In my life, I have had three dogs, four cats, and four fish (but the fish all died within a year, so we don't really talk about the fish).

I love cats. That's just a fact. On my tombstone it will read, "Here lies Emma. Man, she loved cats." I post pictures of my cats on a weekly basis because that's how adorable I think they are, and I'm a firm believe that if my friends can post pictures of their babies every other day, I can post pictures of my cats. It's only fair.

I. Also. Love. Dogs. Dogs are amazing. They are energetic and loving and loyal. And if I see a cute puppy video on Facebook, I will share the hell out of it. But I love cats just a little bit more. Kind of like when parents like to say that they love their kids equally, but we all know that's just a really beautiful lie created to spare our feelings. We've all got favorites. Just admit it. And my favorite animal, by a slight margin, is the cat. Here's why:

I'm just gonna throw in another disclaimer because I can feel you judging me: Dogs are great. I am not a dog hater. I will pet dogs. If you go out of town and need someone to take care of your dog, I will volunteer happily. When I have my own home, I will adopt dogs. When I watched the movie Marley and Me, I sobbed as much as anybody else. I just prefer cats.

Here's the thing about cats: they don't really need you. They just kind of want you. I appreciate the "LOVE ME OR I'LL DIE" attitude that dogs have. I do. But sometimes you just want a pet that's gonna be like, "Hey, girl. You look like you've had a long day, and since I am a cat, I am tired like 80% of the time. So I'm just gonna chill here next to you." This is not to say that cats are always calm. No. Cats can be off-the-wall maniacs, but more-often-than-not, cats act like dogs who have been sedated. So you see, dog lovers, we're really not all that different.

So here's my problem: I don't like the way cat people are represented. And I know you're thinking, "Emma, there are way bigger problems going on than the representation of cat people."

I know. It's called "escapism." Sue me.

People who prefer dogs are seen as adventurous, outgoing, and fun; while cat people are seen as weird and introverted. While I understand that cats are not as energetic as dogs, this doesn't make their owners the human equivalent of Eeyore in Winnie The Pooh. Cats are simply more like people. Cats are more selective about who they want to be around and when they want to be around them, and they are usually not very vocal unless they want food (Sound familiar?). So while dog-lovers might be considered more energetic, cat-people might be considered more patient. We understand that our pets are not going to be excited to see us every day, and we love them anyway.

Also, for the record, cat people are not all introverted weirdos. I mean, some of us are, but dog people can be sociopaths too.

So cut cat people some slack. And if you hate cats, I strongly recommend that you reconsider. Cat people don't usually hate on dogs, so don't be hating on cats. Especially if your only reason is because there was a cat that scratched you one time. I've got scars from my cats, man. Learn to forgive.