Why do people categorize anime differently ??

I know this might start something n thatz not my intent !! I'm just kinda confuzed,,, I don't get why ppl treat anime like itz own category ?? Or say they like ALL anime ?? That's like saying you like all cartoonz or all mystery showz n stuff,,, I personally just categorize anime with cartoons, I don't see why people treat it separately ? Isn't it just a cartoon at its core as well ?? N also being like "Talk 2 me if you like anime !" Isn't the best indicator of a person, they might like completely different anime than you ?? IDK CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS 2 ME