Welcome to the age-old debate that has divided pet owners for generations: which is the better companion, cats or dogs?
As cat aficionados, we are firmly team cats-are-better-than-dogs. But before you rally the canine camp and grab your pitchforks, hear us out!
Cats, those mysterious, self-cleaning creatures, might just have a few tricks up their furry sleeves that give them the edge. From their independent spirit to their expert lap-warming skills, cats offer a low-maintenance alternative to their slobbery, tail-wagging counterparts.
So, pour yourself a cup of tea, find a cozy corner (preferably one graced by sunbeams, as any cat would recommend), and discover the purr-fect reasons why cats are, arguably, the better pet.
Who knows? By the end, even the most devoted dog lovers might find themselves considering a kitty companion—or at least understanding what all that fuss from the feline fan club is about!
Cats Are Better Than Dogs
Cats and dogs are two of the most popular pets in the world. While cats may not be as widely recognized as man’s best friend, they can still make great companions for those seeking a pet. In fact, there are many reasons why cats can actually be better than dogs.
From their independence to their intelligence, cats have many advantages that make them superior to canine friends. And we’ve got history to back us up: there are good reasons why many ancient cultures had cat gods!
You Don’t Have To Walk A Cat
Cats are better than dogs because you don’t have to worry about taking your cat for walks. Unlike dogs, cats are content to spend most of their time indoors.
Their small size means that they can get a lot of exercise just by doing zoomies around your living space. And their use of a litterbox means they never need to go outside to do their business.
This gives you more freedom and flexibility when it comes to pet ownership as you won’t have to worry about adhering to a strict walking schedule.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take your cat for a walk if you’d like to. Harnesses and leashes designed for cats allow you to enjoy outdoor time with your feline friend without having to worry about them running away.
Cats Are Cleaner Than Dogs
Another reason why cats are better than dogs is that they’re much cleaner than their canine counterparts.
Cats are known for being fastidious groomers, and they spend a significant portion of their day licking and grooming their fur. This behavior not only helps to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny, but it also helps to remove dirt and debris from their fur, which can help to keep them clean.
Unlike dogs, cats do not develop unpleasant odors and do not require frequent bathing. This can be a blessing for those that don’t have the energy or desire to bathe their pet.
Cats are less likely to bring dirt, mud, fleas, or ticks into the house, as they do not require daily walks outside like dogs do.
Cats Provide Pest Control
What dog protects its owner by dispatching big, scary spiders? Only cats can do that!
Cats are natural-born hunters with a strong instinct to chase and catch small prey. This innate skill can be incredibly useful for controlling household pests such as rodents, insects, and spiders.
Cats are able to catch and kill these pests quickly and efficiently, preventing them from reproducing and causing further infestation.
Unlike dogs, cats are often able to fit into small spaces and crevices, making them excellent at catching pests that might be hiding out of reach. Additionally, the scent of a cat alone can be enough to deter rodents from entering a home, making them a natural and effective form of pest control.
For those who are opposed to using chemical pest control methods or who simply prefer a more natural approach, having a cat as a household companion can provide a safe and effective solution.
Cats Need Less Room Than Dogs
Dogs, especially larger breeds, need a lot of room to run and play, and they require a yard or outdoor space for exercise. In contrast, cats are more adaptable and can thrive in smaller living spaces, such as apartments or small homes.
Cats are also more independent than dogs and can entertain themselves with toys and scratching posts. This makes them a great pet choice for people who live in urban areas or have limited indoor space.
Additionally, because cats don’t require as much space as dogs, they generally have a smaller environmental footprint, which can be important for environmentally conscious people.
Cats Are Quieter Than Dogs
Dogs are often noisy due to their social nature and their natural tendency to bark. Barking is a form of communication for dogs and can serve many purposes, such as warning of potential danger, expressing excitement or anxiety, or seeking attention.
Additionally, dogs may bark in response to external stimuli such as unfamiliar noises, people, or other animals. Some dog breeds are also known for being particularly vocal, such as Beagles, Siberian Huskies, and Chihuahuas.
While barking can be useful for alerting owners to potential threats or intruders, it can also be a nuisance, particularly in urban or shared living environments where a noisy dog can upset the neighbors. Cats are therefore better than dogs because they are quieter. Cats communicate generally through body language and meowing, and they are not known for vocalizing excessively.
Having a cat in the home won’t disturb your neighbors or disrupt the peace. And we all know how important it is to not tick off the neighbors!
Cats Are More Self-Sufficient Than Dogs
Unlike dogs, cats do not require constant attention or supervision from their owners. They are independent creatures that are usually content with their own company and spend much of their time sleeping or lounging.
This means that cat owners do not need to be as hands-on with their pets as dog owners do, which can be appealing to those with busy lifestyles or who simply prefer a more low-maintenance pet.
Additionally, cats are less demanding when it comes to exercise and can get their physical activity through play or climbing, which means that they don’t require daily walks like dogs do. You will never have to rush home right after work to walk your cat!
Overall, the self-sufficiency of cats makes them a great choice for those who want the companionship of a pet without the constant attention and care that a dog may require.
Cats Are Just As Affectionate As Dogs
It is a common misconception that dogs are more affectionate than cats, but in reality, cats are just as capable of showing affection toward their owners. Many cat owners will attest to the fact that their cats are very loving and cuddly pets who enjoy spending time with their humans.
Cats are known to show affection in a variety of ways, such as purring, kneading with their paws, rubbing their heads against their owners, and snuggling up next to them. While cats may not be as outwardly affectionate as dogs, they still form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being around them.
Additionally, cats are independent animals, which means they don’t require as much attention as dogs. This means that when they do display their affection, they are doing so out of choice, which can make it even more special and meaningful.
Cats Cost Less Than Dogs
There are several reasons why cats cost less than dogs. First, the initial cost of purchasing or adopting a cat is often lower than that of a dog. Cats generally cost less to buy or adopt, and they typically require fewer supplies and equipment than dogs.
Petfinder.com says the cost of adopting a cat ranges from $0-$200, depending on where you adopt from, whereas the average cost of adopting a dog is higher, with a range of $0-$350.
Second, cats tend to require less expensive veterinary care than dogs. They are typically smaller in size and less prone to certain health issues that can be costly to treat, such as hip dysplasia or heartworm.
Third, cats are generally less expensive to feed than dogs. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet high in protein, but they tend to eat smaller portions than dogs. This means that cat owners may need to buy less food and spend less money on feeding their pets.
Finally, cats are less likely to cause damage to their surroundings than dogs. Dogs may chew on furniture, dig up gardens, or cause other forms of destruction, which can result in costly repairs or replacements.
Cats, on the other hand, are typically more gentle with their surroundings and may cause less damage overall – provided they are not allowed to scratch indiscriminately on your furniture and other possessions!
Overall, while there are still costs associated with owning a cat, they may be considered a more cost-effective option compared to dogs.
Cats Are Less Destructive Than Dogs
Anyone who has owned a dog has had first-hand experience with at least some of their destructive behaviors. For those of you who haven’t, or need a refresher, here is a list of the many ways dogs can be destructive compared to cats:
- Chewing – Puppies and even adult dogs have a natural urge to chew, which can lead to damage to furniture, shoes, and other household items. Cats do sometimes chew on things such as houseplants, but in general, do not cause a lot of damage this way.
- Digging – Many breeds of dogs are natural diggers, and if left unattended in a yard, can dig up plants, and flower beds, and even damage underground utilities like pipes and cables. Cats will dig in houseplants if they can, or in flowerbeds and gardens if they are let outdoors. But they do not typically dig large holes in the yard like dogs do.
- Scratching – Dogs may scratch and damage walls, doors, and furniture, particularly when they are anxious or feel neglected. While cats can damage furnishings if they are allowed to scratch on them, they are not usually capable of total destruction of an item like dogs are.
- Aggression – While not all dogs are aggressive, some breeds are more prone to aggressive behavior than others. Aggressive behavior can result in property damage, injury to other pets or people, and even legal action. Cats can be aggressive too, but if they bite or scratch the resulting damage is far less than that caused by dogs.
- Separation anxiety – Dogs are social animals and can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to damage to furniture, doors, and even walls in an attempt to escape or seek attention. I’ve had a dog with separation anxiety rip up flooring and tear apart a window!
- Marking – Male dogs may mark their territory by urinating on furniture or walls, which can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to household items. Male cats – and some female cats – may also engage in marking behavior, but the damage from this is less as compared to dogs simply because there is less urine involved.
- Escape attempts – Dogs may try to escape from yards or homes, which can lead to damage to fences, doors, or windows. This can also result in injury to the dog or others if the escape is successful. Cats may scratch at doors but the damage they can inflict is far less than dogs.
One area where cats are worse than dogs in destructive behavior is knocking things over. Cats tend to jump up on counters and tables, which can lead to breakage of items that were left there. But in the grand scheme of things, cats are much less destructive than dogs!
Cats Live Longer Than Dogs
The average lifespan of cats is 13-17 years, although some individuals may live much longer. The oldest cat on record was a whopping 38 years old! Dogs, on the other hand, tend to have shorter lifespans ranging from 10-13 years depending on breed and size.
The longer lifespan of cats is a significant advantage for cat owners. It allows for more time to bond with their pets and enjoy their company. It also means that owners may have to deal with the loss of their pet less frequently than dog owners.
While there is no guarantee that a cat will live a long and healthy life, providing proper care and attention can help increase their chances of doing so.
Cats Don’t Drool
Cats rule, dogs drool!
One of the most obvious advantages of cats over dogs is that they don’t normally drool. This may seem like a small thing, but if you’ve ever stepped in cold, slimy dog drool or had to clean up a puddle of drool from the floor or furniture, you know how annoying it can be!
Of course, not all dogs drool all of the time. Some breeds like St. Bernards and bloodhounds drool a lot because of their loose saggy lips, while some breeds don’t drool unless they are panting away with their tongues hanging out.
But cats are typically neat and tidy animals who keep their saliva to themselves regardless of what breed they are. There are times when cats do drool, but these are usually exceptional circumstances and not the norm.
Cats Are Low Maintenance
Unlike dogs, who require walks, baths, and a lot of attention, cats can be relatively self-sufficient. Give them food, water, an occasional brushing, and love and attention when they ask for it, and that’s about it.
Cats groom themselves and generally don’t have a “dog smell”, so they don’t need to be bathed frequently like many dogs do. They are usually left alone during the day without issue and don’t usually suffer from separation anxiety.
Litter boxes do require regular cleaning, but this is minimal work compared to taking a dog out for walks and bathroom breaks multiple times per day. They exercise themselves within the home and don’t require much more than occasional playtime with their owners.
Overall, cats are more independent than dogs and lower-maintenance pets.
Cats Are Good For Your Health
Cats are better than dogs when it comes to their impact on human health. There are several ways that cats can have a positive effect on your physical and mental health:
- Stress relief – Spending time with a cat has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Petting a cat can release endorphins that help you feel calm and relaxed.
- Lower blood pressure – Studies have shown that owning a cat can lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Improved mood – Cats can improve your mood by providing companionship and emotional support. This can be especially beneficial for people who live alone or have mental health issues.
- Decreased risk of allergies – Contrary to popular belief, owning a cat can actually decrease the risk of allergies and asthma. Exposure to cats early in life can help build immunity and reduce the likelihood of developing allergies later on.
- Better sleep – Cats can help improve sleep quality by providing a sense of comfort and security. The sound of a cat purring has also been shown to have a calming effect and promote relaxation. Sleeping with a dog, on the other hand, is fraught with pitfalls such as snoring, drooling, and hogging the bed!
- Increased physical activity – Playing with a cat can provide a fun and low-impact form of exercise. This is particularly beneficial for people with reduced mobility who would otherwise be unable to manage active dogs that need lots of walking and playing.
Final Thoughts On Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs
As you can see, there are many reasons why cats are considered better than dogs by some people.
Cats are low-maintenance, independent, and require less attention than dogs. They are also less likely to cause property damage or be a danger to other animals and humans. Additionally, cats have a longer lifespan and can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.
Still, we must admit as cat parents, we are a little bit biased. We will admit that dogs aren’t bad at all and can also make pets. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
Some people may prefer the loyalty and companionship of a dog, while others may enjoy the quiet and independent nature of a cat. It is important to consider all of the factors involved in pet ownership, including the amount of time, attention, and care that a pet requires.
In the end, both cats and dogs can bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love to your life, and can make wonderful additions to any family.
