Gary Larson's iconic comic strip, The Far Side, frequently depicted cats in less-than-flattering roles, often portraying them as unruly, selfish, or even menacing creatures. While cows in Larson's work are generally presented favorably, his feline characters are consistently cast as villains, victims, or agents of chaos.
What Cats Hear
This comic humorously contrasts what owners say to their cats with what cats purportedly hear, showing a feline completely indifferent to its owner's commands. The author notes that while this defiance might seem true compared to dogs, cats' independent nature can lead to destructive behaviors like damaging furniture when bored.
Bad Cat
In another strip, a cat is shown to have brutally killed and eaten a bird after using dynamite to breach its cage. The owner's shock at the cat's unrepentant demeanor on the couch highlights Larson's portrayal of cats as unruly troublemakers.
Another Cat, Also Bad
This comic depicts severely injured cat owners, suggesting Larson's view of cats as merciless attackers. The scene implies a cat has attacked its owners and is poised to attack a visitor.
Another Level of Bad
Here, a cat is portrayed as a terrifying, almost Stephen King-esque monster. Humans, a dog, and a bird react with horror to oncoming headlights, realizing they are in danger from a feline capable of driving a car.
Poor Pup
This comic features four gangster cats speeding away from a crime scene after shooting up a doghouse. The narrative positions the cats as the clear antagonists.
A Vending Machine for Cats
Larson also depicted cats as a threat to smaller creatures, as seen in this comic where mice trapped in a gumball machine face a waiting cat.
Poor Kitty
In some instances, Larson portrayed cats as victims of dogs. However, even in these scenarios, the author suggests Larson's sympathies lie with the dogs, often depicting them as cute and clever while the cat is a more passive or unfortunate figure.
Poor Defenseless Kitty
This comic shows a cat being taken home after declawing, with an excited dog greeting it. While the cat is the victim, the dog's portrayal as cute and the cat's obscured expression suggest a pro-dog sentiment.
Nothing to Interpret Here
Larson's consistent portrayal of cats as antagonists, unruly pets, or malevolent forces invites speculation about his personal feelings toward feline companions, contrasting sharply with his generally positive depictions of other animals like cows.