Crazy Cat Ladies

As a cat lover, I’m sure you are familiar with the trope of the “crazy cat lady,” a lonely, single woman with too many cats and too few social skills. In popular culture, including on The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers, these cat-loving characters are portrayed as weird, unlikeable, and even unkempt. But in our experience, cat ladies (and men!) are amazing. So let’s embrace and even celebrate being so-called “crazy” people for loving cats and recognizing and appreciating all their wonderful qualities and quirks from the tip of their tails down to their toe beans.  

According to a 2021/2022 survey conducted by the Humane Society of the United States, 35% of American households - about 45 million homes! - owned at least one cat. The ASPCA estimates that 2.1 million cats are adopted from shelters every year and 100,000 cats who end up in shelters are reclaimed by their owners. And the 2017/2018 American Veterinary Medical Association Sourcebook recorded that 76% of cat owners consider their cats to be members of the family.

Best Friends Animal Society reported that in the last ten years, there has been a 17% increase in the number of homes with cats. About 79 MILLION cats are owned in the United States. That’s A LOT of cats. And a lot of wonderful, big-hearted people caring for them. 

Who wouldn’t want a soft and furry playful and hilarious four-legged friend keeping them company and endlessly entertained? Why is it seen as weird to want two or three or even more furry friends to amuse you with hours of their antics and fill your life with more joy? 

Not to mention that there are THOUSANDS of cats in shelters and rescues awaiting adoption. Kitten season brings millions of cute and tiny new lives into the world and all of these cats and kits deserve a loving home. There’s nothing crazy about opening your heart and home to an animal in need. They will provide you with companionship, unconditional love, and a boost to your mental health. 

There’s nothing crazy about loving cats and being a person who loves and appreciates cats is something to be proud of. Cats are hilarious, regal, and resilient and should be celebrated as such. So here’s to being a crazy cat lady. We are proud to have you.

Love, Nala