Atlanta Humane Society Blog

Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, but most people are pretty obstinate when it comes to their preference. Dog owners typically argue that their canines are more friendly and playful, while cat owners argue that their feline companions can be just as sociable, while requiring much less work. But in the endless debate over household companions – does one animal truly make a better pet than the other?

 First, the facts. According to the American Pet Products Association 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey: 

• There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States (21 percent of which were adopted from a shelter)
• Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
• There are approximately 86.4 million owned cats in the United States
• Thirty-three percent of U.S. households own at least one cat (21 percent of which were adopted from a shelter)

So cats are the winners in terms of popularity by the numbers, but dogs have permeated a larger percentage of the actual households in America. A new Associated Press-Petside.com poll took their cat versus dog analysis a bit further and asked pet-owners as well as those without pets how much they actually like dogs and cats. Participants had the options to respond with “like a lot,” “like a little,” “neither like nor dislike,” “dislike a little,” or “dislike a lot.” While 74% of respondents said they like dogs “a lot,” only 41% said they like cats a lot. And while only four percent responded that they dislike dogs “a little” or “a lot,” 26% claim to dislike cats a little or a lot.

According to the poll, dogs seem to have gotten some of the loyalty that they are said to offer their owners back in return. But this so-called man’s best friend might not actually make the best companion for everyone. The bottom line is that cats and dogs are each unique in their own way, and there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding which animal is right for you and your family.

Sociability

Dogs are highly social animals, having been derived from the gray wolf, a pack animal. Thus dogs tend to thrive on human companionship, and have a lot of love and affection to share. Still, some breeds are known to be more independent than others.  Cats, while often perceived to be solitary and even distant animals, can express great affection toward their human companions, too, especially if they are treated with constant care.

Training and Housebreaking

While dogs are able to be trained with more ease than cats, dogs actually require more training in order to be a good, disciplined pet. When it comes to housebreaking, this can mean a long – and messy – process for dogs, which means a lot of patience – and forgiveness – for their owners. When housetraining dogs, it is recommended that they are taken outside several times a day and confined to a “safe zone” such as a crate or a chosen room between outings, until they learn when, and where, to relieve themselves. 

Cats, on the other hand, have an innate desire to bury their waste and look for a litter-like surface to do so. Thus, housetraining cats generally will only involve showing your cat where the litter box is and they will use it (as long as you keep it clean).

Exercise

Daily activity and exercise is essential for dogs’ bone and joint health, and lung and heart function (and to keep them resting calmly at home). If you don’t have a large, fenced yard for exercise, you will need to consider finding a nearby dog park or committing to long walks around your neighborhood. Cats require physical exercise for their own well-being too, and this can generally be accomplished with the use of toys involving feathers on a string, or balls and fluffy toys on the end of a fishing rod. They are designed to imitate the natural prey such as mice and birds that outdoor cats love to chase.

Cleanliness

Cats are known for their cleanliness, and spend hours licking their coats each day. Cats’ tongues contain spines called papillae, which act like a hairbrush to help them clean and detangle their fur. Despite this natural grooming behavior, it is recommended to brush cats regularly, especially those with longer hair, to help prevent mats, knots and hairballs. Dogs need to be groomed regularly, too, and in addition to brushing, monthly bathing should be employed. Some owners choose to keep long-haired dogs’ coats cut short also to help the dog stay cleaner, and easier to groom.

Service

Dogs may require more service from you in terms of training and cleaning, but they also offer more service in return. Dogs are natural born protectors, which allows them to fulfill the role of “guard” in addition to companion. And their trainability allows them to offer additional services from tidying up their own toys to bringing in the newspaper from the lawn. Cats are not known to be quite as obedient, but they can lend their services in the area of eliminating household pests. 

Cats and dogs have individual personalities, just like people do, and the way an animal behaves can have just as much to do with heredity and breeding as with upbringing and training. They do have certain basic needs from their owners, so be sure to do your research to make sure you are able to provide those needs, and that the animal you desire will fit in with your lifestyle.

Author: Jaime Lin Weinstein