Everyone loves to pose the question of whether you are a "cat person" or a "dog person." Chances are, if you say you're more of a cat person, you'll get a more negative reaction. I actually like both animals for different reason and can't choose one over the other.
I'm here to debunk the myth that dogs are better than cats, or that cats are better than dogs. Both furry friends are great companions, but usually for different reasons.
You have to walk a dog.
Dogs are active animals and require more time and attention. Either you have to live somewhere with a yard or you take your dog for walks all the time—dogs also need to use the bathroom, so not only do walks mean exercise, they mean potty break.
Cats are much simpler to take care of. They entertain themselves throughout the day and they use the bathroom in a litter box (which can be a con to some people, but it takes less time to clean out the box than it does to walk a dog, and if you go out of town, cats can be fine for a few days without someone coming over to take care of them, unlike dogs).
Cats are moody.
Cats are a lot like humans in their tendencies to dislike some people, take time to warm up to people, or to only want to spend limited amounts of time with others. They're independent creatures, but that doesn't mean they love you any less. It's also less demanding to make sure your cat knows you care about them.
Dogs want love and affection from everyone, especially their owners. They're also great at showing their own affection all the time. If you're someone who's offended when an animal doesn't like you, it's safer to have a dog, because dogs usually like everyone.
Both of them shed.
With the exclusion of a few breeds of either cats or dogs, both of them shed their fur over time and after cuddling you're likely to have animal hair all over you.
Cats have claws.
Okay, dogs have claws too, but cat claws are usually sharper and leave a more serious wound behind. Cats also need to scratch with their claws, and sometimes, even when they have appropriate scratching posts, they'll scratch your furniture, usually ruining the material. Of course, it's possible to train your cat, but in the process, you're sure to earn a few good scratches.
Dogs need to be groomed.
You have to wash your dog! Cats clean themselves. It's simple. You also have to clip dogs' claws, whereas cats take care of this themselves (usually) via their scratching.
Both require work.
Whether it's cleaning out the litter box or washing your dog, you're bound to have to take care of your pet. The responsibilities are just different.
Both will love you.
Cats and dogs tend to have different ways to show their love, but don't mistake cats' un-dog-like behaviors for them not loving you. Dogs love to give kisses and wag their tails to show affection almost constantly, while cats purr, bring you ‘food’ (i.e. a dead lizard), and try to groom you whenever they’re in a loving mood. Either way, understanding the love languages that both animals use is helpful when you’re thinking about adopting.
And on that note, I want to remind everyone to adopt, not shop, when it comes to adding a new furry member to your family. There are plenty of animals in shelters and humane societies who need love, whether you're looking for a dog or a cat, or even a rabbit or guinea pig.
