Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five funny cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.
If there’s one thing Clutch can’t stand, it’s a cat hater. He seems to have made it his mission to turn even the most committed ailurophobe into an ailurophile,1 and he doesn’t take no for an answer. He even met a family member with their cat allergies, such is the strength of this handsome boy! How did he achieve such achievements? Let me tell you about me Star Wars theory.
The Star Wars Theory
Back in the good old days when there were only three awesome Star Wars movies, Episodes IV, V, and VI, I had regular arguments with people who said they ‘hated’ Star Wars, and it went something like this:
- They: I hate Star Wars
- I: Have you watched them?
- They: No.
- I: *stares into space*
- They: I hate these kinds of movies.
- I: But…but, you haven’t really seen them yet. How will you know?
And now you’re wondering what this has to do with Clutch. Basically, in my analogy, cats are science fiction movies, and Clutch is Return of the Jedi. Still confused? Let me explain.
Many people form an opinion about Star Wars based on the fact that they don’t like the science fiction genre. But, as fans can attest, Episodes IV through VI are more character-driven, less hardcore sci-fi, making them appealing to a wider audience. In particular, Episode VI, Return of the Jedi, had something for everyone – sci-fi, romance, adventure, and (love them or hate them) Ewoks.
People who have never had a good encounter with cats often assume that they don’t like cats at all. Therefore:
- Cats = science fiction movies
- Friendly cats = Star Wars
- Clutch = Return of the Jedi
What again?
Okay, maybe that’s a rather convoluted way for me to explain that Clutch is a cat that even cat-haters like, but I enjoyed the diversion!
Over the past ten years, Clutch has won over scared kids, cynics, and the biggest boys. Of course, there are some people who really don’t like animals, but we try to keep them out of our home…and social circle.
You may have heard that cats tend to like people who aren’t their biggest fans because they tend to exhibit traits that are attractive to most cats: narrowed eyes, holding back rather than approaching, and the cat is usually left behind. In cat language, this show conveys trust and respect, which endears them to less-than-stellar humans. But Clutch isn’t even put off by more blatant anti-cat behavior; Pushing him away, blocking access to laps, or moving to another location will not stop this loving boy. These are just challenges to overcome. With sheer determination, Clutch forces people to acknowledge his irresistible charm and admit that maybe cats aren’t scary after all.
The Canine Feline
We often joke that Clutch is recognized as a dog, with his chilled personality and preference for the company of other canines; Dog lovers who love dogs often understand this. One characteristic of cats that people find incomprehensible is how unpredictable they are, or easily frightened; one wrong move and they’re like gunshots, or directing sharp teeth or claws in your direction. Although it depicts some cats, it is not a fair or accurate representation of all of them. But it takes a lot of convincing to overcome this prejudice. Come in, Clutch.
Far from being flighty or bitey, Clutch is hard to move when he’s comfortable, not easily surprised, and has never been known to lash out in fear or anger. His calm demeanor and determination to be loved seem to put people at ease, especially those who share in the friendliness of dogs.
Allergies? What Allergies?
My mother-in-law loves cats. Unfortunately, his immune system is not. When exposed to feline dander in the past, her eyes water, her throat itches, her nose runs, and she always puts on antihistamines before visiting our home.
In his usual fashion, Clutch would attach himself to poor Trish, snuggle up to her chest, join her for meals, and sleep in her clothes, making sure that she, and her gear, had plenty of white fur attached. . Over the months, he realized that his symptoms had lessened, and he no longer needed to premedicate with antihistamines. This is not completely unheard of; Allergies tend to worsen or decrease with exposure, and Trish seems to fall into the latter category.
While people can be allergic to some cats but not all, he had previously reacted to other cats in the household before Clutch arrived, so it appears that Clutch’s strong affection had a desensitizing effect.
Conversion with a Warning
I can say with confidence that almost everyone who has had the privilege of meeting Clutch has come away with a greatly improved opinion of cats in general. Although not everyone rushes out and immediately gets a cat of their own, there are a few who finally give in to the pressures of family members once they realize that cats “aren’t all bad”. I’m proud to know that Clutch has been responsible for converting many former cat-haters, I don’t want people to be under the illusion that all cats are like Clutch.
You may find yourself with the same disappointment that millions of Star Wars fans experienced after flocking to theaters to watch Episode I…
