With New Years around the corner, many of you may be considering a four-legged, furry addition to your family to really kick off the year and bring in those positive vibes. The question is; should you adopt a cat or a dog? Some people consider themselves “cat people” or “dog people,” but does your lifestyle really fit the ideal conditions of your preferred pet? Keep reading to find out!
In the United States, dogs are a more popular pet compared to cats. According to Statista.com, “In the U.S, 74 percent of pet owners said they have a dog, compared to just 47 percent with a cat.” This data may lead individuals to believe that dogs must be easier to care for, right? Wrong.
When it comes to potty training a dog, you must teach them where it is and where it isn’t acceptable to relieve themselves, which is a very frustrating process that requires a great deal of patience, time and reinforcement. Dogs are highly reliant on their owners, especially if you live in a smaller home and/or apartment with no backyard. Your dog will rely on you to take them out on time as well as pick up after them.
Neglecting to pick up your dog’s waste causes more problems than some may think. Pet waste that is left on the ground can travel to waterways and raise the level of bacteria that can be infectious to humans and our pets. Furthermore, picking up after your dog is very important even if they only use the backyard. Do the right thing and pick up your dog’s poop!
Cats usually have a negative reputation due to their independent and sometimes aggressive nature, but this isn’t always the case. While some cats can be more free-spirited or mean, cats can still be affectionate and friendly. Like dogs, cats have their own personalities and temperaments.
When it comes to training cats, potty and/or house training is said to be easier than dogs. Unlike dogs, cats instinctively use litter boxes. Sometimes they just need to know the location and they are good to go. House training on the other hand, can be somewhat difficult. Cats are famous for scratching furniture, which can be frustrating and expensive. Setting boundaries and punishments (such as a spray bottle) is an effective way to teach your cat right from wrong and protect your furniture.
Having an independent pet such as a cat can be quite beneficial to those that spend time traveling or at school/work. Unlike dogs, cats rely a lot less on their owners, and they will be perfectly fine being left alone overnight or even a few days as long as they have food, water and some sort of entertainment. Cats are also “lazier” animals and they spend the majority of their time sleeping. If you aren’t very active and spend a lot of time in bed or on the couch with a bag of chips, you may want to consider keeping a cat over a dog.
In short, when choosing a pet, you may want to consider more than just preference. Personality, lifestyle and even future plans come into play when choosing which pet you want to adopt. Pets are more than just animals, they have the ability to become loving companions that bring lots of love and purpose to your life!
