Cats control the world

[RangerWickett]

From this article at Yahoo!

A parasitic microbe commonly found in cats might have helped shape entire human cultures by manipulating the personalities of infected individuals, according to a new study.

Infection by a Toxoplasma gondii could make some individuals more prone to some forms of neuroticism and could lead to differences among cultures if enough people are infected, says Kevin Lafferty, a
U.S. Geological Survey scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

In a survey of different countries, Lafferty found that people living in those with higher rates of T. gondii infection scored higher on average for neuroticism, defined as an emotional or mental disorder characterized by high levels of anxiety, insecurity or depression.

In my upcoming campaign, I had an idea that there would be a malevolent, intelligent cat that the PCs might stumble across. The setting is in the primordial era of the humanoid races, and the cat would claim that the cats once ruled the world. This article both intrigued me and slightly worried me. It's a little frightening for something so intangible to have such a broad effect on the phyisology of human behavior.

 

[Richards]

Have you read Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics? He did an issue where cats had originally controlled the world, until enough humans got together and dreamed themselves into control.

Johnathan

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Yeah, A Dream of 1,000 Cats from Sandman sounds like required reading for you, Wick.

 

[frankthedm]

In the Elric saga, Melnibonians have a level of amorality that would be fitting of a race of feline overlords.

 

[Kesh]

Read The Cats of Ulthar by H. P. Lovecraft.

'nuff said.

 

[trancejeremy]

Isn't applying "malevolent" to cats kinda redundant?

 

[frankthedm]

To thier captors cats tend to be malevolent.

ma·lev·o·lent (mə-lĕv'ə-lənt)
adj.
Having or exhibiting ill will; wishing harm to others; malicious.
Having an evil or harmful influence: malevolent stars.

Thier victims get a different side of them.

a·mor·al (ā-môr'əl, ā-mŏr'-)
adj.
Not admitting of moral distinctions or judgments; neither moral nor immoral.
Lacking moral sensibility; not caring about right and wrong.

[Sblock=Dog Diary vs Cat Diary]



EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY

Day number 180

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 181

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 182

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!




EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

DAY 752

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.

DAY 765

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768

I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid?! My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer.." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774

I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured.

But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...
[/Sblock]

 

[Beowolf]

does this explain why the ancient egypitans were pretty nutty?

many cultures and civilisations included cats but the egyptians probalby held cats with the most esteem, and thus had more than most other cultures,especially around the rulers and weathly who wished to curry favor with a god.

and if you need a pic of your big bad wittle putty cat look up the kitler cat, from an awful link of the day at somthing awful ( kitler .com i think)

 

[davidschwartznz]

Sieg Meow!

 

[trancejeremy]

Wait a minute, "U.S. Geological Survey scientist"? That's like South Park, every time they have a science problem, they ask a geologist. But would he be an expert on microbes? (or cats).