As an owner/indentured servant of a standard-issue cat, OOP's cat was absolutely not what I was picturing when I imagined 'generic-looking'.
Madness string 112310
Conspiracist ideation is often associated with low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness. The conspiracist feels empowered by these beliefs because s/he becomes part of an 'elite' who know the 'truth' (what they don't want you to know!). This also produces a confirmation bias where they seek the echo chamber of supporting evidence. Contradictory evidence is dismissed because it is viewed as a personal attack by undermining the thing that gives them power and esteem.