Cats have a scam going - you buy the food, they eat the food, they go away; that's the deal.

The quote by Eddie Izzard, “Cats have a scam going—you buy the food, they eat the food, they go away; that's the deal,” is a humorous take on the famously independent and often aloof nature of cats. Through this line, Izzard captures the essence of the human-cat relationship in a witty and exaggerated way. The humor lies in the idea that cats have orchestrated a clever "scam", in which they receive care and food without offering much affection or loyalty in return.

As a comedian known for observational and absurdist humor, Izzard uses this line to playfully highlight the difference between cats and more affectionate pets, such as dogs. Unlike dogs, who are typically eager to please and remain close to their owners, cats often operate on their own terms. The joke frames this behavior as a kind of low-effort transaction, where the human provides for the cat with little emotional payoff.

This quote also taps into a widely shared cultural perception: that cat owners often serve their pets more than the other way around. By calling it a deal, Izzard implies that both parties understand the arrangement, and the cat always comes out ahead. The cleverness of the joke lies in its suggestion that cats have manipulated humans into accepting this unbalanced arrangement, making it sound like a sly business operation.

Ultimately, the quote is a lighthearted reflection on the quirks of pet ownership, especially with animals known for their detachment. Izzard’s words resonate with cat lovers precisely because there's some truth behind the laughter—many would agree that their feline companions are as charming as they are mysterious, and maybe just a little bit opportunistic.