Many people claim they fall into one of two categories: a dog person or a cat person. And while it’s true that a man’s best friend and man’s best roommate each come with their own perks, they also come with many problems. So how do you know if you’re choosing the right side? And how do you know you’re not on the wrong one?
Man’s best friend has been around since the dawn of time. Being your hunting buddy and partially potty-trained warrior, they also double as an amazing companion for your mental health. Besides lighting up your face every time you see them, dogs also help you set routines and facilitate family bonds. They are an endless source of love, putting a smile on your face in the morning, after work, and anywhere else except when they pee in the house.
Cats aren’t considered a man’s best roommate just for looking adorable. While they are more independent compared to those slobbery canines, they are also professionals when it comes to cuddling in your lap. Cats help you relax and unwind at the end of the day, reducing your stress.
Cats also represent tranquility. They are often quiet, unless they’re hungry. Cats are usually soft and cuddly, but other times they will bite and scratch. Sometimes you won’t even realize that they’re there, or realize that you are about to trip over them. The furry felines could be sleeping in the corner or dragging in a mouse from outside, it’s always a mystery.
There is no one type of “dog person” or “cat person.” Both pets come in different sizes, colors, and levels of pleasant plumpness. However, there is a divergence when it comes to caretaking.
Cats will almost always be less work than dogs simply for the fact that they like to be on their own. And while it is true dogs can be the same way, most tend to need a form of dieting, exercise, or direct attention. If you, for example, had six kids, it may be a smarter choice to have one or two cats instead of dogs so you don’t drive your mental state into the ground.
When it comes to the costs of maintaining these furry family members, dogs are much more expensive to adopt than cats, as well as have a much higher ceiling when you add paying for their food. Overall, cats take the prize when it comes to cheaper care, both annually and after multiple years.
Cats do not need to be trained to the extent that dogs do. While it is true that learning how to use a litter box is vital to the survival of your household, cats hardly need anything else to be content. However, many families do enjoy the task of training dogs to do tricks, obstacle courses, and mannerisms. For them, it is less about the work and more about the challenge.
If you find yourself or your family constantly running around to work, sports, school and more, then maybe think twice before your Mom convinces your Dad to get a dog. Cats are more independent and less expensive, making them great companions with less commitment.
Dogs come in a variety of breeds and personalities, helping them fit in all sorts of households. If you have the time to both train them and love them (and don’t mind cleaning up after them), then they are the answer for you. Little dogs you can carry with one hand, big dogs that can’t fit on your lap, but all dogs bring something to your life that you will remember forever.