I’m in the I love cats camp.I have two 11 month old cats
cats are fun to watch
I am in the love cats camp. I don’t have one currently but hope to get another one.
I’m in the “Love ’em” camp! We have two kitties. One is a Bengal that we rescued. She used to be a breeder, now she does whatever she wants! I have 2 dogs, too, that I would do anything for, literally, but I relate to my cats more because they’re sassy, like me!
I am in the I am in love with my cats camp. We have 3 who I absolutely adore. They are so funny as they have such distinct personalities and always coming up with something new like batting at my wind chimes and watching them go back and forth with their eyes.
I’m a cat lover! I had to put down my beloved Max last year and haven’t had the heart to adopt another cat. He was irreplaceable. I miss him terribly.
I’m in the “I love cats! They’re awesome!” camp! Wasn’t always as we used to be dog people, but our too rescue kitties have stolen our hearts big time!