Dogs Vs Cats has been an argument as old as time. Both animals have been adored and loved for centuries, with Egyptians even believing that cats possessed magical traits that could bring them good fortune. However, it is widely noted that an individual has to either be a ‘’cat person’’ or a ‘’dog person’’. If you have both, then you have the best of both worlds and all pet owners salute you. After extensive research, it is clear to see that owning a dog compared to a cat is the wiser decision when you way up the comparisons. If you want to know why dogs are the superior pet compared to cats then read on.
No Litter Boxes
An argument that both dog and cat lovers can agree on is that no one wants the hassle of having to deal with a litter box in their home. A lingering odour that never seems to disappear in your home would drive anyone crazy. Not to mention that the cat will often leave litter everywhere as it trails around the house.
If you’re a dog owner, this is something that you don’t have to worry about. Most of the time dogs are house-trained and after a few tedious months, they eventually get the memo that they should be holding in the toilet until they are outside of the house. Similarly, with litter boxes, you still need to pick up their poop; But their urine you don’t have to deal with and there is little to no chance that the smell is entering your home.
Dogs have more fun
Cats are very independent creatures; They enjoy playing with strings and small toys. They will rarely ever want to ‘’play’’ with their owner and instead choose to have solo fun.
Dogs, on the other hand, love to play with their owners. They adopt an interactive play style that has been there since they were a puppy with their owners. You can also play with your dog at any point, whether it’s at the park, in the house or out the back garden. Your dog is always excited to see you happy and interacting with them.
Dogs adapt better to change
Cats, through no fault of their own, tend to be very anti-social and sensitive pets. If they are used to a routine for years then they expect this on a day-to-day basis. Cats tend to become very agitated if they experience change. This can be seen whenever they come face-to-face with new people or in a new environment.
Of course, this can be said for dogs as well, no animal is safe from feeling anxious just like humans. Dogs, as a species, are more likely to remain calm and under control when dealing with changes throughout their routine. They will not trust the situation straight away, but if their owner gives them guidance and comfort, they can compose themselves at a faster rate.
It’s important to note that dogs do also get anxious and even stressed out about new situations. This is something that they can’t help and can cause them to gain some issues, IBS in dogs are a common sign of stress.
Dogs can protect you
Although there are cats out there that will attack anyone who disturbs them and their households, it is rooted within them to flight rather than fight.
On the other side of the pet spectrum, dogs are instinctively protective of their owners and their household at all times. They have many methods to alert their owners when they feel distressed, such as growling or barking. Dogs can sense fear, meaning that if their owner is feeling uncomfortable and frightened, they will do all they can in order to make sure they feel safe.
Intruders are less likely to break into your home or cause you any harm if you have a dog that looks and sounds physical. Similarly, even a small dog can be useful as they can alert any issues rather than having to fight off anyone.
Owners tend to be more active
As previously mentioned, cats are an anti-social breed. Most of the time they will stay in your house and walk around when they need something to eat, this is as far as their physical activity takes them. You can get outdoor cats; However, they also tend to do things on their own and don’t like to be disturbed when they have a routine.
Dogs give owners the chance to have a better lifestyle in terms of being more active. Dogs need exercise and plenty of it. This is why they are the perfect pets for humans as they force us to gain some sort of exercise routine and can even include them within this plan. For example, many owners will happily bring their dogs on runs with them or even on bike rides, having the dog alongside them. Similarly, many hikers love to take their dogs as companions on their treks up the hills and pathways they are taking. This showcases how dogs can be a benefit for humans to own physically and mentally.
Diversity of dogs
Cats, like many other pets, come in all different breeds. From sphynx and Maine coons to Persians, there is definitely a variety that owners can choose from. But can you see the difference between them? The only cat that is noticeably different is the sphynx, due to them being hairless and featuring on many popular tv shows.
When you set your heart on being a dog owner, you have to decide what type of dog you will get. The choice you have is almost limitless. Big or small? Fluffy or short hair? Pedigree, crossbreed or mongrel? These are all questions that you must know before even considering what type of breed you should get. Having diversity within your choice of pet is a very liberating feeling as you can choose exactly who your best friend will be. You should also take into consideration that there are some health risks that certain breeds face.