I have a trans cat

[RelaxAndDetox]

My dog thinks he's a cat. Obviously, biologically he isn't a cat, but he thinks he is (should I gently tell him? Will he grow out of this?) I'm thinking of giving him a cat name as affirmation that I understand want he wants inside. He was born into the wrong body.

When people describe their cats, he fits all the stereotypes, he chases birds, mice and butterflies. He loves a scratch pole. He chases balls of wool. He is completely untrainable. He sneers when given instructions, he's the boss of his empire. He comes in and out as he pleases.

He has excessive sleeping, he scent-marks objects or people by rubbing, kneading with paws, (he does this if he wants picking up) and he has short bursts of frantic running. He's nothing like a dog. He thinks he's a cat, he behaves like a cat, therfore he is?

He's an independent sole, a predator and returns with presents for me, usually insects.

I should tell everyone to start calling him a cat. AIBU?

Clearly he was assigned dog at birth but has been living his authentic feline life for years.

You have a point. He is a rather superior variationof cat, Felix Kitty God - I mean he cats much better than those cis cats.

I am shocked that 27% of voters think OP @RelaxAndDetox is being unreasonable.

Is he going through puberty? Trying to "find" who of what he really is?

It could be worse. He could identify as a tortoise. Not very cuddly....

From very young, I knew he was really a cat. Thanks for your kindness and acceptance, one day everyone will be as aware as you are. I have contacted Whiskas to ask them to alter their advertising campaign to be more inclusive. He is a pioneer Cat.

So clever. So funny. Well done OP and all of you.

He's 3 now so grown into an adult cat. Its really not just a phase. You really can't tell (if you squint) when looking at him.

"Pusscat" or "puss-puss" or "you lovely puss" are all suitable names.

Has your pet been subjected to any external cultural influences @RelaxAndDetox ?

My house rabbit has previously been compared by others to a puppy, on account of his behaviour and bonds with the humans he knows.

I discussed that with him and he had no doubt about being the rabbit he is. To finalise his stance, he tried to hump my hand at the next available hopportunity.

74% currently understand and empathise with me and think I'm being reasonable. You'll always get haters.

Well I need to go call his Lordship, although he'll probably stroll in eventually when he's surveyed the neighbourhood and chased a few birds.

😍

I am educating them as I type, they must learn to be inclusive and accepting.

What a brave advocate you are @RelaxAndDetox!

🤣

Sounds very puppy like but you need to accept him for who he is. Although, provide a cushion just in case the humping calls again

That brilliant, I commend you, it takes time to be inclusive, and accept all cats as they truly are. With care and commitment, they will get there, and one day allow my lovely cat to share their litter tray 😊 cats united in all their wonderful diversity 🐈‍⬛️🐾🐈🐱🦋

Yes absolutely. His happiness is what matters above everything else.

His tendancy to dig has not yet been assessed but his reaction to hay is certainly what might be expected of a rabbit.

There is enthusiasm to try anything I am eating.
Expert opinion is still divided on whether that impulse is driven by the biological canine need to eat everything available or the more neurologically influenced lagomorph curiousity.

Biologically he definitely has a rabbit's delicate digestive system, so I gently remind him of that reality quite often.

Hello, OMG, lightbulb moment:

“He is completely untrainable. He sneers when given instructions, he's the boss of his empire. He comes in and out as he pleases. He has excessive sleeping, he scent-marks objects or people”

I think based on this my teenage son may also be a trans cat, though as far as I know he’s never shat in the garden. Any advice for when we get to the dead bodies stage?

This must be my favourite post ever

You need to respect his identity. If he identifies as a cat, he is a cat. Just don't be surprised when he identifies as a Labrador again the minute he hears the word "walk".

This makes sense as I realise now that I have a trans dog after thinking I had a cat. He growls and occasionally woofs, he plays fetch and he shakes his fur when he gets wet. It all makes sense. Maybe I should take him to the park on a lead tomorrow.

Whatever name he chooses, your cat would be very welcome on the Excellent Cats threads, @RelaxAndDetox.

What a good thing some cats are harness trained, so that using a lead instead of going in a carrier won’t trigger his dysphoria.

Be is clearly a cat, don't mis-species him!!! 😹

I'm sorry to say OP but your dog doesn't 'pass'... (some) people are just pretending not to notice. It's the size of the feet that gives them away and the way they move (not to mention the voice!!)

My local cattery has an 'inclusive' policy now and my cat refuses to go there, says he's terrified in case he finds he's next door to a TID cocking it's leg and weeing everywhere!!

OMG that's dreadful, I mean my cats are Terfy but yours sounds like an out and out nazi bigot facist MAGA Cat.

My cat has finally returned through the cat flap (naturally), is your teenage son home yet? If not, then he is definitely presenting as a cat. How do you know he's never shat in the garden. Cats are very good at covering it up afterwards.

As for dead bodies, the remains of insects and spiders are easily concealed. Since, your son is a larger cat, you may find squirrels or pigeons, I rather like squirrels but pigeons not so much. Good luck.

Thank you for your kindness. Fortunately, he's never identified as a Labrador, he's far too tiny to pass and shows no dog traits at all. The word walk is meaningless to him or it may be that he ignores it because it fills him with disdain, only dogs repond to that and he most certainly isn't one of them, inside.