Cats are so similar to dogs though but the work they can do is different than dogs.
I just realized this summer that cats need to be loved and appreciated just like a dog.
And they earn their keep by keeping mice out of your house, barn, whatever. That is their job. When it seems like they are walking around your house judging it with the attitude of a prissy young gay New Yorker, they are really looking for mice and rodents so as to protect their owners. It's like anything else, if you appreciate them for what they do, they will love you back.
The cat I took care of this summer was always making runs, checking rooms, she didn't like doors to be closed because that kept her from doing her job. Sometimes I would get up and let her in a room, she would check it out and come out 5 minutes later after determining that I was safe. Considering that mice and rats can carry diseases and make a mess, cats are just awesome. They even clean themselves so people don't have to.
Dogs like to help us out too, but in a different way. Usually by being our hunting pal, our sled puller, our companion that can see for us, or a herder for other animals like sheep.
There is no doubt that both animals talents are under-utilized and in some circumstances misunderstood, in our "modern" world.
Heres my "angel" checking out a snake (magic marker) she spied suspiciously laying on the pillow in a suspicious way. Ready to pounce and catch a potential trouble maker. look at those ears focused for catching the slightist noise. It was so funny, I was fortunate I had the camera in hand at the moment. She even had to take her little paw and bat at it to make sure it didn't move.
