Anyone notice the theme of dogs, cats, and rats in the books (and it's played up in the movies)? Dogs in Harry Potter are a symbol of the good. Cats are neutral (both screwing things up and being useful once in a while). Rats are bad. Even werewolves have a symbol of still being "good" in Remus Lupin.
Rowling must be allergic to cats (and rats?).
Labels: Critters