Where did this Phenomena Start?
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Forbes magazine writer Kiri Blakley believes that the crazy cat lady phenomenon began long before cats lived indoors -- Blakley says that "cats and women have a strong historical and cultural connection". This historical connection begins when cats were used to hunt mice around the house. These cats were smart enough to know to look to the women, the caretakers of the house, for handouts. So a symbiotic relationship began; the cats got food handouts, and the women got the satisfaction of winning the affection of the independent animals. This relationship has lasted thousands of years, eventually evolving feline-loving women into crazy cat ladies.
Feline Characteristics Given to Women
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After women developed this bond with the feline, they began to see traits of themselves in the cats. I believe this is why society often gives women characteristics that of a feline. People see cats as hard to read, mysterious and difficult to please, and people tend to brand women the same way. Modern day Americans apply cat like adjectives to women in media and popular culture. Some examples would include "catty," "kitten," and "cougar." The similarities between women and cats allow women to identify with cats and see their traits reflected in them, bringing ladies even closer to their feline companions.
Cat Ladies In Pop Culture
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Crazy cat ladies also have their place in popular culture. These characters are often portrayed as reclusive and grouchy, and on some occasions, evil. For example, the villainous Crazy Old Cat Lady and her army of black and white cats from the popular mid 2000’s cartoon, "Codename: Kids Next Door". Catwoman, from the DC comic universe, is a cat lady with villainous tendencies who steals jewels with her cat-like reflexes. Eleanor Abernathy, the crazy cat lady from "The Simpsons", however, remains unlike Catwoman and Crazy Old Cat Lady from Codename: Kids Next Door; Eleanor is not evil. She does, however, differ from society quite a bit, with her constant gibberish and misanthropic tendencies. Eleanor perfectly represents how society views cat ladies, as crazy outcasts who would rather be left alone.
Why Do People Become Cat Ladies?
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The reality is that contrary to what pop culture may portray cat ladies as, they tend to be elderly women who just want a friend. Some people believe that the underlying reason crazy cat ladies exist is because of the fact that women tend to live longer than men. Kiri Blakley from Forbes Magizine observes that "Elderly women who are widowed, and whose children have moved out, may find themselves with time on their hands–and a hungry stray cat to feed." Because cats are small and easy to care for, they are an obvious pet choice for an older woman. These women are so lonely, they can only look only to their cats for affection, and their lives begin to revolve around felines. Often times, this obsession may lead to an older women taking in more cats than she can handle, sometimes going as far as to catch them off the street with nothing but good intentions.
The Science Behind Cat Ladies
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Although many have speculated as to what the cause of crazy cat ladies was, we now know more about the causes behind cat ladies than ever. Scientists have found that our kitty companions may in fact be controlling our brains. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be found in cats feces, may be responsible for this. According to National Geographic, this parasite slows reaction time and reduces fear in rodents; making them easier prey for felines. Studies also show that toxoplasmosis can cause a multitude of mental disorders in humans. Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to name a few. (nbcnews). Scientists have speculated that, like rodents, people infected by toxoplasmosis become more likely to get eaten by cats. Many instances have been reported of this happening, such as when Livia Meltinte was found dead in her house. She died of natural causes, and her twenty cats were found consuming her body. (Austriantimes). NBC News also states that although it doesn’t fully explain cat ladies, the discovery of toxoplasmosis and how it affects people does begin to hint at the reason for their existence.
Where are Crazy Cat Ladies Now?
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The term "Crazy Cat Lady" has changed tones in the age of the internet. Before the internet, cat ladies were looked down on and frowned upon. However, people now look at cat ladies as independent women who don't need to rely on other people. Many young women even refer to themselves as cat ladies and are proud of the title. The internet, a place where like-minded people can come together and share similar ideas, has become an accepting place where all types of people with varying interests, including cat ladies, can come to share their interests. Since cat ladies have been able to connect with each other, they are no longer ashamed to show their love for cats.