Dog Lovers vs Cat Lovers
PIA Australia
March 28, 2022
Are you a dog or a cat person?
There has been an endless unspoken friendly war between cat and dog owners for years. How and where it began is a mystery and it will probably remain that way. It’s been researched and it’s been debated that there is a difference in personality between dog and cat owners. There is some truth in these facts that dog lovers tend to be more outgoing, adventurous and energetic whereas cat lovers are more introverted, sensitive and less adventurous.
If you’re still a bit of a fence sitter, then hopefully this article will push you in the right direction. When you are considering getting a pet for the first time and you can’t choose between a cat or a dog, we suggest you read through these opinions. Consider every point and then decide.
Owning a Dog
Dogs are extremely loyal: Dogs are usually 100% committed to you and will go to lengths to protect you.
Dogs are energetic and playful: Most dog breeds love to play and run around, so you’ll have to be quite an energetic person.
Dogs love to exercise: Dogs are great exercise buddies at least twice a day.
Dogs are family friendly: If you have a family, they’ll make great family members and they are lovable.
Dogs need training: Unlike cats, dogs need more training to avoid behavioural problems in the future.
Dogs don’t clean up after themselves: Dog’s don’t clean up after themselves like cats do.
Dogs are expensive: Dogs need dog food, yearly check-ups, grooming and dog kennels when you go away.
Dogs eat more than cats: Most likely, you’ll spend more on pet food if you own a dog.
Owning a Cat
Cats are very clean: Cats clean up after themselves and they don’t need regular baths.
Cats don’t need regular exercise: If you are a home body, then a cat is the perfect pet for you.
Cats are great company: Cats (usually) love to cuddle and snuggle on your lap. They’ll reward you with a purr.
Cats are more independent: Cats don’t need looking after every minute of the day.
Cats can be distant: Most cats leave when they feel they’ve had enough attention.
Cats love to claw furniture: If not taught not to, your cat will claw your curtains, couches, chairs or any other furniture.
Cats can’t be confined: Cats are not happy being kept ‘indoors’, so they’ll probably disappear for hours.
Cats are night owls: Cats love the night and they might keep you up during the night.
Cats vs Dogs Ownership Statistics
19 dogs for every 100 people
15 cats for every 100 people
According to 2013 Statistics, Australia has some of the highest rates of pet ownership, with an estimate of 33 million pets in Australia. Dogs are the most common with 39% ownership whilst cats have 29% ownership.
Life Expectancy, Cat’s Vs Dogs
The joys of having a pet are endless, but sadly they don’t live as long as we do. These words have brought many tears to many owners’ eyes, but they all usually say that it was worth it. With dogs giving a specific average life expectancy is quite difficult, because it depends on the breed. After reading through various research articles the average life expectancy of a dog is between 6 and 15 years. However, you need to take into account health and weight. The same accounts for cats with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, but some cats can live 21 years or more.
Appropriate environments for your cat or dog
Cats need a safe environment protected from outside hazards (poisonous plants) or indoor hazards (chemicals). Cats can live indoors and outdoors, which can make this a perfect city pet.
If you live in a building or a flat:
- Buy your cat furniture and a scratching post so they can stay active.
- One rule of thumb is to never tie down your cat or leave them in a locked home. They do get anxious quite easily and it can cause distress.
- A litter box is essential if your cat lives indoors and make sure it is always clean.
- Buy your cat furry toys that look like prey.
- Put a stool or table by a window, so your cat can observe the world.
- Play and interact with your cat daily.
- Plant cat grass or alfalfa in a pot plant for your cat to chew on.
If you live in a neighbourhood or on a farm:
- Provide a safe shelter for cold or hot days.
- Always make sure they can reach their food and water inside the house.
Dogs also need a dry, clean loving place protected from outside hazards (poisonous plants) or indoor hazards (chemicals). Our opinion is that dogs do need outside space like a yard to roam free, but if you do live in an apartment or flat, there are a wide variety of dog breeds that will do fine in an apartment:
For example:Yorkshire Terrier; Maltese; Boston terrier; French bulldog; Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; English Bulldog; Basset Hound; American Staffordshire Terrier; Greyhound
How to create a dog friendly environment?
- Take your dog for a walk daily or hire a dog walker.
- Create light in dark apartments with light bulbs.
- Create floor space in your apartment.
- Train your dog or hire a good trainer.
- Constant access to a toilet 24 hours a day.
- Establish a routine for walks and feeding times.
- Constant access to a safe hiding place for your dog to relax.
- Place a bench or stool at a window for your dog to observe the world.
- Toys and other suitable objects to play with and chew.
- A moderate temperature in any location or place you leave them.
- Don’t let them stray.
- Play fetch inside if possible.
4 things you need to know before buying a….
Cat
- Cats sleep many, many hours in a day.
- Cats can gain and lose weight quite easily.
- Cats love to play and they all have unusual play times.
- Cats do not know how to use a litter box when they are born. Don’t forget to teach them.
Dog
- Dogs are energetic and need a lot of attention.
- Dogs love walking, so hire a dog walker or take them for regular walks.
- Every dog has a different take to climates.
- Dogs need house training and obedience training.
As you’ll see above, cats and dogs are similar in some ways, but also very different. Owning a cat or dog is a big responsibility yet a very rewarding experience. They’ll make you smile and laugh with abundance and they have the ability to usually turn a bad day into a good day.
Considering the above mentioned points is good before getting a pet. Knowing what pet would fit with your personality and your environment will help both of you to have a good relationship. Lastly, whether you’re a part of the dog lovers or cat lovers team, they all bring us a lot of joy and happiness.
Want to know more about the positive health benefits of pets? Our friends at Positive Health Wellness have this great article:
https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/fitness/need-know-pets-improving-health/
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