Cats vs. Dogs which are ultimately better?

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(Left): Happy Furball, age 5, cuddles up in his human’s lap after she’s had a long day. (Right): Photo by: Eliana C. of her dog

Cats vs Dogs: The Ultimate Battle

Katie E.

Cat lovers and dog lovers have been fighting this topic for millenia – which of these pets is best and easiest for you to take care of? Sure, both pets are great, but when it comes down to it, did dogs even stand a chance? Cats have been sailing through our hearts for a long time, and now it’s time to find out what makes them superior.

First and foremost, felines are far easier to take care of than dogs. Since most cats don’t need to go outside you won’t have to wake up at 4 in the morning to clean up after your dog on a cold walk around your neighborhood. You also don’t need to spend as much money on cats. They can make toys and beds out of an old cardboard box, packing peanuts, pillows and string. Buying cat towers, scratching posts, or toy lasers help, but you don’t need to in order to make them happy.

Also, cats belong to you. It takes a bit for a cat to warm up to you, but once they do, they are yours and yours alone. If you play it right, cats will ignore everyone in a room and head straight for your lap. Most dogs (and I say most because not all are like this) will love anyone they meet immediately. In their mind, you are the same as a burglar, a stranger on the street, or a random person in the park.

Furthering that, it’s been proven time and time again that cats are better at surviving in the wild than dogs. Their sharp claws and extra-powerful vision in the dark helped them to evolve to be the helpful animals they are today. There’s a mouse or a snake in your house? Chances are, the cats can find it and kill it before you even know it’s there.

Many people who oppose cats being the best explain how dogs are more easily trainable than cats – which, for the most part, is true. However, cats can be taught some things out of habit: when feeding time is, when they can go outside, not to use the bathroom on the carpet. And although they can stand on hind legs on command or roll over, that doesn’t mean they are bad pets.

So, cats are easier to take care of, grow to love you more than anything in the world, and help kill any unwanted bugs & animals in your house. They greet you coming home, snuggle up with you at night, and beg you to play with them during the day. It’s clear to see that although dogs are good for fetching and rolling around, cats are the perfect pet for anyone. Hamsters? Cool. Dogs? Great pet! But cats? Cats will find a way to love you more than any other.Cats vs Dogs: The Ultimate Battle

 

All adorable barks and no bite 

Lorelai K.

Everyone loves the park. Jogging, reading, or just hanging out, people always have a great time. Often, people bring their dogs to the park with them, way more than any other animal, despite dogs only bringing one of the many common pets. Of these pets, people have long debated which is the best. The answer: a dog. After all, they aren’t called a man’s best friend for nothing.

Dogs are one of the easiest animals to train, just one reason they’re such great pets. Along with their tainability being useful for anyone, this is also a big part of why dogs are usually the best candidate for service and emotional support animals. 

Heading back to the example of the park, dogs love to go outside and get exercise, either by walking or playing. Because of this, owners develop a healthier physical lifestyle and go outside more often, a thing less and less people are doing. 

A dog’s love for outdoor activities also benefits their owner’s mental health. Humans need social connections and although dogs will forever be loyal friends, they can’t be people’s only friends. Dogs adventures nature and need for walks gets people out of their houses and to be around other people.

Dogs are empathetic creatures. When their human is feeling down, they feel a need to help. Recent studies, including one published by Learning & Behavior journal, have been conducted to test a dog’s empathy for humans, and most have high results, showing the animals care for their owner. 

Because of their empathy, dogs are commonly reported to try and cheer their owners up. This is also something shown commonly in many forms of media, meaning that many people are familiar with the animal’s acts of love. 

Dog’s biggest competitor in the best pet field is cats. Cat lovers will often say that it’s because of dog’s  love of the outdoors and energy that they didn’t choose to get one. Although this may fit their lifestyle better, a cat’s introverted nature does not provide a healthier lifestyle like a dog’s does.

Dogs are better pets than cats because of their benefits on their owner’s physical and mental health, friendly and loyal nature and empathy for humans. So when you next think of getting a pet, maybe a dog should be at the top of your list.