I do not see carrying a sidearm as a weakness. The chances are quite good a crank-head will rob someone in a remote spot. If I broke my leg in a canyon and had to spend part of the night for my bud to go get help, no inner"kung fu" mind strengh would eliviate my fear, a weapon WILL protect me. As far as a cat is concerned, gun or no gun, one is screwed, I would never see or hear it coming. Yes, the chances are slim I will ever need to use it, but the chance is of a high enough probability to pack.