Why There Are No Cats in The Walking Dead: Exploring Narrative and Symbolism
In the ever-evolving world of post-apocalyptic storytelling, The Walking Dead stands as a beacon of survival and human resilience. However, one curious omission has caught the attention of many fans: the complete absence of cats in both the comics and the television series. Let's explore why cats are notably missing from this starkly harsh world.
In Focus: Human Characters
The narrative of The Walking Dead centers primarily on human survival and relationships in a world overrun by zombies. The inclusion of pets, especially cats, might distract from the main story arcs focused on characters and their struggles. The focus is undivided, allowing for a more immersive and impactful experience for the reader and viewer.
Survival Realism
The series emphasizes the harsh realities of survival in a world overrun by zombies. Many domesticated animals, including cats, would face significant challenges in finding food and safety. In such a chaotic and dangerous environment, domesticated pets are less likely to survive. This thematic decision underscores the series' commitment to portraying the brutal and unforgiving nature of the post-apocalyptic world.
Symbolism and Themes
The story often explores themes of loss, survival, and the human condition. Dogs, with their traditional associations of companionship and loyalty, serve these themes better compared to cats, which are often more independent. The inclusion of cats might have diluted these themes, making the characters and their journeys less poignant and meaningful.
Narrative Choices
The creators may have simply chosen not to include cats as a stylistic or narrative choice. In both the comics and the series, limited screen and page time is dedicated to characters who drive the plot forward. The importance of these characters is paramount, and stray elements such as cats would not add significant value to the overall narrative.
Real-Life Supporting Evidence
Even in real life, the absence of cats in such a scenario is a deliberate choice. During documented zomb apocalypse scenarios, stray cats have been reported to pose a risk to their owners. For example, in The Walking Dead comics, it is mentioned that Rick and his group had to shoot stray zombie cats before continuing their journey in issue 19. This highlights the practical dangers and survival risks associated with having cats in a world overrun by zombies.
Technological and Tactical Considerations
The focus on human characters and survival strategies is further reinforced by the unique challenges faced by pets, particularly cats. They are more vulnerable to danger and less useful in a survival setting. Military-grade weapons are essential for human survival, and having cats in the mix would not significantly enhance survival prospects. Moreover, zombies do not attack animals like dogs but will kill cats, birds, and rabbits, making pets a significant liability rather than an asset.
Conclusion
The absence of cats in The Walking Dead is a deliberate narrative choice. It enhances the series' focus on human survival and relationships, simplifies the thematic exploration, and aligns with the harsh realities of a zombie-ridden world. While cats might have been interesting additions, the decision to exclude them is rooted in the overall narrative and thematic coherence of the series.
In exploring the reasons behind this choice, we gain a deeper understanding of the creative decisions made by the creators. Understanding these choices helps us appreciate the complexity and depth of The Walking Dead as a storytelling medium.