Cats and dogs are inherently different, but that doesn't mean they aren't equally deserving of love.

I have a cat and a dog, and I interact with each of them quite differently. They each require different kinds, and amounts, of attention.

When considering how to describe cats and dogs, I've come up with one comparison that I think is accurate. Cats are like introverts, and dogs are like extroverts.

When you think about the qualities of dogs and cats, it is easy to see the resemblances dogs share with extroverts and the resemblances cats share with introverts.

First, let's take a look at dogs. They tend to be friendly and open, like extroverts, and are usually very trusting. If you play ball with a dog, you're suddenly its new best friend. Dogs even act like everyone is their friend.

It is easy to interact with a dog, just like it is easy to interact with an extrovert. Neither one is afraid to come up to you and interact. Both love the company of others. They like everyone, and everyone likes them.

Now, let's take a look at cats. They tend to be more reserved, like introverts. It takes time for them to open up and trust you. Cats observe their surroundings, cautiously, and will hide away until they feel safe to come back out. Both cats and introverts enjoy their alone time. They don't have the need to always be around people.

Cats can be harder to interact with, like it can be harder to interact with introverts. Both are less likely to take the first step and approach you initially. Creating a relationship with them requires patience. Regarding cats, you need time to build up trust before they will come to you. A cat's love is won gradually over time, much like introverts.

Would you interact with your introverted friends and extroverted friends in the same way? Most likely not. Introverts and extroverts think and act differently. Cats and dogs are the same way.

The differences between cats and dogs doesn't make one better than the other. Both deserve love. They just need to receive love in different ways. Remembering that is important in order to have healthy relationships with both of them.