Today's domesticated cat has become the pet of choice for millions of people around the world. In the United States alone, more than 30 million pet cats now eclipse the dog population by several million, with the gap growing even wilder each day. Why has the household feline become so popular? What is it about this puzzling creature that appeals to so many of us?

The feline personality is one of the answer certainly has to be the enigmatic personality of the cat. Highly intelligent, it possess a remarkable combination of characteristics not found in other domestic pets. Captivating and quiet, poised and self-sufficient, athletic and fastidious, the cat is rarely needy and needy and always right. It loves company but is also content to go it alone for hours at a stretch.

This independent streak, a result of felines in nature living a largely solitary life, gives the domestic cat a slightly cavalier attitude about life; for them, the sun does not rise and fall around humans, although they will take us when they can get us, thank you very much. The ability cats have to survive with or without humans may just be one of the main reasons why we like them so much. Emotionally needy pets (or people) tend to grate on the nerves after a while; cats are charming narcissists. This, combined with their beauty, grace, dignity, and ease of care, make them always desirable. We also like cats for their ability to say," I am your roommate, not your servant," and for their ability to recognize the value of a good nap. And who does not appreciate the cat's clean, fastidious nature and built-in toilet training? Try getting a Schnauzer puppy to use a litter box!

Cats enjoy all the attention we humans lavish upon them, though they will, I think, never confess it. They are content to stay with us because we love them and provide them, but if we vanished from the Earth tomorrow, chances are the cat would mourn a bit, meow some, and then get on with the business of finding a furry little meal-all the while lampooning the millions of rudderless, heartbroken dogs wandering around aimlessly, wondering what to do next.

In my experience, I have always developed closer ties with a cat when I allow it to decide for itself when and where it wants affection from me.