Cats and dogs: the two have become synonymous with conflict. For centuries, cats and dogs have been locked in a bitter rivalry to determine which animal really is man's best companion. Although both species have advantages cats have emerged as the clear winner. Here's a list of 15 reasons why cats will forever prevail over their canine counterparts.
1. Cats are lower maintenance.
Let me preface this by saying that all animals are a big responsibility, and should be treated accordingly. Nevertheless, cats are certainly less of a time commitment than dogs who need to be walked, taken outside constantly to go to the bathroom, played with, fed at specific times, and showered in attention. If you're especially tight for time or leaving town, you can use a self-feeder As a college student and young professionals, our time is precious and severely limited, making cats the best option.
2. Cats are less clingy, but equally as lovable.
The moment you enter the door, dogs are bounding up and down, slobbering to greet you, filled with energy and gusto, remaining by your side constantly until the next time you depart. Cats, by comparison, are more aloof. Nevertheless, they are eager to cuddle with you and give you affection, they're just willing to give you space from time to time.
3. They're cleaner.
Between their ability to use a litter box, lack of drool and lack of destructive behavior, cats are easily the cleaner species, requiring only minimal effort from their owners to clean up.
4. They keep your home pest free.
Cats are, by nature, hunters. As a result, they keep your home clean and free of bugs, spiders and mice.
5. They're funnier.
There's a reason the internet is inundated with cat videos and not dog videos.
6. You never need to walk them.
Unlike dogs, cats don't need to be walked for exercise. Instead, you can play with them or bust out the catnip, if you're really busy, to make sure they get the stimulation they need.
7. Their owners are smarter.
Although buying a cat won't magically improve your IQ, those who prefer cats are on average more intelligent than their canine-loving counterparts, according to a study from Carroll University. This data says as much about cats as it does the people who love them, after all, there's a reason cats are so popular with intellectuals.
8. Cats are quieter.
No matter how loud your cat may meow, you never have to worry that your cat will wake up the neighbors. Chances are your cat will never wake you up with their barking. Although they may tell you when they need food or water, cats are nowhere close to being as loud as dogs.
9. You never have to bathe them.
Cats are very clean animals. Most are able to care for their own personal hygiene, meaning you never have to give them a bath.
10. They're less costly.
Owning a cat can be as much as $800 cheaper than owning a large dog during their first year of ownership, and $205 cheaper in the years that follow according to data from the ASPCA.
11. Cats are less prone to having accidents.
Your cat will probably never eat a pair of socks, get into chocolate, or fall in general. As a result, you don't have to worry about what your cat may do, instead, you can trust that they will be safe.
12. Owning a cat decreases your chance of having a heart attack.
Research suggests that owning a cat can decrease your chances of suffering a heart attack by nearly one-third.
13. They purr.
I don't know about you, but I think purring is kind of magical. Founded in evolutionary functioning in the relationship between kitten and mother, cats emit a rolling sound of satisfaction when content. You can always tell when a cat is happy, as a result, which is a very useful, and fascinating skill.
14. They're better for the environment.
According to a 2009 study, over the amount of food a dog consumes over its lifetime contributes the same carbon footprint of a Hummer. However, since cat food is generally made from fish, rather than beef-flavored products or corn, their environmental impact is far smaller, with a carbon footprint approximately the size of a Volkswagen Golf.
15. Cats live longer.
All animals die. However, cats tend to die at later ages than dogs. While dogs have a lifespan from ten to thirteen years, cats often live to be between twelve and fifteen. Many cats live until their early 20s, meaning you can keep your beloved feline in your life longer than you can with a dog.
