Are You a Cat Lover or Dog Lover? Are Cats or Dogs Better Pets? Pets and Your Life
Posted: Saturday, June 04, 2011
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and preferences regarding pets are similar—to each its own. Regarding the two most common domesticated pets, there has been a long-standing debate whether cats or dogs are better pets. In days gone by, dogs protected their human companions better than cats could ever do and they could help hunt for food as well. As for cats, they were great at keeping disease carrying mice and rats at a minimum in many places around the globe. Cats are great when it comes to getting rid of rats or mice. Dogs on the other hand are not traditionally thought of as rat catchers, well at least most breeds. But sometimes they can surprise you. As an example, my female German Shepherd Dog that prances around my house as if it wouldn’t hurt a fly noticed a rat run into my house through an open door that I left open for a few hours by accident. Yes, a rat in my house, I couldn’t believe it! My dog promptly hopped on its back, broke the rat’s neck and calmly sat down as if nothing unusual happened. First, I couldn’t believe a rat had come into my house and then I couldn’t believe that my dog acted like a cat and did away with it in a second. We live in a rural and clean area and I’ve never even seen a rat in my area. Just call me lucky for having one make a mad dash from a field in through my open door. Generally, though, if you have a rat or rodent problem a cat will be a great worker for you and for cheap pay too. If they could whistle while chasing rodents they would, as they love chasing mice, rats, and insects too.
In assessing which are better pets, cats or dogs, I guess it matters as to what we look for in a pet. I have had dogs most of my life and have always considered myself a dog man. However, I was lucky enough to have taken in a stray cat years ago and I learned to like cats almost as much as dogs. Now, I have two German Shepherds and three cats. The shepherds are spoiled rotten; crave constant attention, and thus, high maintenance. My cats on the other hand just lie around, offer affection every now and then, and fend for themselves. Because of this, I’ve learned to love em and wish they could talk “dog”. If they could get through to my dogs and tell them to just chill out and relax, I’d be one happy pet owner. However, as many of us know cats and dogs do not usually communicate very well and usually chase each other around like lunatics.
So, which are better pets, cats or dogs? For me, now, the answer is cats. However, that is just for me at this time in my life. I prefer cats because they are mellow and where I am at now in my life, I enjoy, want and need mellow. However, for you or the next person, personal needs and preferences could be much different and dogs may be the best pet. I think the bottom line is that pets are good for emotional health no matter whether cat or dog. I believe it is not the animal, it is you and I and our wants and desires that determines whether a cat or dog is the better pet.
So, which are better pets, cats or dogs? For me, now, the answer is cats. However, that is just for me at this time in my life. I prefer cats because they are mellow and where I am at now in my life, I enjoy, want and need mellow. However, for you or the next person, personal needs and preferences could be much different and dogs may be the best pet. I think the bottom line is that pets are good for emotional health no matter whether cat or dog. I believe it is not the animal, it is you and I and our wants and desires that determines whether a cat or dog is the better pet.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Never wanted an animal, still don't. Have had many though due to circumstances beyond my control and have loved each and every one of them tremendously. Cats, dogs, birds, fish, and other assorted creatures from time to time and each one of them offered companionship and unconditional love, and always helped make me feel better about myself and the world around me, so I am grateful to them all. This old man prefers the more docile, self sustaining personalities of the cat at this particular time in my life though. Nice thoughts Steve.Thank you Dave....
Steve
Great article... it inspired me to write about a dog I once had, despite not being a dog person.
It's funny how the differences between cats and dogs are often parallel to the differences between men and women. (Did I say that?) I think I better stop there!
I enjoy our cat, especially when she curls up on top of my while I'm watching TV or reading a book. Not so much when she curls up on my computer keyboard, erasing my work. I guess I'd say I'm more of a cat person.My cats crawl up on my computer too--that's a pain...looking forward to your article on your dog---thanks.
SteveIt's actually over here.
I have grown up with dogs and just love them all. About five years ago I brought in my first stray cat and he at times acted more like a dog while my JRT's acted more like cats. I now have both dogs and cats and again love them all. They all have their own unique personalities and their love is unconditional. Thanks Steve.Thanks Bernadette,
They certainly do have their own styles don't they!
Steve
I am a cat lover and I have two lovely moggies. I also have a lovely dog though and some fish. I adore my dog, but he has a rare place in my affections as I am not generally a dog lover. I like cats because they are super fluffy and fascinating to watch. They are also independant and free spirited and when they give you their attention it's a great honor. Or at least they make us feel that it is!! :)Hi Leah, I too have fish--a 65 gallon aquarium---cats, dogs and fish...Are you and I crazy or just real animal lovers?
SteveHi, probably both! :)
I've never had a cat and I just had to say goodbye to my Brittany Spaniel who had been part of our family for the past fourteen years. There was so much I loved about Casey. She was very loving, gentle and smart. I've never had a cat but several of my friends have them and I have come to really enjoy them. They are smarter than I thought and one of my friend's cats actually talks to her. It's priceless. I think you're right Steve when you said cats or dogs are good for emotional health. Nice article (except that whole rat business) :) (Will be in touch when things settle down. Thanks again.)Hi Brianna,
14 years...wow! That had to be terrible...it would have been for me. Sorry. We could not believe we had a rat in the house! Missy our female didn't like the intrusion I guess.
My cats seem real smart--they just don't seem to have to prove it to anyone, I guess many of us could learn from that. Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve.I love dogs. Just about everything about dogs is great. I grew up with dogs. The family dog taught me to walk.My dad hated cats. Go figure. What's to hate about an animal of any sort? I could never figure it. Anyway, we never had cats.I love cats. Just about everything about cats is great. We have one cat right now, Winnie. Her brother, Bear, had to be put down several years ago due to acute kidney failure. Winnie doesn't much like other cats, so getting another is out of the question. She tolerates dogs, but we don't have a fenced yard and can't afford one. I don't have the time to walk a dog three or more times a day, so for now, for us, it's one cat.I do like that she is so good at taking care of herself, but I also like how she meows at me when I walk into the room, or how she asks me to brush her. She lets me know when she wants to be fed some of the spinach I've set out so that it wilts to perfection for her. I love how she cuddles up against me while I'm sleeping. A dog will do that too.One day, I hope to have a large enough piece of fenced property to properly support a dog, but for now it's just me and Bernd and Winnie. Actually, I wouldn't mind a horse or two, maybe a goat, pot bellied pigs are cute, and the dog would need a friend and ...Hugs,DianneHa-ha..all that would be missing is a Partridge in a pear tree....
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Steve
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