Cats or Dogs: Which Makes the Better Household Companion?
Every animal lover experiences one problem when they finally decide to get a pet: a dog or a cat. It’s not an easy choice because dog people will say dogs are the best, while cat owners will argue that cats are better. The good news is, you can choose either — or even both! Each one has its own perks and downsides, so it really depends on what works best for you. Here’s a simple way to help you figure out which pet is the right match for your life.
Can You Exercise?
Dogs are incredibly playful and need exercise, so you’ll have to provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise. Dogs are a better fit for you if you enjoy outdoor walks and activities, but you’ll do much better with a cat if you’re a homebody. Cats don’t need as much exercise as dogs, so they’re great if you’d like a more relaxed and calm pet.
Time Commitment
Cats are generally very calm, so they don’t need active affection or attention, making them a better fit for you if you’ve got a hectic schedule and can’t commit to long-term training. Dogs need a lot of training and have much more socialization needs, so they’re perfect for you if you’ve got plenty of time to share.
Training
Don’t get a dog if you can’t commit the time and energy to share; dogs need to be trained and often take much longer than cats, especially when it comes to commands and house manners. Cats are self-grooming and only need potty training and general dos and don’ts; they pick up on the rest quickly, so they’re a better fit if you can’t free up your schedule.
Living Space
Cats and dogs both require a spacious and well-accommodated living space. However, dogs are often bigger and grow up to be much larger, so they’re better for bigger households. Cats are a better fit if you’ve got a small house, but here’s another twist: cat or dog, it all depends on the breed.
Grooming Needs
Cats are self-grooming, so you won’t have to worry about running after them, hoping they’ll get a bath. Depending on the cat’s breed and age, you might need occasional baths or trips to the salon, but they’re generally self-cleaning. Dogs need grooming and will mess up the house quickly if they’re not appropriately cared for.
Allergies
Both cats and dogs trigger allergies, but the chances of being allergic to a cat are much higher than that of a dog. This is because cat saliva and dander contain a specific protein that often triggers an allergic reaction. You might not know you have an allergy until you get checked, so tick that box before you decide.
Cost of Keeping Them
The cost of keeping a dog and a cat depends on the breed. Some cat breeds are more expensive because of their upkeep and breed demands, but dogs generally require you to spend much more than you would on a cat. This is simply because cats don’t require frequent grooming, but dogs need training and grooming.
Socializing with Other Pets
If you already have pets, it’s important to think about how your new pet will get along with them. Dogs are usually more social and love interacting with other animals, while cats tend to be more independent and may not always get along with other pets unless they’re introduced carefully. It’s a good idea to see how they handle new friends before adding them to your home.
Cleanliness
If you hate being messy and dirty, a cat might be the better fit for you. Not only are cats self-grooming, but they rarely come home stinky (unless they’ve been playing around or getting sick). Dogs love to thrash around in the dust and the mud, so they’re often bringing in dirty paws and a heck load of hair.
Attention and Companionship
Dogs are intensely loyal, so they’re a joy to be around, but they also require a lot of attention and companionship. You’ll do better with a dog if you don’t mind someone running along your legs all the time and keeping up with you. Get a cat if you’d love a pet but don’t want your schedule to be disrupted.
Noise Level
Get ready to get noise complaints from the neighbor if you’re picking a dog. Dogs love to make noise; depending on the breed, they’ll bark or howl, especially if they fear their owner’s going somewhere. Dogs are also relatively careless, so they’ll make much more noise moving around. Cats are stealthy movers and only make noise if they’re really stressed/hungry.
Traveling
If you travel frequently for work and need to leave home for extended periods of time, you won’t do well with a dog. This is because dogs attach intensely to their owners and are dependent on them, so you’ll have to arrange a regular dog sitter. Cats are pretty independent and can be left alone for short periods of time, so they suit owners who travel.
Space for Play
If you have a yard or some outdoor space, a dog will absolutely love it. They enjoy running around, playing fetch, and discovering new spots to explore. Dogs need space to move and burn off their energy. Cats, on the other hand, are usually happy staying inside. They prefer climbing on cat trees, scratching posts, or finding cozy places to hide and nap. Think about how much space you have and how you’d like your pet to use it before making your decision.
Health Benefits
While cats are adorable pets, they’re much harder to train for a medical emergency than dogs. You can train dogs to alert you in case of specific medical issues (fainting, high blood pressure/sugar, etc.); they’re also much more active, so you’ll stay active because of all the walks and exercise.
Your Personal Liking
Ultimately, it’s best to go with your gut and get a pet you want to keep. If your heart is inclined more towards a dog, get one. Otherwise, you’ll regret it at any stage of life. You may even get a cat too at a later stage of life. Cats and dogs can bond well with each other and will make for a great pair.
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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
