Religious people are less likely to own cats, according to a study of 2,000 Americans by social scientists Ryan Burge and Samuel Perry. The faithful have 1.4 pets on average, compared to two for non-attenders. Cat owners are also more likely to be introverts than dog owners.
Prominent critic and atheist Christopher Hitchens said that if you treat a dog right, he’ll think you’re God, and if you treat a cat right, he’ll think he’s a god.
According to a recent study of 2,000 Americans, most cat owners would probably agree with the cat’s sentiment. Based on their analysis of pet ownership statistics and data on religious affiliation, social scientists Ryan Burge and Samuel Perry have come to the conclusion that people who attend religious services are much less likely to own cats than those who which they don’t.
On average, the faithful have 1.4 pets at home, compared to the two furry friends kept by non-attenders. Perry suggested that cat lovers could replace their pet with religion.
“They want to interact with you, but it’s always on their terms and it’s always about them,” she said. “We always want to win their affection, and it annoys us when we think they might be unhappy with us in any way.” Perry also said that people with strong social ties, such as those who attend church regularly, may have less need for the connection others get from their pets.
Keeping up with cat owners:
A 2009 study found that cats have developed a unique sound that combines contentment and anxiety and alerts their owner that they want to be fed.
About 32% of Americans have cats, and the typical cat owner has more than one.
People who own cats are 11% more likely to be introverts, while dog owners are 15% more likely to be extroverts.
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