The Perfect Pets: Cats or Dogs?

It’s an age-old debate. Which are better: cats or dogs? While there are myriad opinions on this topic, I’m going to attempt to educate you on both sides of this issue.

First up, cats. 

Felines are pretty self-sufficient. They are satisfied by themselves while you’re working, so they are the ideal pet if you have a busy schedule. They can also act as pest control because they love finding and hunting down bugs and pests. On top of all that, there is nothing quite as calming as petting a cat in your lap.  It’s the ultimate “Pet and Chill.”

Now cats may seem like the perfect pet, but they can have their minuses. For example, they like to scratch to keep their claws sharp and sometimes just because it feels good to them — imagine that feeling when you scratch an itch!  Unfortunately, they might choose your furniture, curtains, or your leg as a scratching post. People may also be allergic to them.  They aren’t fans of going on walks so they’re not the best companion if you’re looking for an activity partner.  In my opinion, the biggest downside are the litter box issues: odors, scooping the poop, changing litter, and constantly sweeping up spilled litter. Still though, cats make great pets.

Now, let’s talk about dogs.

Canines are generally more friendly and outgoing. They work for your affection. They’re usually happy to see you, whereas cats might not notice that you left the house! They can enhance your mood and they are also easier to train. Cats tend to be aloof and more independent, whereas dogs are easier to teach tricks like playing fetch. Plus, taking your dog for walks is exercise for both the pet and the owner.

Some dogs can appear scary and be destructive. Like cats and their scratching, dogs love to chew on things and scratch too. Some breeds require a lot of attention with playtime and outdoor time. A busy person might not have enough time for an active breed. Compared to cats, dogs do prefer to poop outdoors which is easier than managing a litter box, but picking up dog waste can be a disgusting task. Even though they have different activity needs, bark a lot, and can be very energetic, dogs can be awesome pets.

While they have their issues, both cats and dogs would make great pets. Now that you know some of the pros and cons about dogs and cats, it’s up to you to choose which pet is better. Cats or dogs?

Works cited

Stregowski, Jenna.thesprucepets.com. 4 October 2021. 11 November 2021, https://www.thesprucepets.com/reasons-dogs-are-better-than-cats-1118371

Donnelly, Christina.thesprucepets.com.29 June 2021. 11 November 2021, https://www.thesprucepets.com/why-cats-are-better-than-dogs-554880