avatarShelly McIntosh

Summary

The content is a heartfelt letter from a pet owner to their cat, Anya, discussing her self-esteem and the dynamics with her fellow cat, Xander, who exhibits male privilege.

Abstract

In a personal letter to her cat Anya, the owner expresses deep affection and admiration for Anya's traits and behavior. However, the owner is concerned about Anya's tendency to yield her space on the cat tree to Xander, the male cat. The letter highlights the owner's efforts to ensure equal treatment for both cats, including separate feeding locations to prevent Xander from dominating the food. The owner encourages Anya to assert herself more, reminding her of her skills as a hunter and her title as the Laser Point Chaser champion of the house. The letter also touches on the concept of male privilege, suggesting that Xander's behavior is an example of societal advantages afforded to males, and encourages Anya to demand the respect she deserves.

Opinions

  • The owner believes Anya is a wonderful cat who deserves a fantastic life and should feel loved and cared for.
  • The owner is annoyed by Xander's dominance over the cat tree, pushing Anya aside despite not fitting in the tunnel himself.
  • The owner has taken steps to ensure Anya has equal access to food by placing her bowl in a separate room.
  • The owner views Xander's behavior as an example of male privilege, giving him unearned advantages over Anya.
  • The owner encourages Anya to recognize her own worth, citing her hunting skills and laser point chasing prowess.
  • The owner expresses a desire for Anya to stand up for herself and claim her rightful place in the household.

Letter to My Cat

Anya deserves a full seat in the cat tree.

Anya — Photo by James McIntosh

My dearest Anya:

I have been wanting to talk to you about something for a while now. You are a wonderful, special feline with a lot of amazing pet traits. I couldn’t be happier with your affectionate nature and sweetness.

I hope you feel well loved and cared for. I certainly feel loved when you snuggle in my lap as I read or watch television, giving my hand occasional licks with your rough pink tongue. You deserve a fantastic life and I hope I am giving you one.

Xander — photo by Shelly McIntosh

The issue I want to talk about today, though, is the fact that YOU don’t seem to value yourself enough. Why do you allow Xander to push you out of the way if he decides he wants your spot on the cat tree? That is the most annoying to me.

I bought that large, fancy cat tree so that you would both have platforms and cubbies to lounge in. It seems to bother him when you lay in the little tunnel. He doesn’t even fit in the tunnel! I have seen Xander try to wedge his body in, but his back half just stayed on the ledge immediately below.

I don’t know if you noticed but about a year ago I started putting your dry food dish in another room from his. Dr. Lucy recommended we try the two locations, so you might eat a bit more. Not that you look too thin, don’t get me wrong. You are beautiful just the way you are. I was concerned that Xander was hogging the food and wanted to make sure you had equal access. Of course, I’ve seen him eating from that bowl occasionally, too.

Xander — photo by James McIntosh

I have been tip toeing around this, but the truth is, Xander is a perfect example of male privilege. Being a cat, you might not know this term. A good definition is available on Wikipedia:

“Male privilege is a concept within sociology for examining social, economic, and political advantages or rights that are available to men solely on the basis of their sex.”

You love hanging out on my laptop. You can check out this idea in further detail by visiting the page:

If you have self-talk discouraging you from demanding a full seat in the cat tree, remind yourself that you are the primary hunter in this house. No one is faster at catching a bug. And who is the reigning Laser Point Chaser champion in the house? That’s right: you are.

Anya, you rock! I just want you to stand up for yourself and demand the respect you deserve.

I love you, girl.

Warm Lap

Xander and Anya — photo by Shelly McIntosh

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Humor
Cats
Male Privilege
Pets
Feminism
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