The coexistence of cats and dogs is not necessarily a sign of the end of time. these two species can get along quite well despite their significant differences. But how might those differences impact your relationship with your pet or your decision to adopt a mate if you can only choose one? Here’s the scoop on the cat vs. dog dilemma to help you answer the question, “Which is the best pet for me?”
dogs are pack animals
In the wild, dogs form packs in which each member cooperates to find food and provide protection, says Veterinarians.com. The pack usually has an “alpha dog” that the other dogs look to for leadership. Domestic pups are hardwired with this pack instinct that generally makes them social, friendly, and all too happy to belong to a family or even a single person who can provide him with food and leadership. Dogs instinctively go wherever their pack goes, which makes them more readily accepting of experiences, such as travel or moving. This pack mentality also makes it really hard on dogs to be left alone, especially for long periods of time. Dogs crave closeness and attention. Having a dog may be comparable to having a young child.
cats are solitary hunters
conversely, with the exception of lions, most wild cats are solitary nocturnal hunters. Unlike dogs, cats can jump and climb, which helps them hunt and makes it easier for them to run from danger. Their sharp, retractable claws provide a distinct advantage when it comes to catching prey and fending off larger predators. because of this, cats don’t need to work together to care for themselves. it also makes them territorial.
For domestic cats, these instincts make them much more independent than dogs. this independence can make them seem aloof. they often sleep during the day and like to roam the house at night. Cats not only like their space, but they may also be prone to marking their territory by spraying outside their litter box, especially before being spayed or neutered. This territoriality makes big changes like moving or simply rearranging furniture a source of stress. While a cat’s independent nature generally helps it cope better than dogs when left alone, it’s important to remember that all cats are different. some breeds are more social than others. cats are capable of developing extremely strong bonds with their people. When a cat’s favorite person goes missing, it can develop separation anxiety, especially if passed from one owner to another. Cats are also highly intelligent creatures, and while they have a hunter mentality hard-coded into their DNA, they also know who feeds them and provides them with play. While cats may not be as affectionate as dogs at first, over time cats can develop quite a liking for their human parents, fully equipped with a purring machine for snuggling on movie night. cats also tend to live longer than dogs, which is sometimes a consideration when looking for a lifelong furry companion.
pet training: cat vs. dog
When it comes to cat vs. dog training, dogs are generally the easier of the two to train. A dog’s pack mentality makes him ready to follow a leader and makes him generally more obedient by nature. Typically, dog training is a process of teaching and reinforcing commands that help you communicate your desires to your dog. Dogs are so eager to please that they’re happy to meet those desires. However every dog is different, and some breeds have temperaments and learning aptitudes that take more readily to training than others.
Cats can be trained, but not as well as dogs. it requires a lot of patience and constant practice to overcome your stubborn nature. With cats, it’s best to focus training on setting limits.
When it comes to house training, cats have an advantage over dogs. cats use the litter box instinctively. it may only be necessary to show them where the box is once. If a cat is slow to learn to use the litter box or seems to forget it later on, it’s often a sign of an underlying health problem and you should see your vet.
Dogs, on the other hand, can be much more difficult to potty train, especially puppies. teaching them where it is and where it is not acceptable to go usually requires a lot of repetition and positive reinforcement.
consider the space
Although dogs may be perfectly happy living in a small apartment, they still need exercise outside. If you lead an active lifestyle and can take your dog for a walk or let him out in the backyard to run and play, a dog can be a great option. however, if you live in a small apartment, a cat can be a great companion. cats generally exercise through play (an excellent bonding opportunity between you and your cat) and through their general hunting nature, where they will stalk their prey (toys in this case) and jump high up in trees (trees for cats). because of this, cats don’t usually need as much area to roam. in fact, in a large house you may lose your cat for a while, as they can be excellent players of hide and seek.
costs
It is true that cost must be considered when choosing to adopt a pet. Dogs often tend to be more expensive to care for than a cat between food, toys, training classes, daycare, and vet bills. Because cats are naturally independent, they have learned to care for themselves and generally only rely on their human for food. even play stimulation can be as simple and cost-effective as a flashlight or a feather attached to a stick.
what is the best pet for me?
Cats and dogs aren’t the only ones with different temperaments and personality traits. According to current psychology, cat parents and dog parents differ significantly in these areas as well. most cat-only people tend to be more introverted, less sociable, and more self-sufficient, while dog owners are more sociable, interactive, and open to new experiences.
Whether your personality aligns more closely with the typical dog-loving or cat-loving person, the most important thing to keep in mind is that a dog will probably require a little more of your time and attention than a cat. If he is looking for a companion to sit next to him, then a dog might be his best choice. cats can be quite loving and attentive, but only up to a point. They tend to get bored or overstimulated much more easily than dogs, at which point they want to get away for a while. so if you prefer a pet to keep you company but are not in particular need, consider a cat.
again, these are all generalities. remember that cats and dogs are not only different species, but are individuals within each of their species and some of these generalities may not apply to individual pets. Factors like genetics, breed, breed temperament, and the animal’s history all play a role in how friendly, sociable, and teachable it will be. Wherever you side with the cat vs. dog debate, it’s important to research your choice of pet before welcoming them into their forever home. consider babysitting a dog or cat for a friend or family member to see if they prefer the company of one over the other. then be sure to spend some time at your local animal shelter before making the final decision to adopt. you may find that it’s not the species that helps you decide, but the bond you form with one of the animals. no matter which species you choose to adopt, with enough love and affection, you’re sure to find a forever friend.
contributor bio
jean marie bauhaus
jean marie bauhaus is a pet mom, pet blogger, and novelist from tulsa, oklahoma, where she often writes under the supervision of a bunch of fur babies.
