Men with cats

Brian over at Thought Catalog recently came out as a single male cat owner. Right on, brother! It's true, the traditional stereotype seems to be that single women own a lot of cats, and in-shape people who like the outdoors own dogs, the "man's best friend." But to help Brian, I have compiled a list of dudes with cats -- so he doesn't feel weird.

"There’s something inherently dashing about a man and his dog. Playing in the mud, flirting with women at the park, hunting for geese. It’s all very masculine. Get a man and his dog, remove t-shirt from man and add bandana to dog, and all of a sudden you’ve got the cover of Life Magazine. Or an Abercrombie and Fitch catalog, depending on how many crunches the guy can do. In comparison, there’s something inherently creepy about a man and his cat. Knitting together, lounging about in the air conditioning, laughing drolly at something on NPR. It’s not masculine at all, and the only magazine cover it’s getting anywhere close to is Out. I mean, there’s a reason there’s never been a romantic comedy about a woman looking for the perfect guy called, “Must Love Cats.” Because there’s something considered a little off about a guy and his kitty. In fact, typing the word “kitty” just now gave me a little bit of seizure. But I am here to speak out on our behalf. I will endure the shame no longer. I am a male cat owner, and I want sdfsgar3ea! Sorry. My cat walked across the keyboard. What I meant was “respect.” I want respect."

Bill Clinton with First Cat Socks. I have a postcard from Socks!

Nathan Williams, of Wavves, with Snacks (who belongs to Williams's girlfriend Bethany Cosentino, of Best Coast).

Marlon Brando with a kitty. Can't tell what color it is because it's such an old pic, though.

Ian Somerhalder with a tasty-looking tabby.

Morgan Freeman entrancing a young kitten with his presence.

Is this helping?

Bub Bridavsky of Bloomington, Ind. and her dude, an artist named Mike. I'm still waiting on my email back from her. :(