Perhaps Tolkien's apparent dislike for cats had to do with some of the messages that he wanted to put across to his reader. Especially with the "Fellowship" theme, he wanted to tell the reader that the only way to "save the world" was to unite all people, no matter what their race/creed/religion. Cats are very independent spirits, and are almost never found in "packs." That would have defeated the purpose of putting in all those "group" themes. On the other hand, as is apparent in his lavish praise of Huan, Tolkien seemed to love dogs, because they were "group" creatures.
Any thoughts?
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But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.
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