Cat controversy: Ciara and Kelly Rowland call men who own cats a ‘red flag’

Ciara and Kelly Rowland are facing backlash after comments attributed to them suggest they believe a man owning a cat is a “red flag.” The conversation reportedly came up during conversation on Level Up Radio and social media users have been quick to call out the sentiment as out-of-touch and biased.

According to people discussing their remarks, Ciara appeared to express discomfort with men who have cats, hinting that it made them seem overly soft or even effeminate. Kelly Rowland, meanwhile, said she wasn’t sure but added that she didn’t find it particularly “sexy.” Some interpreted Kelly’s hesitation as disbelief or distaste for men who choose cats as pets. Others took issue with what they saw as underlying assumptions about masculinity tied to pet ownership.

The reaction online has been swift. Many users pushed back with personal testimonies: several wrote that, in their experience, men who care for cats demonstrate emotional maturity, responsibility, and empathy. One person argued that being a cat owner could actually be a green flag, not a red one, because it shows you’re affectionate, gentle, and able to provide care. Others called Ciara and Kelly’s take “childish” or “simplistic,” suggesting that negative judgments about pet preferences are shallow, especially when weighed against more meaningful relationship traits.

Some of the most pointed criticism addressed perceived masculinity biases. Critics argued that labeling cat ownership as a potential turn-off for romance or strength feels outdated and reinforces tired stereotypes: that strength must always be rugged or traditionally “masculine.” In contrast, defenders of cat owners praised the independence and emotional nuance that many cat people exhibit, saying these are traits more deserving of admiration, not scrutiny.

While some interpreted Ciara and Kelly’s remarks as playful banter, others saw broader implications. The debate has ignited a wider cultural conversation about how celebrity opinions reflect and influence ideas about gender, pet ownership, and what makes someone “dateable.” Whether you agree or not, the pushback underscores how even small offhand comments can become a lightning rod when shared publicly and widely.