Dogs are the most commonly owned pets in the US, and it’s no surprise why: They’re affectionate, doting to their families, and have endearing traits you can’t help but love (like their endlessly wagging tails). Their intelligence and trainability also mean they’re well-suited to roles like service work, too.
However, are dogs truly better than their feline counterparts? We feel that both can make perfect family pets, and in some instances, cats can actually be a more purrfect match than dogs!
Are Cats Better Than Dogs? Our Reasons
Be warned, hardcore team dog enthusiasts: Today, we’ll be showing our feline companions some love and sharing five reasons why cats are better than dogs, at least as far as emotional support animal work is concerned.
Reason 1: Cats Require Less Space
There’s no denying that dogs tend to take up a whole lot of space, especially if you’re caring for a couch-hogging large breed like the golden retriever. Even if you opt for a toy-sized breed, they still need ample space to play and exercise to truly feel happy. Their care supplies, like crates, walking equipment, and grooming tools, can also leave your home feeling cramped.
Cats, in comparison, are a whole lot more laid-back and don’t require plenty of space to feel at home. Provided they’re given the essentials — like a litter box, scratching post, and water bowl — they will feel content in even small, one-bedroom apartments. They also aren’t going to hog the couch (although they may turn your lap into their personal bed at times).
Reason 2: Cats Are Easier to Care For
Cats are generally a lot lower maintenance than dogs. While cats are happily content indoors and can keep themselves occupied, dogs require a lot of attention and frequent mental stimulation to thrive. They also need to be taken outdoors multiple times each day to exercise, play, and socialize with other canines.
Reason 3: Cats Don’t Need a Lot of Grooming
Cats like to keep themselves clean and require minimal grooming. They meticulously brush themselves with their tongues and work out mats and tangles naturally with their teeth.
In comparison, dogs aren’t exactly known for caring about staying clean (in fact, they love to get messy and roll in mud!). Most pups need to have their coats brushed weekly — sometimes daily — to ensure their fur stays in good, tangle-free condition.
Reason 4: Cats Are Quiet
Dogs love to vocalize through barks, yaps, grunts, and in the case of breeds like huskies, howls (often to the point they wake the whole neighborhood). Cats, in comparison, are famous for the exact opposite. They’re often so quiet that you have to search from room to room to pinpoint where they’re snoozing!
While a vocal, expressive pet can be appealing, a quiet companion can be a particularly great option for those who live in apartments and don’t want to deal with noise complaints.
Reason 5: Cats Can Offer Therapeutic Relief
Both dogs and cats can offer immeasurable therapeutic relief and help to reduce stress through their presence and companionship. However, cats bring with them an additional bonus: When they do make noise, they purr. This low, vibrating sound’s frequency has been shown to potentially have healing properties on both mind and body, which, in our books, can make cats better suited to emotional support work than dogs.
Are Cats Better Than Dogs? Answering the Age-Old Debate
While we’ve focused on highlighting the instances where cats outshine dogs, the reality is that both dogs and cats have their fair share of pros and cons.
Whether cats are truly better than dogs ultimately depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle, and wants in a companion. For instance, if you’re seeking a pet who can join you on outdoor adventures and hikes, then a dog will be a much better fit than a cat. However, if you appreciate a laid-back lifestyle and a quiet night in, then a cat is likely the purrfect forever friend.
Also Read-Living Your Best Retired Life-With a Tail-Wagging Twist
