What began as a way to better understand her relationships became a business for first-time author Marla Press. In her humorous book, I’m a Dog, You’re a Cat: Love Lessons From Our Furry Friends, Press compares behavior traits of cats and dogs to interpersonal communication styles of humans. Though the book is about romantic relationships, the lessons apply to all communication from co-workers to siblings. 

The premise of the book is that people’s communication styles fall into one of two categories: dog or cat. Dog personalities tend to be optimistic, verbose, somewhat needy, outwardly affectionate, trusting, loyal and passionate. They are apt to be good multi-taskers, work well in groups and enjoy the company of others. 

Cats do share many of the same traits as dogs, but only after a certain level of trust has been established. They are prone to be more aloof and guarded; work with singular focus on a task until it is complete; and do not need other people, though they may want them.

The theory, and subsequent book, was formed when Press was discussing behaviors in her new boyfriend with her friend, Manisha Thakor. Thakor said it sounded as though Press was hard-wired like a dog, whereas the beau was hard-wired like a cat. 

Press said, “For example, when I walk into the door, I expect my dogs to greet me with their tails wagging. If I had a cat in the house, I would not expect the cat to do the same. He might, but he might not. If he were hungry, he would. But if he were sleeping, he wouldn’t bother. So, it’s silly of me to get upset when the cat does not act like a dog.”

When Press revealed the secret of their successful relationship to her boyfriend, he said, “You should write a book. You really get this.” 

From that moment, she said she became “a dog with a bone.” 

While keeping her day job in the financial services industry, Press gathered stories, wrote the book and worked with illustrator Jim Tweedy.

The book was launched on November 11, 2010 at the Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market. As an unknown author with an unknown product, Press was thrilled to sell 100 copies of her book at the event. 

Press said, “I see this concept going in many different directions. I’m not sure what that looks like, yet. I just know, as a marketing person, if you just keep putting it out there and exploring every possibility, the right one will present itself.”

Her dog-like tenacity has been rewarded with sales at events at Neiman-Marcus in Houston and Dallas. The extensive travel her day job requires has enabled signings at specialty stores around the country. A percentage of sales is donated to various local animal rescue groups.

Press is in the process of planning I’m a Dog, You’re a Cat-themed mixers for singles. She has envisioned an animated series, a dating site and even human resources team-building events. 

“The concept plays way beyond love relationships, and well beyond the book,” Press said. “The goal is to make I’m a Dog, You’re a Cat do for communication what ‘Life is Good’ did for optimism. It is meant to be a fun, easy tool to open up conversation and understanding.”

To learn more about Press and her book, I’m a Dog, You’re a Cat, go online and visit www.imadogyoureacat.com. 

Nikki Rosenberg is a staff reporter for Houston Woman Magazine.

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