If you’re in process of deciding upon a pet, then you might be debating whether to have a dog or cat. This is an important decision.
Your new pet will be with you for many years and it’s worth making sure you pick the one that suits your lifestyle best. So we’ve put together this list of twelve reasons why dogs are great pets and why cats are great pets.
We hope that this helps you to decide which one is right for you
Table of Contents
Some of the Advantages of Dogs
1) You can take them out for walks
Dogs love going on walks and getting some fresh air, whereas cats like their food served on a plate at home.
Taking your dog out for a walk will also give you the perfect opportunity to meet new people and even other dog owners.
2) You can use them as watchdogs
Cats are not reliable watchdogs. If you want your home safe, then you’ll need a dog.
Dogs are very protective and loyal towards their families and will do anything to protect them. They’re rarely afraid to defend their owner and their home with their life.
3) Dogs don’t jump on furniture
They’re not so interested in your furniture and they don’t like climbing on things, preferring instead to stay by your side. This is especially handy when you have a nice new sofa.
4) Dogs fetch balls
You can throw a ball and your dog will happily fetch it for you, whereas cats are more likely to sit and stare.
This is because dogs are very intelligent and trainable, whereas cats are not.
5) Dogs are friendly
They’re much easier to get along with than cats are. They also love being around people – they’ll often greet you at the door when you get home from work! This is a wonderful sight to see.
6) They’re great for emotional support
When you have a dog, you’ll find it much easier to get along with people and make friends, because dogs are very sociable and like being around other people.
Having a dog really gives your life meaning!
7) Dogs can be trained to be family pets
They’re very loyal and love being around people, so you don’t have to worry about them attacking or biting anyone.
Cats are not so nice around children and will sometimes scratch or bite people who they don’t know. This is not true of all cats, but it is a possibility you need to consider when deciding whether a cat would be right for your household.
8) Dogs are great companions
You can take them anywhere with you without worrying that they’ll be too scared or upset by it.
Having a loyal companion like this is wonderful and will give you the company you need.
Even if they’re not with you, just knowing that they’re at home waiting for your return is enough to make it a better day.
9) Dogs can go on holiday with you
It’s nice to have a companion that goes where you go. You can take them on holiday with you without having to worry about finding someone to care for them whilst you’re away.
Cats are more difficult in this respect and do not like travelling or leaving home for long periods of time.
10) Dogs keep you active
Walking your dog is fun, so you’ll find yourself getting in a lot of exercise. You’ll love meeting new people and you’ll meet up with friends all the time.
This is perfect for those who like meeting new people!
11) Dogs are friendly with children
This makes them great for children who want a pet that will treat them well and not try to attack them.
Having a dog will make your children feel loved and they’ll enjoy having their own dog to play around with.
If you have babies, then having a dog in your house is also great for them for so many reasons. Dogs are great with children and enjoy playing around with them.
12) They’re great for elderly people
People in their later years often feel very lonely to live alone, especially if they no longer have children.
Having a dog will help keep you company and give you the company you need. Dogs can also act as a great reminder of your love when you get older and need it most, so this is useful for those who have lost their family or are alone in their life.
Once you have a dog, you’ll find that it makes your life a lot better. They give you companionship and unconditional love, making them ideal for those who are looking for a pet they can rely on. As long as you take care of them, they’ll always be there for you.
Some of the Advantages of Cats
We all know that dogs are man’s best friend, but what about cats? These little furry friends have their own set of skills, and some of them might even surprise you. Here is a list of ten reasons why you would rather have a cat as your best pal than a dog.
1) Cats can be trained to use a toilet
It is true that cats are able to go to the toilet without having an accident. When you teach a cat how to use the toilet, you end up spending more time with them compared to dogs.
This is because it is easier for you to notice when they want to use the bathroom, unlike with dogs who will sometimes choose when they want to urinate or defecate on their own.
2) Dogs bark and howl all the time for no reason
Cats don’t usually like loud noises and generally don’t bark for attention like dogs do. If you are sensitive to loud noises, you might want to get a cat.
3) Dogs smell bad and are messy
Cats are pouters so if they are trained well it is not a problem. Dogs though tend to get the owner dirty if they play outside or have a spill in the car.
4) Cats are cleaner in the litter box
Unlike dogs, the litter box is easy to clean and keep clean because it is in one place. Dogs aren’t so easy to train when it comes to using a very specific area for their bathroom business.
5) Cats don’t need as much exercise
Dogs need daily walks to burn off their extra energy. Cats can be left home alone for one or two days without needing a walk.
6) You don’t have to take care of a cat’s grooming needs
Unlike dogs who must be bathed regularly, cats can groom themselves. Oh, and cats don’t get nearly as many fleas as dogs do, but if they do, they are much easier to get rid of.
7) Cats are better at catching mice than dogs
Dogs are much too big and loud to be effective at catching mice, whereas cats have a built-in instinct towards rodents and hunt them daily.
8) Cats don’t need to be walked or let out constantly
Cats can be left out in the yard sometimes for about an hour, but dogs need far more attention than cats.
9)Cats are less likely to dig up the garden
Dogs are more likely to dig up your prized flower and vegetable gardens than cats are, but if they do, there is no permanent damage. No need to fill up the holes with dirt every few minutes.
10) Cats are more independent
Dogs are much more dependent on their owners and love to cuddle with them all the time, whereas cats can be left alone for days and what they do depends on how they feel.
11) Cats will scratch you even when you aren’t doing anything
Dogs might bite or scratch, but they don’t do it out of anger as cats do.
12) Dogs find it hard to understand other animals
Dogs might not know the difference between a cat and other small animals like a rabbit. Cats on the other hand, know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to killing mice and small rodents.
The list of reasons why you would rather have a cat as your best friend can go on for hours if you think about all the positives.
Cats are usually less messy, less noisy and cleaner than dogs, which is always a plus. So the next time you are debating which pet to get, consider how much work it is to take care of each type and make your decision accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The choice between cats and dogs is a perplexing one. Cats, with their independence and social detachment, may seem more appealing if you’re not the type of person who likes to stay home for long periods of time.
Dogs are also great companions if they get enough attention and exercise. But while we have our preferences, both pets can be wonderful additions to a home.
Make your decision based on how you feel about the qualities of each pet. For example, you may like the personality of a cat and want a pet that is independent and playful, but you may find it difficult to train your cat.
On the other hand, you may find it easier to train your dog and would rather have a dog than a cat in the first place.
The best choice for any pet owner is one that makes them happy. That’s why it’s important to choose with care.
